Pull in the clutch, indicate left/stick yer hazards on and find some gaps to get to the hard shoulder.
You can't think of, and do that yet you think I'm inexperienced and thick.
Has your GS1200 been reliable...or not?
- Thread starter dogman
- Start date
Pull in the clutch, indicate left/stick yer hazards on and find some gaps to get to the hard shoulder.
You can't think of, and do that yet you think I'm inexperienced and thick.
charlie971
Guest
'07 GSA - 34K 
so far
so far54 GS...new front discs x2, new final drive, gearbox oil leak, new front brake light switch in 18k miles.
06 GS, new final drive, clutch problem (currently at dealers), new rear disc in 25K miles.
Head of servicing at one dealers, told me that they are a great bike, but you need to have a warranty. Says it all.
06 GS, new final drive, clutch problem (currently at dealers), new rear disc in 25K miles.
Head of servicing at one dealers, told me that they are a great bike, but you need to have a warranty. Says it all.
steveuk
Guest
around 60k miles in first 2 years
05 1200 gs from new , around 60k miles in first 2 years of ownership..... ( but i've not really ridden it last couple years.......)
lots and lots and lots ( and lots) of warranty work in the 60k, but, it NEVER left me stranded at the roadside.......
all the warranty work done without quibble......
05 1200 gs from new , around 60k miles in first 2 years of ownership..... ( but i've not really ridden it last couple years.......)
lots and lots and lots ( and lots) of warranty work in the 60k, but, it NEVER left me stranded at the roadside.......
all the warranty work done without quibble......
PanzerPilot
Registered user
2008 GS12 Adventure, Magma Red, 5500 miles, Remus Revolution Titanium exhaust can (baffle tube removed! 
) everything on it except for tyre pressure warning. Not one single problem!! It looks great, goes like f***, it's mega comfortable, the build quality is excellent and it still gives me a massive grin everytime i ride it. I even got the engine a bit too hot a few weeks ago and if anything it runs better than ever! It's bombproof! Can't fault it, BMW.... The Ultimate Riding Machine.:
Rich
) everything on it except for tyre pressure warning. Not one single problem!! It looks great, goes like f***, it's mega comfortable, the build quality is excellent and it still gives me a massive grin everytime i ride it. I even got the engine a bit too hot a few weeks ago and if anything it runs better than ever! It's bombproof! Can't fault it, BMW.... The Ultimate Riding Machine.: Rich
casperghst42
Registered user
Previous bike; 07 GS (second hand), 22.000km only problem was a leaking seal on the gearbox (was fixed... in spain).
Current bike; 06 GSA (also second hand), had it for 2 months; 1. final drive started leaking... new final drive on warranty, 2. clutch switch dead, also fixed, 3. now it looks like the ABS have developed a small weakness, which hopefully will get fixed next week.
I don't complain, I drive the bike, and things do not always last as long as they are intended to do... that is why there is warranty. There are exceptions like the FPC.....
Can't imagine to have another bike, it put a big smile on my face on a daily basis
Weather or not the 12GS(A) is reliable or not, it's a great bike. They've sold more than 50.000 of the GS's and there is a lot of the 1200's out there, and if they all would be unreliable they would not be able to sell them. Their cars are also prone to problems, but they still sell them.
Casper
Current bike; 06 GSA (also second hand), had it for 2 months; 1. final drive started leaking... new final drive on warranty, 2. clutch switch dead, also fixed, 3. now it looks like the ABS have developed a small weakness, which hopefully will get fixed next week.
I don't complain, I drive the bike, and things do not always last as long as they are intended to do... that is why there is warranty. There are exceptions like the FPC.....
Can't imagine to have another bike, it put a big smile on my face on a daily basis
Weather or not the 12GS(A) is reliable or not, it's a great bike. They've sold more than 50.000 of the GS's and there is a lot of the 1200's out there, and if they all would be unreliable they would not be able to sell them. Their cars are also prone to problems, but they still sell them.
Casper
2006 GSA 12000 miles (10000 by me in the last year).
One headlight bulb
Otherwise, excellent, just completed 2150 miles around Europe, didn't miss a beat.
The smile on my face at Livigno after riding down from the Stelvio Pass was as wide as the Rhine we rode up the side of for a day.
One headlight bulb
Otherwise, excellent, just completed 2150 miles around Europe, didn't miss a beat.
The smile on my face at Livigno after riding down from the Stelvio Pass was as wide as the Rhine we rode up the side of for a day.
pnewm
Registered user
I had a 2006 GS - nothing but trouble with the electrics (think I may have posted summat about it here) Ended up giving it back to North Oxford Garage. Had a years break on a Honda and then bought a new GS in 2008 - over a year of fairly rough use without a problem ...
GSband
Registered user
R12GS 06/2005 : speed sensor, gear indicator sensor, left and right hand indicator switch, FPC (stranded), EWS (stranded), corrosion on front engine plate, battery gone in first year, multiple headlight bulbs, warped brake disks, accessory plug dead due to bad update, several call backs, servo assist brake pressure module bust, p.ex'ed at 40000miles/60000kms because of lack of trust in servo assist.
R12GS 12/2007 : rear wheel axle exchanged, FPC (stranded), warped disks (finally solved), 2 call backs (new ringantenna and new brake lines). Now at 25000miles/38000kms, problem free from 9000miles/14000kms onwards.
I carry a spare FPC on trips abroad.
It is clear to me that BMW's are like bananas : they ripen at the customers' home.
R12GS 12/2007 : rear wheel axle exchanged, FPC (stranded), warped disks (finally solved), 2 call backs (new ringantenna and new brake lines). Now at 25000miles/38000kms, problem free from 9000miles/14000kms onwards.
I carry a spare FPC on trips abroad.
It is clear to me that BMW's are like bananas : they ripen at the customers' home.
NorthernBoy
Registered user
My previous one, no, far from it. It let me down repeatedly, and also had to go back to the dealers several times for non-terminal but very annoying problems.
It also rusted and corroded in a way that was very alarming to someone new to the model's "quirks".
My new one is hugely improved. Has not missed a beat, corrodes much less (same living conditions as the last one), although still more than I'd like, and is the sort of bike that I'd hoped my previous one would be.
It also rusted and corroded in a way that was very alarming to someone new to the model's "quirks".
My new one is hugely improved. Has not missed a beat, corrodes much less (same living conditions as the last one), although still more than I'd like, and is the sort of bike that I'd hoped my previous one would be.
mherkin
Registered user
2004 R1200GS 17000mls Currently at dealers with suspected clutch slave cylinder failure (so much for pulling in the clutch and coasting to a halt!). I know it's had new disks due to warping as well.
The nice man who recovered me said the 12GS was the top recovered bike. That may be because there are lots of them and people do ride them. Still, the only bike in 25 years to leave me stranded. Twice within a year.
2007 demonstrator packed up with an EWS failure. I still bought one. Think it's a great design not terribly well executed. Like a Land Rover. For example, I reckon I could have limped home with some DOT4 fluid but was stranded as I couldn't find any mineral oil - that's supposition that I could have fixed it.
The nice man who recovered me said the 12GS was the top recovered bike. That may be because there are lots of them and people do ride them. Still, the only bike in 25 years to leave me stranded. Twice within a year.
2007 demonstrator packed up with an EWS failure. I still bought one. Think it's a great design not terribly well executed. Like a Land Rover. For example, I reckon I could have limped home with some DOT4 fluid but was stranded as I couldn't find any mineral oil - that's supposition that I could have fixed it.
2004 1200GS, 19,000 miles, owned since Jan 06. The gear indicator pot was replaced under warranty six months after I got it. Apart from that it's been perfect.
Last month, waiting to board the ferry after touring France, I was accosted by a Jonah who professed to be amazed that I'd had no trouble with my bike and recited the entire litany of problems the unfortunate minority seem to suffer. Later, as we tied our bikes down he professed amazement that I was using the side stand and claimed he'd "seen side stands snapped-off" when the crew went round and tightened-up the straps.
It takes all kinds, I suppose; even BS-ing Jonahs who claim to 'have seen' every kind of disaster befall the bike they wish they were riding! But let's be real here; although some poor sods suffer problems, they are an unfortunate minority and the most of the rest of us just get on and enjoy these truly superb bikes.
Last month, waiting to board the ferry after touring France, I was accosted by a Jonah who professed to be amazed that I'd had no trouble with my bike and recited the entire litany of problems the unfortunate minority seem to suffer. Later, as we tied our bikes down he professed amazement that I was using the side stand and claimed he'd "seen side stands snapped-off" when the crew went round and tightened-up the straps.
It takes all kinds, I suppose; even BS-ing Jonahs who claim to 'have seen' every kind of disaster befall the bike they wish they were riding! But let's be real here; although some poor sods suffer problems, they are an unfortunate minority and the most of the rest of us just get on and enjoy these truly superb bikes.
deaninkl
Registered user
I have an 06 model GS 1200 bought new in May 07, here in Malaysia.
I delivery day the bike would not start in the downtown showroom, we got the bike started with jump leads and the battery was changed at the service garriage.
In January 08 (7.5 months after purchase and about 6000km on the clock) the battery went again, I could not jump it this time so it was picked up by BMW and another batery fitted.
At 29,800km and about two years after purchase the back tire gave up with a small split (these were the original Tourance and still just about legal, still great grip) in the middle of nowhere, but I managed to get the correct sized tire delivered to me and I was on my way in 4 hours.
I was about to take her in for here 2 year and 30,000 km (unfortunately I left till a week after the warranty had finished) the morning before service the bike would not start, again a pick up and with the service another ne battery had to be fitted.
I havent had any problems while on the road, accept the tire, but I consider that just bad luck and probably due to running it for 29,000km...
So for me the bike has been reliable. And a fantastic bike to ride.
Its been serviced by BMW at 1000km, 10,000km and 30,000km. I keep her clean and inspect when washing. But basically nothing else has been done, I'm still on original break pads, at the last service BMW asked if I had changed them myself... I ride with care and 33 years experience, but use the power for fun.
Dean in KL
I delivery day the bike would not start in the downtown showroom, we got the bike started with jump leads and the battery was changed at the service garriage.
In January 08 (7.5 months after purchase and about 6000km on the clock) the battery went again, I could not jump it this time so it was picked up by BMW and another batery fitted.
At 29,800km and about two years after purchase the back tire gave up with a small split (these were the original Tourance and still just about legal, still great grip) in the middle of nowhere, but I managed to get the correct sized tire delivered to me and I was on my way in 4 hours.
I was about to take her in for here 2 year and 30,000 km (unfortunately I left till a week after the warranty had finished) the morning before service the bike would not start, again a pick up and with the service another ne battery had to be fitted.
I havent had any problems while on the road, accept the tire, but I consider that just bad luck and probably due to running it for 29,000km...
So for me the bike has been reliable. And a fantastic bike to ride.
Its been serviced by BMW at 1000km, 10,000km and 30,000km. I keep her clean and inspect when washing. But basically nothing else has been done, I'm still on original break pads, at the last service BMW asked if I had changed them myself... I ride with care and 33 years experience, but use the power for fun.
Dean in KL
THE SCORES SO FAR
This thread was placed on here and GSadv just to try to gain some rough level of satisfaction levels with the GS 1200 as there appears to be some concern expressed by many over the reliablility of these bikes, in particular some specific faults. Between the two threads there has been just short of 100 usable replies from owners, which are broken down into 3 main groups for both 04-07 models and 08-09 bikes. Some replies described multi bikes owned so these are included. I have had to judge on what owners have said which group they fall in, but I dont feel I am too far off.
This is only a small sample so far I know and some have commented that most people on forums are posting because they have problems and most riders who have no problems do not log onto forums. If this is true then the result would of course be skewed to some extent, but in any case the results so far are interesting, albeit of limited value in coming to any firm conclusion.
04-07 owners who have had no problems at all or very minor issues to be expected on any bike and consider the bike to have been reliable.
39
08-09 owners
22
04-07 owners who have had some problems, perhaps more than they would expected but nonetheless, still like the bike and would not get rid of it.
24
08-09 owners
1
04-07 owners who have had many problems, are unhappy with the bike and consider the bike unreliable
8
08-09 owners
NIL
Conclusions;
For the early models of those who have responded so far,
1. Nearly twice as many owners have had no problems or virtully no problems over those who have had some problems (perhaps more than expected - but who would still keep the bike)
2. Of all the early models owners the vast majority have been happy with the bike (53) against those who are unhappy with the reliability of the bike (8)
3. For the later 08-09 owners nearly all the owners have had no problems so far (22) against the (1) who has had only a minor issue.
Whichever way you look at this, these numbers, small as they are, are encouraging. If unhappy owners are more likely to post on forums then there may be many more satisfied owners out there. Yes I know this is subjective and is by no way a definitive answer to the question of reliability! however what it does give some indication and may reassure some.. or not as the case may be!
As a new 09 owner I am happy to see that virtually all so far responded have had no problems - early days of course with these bikes.
Please keep replies coming. I will add any more replies to the tally.
If anybody from BMW is reading, we would welcome an independant customer satisfaction survey on your bikes! What have you got to worry about?
This thread was placed on here and GSadv just to try to gain some rough level of satisfaction levels with the GS 1200 as there appears to be some concern expressed by many over the reliablility of these bikes, in particular some specific faults. Between the two threads there has been just short of 100 usable replies from owners, which are broken down into 3 main groups for both 04-07 models and 08-09 bikes. Some replies described multi bikes owned so these are included. I have had to judge on what owners have said which group they fall in, but I dont feel I am too far off.
This is only a small sample so far I know and some have commented that most people on forums are posting because they have problems and most riders who have no problems do not log onto forums. If this is true then the result would of course be skewed to some extent, but in any case the results so far are interesting, albeit of limited value in coming to any firm conclusion.
04-07 owners who have had no problems at all or very minor issues to be expected on any bike and consider the bike to have been reliable.
39
08-09 owners
22
04-07 owners who have had some problems, perhaps more than they would expected but nonetheless, still like the bike and would not get rid of it.
24
08-09 owners
1
04-07 owners who have had many problems, are unhappy with the bike and consider the bike unreliable
8
08-09 owners
NIL
Conclusions;
For the early models of those who have responded so far,
1. Nearly twice as many owners have had no problems or virtully no problems over those who have had some problems (perhaps more than expected - but who would still keep the bike)
2. Of all the early models owners the vast majority have been happy with the bike (53) against those who are unhappy with the reliability of the bike (8)
3. For the later 08-09 owners nearly all the owners have had no problems so far (22) against the (1) who has had only a minor issue.
Whichever way you look at this, these numbers, small as they are, are encouraging. If unhappy owners are more likely to post on forums then there may be many more satisfied owners out there. Yes I know this is subjective and is by no way a definitive answer to the question of reliability! however what it does give some indication and may reassure some.. or not as the case may be!
As a new 09 owner I am happy to see that virtually all so far responded have had no problems - early days of course with these bikes.
Please keep replies coming. I will add any more replies to the tally.
If anybody from BMW is reading, we would welcome an independant customer satisfaction survey on your bikes! What have you got to worry about?
GSband
Registered user
My conclusions from the figures differ :
- It's sad to say that these bikes are unreliable, but there's no denying it. Add all bikes with (minor or major) problems and you'll find a horrific statistic. Of course, perhaps happy owners don't come here as much as unhappy ones.
- Nice to see that some riders consider a minor problem acceptable, but it still is a problem and thus adds to the unreliability.
- Satisfaction and reliability are two different things. The fact that riders are satisfied has perhaps to do with the GS being an awesome ride, but says nothing about the level of reliablility.
- Reliability should be linked with mileage; I would hope that 08-09 owners have not yet had so many problems that they'd want to get rid of the bike (esp.09). The higher mileage may be why more 04-07 owners have complaints; alas the survey doesn't show this. The survey actually suggests that 04-07 bikes are more unreliable than 08-09 bikes. For 08-09 bikes it should be too soon for battery-, FD-, clutch-, oil leakage-, failing right hand cylinder problems to pop up ...
- There's a difference between unreliability and customer loyalty. The fact that riders keep their bikes when confronted with problems says nothing about reliability. Perhaps it says more about resale value, or that there are few real alternatives, or that riders hope things will get better, just to name a few. There is however a definite link between loyalty and reliability, and BMW may soon find out.
My conclusions can be debated, but as you see so can yours.
Conclusions cannot be made actually, because of the way in which this survey was conducted. But it's a nice try.
I have to agree on this : a survey conducted among ALL GS owners would be a good idea.
- It's sad to say that these bikes are unreliable, but there's no denying it. Add all bikes with (minor or major) problems and you'll find a horrific statistic. Of course, perhaps happy owners don't come here as much as unhappy ones.
- Nice to see that some riders consider a minor problem acceptable, but it still is a problem and thus adds to the unreliability.
- Satisfaction and reliability are two different things. The fact that riders are satisfied has perhaps to do with the GS being an awesome ride, but says nothing about the level of reliablility.
- Reliability should be linked with mileage; I would hope that 08-09 owners have not yet had so many problems that they'd want to get rid of the bike (esp.09). The higher mileage may be why more 04-07 owners have complaints; alas the survey doesn't show this. The survey actually suggests that 04-07 bikes are more unreliable than 08-09 bikes. For 08-09 bikes it should be too soon for battery-, FD-, clutch-, oil leakage-, failing right hand cylinder problems to pop up ...
- There's a difference between unreliability and customer loyalty. The fact that riders keep their bikes when confronted with problems says nothing about reliability. Perhaps it says more about resale value, or that there are few real alternatives, or that riders hope things will get better, just to name a few. There is however a definite link between loyalty and reliability, and BMW may soon find out.
My conclusions can be debated, but as you see so can yours.
Conclusions cannot be made actually, because of the way in which this survey was conducted. But it's a nice try.
I have to agree on this : a survey conducted among ALL GS owners would be a good idea.
I've had all the common problems on my 54 plate 1200, but I still love it to bits. As many have said it's not without it's known failings, but in the most part they can be anticipated and rectified by the owner.
Getting a feeling for the true state of affairs is I believe impossible, but I also believe you can get a flavour for peoples real feelings when they decide whether to take out the extended warranty at the end of 2 years. I don't know how many do this, and certainly we early adopters may have been reluctant as the cost at the time was £600+ as opposed to the more affordable £300 ish it now costs. However several peeps here have commented on the advisability/importance of taking out the extended warranty, when surely if the bike was as reliable as some others suggest there would be no imperative to do so.
Getting a feeling for the true state of affairs is I believe impossible, but I also believe you can get a flavour for peoples real feelings when they decide whether to take out the extended warranty at the end of 2 years. I don't know how many do this, and certainly we early adopters may have been reluctant as the cost at the time was £600+ as opposed to the more affordable £300 ish it now costs. However several peeps here have commented on the advisability/importance of taking out the extended warranty, when surely if the bike was as reliable as some others suggest there would be no imperative to do so.
Thanks GSband for your reply,
Yes I agree with what you say in that you can read the numbers in a different way. You could actually put a more negative slant and say that nearly a quarter of those responded re 04-07 bikes have had more problems with the bike than you would expect, even though they would still keep it regardless of their view on reliability. That does not sound quite as good! I suppose for me it was more the small number of people who were actually unhappy with the bike overall compared with those who were either very happy or just mildly irritated with a few issues. I was hoping for more responses on the 08-09 bikes for myself, but am still happy to see that nobody has reported any major issues.
Reliability is a difficult thing to define given the large differences in mileage and use bikes are put to and also how well bikes are looked after.
Cheers Dogman
Yes I agree with what you say in that you can read the numbers in a different way. You could actually put a more negative slant and say that nearly a quarter of those responded re 04-07 bikes have had more problems with the bike than you would expect, even though they would still keep it regardless of their view on reliability. That does not sound quite as good! I suppose for me it was more the small number of people who were actually unhappy with the bike overall compared with those who were either very happy or just mildly irritated with a few issues. I was hoping for more responses on the 08-09 bikes for myself, but am still happy to see that nobody has reported any major issues.
Reliability is a difficult thing to define given the large differences in mileage and use bikes are put to and also how well bikes are looked after.
Cheers Dogman
GSband
Registered user
I'm a very happy and content R12GS rider myself, I love it to bits ! 
I have been so pleased with my 07 plate GS I have just bought a new LE model.
I honestly think of all the bikes I have had in my 29 years of biking the GS has consistently put the biggest smile on my face... especially when I pass a sports bike which then tries but cannot catch me
Chris.
I honestly think of all the bikes I have had in my 29 years of biking the GS has consistently put the biggest smile on my face... especially when I pass a sports bike which then tries but cannot catch me
Chris.
L'Escargot
Registered user
2009 GSA 3,500 miles !
Oh dear,dunno whether to say owt or not on here,but,WTF,here goes.Bought it,nearly all the bells and whistles (no ABS) loved it until 1st service when Dealer gave it back to me with the set up totally out of kilter.The test pilot rode it before I got it back,why didnt he realise something was wrong ? (Apparently the gauges they use to get the set up right had a split air line so they set it up according to the split air line ) They fetched it back in a van and sorted it.
Since then I've taken it back again cos I dont think its right ! The front end shakes about,specially when riding slowly,it surges when trying to ride slowly,know what I mean to and fro like ! And when it goes over 70MPH it vibrates badly,mirrors blur etc ( Know they're a quirky bike but is this normal ? ) The dealer said they couldnt find owt wrong (even tho no one took it out for a test ride )
I've now taken it for a second opinion,-Front tyre wearing unevenly.
Poss chassis problem or bearings on the drive shaft !
Its going in for the full examination on friday 3rd July,got to have a new front tyre for starters and who knows what else they'll find !
Rang the Dealer today and he told me they have a new Rear Wheel Bearing in for me !!! WTF !
Before anyone starts having a go at me,I know,it could be a friday afternoon bike or something but by Christ does it put you off !
I had a 1150 GS a while back,clutch went on that,the old bugger got me home tho,and I dont recall it felt as bad as this one does !
Still love the F'ing thing,the way it handles,its presence on the road and all that but who wouldnt be a bit pissed off if their bike had things wrong like this in its first two months !!
I'll update after its been in on 3rd July.
Oh dear,dunno whether to say owt or not on here,but,WTF,here goes.Bought it,nearly all the bells and whistles (no ABS) loved it until 1st service when Dealer gave it back to me with the set up totally out of kilter.The test pilot rode it before I got it back,why didnt he realise something was wrong ? (Apparently the gauges they use to get the set up right had a split air line so they set it up according to the split air line ) They fetched it back in a van and sorted it.
Since then I've taken it back again cos I dont think its right ! The front end shakes about,specially when riding slowly,it surges when trying to ride slowly,know what I mean to and fro like ! And when it goes over 70MPH it vibrates badly,mirrors blur etc ( Know they're a quirky bike but is this normal ? ) The dealer said they couldnt find owt wrong (even tho no one took it out for a test ride )
I've now taken it for a second opinion,-Front tyre wearing unevenly.
Poss chassis problem or bearings on the drive shaft !
Its going in for the full examination on friday 3rd July,got to have a new front tyre for starters and who knows what else they'll find !
Rang the Dealer today and he told me they have a new Rear Wheel Bearing in for me !!! WTF !
Before anyone starts having a go at me,I know,it could be a friday afternoon bike or something but by Christ does it put you off !
I had a 1150 GS a while back,clutch went on that,the old bugger got me home tho,and I dont recall it felt as bad as this one does !
Still love the F'ing thing,the way it handles,its presence on the road and all that but who wouldnt be a bit pissed off if their bike had things wrong like this in its first two months !!
I'll update after its been in on 3rd July.
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