Brake Failure

[tricolourforever]

I am inclined to call your attitude and comments "sour grapes".

The only sour grapes here are the owners denying the tad 'minor' problems they have and still think BMW is Kylie !

Im trying to remember a bike released same time as the GS12 by Honda / Yamaha or Kwak thats been riddled with so many basic dangerous errors. Im still thinking.

Id feel safer going RTW on a 5 year old ER5.

 

[Davel]

It is hard to sort your differences with BMW if they simply fail to respond to these issues.

I have written to them three times now and via the dealer and, to date, no response at all from either BMW or the dealer.

Yes it is a brilliant bike but issues like this can be life threatening and the way that BMW try to avoid these problems is simply not acceptable.

You buy BMW and you expect the best. Most bikes may well be problem free but BMW should look at these failures fully and responsibly!

Surely they have a duty of care to their customers!

 

[gsman1]

Short Memories

It seems that some people on this site have short memories and talk of the 1150 as if it was a perfect bike with no issues. It was not that long ago that these same people where slagging the 1150 GS off.
Well let’s look at the perfect bike and yes these issues are from personal experience and that of other I know.

1. Corroding fork braces
2. Corroding front engine covers in fact corroding engine cases full stop
3. Corroding cylinders heads
4. Faulty throttle bodies that wear prematurely
5. Faulty oil pressure sensors, plus came on when wet.
6. Replacement front wheels
7. Warped front discs (mates had around 6 sets to date)
8. Failed rear drives and oil seals
9. Failed gearboxes
10. Speedo 10 to 12% over reading speed
11. Faulty gear position sensor
12. Pathetic lights
13. Faulty indicator switches
14. Cracked screens (mine had 4)
15. Batteries go flat after stood two weeks or more
16. Too bloody heavy.
17. ABS failure
18. Rear shock collapsing
19. Weak starter motors (mine failed at 22k


I would just like to say my 1200gs has just clocked up 13,950 miles yes I have had some issues these being
1. New rear drive
2. Two fuel pump sensors
3. Side stand switch
4. New front engine cover

Most of this was in the first 5000 miles, it has used 1 litre of oil in 13950 miles, only 200mil of this since 6000 try that of the 1150.

Even with these problems for me the 1200 is a far better bike, I accept that some people will still prefer the 1150, no problem, perhaps they should extend the same courtesy to the 1200 and stop knocking it and its owners for their choice of bike.

 

[Richard Fuell]

Like many people here I have had problems. Most recently the flapping panel smashing into my leg on the motorway, causing a swerve at the time. (I now tie wrap the side panels).

I also had brake failure whilst in Spain - lukily I was just stopping and it sorted itself out. Until now I hadn't thought anything of it. Now I'm worried.

So I'm waiting to hear from BMW - again like many others, quite a few with far worse problems than I've had. As far as I am aware from reading the posts here, nobody including me is that niave that they believe mechanical problems never happen. No matter what the thing costs.

The really annoying thing about all this is BMW's apparent total lack of interest.

Perhaps the subject of another thread - but surely there is strength in numbers.
I would be glad as an unhappy owner to join with others to approach BMW GB to see if we can get anything sorted. For instance I'm sure a group collecting together and (perhaps) writing an open letter to BMW and posting in MCN might get their attention?

Just a thought.

Got to go - recovery are just picking up the bike as it has had an immobiliser failure.

You've got to laugh haven't you.

Cheers

 

[gsman1]

Open Letter to MCN

Oh yes this will do wonders for the resale value of our bikes !!!!
deal with it privately in a letter to BMW as a group if you must.

Personally I and probably many others have no issue . I would think your suggested action would adversely affect us all.

 

[BBB61]

Im still thinking.

I'm not surprised you are still thinking TCF/Bigbore/whoever. With the amount of grey matter you have, it must take you a long time to think about the basic things in life, let alone something technical

Bob

 

[(RIP) sherpa]

Re: Short Memories

5. Faulty oil pressure sensors, plus came on when wet.

Especially when you point a pressure washer nozzle at it for 10 minutes

7. Warped front discs (mates had around 6 sets to date)

Not a problem with the discs - more a problem with the dealer technical side. Adventure hoses are not compatible with 1150 calipers - finally dicovered after much head scrathing and no complaining on their part

14. Cracked screens (mine had 4)

Only if you waggle it about enough to crack the mountings


16. Too bloody heavy.

Useful to squash the scrawny 1200 GS thingies


19. Weak starter motors (mine failed at 22k


Glad I didn't buy it secondhand then!!!



...... some people will still prefer the 1150, no problem, perhaps they should extend the same courtesy to the 1200 and stop knocking it and its owners for their choice of bike.

Here here sir!!

Sherps

 

[Richard Fuell]

Re: Open Letter to MCN

Oh yes this will do wonders for the resale value of our bikes !!!!
deal with it privately in a letter to BMW as a group if you must.

Personally I and probably many others have no issue . I would think your suggested action would adversely affect us all.

Certainly don't want to upset your little earner.

Personally I'd like a bike that cant apparently lock up the brakes - now that would knock your residuals.

But sure, it was only a suggestion and would have been a last resort - probably people with betters ideas out there anyway.

 

[gsman1]

Re: Re: Open Letter to MCN

Why bike did your brakes lock? if not do you know someone who has had this happen??
Exactly how many are waiting to hear from BMW I know at least 50 other GS riders none of them are.
If you are worried sell the GS and buy a Honda goldwing but make sure it’s not one of the 36,000 with allegedly faulty frames that break in half.

Its good to see the old rumour mill is still working.

A while ago the site was considering removing the 1200 site, perhaps they should rename it slagg the 1200 off as that all people seem to do. I am beginning to wonder if I bought the same bike as some of you. Perhaps you should ride it more, giving yourselves less time to worry about things that may or may not affect you.What did we do before the invention of the internet?

Certainly don't want to upset your little earner.

Personally I'd like a bike that cant apparently lock up the brakes - now that would knock your residuals.

But sure, it was only a suggestion and would have been a last resort - probably people with betters ideas out there anyway.

 

[Richard Fuell]

Re: Re: Re: Open Letter to MCN

Why bike did your brakes lock? if not do you know someone who has had this happen??
Exactly how many are waiting to hear from BMW I know at least 50 other GS riders none of them are.
If you are worried sell the GS and buy a Honda goldwing but make sure it’s not one of the 36,000 with allegedly faulty frames that break in half.

Its good to see the old rumour mill is still working.

A while ago the site was considering removing the 1200 site, perhaps they should rename it slagg the 1200 off as that all people seem to do. I am beginning to wonder if I bought the same bike as some of you. Perhaps you should ride it more, giving yourselves less time to worry about things that may or may not affect you.What did we do before the invention of the internet?

Do you expect to only read nice articles about the bike then? There are lots of them on the site as far as I've seen. Surely its only natural for people to want to express their dissatisfaction with like-minded souls and currently the internet is a good way to do that. Perhaps if BMW responded a bit better and more promptly people wouldn't feel a need to share here anyway.

Perhaps BMW are victims of their own success. If they didn't have a reputation for reliability and service, standards which some obviously feel they are not meeting - I guess I and many others wouldn't be griping?

But I think you are misunderstanding me, I ride the bike just about every day, and think its the best bike I have ever owned in 20 years on the road - when it works.

Anyway, safe riding, enjoy.

PS The bit about brakes locking up was in this very thread

 

[skywalker]

GS man 1 you have been around the rumour mongers too long ,especially since you turn up around 8am every saturday for the no holds bard tell' em wot its really like show. Coffee's on jonny g by the way 2mrw

 

[drdata]

Re: Re: Short Memories

Here here sir!!

Sherps

Hey Sherpa, can you elaborate on why you think the hose/caliper mismatch warped the rotors? Simple matter of too much force or something?
Does not seem that a hose mismatch could amount to that much extra, and besides, you only pull as hard as you have to.

Some R12s seems to be having rotor induced vibrations from up front. I just had my rotors/pads swapped under warranty around 11K miles. Otherwise no issues at all with reliability. FWIW, the dealer claimed my run out was w/in specs, but made goodwill as some others had reported similar.

Cheers

 

[trotts]

1200 problems

Hi Ladies and gents.

Firstly I must say that I love ALL giant trailees. That is the only way to ride a bike as you get on in years ! I was here a few years ago when I owned and really enjoyed a GS1150 for 18 months. It took me and hers a long way across Spain etc and never let me down. Yes it drank oil, but there you go.
I am certainly not into my bike is better than yours and all that

However, I owned Hinkley Triumphs since the mid 90's and always enjoyed the Triple engine, and I supose that led me to say cherrio to the GS and hello Tiger (after a disaster with a ST.Too small). I always keep an eye on this site as one of the better biking sites, these days as a 'guest' until tonight.

I have been really surprisd with all the 1200 GS stuff. It is rated in the media and there are many happy owners. However, there are also MANY owners whose 1200's seem to have been off road more than on road. I accept all new bikes will have teething problems, but the question must be,
'what percentage of new owners have had serious defects with there new 1200 Gs'
Forums always attract owners who have had problems, and some will rightly say the silent majority keep quiet and are never heard from. Indeed this thread perhaps tells me that from some owners. As a punter who next year, will be after a new Bike, when mine is 3 years old, I naturally wants to consider reliabilty issues. If you look at any owners forums you will see nothing that compares to some difficulties BMW 1200's seem to have suffered. I suggest take a browse on Varadero,V-strom or Tiger forums and you will see what I mean.

I for one will not 'risk' a 1200GS in the event of a brake problem or final drive problem. The point is, what are the % chances of being a victim like many of the owners on this thread ??? If BMW sorted it I may be tempted. Also the Tiger has a 1050 lump on it's way in the near future. Stay safe

 

[BBB61]

Re: 1200 problems

Also the Tiger has a 1050 lump on it's way in the near future. Stay safe

Not until 2007 at the earliest. Triumph have already released the 2006 version, which takes care of the dodgy gearbox (allegedly). Now all they need to do is sort out the handling, brakes, build quality and the screen and they will be on to a winner.

Bob

 

[Howard Millichap]

Re: Re: 1200 problems

Not until 2007 at the earliest. Triumph have already released the 2006 version, which takes care of the dodgy gearbox (allegedly). Now all they need to do is sort out the handling, brakes, build quality and the screen and they will be on to a winner.

Bob

You're right (possibly) about the 2007 & 1050cc lump. But as the 2006 is being released NOW it may come out late 2006.
Dodgy gearbox?? Not a known issue.
Handling?? Quick as anything out there.
Build quality?? Nowt wrong with mine.
Screen?? Yes it's crap. But then, all big trailies have issues with the wind management.

 

[Howard Millichap]

Re: 1200 problems

I for one will not 'risk' a 1200GS in the event of a brake problem or final drive problem.

Carefull Trotts, they're a bit touchy in here!

 

[BBB61]

Re: Re: Re: 1200 problems

You're right (possibly) about the 2007 & 1050cc lump. But as the 2006 is being released NOW it may come out late 2006.
Dodgy gearbox?? Not a known issue.
Handling?? Quick as anything out there.
Build quality?? Nowt wrong with mine.
Screen?? Yes it's crap. But then, all big trailies have issues with the wind management.

The gearbox is dodgy as in the quality of its gearchange. My 2004 Sprint ST gearbox is crunchy and graunchy. The gearbox on the 2004 Tiger I had the use of for 10 days earlier this year was worse.

Handling of the Tiger is like riding a bouncy castle. The Tiger is not a match for the GS in any way (and that includes the 1100, 1150 and the 1200).

You must be very lucky Howard. My ST had poor fitting fairing panels that had to be replaced, and the latest is a number of brackets where the paint is just flaking off. Triumph have declined a warranty replacement as the their warranty doesn't cover corrosion. I have seen a number of other ST's with the same problems as mine. And they have also refused to do anything about the speedo on mine that is over reading by between 15 and 20%!

Bob

 

[Deadskin]

Re: Re: 1200 problems

Carefull Trotts, they're a bit touchy in here!

Not at all

Trotts
I took the risk and i'm glad i did,
final drive probs will be sorted under warranty
brake faliure will be a surprise but i like suprises

 

[HMR]

Re: 1200 problems

I for one will not 'risk' a 1200GS in the event of a brake problem or final drive problem. The point is, what are the % chances of being a victim like many of the owners on this thread ??? If BMW sorted it I may be tempted.

To my opinion it would be quite safe to buy a 2006 R12GS.

The total milage for me and my three friends on R12GS is now close to 90000 km. The major repairs are one replaced final drive, one replaced clutch slave cylinder, one replaced balance shaft seal, and one replaced front shock absorber.

Neither of us have had any problems with the brakes!

About a third of the milage is on gravel roads and we have spent several days on race tracks - including the Nurnburg Ring.

I know 8-10 other R12GS owners and I haven't heard much complaining regarding quality. It's the other way around really. People are extremely satisfied with their R12GS!

 

[trotts]

Interesting reply from BMW

Following on from this thread, and others lurking here, I e mailed BMW customer support from the BMW website, asking as a 'prospective' customer with £10K, if they had issues with
1. Brake failure
2.Final drive failure
3.Percentage of warranty claims against new units sold.

I never really expected a reply but fair play to them. Standard generated reply, with a follow up to follow in 48 hours.

That came. They stated No reported problems with brakes. Yes problems with final drive on earlier ones, now sorted. Declined to give info on % warranty claims against new units sold. make of that what you will.