Can anyone help with identifying issues on the GS LC?

[Nick V]

Good day all!

I'm strongly considering trading in one of my GS Adventures (in all likelihood, the '09) for a liquid-cooled GS (NOT the GSA).

Before I make this change, I'm looking and listening for information. I need help from existing LC owners re. product issues on the new-generation bikes.
So far, I've heard complaints about the following issues:

- 'Clunk' when shifting into first (this wouldn't affect my purchase).
- Some people have mentioned poor build quality (but nearly all fail to mention specifics).
- Clutch problems (again, no specifics mentioned).
- Gearbox problems (again, no specifics mentioned, aside from the first-gear 'clunk').
- Issues with ride comfort and the bike not holding corner lines well (ESA-equipped models).
- Heated grips don't work as well as on the aircooled bikes.

Can any LC owners substantiate these complaints in detail, and/or mention any others?

Also: have there been any potential 'recall' issues - or actual recalls - as yet?

Also: am I right in thinking that one engine modification between GS LC and GSA LC is that the GSA is equipped with a heavier flywheel?
I've read that the clutch and gearbox have been modified between the initial launch bikes and current bikes - mostly by using heavier components.

Was anything else changed between the first bikes and current bikes?

 

[rattler]

Oh NO

 

[Gix]

Good day all!

I'm strongly considering trading in one of my GS Adventures (in all likelihood, the '09) for a liquid-cooled GS (NOT the GSA).

Before I make this change, I'm looking and listening for information. I need help from existing LC owners re. product issues on the new-generation bikes.
So far, I've heard complaints about the following issues:

- 'Clunk' when shifting into first (this wouldn't affect my purchase).
- Some people have mentioned poor build quality (but nearly all fail to mention specifics).
- Clutch problems (again, no specifics mentioned).
- Gearbox problems (again, no specifics mentioned, aside from the first-gear 'clunk').
- Issues with ride comfort and the bike not holding corner lines well (ESA-equipped models).
- Heated grips don't work as well as on the aircooled bikes.

Can any LC owners substantiate these complaints in detail, and/or mention any others?

Also: have there been any potential 'recall' issues - or actual recalls - as yet?

Also: am I right in thinking that one engine modification between GS LC and GSA LC is that the GSA is equipped with a heavier flywheel?
I've read that the clutch and gearbox have been modified between the initial launch bikes and current bikes - mostly by using heavier components.

Was anything else changed between the first bikes and current bikes?

Hiya fella,

In summary for you... There is a clunk into first gear on the bike, although in my opinion no different from the Blade or Ducati I've had. Few people on the forum have had issues with corrosion around the cylinder heads (not me) clutch drag is a known issue along with several people having issues with gear changes. Personal experience is a poor change from 1st 2nd and 3rd, usually on the up shift and probably the worst gear box I've had on any bike I've owned. Finding neutral can be tricky. Had no problems with handling, little light at the front if top box is loaded, but nothing I wouldn't expect. Heated grips are not as hot as previous GS and no recalls that I'm aware of or received. Bottom line, take a test ride on the one you want to buy rather than a demo if possible so you know exactly what you're getting.

 

[Nick V]

Oh NO

Yep. I'm a technical writer by trade.
Part of my portfolio involves giving people Special High-intensity Training (SHIT).
If ever you're on the site and feel that you're not receiving enough SHIT, let me know. I can comfortably give all the SHIT you can handle.

 

[Giles]

Nick ...

It's a forum! Some people talk a lot of sense, and some people don't know their arse from their elbow! I would put my neck on the block and dare to tell you that most people don't know their arse from their elbow!! ('My rear shock is fucked ....' five days later.. 'Oh, it's fine - actually there was 20psi in my rear tyre ....' )

Your dilemma, is trying to sort the wheat from the chaff ....

Good luck ....

 

[Nick V]

Hiya fella,

In summary for you... There is a clunk into first gear on the bike, although in my opinion no different from the Blade or Ducati I've had. Few people on the forum have had issues with corrosion around the cylinder heads (not me) clutch drag is a known issue along with several people having issues with gear changes. Personal experience is a poor change from 1st 2nd and 3rd, usually on the up shift and probably the worst gear box I've had on any bike I've owned. Finding neutral can be tricky. Had no problems with handling, little light at the front if top box is loaded, but nothing I wouldn't expect. Heated grips are not as hot as previous GS and no recalls that I'm aware of or received. Bottom line, take a test ride on the one you want to buy rather than a demo if possible so you know exactly what you're getting.

Solid advice on all fronts. Thanks for the help, mate!
Greatly appreciated.

So it looks like gearbox issues are the areas of most concern. And maybe the 'clutch-spline lube' issue is rearing it's ugly head again? I remember that from my first GSA (though that bike also had an aftermarket Sachs button clutch as well, which I'd guess was bone-dry on installation).

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Nick
I wouldnt get too hung up on what you read.

Mine is a feb 2014 manufactured bike.

Clunk into first....cant say ive noticed, most if not all bikes ive had have done so to some degree.
Poor build - hard to quantify , just somehow not quite as robust, cheap winglets on the gs not thick perspex like the older gsa. Dials look a bit cheapo. Side panels flimsy. My bike had a badly cast alloy that was swapped. It all fits together ok.
Clutch problems....whole thread on it.
Gearbox ..as above but after a few initial reservations mine is fine and slicker than the previous gen bikes ive had
Ride comfort issues....a load of crap, great ride particularly if you try the competition. Previous bmw bikes 1150gsa and 1200gsa x 2
Ditto cornering issues. Esa is top notch.
Heated grips, cant tell any difference from my 11 and 12 plate gsa bikes. They work but none were scalding hot.

Personally i think its a top top bike and great fun to chuck about on the twisties, you'll just have to try one and make yer own mind up as its mostly subjective.

 

[Nick V]

...Some people talk a lot of sense, and some people don't know their arse from their elbow!...
Your dilemma, is trying to sort the wheat from the chaff ....

Ain't that the truth.

 

[adventuredon]

top reply!

Yep. I'm a technical writer by trade.
Part of my portfolio involves giving people Special High-intensity Training (SHIT).
If ever you're on the site and feel that you're not receiving enough SHIT, let me know. I can comfortably give all the SHIT you can handle.

 

[Nick V]

Nick
I wouldnt get too hung up on what you read.

Mine is a feb 2014 manufactured bike.

Clunk into first....cant say ive noticed, most if not all bikes ive had have done so to some degree.
Poor build - hard to quantify , just somehow not quite as robust, cheap winglets on the gs not thick perspex like the older gsa. Dials look a bit cheapo. Side panels flimsy. My bike had a badly cast alloy that was swapped. It all fits together ok.
Clutch problems....whole thread on it.
Gearbox ..as above but after a few initial reservations mine is fine and slicker than the previous gen bikes ive had
Ride comfort issues....a load of crap, great ride particularly if you try the competition. Previous bmw bikes 1150gsa and 1200gsa x 2
Ditto cornering issues. Esa is top notch.
Heated grips, cant tell any difference from my 11 and 12 plate gsa bikes. They work but none were scalding hot.

Personally i think its a top top bike and great fun to chuck about on the twisties, you'll just have to try one and make yer own mind up as its mostly subjective.

Again, solid advice. Thanks for the info you gave!

Re. the clunk into first: I agree. It's not something that's ever bothered me to any great degree, and I've experienced it on every bike I've ever owned - BMW or not.
I remember reading somewhere that the only bike that ever had this trait deliberately engineered out was the old Honda Blackbird.
To be honest, I can't get my head around folks who moan about 'clunky' gearboxes, pointing to this trait. It's a characteristic of almost all sequential gearboxes.

The ride comfort issues I've read about seemed to be the result of dicky ESA software. I currently have no direct experience of the LC GS at all, which is why I wanted to start from a clean slate, with no prejudice.

Giles also mentioned corrosion on the cylinder heads - like corrosion on any previous-gen bikes, I don't think that will be an issue here (we don't salt the roads in the RSA).

 

[Giles]

Ain't that the truth.

For what it's worth I have a 2013 GS and think it's a cracking bike. I'm not BMW pissed by any stretch and will buy the bike that's on the market that best suits my wants / needs. Right now it's the LC GS.

 

[Nick V]

For what it's worth I have a 2013 GS and think it's a cracking bike. I'm not BMW pissed by any stretch and will buy the bike that's on the market that best suits my wants / needs. Right now it's the LC GS.

I recently had the chance to compare a 2013 Triumph Tiger Explorer and a 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere back-to-back, over the mountain passes in Bellville, Western Cape.
I liked the Yam a lot, but not quite as much as I liked the Trumpet. The Yam has 'Sport' and 'Touring' engine-mapping modes. Weirdly, Sport makes it feel too vicious for everyday riding, and Touring makes it feel like a week-old Greek salad. The Triumph's engine is an absolute peach... creamy smooth and more power than an on/off-road tourer would ever realistically need. (Note for the hacks: I say REALISTICALLY. In the MotoGP fantasies of us all, more is never a bad thing. )
I haven't ridden an LC GS. Yet.

Barring major faults, I'll almost certainly be staying with BMW. The fact that I have a reliable contact for used parts (and therefore don't need to frequent dealers) is a major bonus for me.

 

[Giles]

Well you certainly sound as though you're in the right part of the world for 'simple' off roading. Not something the Triumph would score well at ....

 

[Nick V]

Well you certainly sound as though you're in the right part of the world for 'simple' off roading. Not something the Triumph would score well at ....

Off-roading is actually at the bottom of my priority list. I've always maintained that anything newer than an R100GS is simply too heavy and unmanageable.

However, my Camhead recently helped me complete a 2 077 Km Saddlesore run in 19 hours 40 minutes. To me, the GSs and GSAs are probably the best high-speed sports tourers that exist, because they combine power, torque, luggage space and comfort with an upright riding position.

 

[DaddyPaddy]

Yep. I'm a technical writer by trade.
Part of my portfolio involves giving people Special High-intensity Training (SHIT).
If ever you're on the site and feel that you're not receiving enough SHIT, let me know. I can comfortably give all the SHIT you can handle.

Funniest post I've read in ages, brilliant lol

 

[Giles]

Off-roading is actually at the bottom of my priority list. I've always maintained that anything newer than an R100GS is simply too heavy and unmanageable.

However, my Camhead recently helped me complete a 2 077 Km Saddlesore run in 19 hours 40 minutes. To me, the GSs and GSAs are probably the best high-speed sports tourers that exist, because they combine power, torque, luggage space and comfort with an upright riding position.

Even my heavy old GSA was incredibly capable on simple trails, If I was living in your neck of the woods I'd definitely be looking for two wheel sets!



Don't dismiss other stuff though - If I never took a pillion and did everything solo I'd be very very tempted with a new 1190 ....

 

[pistole]

test the bike.

 

[Engineer]

Mine is a very early 2013 bike - no probs with my gearbox, clonk into first, but no problem finding neutral or changing up or down the box, just needs a slightly different technique to the dry clutch bikes - I reckon a lot of the 'problems' are just peoples' perception and comparison with the previous boxers - I will get shot down for saying that but that's my opinion. After 15,000 miles and riding through last Winter I have some slight spots of corrosion on the rear drive (I use Scotoiler FS365 all the time) but otherwise the bike has been damn near perfect.

 

[gramshep]

Mine is a very early 2013 bike - no probs with my gearbox, clonk into first, but no problem finding neutral or changing up or down the box, just needs a slightly different technique to the dry clutch bikes - I reckon a lot of the 'problems' are just peoples' perception and comparison with the previous boxers - I will get shot down for saying that but that's my opinion. After 15,000 miles and riding through last Winter I have some slight spots of corrosion on the rear drive (I use Scotoiler FS365 all the time) but otherwise the bike has been damn near perfect.

"+1 @ 3500 miles" (since December in all weathers)

 

[Nick V]

Ta, Engineer and Gramshep!