Breakdown: Won't Catch on Turnover, Power Socket Probs?

[alecmuffett]

Pictures

The controller was very corroded externally, and on the underside where the cables emerge from the rubbery potting compound there was a small crack - I shall post photos later - where perhaps water might have gotten into the unit irrespective of the new shiny blue seal. My bet is that it was dying anyway, but the mechanical interference from changing the gasket a few weeks ago pushed it over the edge.

The outside was originally dusted with much more corrosion, but it blew off. You can see the underside potting compound has come away where the wire enters the unit.

 

[Paul Mac]

Alec - Sorry to hear about your problems with the GS - I think in your story there is a lesson for ALL GS1200 riders and that is ALWAYS ALWAYS dry out the top of the fuel pump after heavy rain or washing the bike. This area is a reservoir for water and there is no drain whatsoever. Eventually the inevitable happens and water gets into the electrics and causes the bike to stop. This is appallingly bad design and in my opinion is without doubt the worst designed item I have ever seen on any motor vehicle. This is just NOT acceptable on a vehicle ostensibly designed as a RTW rough tough motorcycle. I am aware that others on this board seem to be extremely sensitive of criticism of the 1200 GS and when its working I have to say that the GS is a great bike - trouble is a lot of them just don't seem to have the level of reliability that the owner has a right to expect. I have now owned 5 BMWs 2 of them bought brand new 1200GS and 1150RT and can honestly say that I have never doubted the reliability of any of them other than the GS and would have happily taken them anywhere with total confidence. The 1200 GS is to me an enigma - love the bike as a riding machine, but just too many issues of reliability for me contemplate taking it anywhere other than within 100 miles of a BMW dealership. For me it will prob be the last new BMW I buy - I just cannot contemplate field testing another bike for BMW. Also I am very lukewarm about the Canbus system being fitted by BMW to all new bikes, in my opinion it's just far too complex - what is wrong with a good old fuse that the user can replace in the field. The sealed for life lightweight bevel boxes don't inspire confidence in me either. It all seems like accountants got in at the design stage and then BMW passed off all the dumbing down and cost cutting of the product as weight saving and as a big advantage. Just my thoughts and before I am berated on here for daring to constructively criticise the GS - no it doesnt spend all it's life in the garage being looked at and yes I do ride my bikes thousands of miles every year.