BMW Loses £££ on the R1200GS (?)

[Pipster]

Point taken Steptoe

They spent thousands setting up moulds and machining tools ...
I'm not saying re machine the parts just coat them in something that will stop the corrosion

 

[Narcoda]

Point taken Steptoe

They spent thousands setting up moulds and machining tools ...
I'm not saying re machine the parts just coat them in something that will stop the corrosion

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY... Do you think we'll see R1200GS's on the road in 20 years time?

 

[Pukmeister]

Do you think we'll see R1200GS's on the road in 20 years time?

I hope so and don't really see why not, they are sold in sufficient volume to ensure that a few of the better looked after ones survive long-term. It's true that the paint finish could be better but thats down to the reduction in VOC's and the move to water based coatings which seem less protective than older paint schemes. As an air-cooled boxer twin design the 1200 series aren't fundamentally different to the older models so the mechanicals should be around long-term. For me, that basic mechanical layout was part of the attraction of buying the bike in the first place so I can maintain it myself long-term, I just hope the electronics and hydraulics behave themselves otherwise I'm stumped.

I just hope in 20 years time I can afford to buy the petrol to put in it.

 

[Berin]

18 months old,no corrosion, no paint problems - the only problem I've had is that the little grub screw on the clutch cut out switch is stuck, so it's being replaced. And it's been out in all weathers, as I'm sure has been said before, if it's been out when the roads have been gritted then hosing it down as soon as you get in works wonders, and I WD40 too - takes 5 minutes.

And it's been better than my jap bikes

 

[Baz]

I've had 2 1200s in the past 3 years.

Bike 1 12000 miles , had a flat battery once. Chopped it in cos the dealer made an offer I couldnt refuse.

Bike 2 currently on 10500 miles. Bought with 500 miles on clock in Oct 05. Rear bulb holder replaced & had to replace front headlamp bulb. Front engine plate is just starting to show signs of corrosion, so will get done under warranty.

I cant complain about the quality of the 1200 so far.

Baz

 

[Andrew Lodge]

feck BMW ... what about the poor sods who actually buy the machine!

I bought mine in March 06 second hand and been trying to sell it recently. It's looking like that price I can get would mean losing 25% in ONE YEAR!!

The dealer had the cheek to say .. trade it in for a new one, it makes financial sense!

Tell me about it and what are you looking for?

 

[Marty Hill]

I have owned an '05/'06 and '07 1200GS. In a bit over 80,000 miles I have burned out 2 dip beam bulbs. One was a high output bulb that did a bit of plastic melting/no fault of the moto. There are always extremes/I would guess that most 12GS's fall in the (normal) center.

 

[Deleted Member I]

Tell me about it and what are you looking for?

Take a look at this thread. If interested in viewing then leave a phone number or email address on the thread.

 

[Happyhenry]

Bump - Warranty Repair Costs

Surely a significant part of the cost of warranty claims will be passed down the supply chain by BMW?
For example, I had the gearbox seals replaced at 8,000miles and was told that the failure, which was common on all 1200 units not just GSs, was down to a duff batch of seals. This may or may not be the case, but if it is I am damn sure that BMW, who will not be manufacturing their own seals, will be looking for a contribution from their 'supply chain partner' - at £800 a go!
I am not sure how much of my bike was actually manufactured by BMW - rather than assembled from parts made by their supply chain (look at the recent problem when the alloy wheel manufacturer when under). But you can be sure that BMW will not be picking up the whole cost of warranty issues.
On a connected topic, I have a feeling that with the 1200GS BMW may well have been tempted to follow the Bill Gates method of product development - get the product to market and sort the teething problems out the as you go along. All driven by the need to capitalise on the 'Charley & Matey' rush of sales.

 

[Cole]

I know that I've mentioned the Honda Transalp that my wife rides before, but as far as corrosion issues, I wash my bike very regularly - after every ride - and spray it with a corrosion inhibitor, but my wifes bike, which is the same age rarely gets washed, but I gave it a good clean last week after a 3k mile Baltic trip, and I went right through it and not a sign of corrosion. If Honda can do it....

To compare any bike to a Honda Transalp is an unfair comparison. The TA is simply beyond peer for reliability ... it is the benchmark that no-one else seems to be able to attain.

I only wish Honda would take the time effort and money to develop an all new, proper made in Japan, TA / AT type bike to provide some real competition to BMW.