Cat 1 alarm on GS1200

[M3GS]

Done a forum search on this, but can't seem to find the answer.
My son James is due to pick up his new 1200 next week, but he cannot insure it without a Cat 1 Thatcham approved alarm system.
However, Rainbow tell us that no aftermarket Cat 1 system can be fitted owing to the new wiring system, and only the BMW one will work.
The catch is that the BMW one is not Cat 1 approved and BMW GB will not submit it to Thatcham as it meets equivalent German standards.

Anyone have any experience of this or know any different?

Cheers

Roger

 

[skywalker]

Hi Roger
Its not that BMW won't submit it ,its more to do with thatcham being extremley greedy and wanting to charge them thousands to do it.Given that the alarm is the same for all the new canbus systems,Thatcham charge per model.

 

[Mrs C]

Hi Roger,

It may be worth giving Datatool a call as I have a vague recollection that they have produced a System 3 alarm which can be used with the canbus and is also Thatcham approved.

0870 1652414

 

[KAYCEE]

Roger,
Has your son tried getting the GS insured thro' the BMW scheme?

Kaycee

 

[M3GS]

Thanks for the info Leigh and Kaycee - I'll get him to call Datatool.

Unfortunately the BMW scheme is too expensive for him as he is only 24. His renewal is for £550 with his current insurer, which is very good for his age, I think.

Cheers

Roger

 

[Eddy802]

Marketting leverage

I'd have thought there's an angle here to get BMW to stump up for approval or support the development of a Cat1 approved system to improve their image in respect to the younger market?

Do they want to improve this aspect?

Most insurers I spoke to dismissed the BMW standard imobiliser system and alarm as they do not appear on an approved list. It seems mention of a disc lock had more merit!!

Bit back to front if you ask me.

Consider my 2p deposited

 

[Rich]

On advrider I read someone had fitted a non-BMW system, but obviously thats the US so cats may be different. But at least it seems do-able, and I was also told it wasnt.

 

[BBB61]

I spoke to Prestige in Bexleyheath this afternoon and asked them about the issue of alarms. They stated that the Datatool Series 3 can be fitted to the 1200. The salesmans name was Simon. he told me they have a letter from BMW GB saying it is ok. If you want more info, give them a call on 020 8303 3030.

Bob

 

[M3GS]

Bob that's really helpful - thanks very much. We're on the case.

Cheers

Roger

 

[M3GS]

Just to update on this, BMW GB have now agreed to send a fax to James' insurers, outlining why 'conventional' alarm systems are not approved and only BMW ones can be fitted. They will also fax a full spec for their own alarm, showing that it meets or exceeds the equivalent German standard to Thatcham cat. 1.

We are hoping that this solves the problem, as he is due to pick up the bike after easter. Thanks again to those who offered advice.

Cheers

Roger

 

[Eddy802]

That detail would be a nice "something" to have to hand for anyone appraoching an insurer?

Is a copy availble?

 

[M3GS]

Dunno about a copy - the fax was sent direct from BMW to the insurer. I'll see if we can get hold of a copy if the insurers accept it, as this should then set a precedent.

Will advise if successful.

Cheers

Roger

 

[Tim Angus]

You can have fitted a META 357 V2 alarm, as Meta do a wire fit for the R1200GS and is it CAT 1. Safe'n'Sound 0771 8737101 do a fitting service. META make bike and car alarms and own Gemil, who make the BMW alarm!

 

[M3GS]

Gawd, it's a funny old world ain't it. Thanks Tim - looks like we still have several options, despite what big brother (BMW) says!