Buying 04/05 GS 1200

[Rich21044]

Upto about 2 months ago I was sure I wanted a Pan European (my last bike was a Pan 1100 but trashed it when I got blown of a mountain road in Mar 07) Having seen the GS in action and most importantly got the green light from the wife (I couldnt believe it, I went to a local dealer and she said I'd like one of those pointing at the shiny new 30th Aniversary GSA in the window!!)

Now I've come back down to earth, I'm about 6 weeks away from turning in my car and getting a GS1200. Whilst I'd love a new one, 2 kids at uni means funding is limited so I'll be looking for a 04/05 (maybe 06) model probably with 20-30k on the clock from a private seller. Obviously I dont want to buy something that needs alot of work done on it so what should I be looking for in terms of weak spots, clues to expensive repairs lurking just around the corner etc.

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere but I'd be grateful if you could point me to the appropriate thread.

 

[Ash]

this will keep you busy for a while.
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=92

 

[thebiker]

In May I bought my first GS after resisting them for a number of years - its a 04 in Yellow with 33k on it - full BMW history and I found at a dealers.

Absolutly love it and I feel as long as you have good history they will go for ever.

My mate a long term BM users says at 30k they are just run in and getting to their best - did a 320 mile afternoon ride and felt good when I got home - getting about 60's to the gallon as well. Does us a little oil when pushed hard.

Go for it and you wont regert it

 

[Schtum]

Have you had a quote from the dealership for a Select deal on a new one...? If not, it's maybe worth getting some figures for that before you buy an older bike. The BMW warranty is very effective.

 

[Speedy]

Corrosion,fuel pump relay,servo brakes, immobiliser system,canbus electrics are the first things that come to mind. I bought an almost new 1150 at the same time as my mate bought a 1200. The 1150 has been less trouble and has a lot less corrosion.

 

[Pukmeister]

Base your purchasing decision on condition and not mileage, don't be swayed by extras as the basic bike is the important thing.

Plenty of used 1200's to choose from, a pity you weren't in the market when I part-exed my 2004 bike it was a peach, maintained by myself and in very good used and well-loved condition.

Avoid buying a 'shed' and you should be fine. The 1200's are tough enough mechanically just beware of corrosion and rough/noisy final drives. A test-ride is essential when buying used.

 

[Rich21044]

Thanks

Thanks for your contributions.

I had a old K100RS and that suffered from corrosion on the rear subframe and centre stand but would have thought things should have moved on since 1987!. I was aware of the fuel pump problems and have picked up the issue of wobbly final drives. I havent seen much about the CANBUS or servos so will do some more digging.

I got a quote from a motorrad dealer on PCP but the APR is 12-13% at the moment which is really quite high and then theres the "limitation" to 6000 miles per year or the (~£6k) final payment or option to trade in and repeat the cycle. The best deal they offered was around £200 per month against a fully kitted GSA 30th anniversary.

Second hand is a trade off between someone elses use and care of the bike, the possibility of getting (expensive) extras thrown in and avoiding the initial depreciation (not too much of a problem since depreciation on the GSs seems to be really low) and the lack of a warranty.

Ultimately the decision to go second hand was driven more by my lack of confidence in the economy, tax rises, mortgage rate increases, the lack of a pay rise for 2 years and 2 kids about to start uni etc. I'll be VTing my '08 Renault Clio (seemed a good idea at the time) in September so the change will be cost neutral When I get my GS I know I wont want to part with it (and I havent even rided one yet!)

 

[theop]

Corrosion,fuel pump relay,servo brakes, immobiliser system,canbus electrics are the first things that come to mind. I bought an almost new 1150 at the same time as my mate bought a 1200. The 1150 has been less trouble and has a lot less corrosion.

+1

 

[blackbird]

Dont do it mate, if u are going to buy a 5-6yr old GS go for a 1150 stay well away from the GS1200 unless its got a long warranty or u have very deep pockets. Its not going to be like running a jap bike.

 

[prwatts]

Hi there, I have an offer of an 04 GS1200 with 50,000 miles on it. I had a friend whose 04 model dropped an exhaust valve and upon researching it seems there was an whispered problem with No 2 Cylinder exhaust valves - it had occured a few times, enough to be suspicious, but no-one could tell me more. So I am hesitant about this one. I know the owner and it has been looked after but it has also worked for its living.
Is there a place where one can see the development of the Model, what changes were done on what model?
If this 04 model is half the price of a new one, it also has half the remaining life(?) no warranty, older tech etc so maybe I should stump up for a knew one? She Who Must Be Obeyed will flay me...slowly.
Is there a particular year-model that was better, like the 1150?

I would appreciate your advice.

 

[Schtum]

Hi there, I have an offer of an 04 GS1200 with 50,000 miles on it. I had a friend whose 04 model dropped an exhaust valve and upon researching it seems there was an whispered problem with No 2 Cylinder exhaust valves - it had occured a few times, enough to be suspicious, but no-one could tell me more.

There was an issue with the fuel/ignition map on some of the early bikes which caused the right hand cylinder to go pop. However, if that one's still intact at 50K miles, it's either done it already and been repaired or it's had software upgrades to rectify the problem. There were several software upgrades for the early bikes.

 

[Tilly]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....79209&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Is there a particular year-model that was better, like the 1150?

I would appreciate your advice.

Enough said

 

[Tilly]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....79209&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

NOW SOLD