gsSpike
Guest
I have an early 04, owned from new. I have had most of the standard faults, oil seal, flaking paint etc. Nothing has ever stopped me riding it, and never stopped me getting to my destination, or spoiled my holiday - I have done 26000 miles, and despite the "teething troubles" there really isn't anything I would replace it with. Best advice, like the man says, is just ride it and get your confidence in it back. Honest. Then, when you dare, take it to the Alps, and after a week you will understand everything. Trust me.
Dahoum
Registered user
Richard,
Might I suggest that you buy one of these then?........but......
try to remember that (like the world-beating beast that the 1200GS is) it is a machine and it was designed put together and (in your case) previously ridden by someone who may or may not have just had the WWIII of a row with his wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/boss/dog and just may have had his attention diverted. I believe in the trade they are called 'Friday' bikes - after Robinson Crusoe's lackey who couldnt be arsed to do anything at the end of the week either
ps. mines an 05 bike - front cover, battery (twice - now have Hawker Odyssey fitted), rear axle leak, gearbox seal leak, fuel pump controller gone - but would I swap it? Only for another
The Nutter
Registered user
Richard,
Might I suggest that you buy one of these then?........but......
try to remember that (like the world-beating beast that the 1200GS is) it is a machine and it was designed put together and (in your case) previously ridden by someone who may or may not have just had the WWIII of a row with his wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/boss/dog and just may have had his attention diverted. I believe in the trade they are called 'Friday' bikes - after Robinson Crusoe's lackey who couldnt be arsed to do anything at the end of the week either
ps. mines an 05 bike - front cover, battery (twice - now have Hawker Odyssey fitted), rear axle leak, gearbox seal leak, fuel pump controller gone - but would I swap it? Only for another
3 years, 24,000 miles and I am on:
3rd battery
3rd EWS ring
2nd alternator
3rd front engine cover
2nd output shaft seals
2nd topbox
2nd clutch switch
and it needs very soon:
new clutch
new rear shock
Compare with a previous bike (Honda Blackbird)
3 years 21,000 miles:
2nd battery
2nd clutch (a quarter of a GS one in £s)
2nd regulator/rectifier
The clutch and shock are gonna set me back about a thousand pounds. Mine has to be a friday bike.
Dahoum
Registered user
Mine has to be a friday bike.
Dear god man, that's a "Friday-fcuk-its-four-thirty-and-she'll-kill-me-if-I'm-late-again" bike
for sticking with it 
Deleted Member I
Guest
I think what you have realised is that the BMW marketing vs reality is a massive GAP.
What you have also found out is that if you have a good dealer then you will get looked after and things sorted.
My 05 12GS has been very good apart from one dead battery which was replaced under warranty.
Now that the faults have been fixed, hopefully you have a "sorted" bike that will give you miles and miles of enjoyment
On the otherhand you could be unlikely and it continues to be a lemon. Maybe that is why the previous owner sold it with so little miles
Worth getting in touch and asking. You should have their details on the V5. I am sure a nice polite letter would get a response.
BTW .. it wasn't a RED one you bought
What you have also found out is that if you have a good dealer then you will get looked after and things sorted.
My 05 12GS has been very good apart from one dead battery which was replaced under warranty.
Now that the faults have been fixed, hopefully you have a "sorted" bike that will give you miles and miles of enjoyment
On the otherhand you could be unlikely and it continues to be a lemon. Maybe that is why the previous owner sold it with so little miles
Worth getting in touch and asking. You should have their details on the V5. I am sure a nice polite letter would get a response.
BTW .. it wasn't a RED one you bought
TrickyWoo
Guest
Maybe that is why the previous owner sold it with so little miles
BTW .. it wasn't a RED one you bought
That is a great idea - I'll do it when the V5 arrives.
It is a red one, yes. Aren't they faster though? Tomorrow I'm putting a Scorpion can on so it won't sound like a gay sewing machine for much longer.
3 years, 24,000 miles and I am on:
3rd battery
3rd EWS ring
2nd alternator
3rd front engine cover
2nd output shaft seals
2nd topbox
2nd clutch switch
and it needs very soon:
new clutch
new rear shock
Compare with a previous bike (Honda Blackbird)
3 years 21,000 miles:
2nd battery
2nd clutch (a quarter of a GS one in £s)
2nd regulator/rectifier
The clutch and shock are gonna set me back about a thousand pounds. Mine has to be a friday bike.
You must REALLY like this bike to persevere that long
Keep riding the bike and don't worry about it. Fix things when they break
Most sensible answer yet
My GSA will be 2 years old shortly, 20,000 miles & it's never let me down
Gearbox seal & final drive both gave up the ghost but didn't stop play. Both were quickly replaced under warranty. Sh1t happens, that's life
The Bede
Registered user
... I had so many issues with mine (red, 1645hours, Friday 13th Special Edition) ...
... I've bought another
... Realistically there's feck all else out there that does what a GS does
... 1100s, 1150s, 1200s they've all had their Fridays, but
it would be foolish to imagine that the Varadildoes and KlunkTMs of this parish are only built Monday to Thursday
... Unless you poke them in the eye with a sharp stick, you will find it difficult not to get the best possible pampering from a BuMW dealer
... But FFS hombre 8,000 miles(ish)
it ain't even run in yet 
, enjoy 
... I've bought another
... Realistically there's feck all else out there that does what a GS does
... 1100s, 1150s, 1200s they've all had their Fridays, but
it would be foolish to imagine that the Varadildoes and KlunkTMs of this parish are only built Monday to Thursday ... Unless you poke them in the eye with a sharp stick, you will find it difficult not to get the best possible pampering from a BuMW dealer
... But FFS hombre 8,000 miles(ish)
it ain't even run in yet , enjoy 
Deleted Member I
Guest
If the address of the previous owner is in SLough .. best NOT to contact them. I would leave it and speak to the dealer
araspitfire
Registered user
Man, but wouldn't that be like dodging a bullet?
Al...
Al...
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