Early R1200GS - What to look for?

[Big Lee]

Get a looked after one but don`t worry about miles, some people thought just cos they are a BMW they were bombproof and could abuse them mechanically and cosmetically. You cant
I had mine 6 years from new (04) and enjoyed it, the cracked gearbox casing and fd oil seal failing put me off mine a bit (£600 bill ), I was worried when the FD was going to fail, not if, when!

 

[Jon P]

The electrically-assisted ABS ('04 to '07) is temperamental, and a pain in the ass to maintain. (My technical article on the subject will tell you everything you need to know.)
The non-assisted ABS on '08 to '13 bikes is much better.

Re. the whole ABS vs. non-ABS argument: I concede that most of the time, it's dead weight you don't need.
But on that day you do need it, it's likely to be a matter of life or death... Comes under the heading of 'Contingency planning'.

The servo assisted brakes were dropped after 2006. 2007 onwards do not have the servo.

 

[Jon P]

Brilliant - thank you all very much!

I took an 04 GS for a test ride this morning and was surprised that it didn't like pulling from low revs in a high gear. I know it's a twin but I thought with such a big engine it wouldn't be much different from a big four. Overall it looked in pretty good nick, though there appeared to be a tiny oil leak from somewhere around the front of the shaft drive. Both shaft drive gaiters were on their last legs too.

Certainly a different experience riding a big GS!

The bigger the cylinders the less inclined they are to be smooth at lower revs. A big twin, or single can't offer the same low rev flexibility of a multi cylinder motor. All part of the charm......

 

[MisterB]

Thank you all

From what I've seen here and elsewhere it does seem that the general consensus is to go for the updated 08MY version, which obviously means more money :-(

I guess the money saved on buying an older bike might be spent anyway sorting out problems, though there are good and bad bikes of all makes...

The newer bikes are probably out of budget at the moment so I'll either have to go for an early model and take my chances or get a Tiger 1050. Hmmmm...

 

[Mr K]

Bought mine from brand spankling new.

ABS failed within 90 miles. Warranty.

3 timinng plate covers. Warranty.

2 centrestands warranty.

3 x FPCs... none warranty...

Front discs: Set 3 ...don't ask. Go OEM.

Only bike I've kept 10 years.....

 

[paintman]

My 04 plate will be ten this year, I have had it from 05, its been a fantastic bike and whilst I don't know what happened during the first year I certainly know what happened thereafter which ain't much over and above normal servicing, tyres, brakes, punctures, and bulbs. The mileage is currently about 57k, it has never broken down, despite having been used on green lanes, and crossing the Sahara on a trip to the Gambia, I have dropped it on numerous occasions which may have contributed to the failure of the light switch cluster.

Last year Steve at Motoscot who looks after my bike found some play in the rear end so it was decided to rebuild the final drive, and that's about it.

I've also heard that 04 bikes were the fastest of the 1200's. I believe they had bigger valves than the later bikes

There is some truth to this but it only applies to the red ones.

 

[Dogknob1]

Morning Chaps
My 04 is running strong with no problems (that's killed that then!) had it nearly four years it's does, some touring, plenty of thrashing, some green laning, pottering about etc etc. Great bike & I personally love the abs servo brakes but horses for courses and all that stuff!

good luck with what ever you end up with

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Thank you all

From what I've seen here and elsewhere it does seem that the general consensus is to go for the updated 08MY version, which obviously means more money :-(

I guess the money saved on buying an older bike might be spent anyway sorting out problems, though there are good and bad bikes of all makes...

The newer bikes are probably out of budget at the moment so I'll either have to go for an early model and take my chances or get a Tiger 1050. Hmmmm...

Same applies to ANY vehicle choice. Go for the newest model you can afford.

 

[MisterB]

Aside from losing the servo assist I gather that there were a whole host of other changes from the 04MY the 08MY, including (according to a dealer I've spoken) revised suspension and handlebars. Can I ask those of you that have had both variants if you noticed any big difference between the two please?