Has your GS1200 been reliable...or not?

[dogman]

Don't have a GS yet, some of the storoes put me off, but other don't. There does seem a few common problems which should have been addressed by BM, but then they have such a cult following...
I still think I'll be getting one in the next few weeks or so, as its a bike I've always fancied, fingers crossed its a good one.

I wouldn't be put off getting one by what you read. There appears to be more happy than not on this thread and I am sure more people talk about problems than those that have no problems. Just a shame BMW don't feel confident enough to publish how reliable the bikes are?

 

[Gunner1911]

A good one

I have a 2007 R1200gsa that just hit 36,000 miles. It was purchased by me nine months ago used with 22k miles so you can see I ride it a bit (14k miles in 9 months)I. In this time no breakdowns. I have all service records and they show
four fuel strips failed, ews replaced twice, front discs replaced at 7,000
Miles. All of this was replaced under warranty other than the last fuel strip
Love the bike, wouldnt dream of selling it.

 

[Alex]

2007 bike with 28k miles on the clock.
One clutch slave cylinder failure and one indicator cancel button failure, but otherwise no problems.
External temperature sensor chooses to refresh whenever it feels like it.

 

[Berkshire_Mike]

Mostly reliable

Hi,

06 BMW GS 1200 - Totally standard. - 8000 miles, dont use it much.

It has been mostly reliable but not totally. It's let me down once so far. Suppose it's not too bad for a 6 year old machine but the corrosion is more than I bargained for on such a high end machine.

New coil packs ...... Bad missfire (in 2007) under warrenty.

New Battery - wouldnt start one day without warning (2007) (BMW Assist)

Rear caliper corrosion, needed new pads and stipping down and cleaning the caliper, beyond normal wear and tear.

Fuel guage .. somewhat erratic, but I am living with it - go by mileage, 200 miles from full to empty does it for me.

Gear position sensor, - Being replaced, it's either blank or telling me I am in neutral when not. - annoying and possibly dangerous but hasnt stopped me.

Corrosion - Various.

Front engine case corroded, had it taken off, shot blasted, repainted and laquored, - Stainless steel bolts fitted.

Replaced Exhaust studs and nuts .. corroded into place, could barely get them off - cleaned and copperslipped.

Various bolts around the bike replaced with stainless, will do a few more in time.

Headlight bulb.

 

[jetjock]

Feck me, you just never give in. Are you related to my ex wife because she was like a stuck record

The reality of the 1200 is, they have sold 1000's so more bikes will have issues but I reckon it's a small percentage that have real ongoing problems. I would hazard a guess that it's about the ame problem rate as any other manufacturer.y.

not sure I agree with you .

Take a look at jap bike forums and there's alot less whinging ref reliability even if theyve sold a few less bikes . I've done loads more miles (50 k )on jap bikes over the years and never had any problems .
The easiest think to say is I'm unlucky .

Doesnt really wash with me .

I know if I need SOLID reliability I know it will come from the far east

Had 3 gs s and had all sorts of problems , many that have been mentioned on here .

 

[Mad Mac]

Well I have one more to add to the list.....
......failed alternator.
Thankfully my 2008 GS is und 5 yrs old and I am getting a full parts contribution from BMW, but it still leaves me with a labour cost of £260 incl. Vodka & Tonic.
The part alone is £508 so I'm very relieved, and am given to understand that this is a vy unusual failure.

Anyone else have the same?

List so far, above recalls, includes starter motor (sticking solenoid), two new batteries (because of the starter motor), and alternator. No final drive issues, no FPC or EWS issues, no crank position sensor or what every they call it.......

 

[dogman]

Well I have one more to add to the list.....
......failed alternator.
Thankfully my 2008 GS is und 5 yrs old and I am getting a full parts contribution from BMW, but it still leaves me with a labour cost of £260 incl. Vodka & Tonic.
The part alone is £508 so I'm very relieved, and am given to understand that this is a vy unusual failure.

Anyone else have the same?

List so far, above recalls, includes starter motor (sticking solenoid), two new batteries (because of the starter motor), and alternator. No final drive issues, no FPC or EWS issues, no crank position sensor or what every they call it.......

What other bike manufacturer would supply faulty parts up to 5 years? However my Kia has a 7 year warranty!

 

[blueoffroader400]

1200 GSA 30 Yr...

No problems but a head lamp bulb, got me around Europe with ease,
almost 2 yrs old 12,000 mile service booked in 10 days Dorchester!

Great bike

erm, need to renew my Warranty sooooooonnnnn

 

[zool]

7000 miles in 9 weeks,09 1200gsa,no probs.

Wow !
Respect !

 

[zool]

Yes, my GSA has been reliable. I really love her and she fits in everywhere, but a little expensive on rubber...

Her name is Bergsgeten / Mattias

THAT JUST WIERD !

 

[Greenman14]

Unfortunately not. Had to be recovered by BMW emergency assist today when my March 2012 GS sprang a major oil leak from don't know where but somewhere at the front of the engine, maybe oil cooler.

So it's in good company as this makes 3 of my last 4 bikes broken down: Ducati starter motor, KTM fuel pump. Only the Honda VFR was trouble free. Was it something I said?

 

[Oberon]

Great bike!!
Only once in 4 years has my 08 GS actually let me down by noy starting
But I have had loads of stuff replaced under warranty. 2 wire wheels, headlight, complete FD unit, ignition barrel.

A lot seems to be a shite finish. My 05 VFR was great by comparison but I just love my GS.

John

 

[Big Nick]

So far 18000 miles on two different GSA's and a blown headlight bulb

Does that mean I have to say no..........

 

[neiljitsu]

No. Fuel module, tyre pressure sensors, 4 fuel gauge, rear ESA shock, rear bearing and also last week the rear circlip popped off causing the rear wheel to shift over and push the brake disk into the calliper. This destroyed the calliper and left me stuck. I feel lucky that it did not cause an accident.
I love my bike but, for all this to go wrong inside of 24,000 miles is disgraceful. I payed a lot of money to buy into a premium brand. It seems I did not buy a premium product. I know that list above is not complete, but they are the main issues. The finish also leaves a lot to be desired.
When I get it repaired I am going to trade it. I have had enough of walking into my garage and hoping it will start.
I will miss it cos in spite of all the issues I still love it. I remember being on the road to Ullapool roaring "I fucking love you" to my bike. But it's time to move on.... Maybe.

 

[The G Man]

FTIW

51k miles on 2009SE

Each one better than the last

The rear shock leaked big time at 38k - good opportunity to replace with Wilbers

Otherwise best bike I've had the good fortune to ride

G

 

[Mark Hooton]

Best all rounder

I miss my CB1300 but as for the best bike(s0 I`ve had during my 40 years riding the GS(A) really ticks all the boxes.

i am sure the Honda X tourer is awesome but, for me, it lacks some soul.

Sorry, a bit off topic..............

I am happy with the reliability of my 2006 GS and my 2010 GSA!

 

[APE]

No. Fuel module, tyre pressure sensors, 4 fuel gauge, rear ESA shock, rear bearing and also last week the rear circlip popped off causing the rear wheel to shift over and push the brake disk into the calliper. This destroyed the calliper and left me stuck. I feel lucky that it did not cause an accident.
I love my bike but, for all this to go wrong inside of 24,000 miles is disgraceful. I payed a lot of money to buy into a premium brand. It seems I did not buy a premium product. I know that list above is not complete, but they are the main issues. The finish also leaves a lot to be desired.
When I get it repaired I am going to trade it. I have had enough of walking into my garage and hoping it will start.
I will miss it cos in spite of all the issues I still love it. I remember being on the road to Ullapool roaring "I fucking love you" to my bike. But it's time to move on.... Maybe.

Buy another one of a similar age but lower mileage - I think you've just been unlucky. My 2006 had loads of problems but my 2010 hasn't skipped a beat in 13k miles

 

[cookie]

if i'd had one like that there's no way i'd buy another.

 

[neiljitsu]

Mine was one of the first Mk 2 models. I would love another one but I am worried about buying back into the same issues. I can't think of a suitable replacement but a vfr is seeming like a possible replacement also thinking of a tiger exp. But I know I will miss the gs.

 

[neiljitsu]

Also my gear position indicator sometimes decides not to work until 3rd gear. This means I can't start my bike with side stand down. It sometimes cuts out after starting for no reason too. When I see all the faults written down it is hard to justify buying another one.