Got One At Last

[R1200GS+]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Gareth and dont know if I am posting in the right place but hear goes anyway.

Over Christmas have PX my 2004 Honda VFR 800 in for a 2005 R1200 GS. The bike has a full service history and looks like it has been loved. I was wondering if any one has got any pointers on the sort of things that go wrong or might need any remedial work to keep her in tip top working order. I have already clocked up 500 miles on her since Christmas and love the GS to bits. Just don't know why I didn't do it sooner.(well I do its called having a wife but that's another story).

I have some ideas what I want to do to her with front lights and mounting the satnav which the wife bought me in 2006 but never found a place to fit it on the VFR. Now I have a proper bike that wont be too much problem

look forward to you replies Gareth

 

[GS_or_bust]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome. Do you still have a wife or did you trade her in for the bike?

 

[joe4550]

welcome an have fun!

 

[R1200GS+]

Thanks for the welcome guys
Couldn't px the wife as she is a biker as well, very rare to find them like that lol

 

[Andy Michael]

Welcome, living in the port myself so if you need any help, advice etc drop me a line

 

[Yonkyo]

Hi Gareth and welcome.

Lots and lots of info here, just use the search function to find anything.

 

[zoot]

HID

Hi Gareth and congratulations, it took me a while to arrive at a GSA, ( 30 years). 500 on the clock either you get better weather than us in frozen waste lands that is the north of England or iam a northern softie, may be a bit of both. roll on the Sunshine

Almost forgot Get some HiD fitted, contact Les Wassall on this site he knows his onions and lights

 

[Bobbin-Man]

Hi Gareth and welcome, from another ex-VFR'er

Stu.

 

[bod]

Good choice chap!

2 bits of advice,

1. Change the shaft oil every 6000 miles

2. Check your Fuel Pump Controller is black! If it is the old silver type it could fail anytime? Best to invest in a spare or check out Wappings excellent workaround lead thread in " The font of all wisdom"

I sold my 05 last year after 3 trouble free blissfull years ......... with silver FPC still working.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I think an 05 is a great choice because if it's had full dealer history, any potenial problems would have been rectified

Welcome to UKgser, don't ask any questions about oil, have a hard skin and ignore the luddites and wee smelling airhead brigade who trash all things 1200. jealousy is a terrible mistress

Use the search function to find info on just about anything

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Hello, and welcome.

If your bike hasn't got one already, you really do need a "crud catcher" from Marc Hooton. He's a regular oon here, and I think forum members get some discount.

http://www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk/bmw-r1200gs-crud-catcher-24-p.asp

Most of all, just enjoy the bike. I'm on my 2nd 2005 model. Before asking any questions on here (they get all jumpy if you ask about oil) just remember, it is only a motorbike. It's not really any different from the Japanese stuff that you're used to. Except the indicator switches.

I believe thick skin comes as standard when you buy a BMW. You certainly need it on here at times. They're all harmless pussy cats really...

 

[flatdog]

First thing to do chop chop is ACF50 it, otherwise that nice well looked after look won't last.



Mine (1150) looked pristine when I first bought it, only found this forum after 2 years ownership and then realised ACF50 would have saved it from it's extremely crappy current exterior.

 

[Valley Boy]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Gareth and dont know if I am posting in the right place but hear goes anyway.

Over Christmas have PX my 2004 Honda VFR 800 in for a 2005 R1200 GS. The bike has a full service history and looks like it has been loved. I was wondering if any one has got any pointers on the sort of things that go wrong or might need any remedial work to keep her in tip top working order. I have already clocked up 500 miles on her since Christmas and love the GS to bits. Just don't know why I didn't do it sooner.(well I do its called having a wife but that's another story).

I have some ideas what I want to do to her with front lights and mounting the satnav which the wife bought me in 2006 but never found a place to fit it on the VFR. Now I have a proper bike that wont be too much problem

look forward to you replies Gareth

Nice one Gareth, I live close to Newport and bought a new Triple Black in December, just clocked 650 miles and taking into Riders for first service next week !-----Great bikes

 

[R1200GS+]

Thanks for the warm welcome.
Will take on board the points that have been raised with things that are needed to do to the GS.
Will definately get some ACF50 and a Crud Catcher in hope that it will preserve the good condition that the bike is already in, just a little bubbling starting around the alternator belt cover.

*****I promise not to ask about the oil as I noticed bit of a slagging match going on.*****

The rear drive oil has been changed recently so that wont need to be done for a bit thank goodness.
As for the fuel pump I will have to look into that when I fit the lights.
I have ordered from Migsel the ram G.P.S mount and the light bar to mount the Hella FF50's on the top, Hella Micro DE fog lights for the bottom and the adventurer fog light switch and back switch case, which arrived today so will have a busy weekend fitting those.
Just waiting for the wiring accessories to turn up which should be here in a few days.
I will post some photos as soon as I have worked out how too. I assume that I have to have a paid subscription to post photo's ?

 

[R1200GS+]

Just paid the subs
Every little helps.

Will post some photos when I have worked out how to.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Will post some photos when I have worked out how to.

Upload them to a website like photobucket or picasaweb then use the link to post them onto here.


As for the bubbling, you might want to remove the alternator cover and make sure there isn't a big lump of foam in there holding the water in.

You'll need some TORX bits to undo the bolts.

 

[Lespaul]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Gareth and dont know if I am posting in the right place but hear goes anyway.

Over Christmas have PX my 2004 Honda VFR 800 in for a 2005 R1200 GS. The bike has a full service history and looks like it has been loved. I was wondering if any one has got any pointers on the sort of things that go wrong or might need any remedial work to keep her in tip top working order. I have already clocked up 500 miles on her since Christmas and love the GS to bits. Just don't know why I didn't do it sooner.(well I do its called having a wife but that's another story).

I have some ideas what I want to do to her with front lights and mounting the satnav which the wife bought me in 2006 but never found a place to fit it on the VFR. Now I have a proper bike that wont be too much problem

look forward to you replies Gareth

I'll keep an eye on your posts Gareth as I have a 2004 VFR800 which I'm considering chopping in for a GS. I've borrowed my brother in laws 650GS before and really liked it but found it could do with a few more ponies, so a 1200 might just be the perfect bike for me.

Darren

 

[R1200GS+]

Thanks Miff for the info will get the cover off and have a look to see if there is a foam pad inside.

Just posted a photo up hope it works!!!

 

[Andy Michael]

Your best option for non dealer servicing at good rates is Mike at Cardiff Motorrad.

 

[Omias]

Well done on joining the darkside! Keep an eye on the 'Wales' section for regular ride outs.