I ordered a GS1200 in August from Rainbow. I followed the threads recently on the bikes percieved lack of development and reliablity. Am in total agreement with these comments. I have had 8 valved boxers since 95 and have done 150000 miles, first mod on RS11 where cylinder head gaskets 12000 miles, then a bearing and gearbox at 60000 miles both known problems. Gearboxes where modded continually up to 99, work then started on the new model gearbox. Poor reliability is not only reserved for new model bikes in 01 we set off for Estonia first day in Germany an RT11 stopped with a broken final drive which was changed under warranty. 5 days later the new final drive failed in CZ, bike taken to Germany, no new final drive available, factory on holiday this being September. (Model year changes after September holidays i.e. GS1150's made up to September hols, GS12's made after september hols.) 03 a friend on a new GS1150 went to Spain and final drive failed.
Have been round factory at Spandau it's no great shakes.Its just a concrete shed, standard Engineering Factory, with standard type machines, certainly nothing awe inspiring.
One amusing area is Test Area. New bikes rode onto rolling road, connected up to diagnostics reved up to rev limiter in every gear, brakes slapped on. Engine stopped, diagnostics reset, engine restarted same process. If everything checks out, oil drained out and re cycled for next bike, all this on an engine running for the first time i.e. stone cold and brand new.
I am up for changing my RS1150 for a GS12 providing it suits me and my wife. I am hoping for a lighter and lower bike with cast wheels. People are talking 30kg lighter, remember 1100s coming out, BM said a lot lighter. What BM did was take off ABS system 12KG, fit a smaller lighter battery and a smaller lighter alternator. Most people went for ABS which needed a bigger battery and alternator and weight went up. I wonder when they weigh these bikes if it will be like for like. The seat I am expecting to be crap as with all BM's. Last 4 bikes have had Corbin seats. we do long days, riding in comfort is a big priority with us, this time it will be a pair of Air Hawks.
As far as off road riding goes you can off road/green lane with anything within limitations.
We've done long stretches of unmade roads in former Eastern Block Countries on 1100RS, but deep sand and mud on road tyres for me is a definate no no for me, but lets face it snow is a bit of a challenge as well, but if its there its there. I am going for cast wheels, I hate cleaning spokes but means more weight but lower seat height I hope. I will also go for none ABS. Not for weight saving but for the hassle they give when they have got miles on them.
I believe there is a new type of wiring harness (for a motorcycle) which is multiplexing ( I can just imagine indicating right and getting flashing headlight, brake light and horn beeping in sympathy). but it will save weight.
As for 04 we camp a lot, so it looks like Wales, Scarborough, Andover, Princetown and a Hotel in the Picos with the GS Club, camping with Motor Guzzi Club in Scotland, camping with the BMW Club and Chalet at Four Stroke in CZ.
Kind regards to everyone for the information on the posts
Have been round factory at Spandau it's no great shakes.Its just a concrete shed, standard Engineering Factory, with standard type machines, certainly nothing awe inspiring.
One amusing area is Test Area. New bikes rode onto rolling road, connected up to diagnostics reved up to rev limiter in every gear, brakes slapped on. Engine stopped, diagnostics reset, engine restarted same process. If everything checks out, oil drained out and re cycled for next bike, all this on an engine running for the first time i.e. stone cold and brand new.
I am up for changing my RS1150 for a GS12 providing it suits me and my wife. I am hoping for a lighter and lower bike with cast wheels. People are talking 30kg lighter, remember 1100s coming out, BM said a lot lighter. What BM did was take off ABS system 12KG, fit a smaller lighter battery and a smaller lighter alternator. Most people went for ABS which needed a bigger battery and alternator and weight went up. I wonder when they weigh these bikes if it will be like for like. The seat I am expecting to be crap as with all BM's. Last 4 bikes have had Corbin seats. we do long days, riding in comfort is a big priority with us, this time it will be a pair of Air Hawks.
As far as off road riding goes you can off road/green lane with anything within limitations.
We've done long stretches of unmade roads in former Eastern Block Countries on 1100RS, but deep sand and mud on road tyres for me is a definate no no for me, but lets face it snow is a bit of a challenge as well, but if its there its there. I am going for cast wheels, I hate cleaning spokes but means more weight but lower seat height I hope. I will also go for none ABS. Not for weight saving but for the hassle they give when they have got miles on them.
I believe there is a new type of wiring harness (for a motorcycle) which is multiplexing ( I can just imagine indicating right and getting flashing headlight, brake light and horn beeping in sympathy). but it will save weight.
As for 04 we camp a lot, so it looks like Wales, Scarborough, Andover, Princetown and a Hotel in the Picos with the GS Club, camping with Motor Guzzi Club in Scotland, camping with the BMW Club and Chalet at Four Stroke in CZ.
Kind regards to everyone for the information on the posts
