Has your GS1200 been reliable...or not?

neiljitsu said:
I would love another one but I am worried about buying back into the same issues. I can't think of a suitable replacement....
Click to expand...

Time to take some test rides :thumb

I think the Tenere is closest to the GS in many ways with similar performance, comfort and off-road ability.

But so many other bikes out there, I rode most of 'em and to be honest as a bog stock bike preferred the standard GS over all others (Tenere, Multistrada, CrossTourer, Stelvio, Tiger) but bought the Yamaha to avoid another spin of the BMW reliability wheel of (mis)fortune.

I know many people love their GS regardless of how it has treated them, I know many have had reliable bikes, but other have had complete dogs and don't care.

If it does not bother you then get another one, if it does I can't see the point in having a bike you don't trust or causes you worry or concern, I would have loved one of the last air cooled bikes but knew the worry would have ruined the ownership experience.

I really do miss the GS, but I love riding the Yamaha just as much and the trust in the machine makes for very happy riding.
 
neiljitsu said:
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.
Click to expand...

Consider a Stelvio NTX, I think it has more charm and character than the GS, they are fairly easy maintenance like the GS and no final drive issues. Some early 2008/9 models had a cam and follower problem but that has been sorted by Moto Guzzi.
I'm on my second Stelvio, I sold my 2009 model to buy the larger (32ltr) fuel tank version with ABS and traction control (both switch on/off) I regularly get over 50mpg according to the on board computer. I and two other friends switched to Stelvios after several years with GSes's, and are very happy with the Guzzi's.
 
Now on 72000 miles. Took this pic ;last week in Southern Alaska. When I get home in a fortnight it will be on 76000.
Mine has had a very hard life and has not been pampered at all.

The tally so far:
1 front shock at 8000 miles. Warranty claim.
Fuel Pump Controller at 39000
1 Alternator at 58000 mies. Warranty Claim.
Final drive at 62000 miles, Warranty Claim.

I`m happy with that :thumb2
<a href="http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/?action=view&current=P7300012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/P7300012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
Here it is in all its glory. Still on original discs too.
Put Wilbers on about 30k ago and they have been brilliant. Due a service when I`m back though.
<a href="http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/?action=view&current=P7250184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/P7250184.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
SkyGod said:
Now on 72000 miles. Took this pic ;last week in Southern Alaska. When I get home in a fortnight it will be on 76000.
Mine has had a very hard life and has not been pampered at all.

The tally so far:
1 front shock at 8000 miles. Warranty claim.
Fuel Pump Controller at 39000
1 Alternator at 58000 mies. Warranty Claim.
Final drive at 62000 miles, Warranty Claim.

I`m happy with that :thumb2
<a href="http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/?action=view&current=P7300012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/munnyman44/P7300012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Click to expand...

Yes that's very good indeed. Were all those claims approved? Presume you paid the labour?
 
All approved and I didnt pay a penny labour.
Left the Bike Yesterday in USA and it has now clocked 75000.:thumb2
 
Traded in gs. Bought a kawasaki zzr1400 which I absolutely adore. Cannot wait wait for weather to improve so I can go on a decent spin. Also my BMW suit started leaking after I sold gs. I wonder does BMW riding gear only work with BMW bikes:confused:
 
had a 1150GS had the clutch go fuel pump and a couple of small things got a 09 GSA had it for 6 months 8000 miles no problem with bike apart from left hand kept going numb on dual carriageways and motorways sold it with 30,000 ( previous owner had new final drive and fuel gauge x 4) now got a 11 plate with 10,000 and no issues to date
 
eonbkuk said:
had a 1150GS had the clutch go fuel pump and a couple of small things got a 09 GSA had it for 6 months 8000 miles no problem with bike apart from left hand kept going numb on dual carriageways and motorways sold it with 30,000 ( previous owner had new final drive and fuel gauge x 4) now got a 11 plate with 10,000 and no issues to date
Click to expand...

Mate both my hands were numb most of the time on my GSA! Ruined just about every ride. Never happened on the previous GS or on my current Kwak 800. Real shame, would probably still have it if it wasn't for that.
 
Absolutely awful reliability. My 08 Mk2 GS needed a new light bulb after 19k miles. Apart from that, boring as hell, just oil top ups after each annual progressive 1500 mls European tours...
 
Mine still OK after 24000 miles in 16 months. Had a bulb go and had to replace some tyres :eek:

Real problem is the 15000 miles per year limit on BMW select :)
 
Only had mine since May this year. It's a 2008 model with just over 10K miles done now. No issues at all and the service book has no stories to tell outwith the usual servicing :thumb
 
According to the service history the rear ESA shock replaced under warranty at 27K.
It now has 44K. A primary coil failed recently and took out its lambda sensor. The other coil failed very shortly after.

Its also had all those annoying oil and filter and brake pad changes. :(
 
Hmmm Mk 1 04 GS

Within first year Fuel pump relay failure Now has a waterproof "hat" and is still the same alloy one

Right hand cylinder exhaust valve failure @11,600 miles about 30 mins before I was doing the 12,000miles service

front shock @ 13,000 ish

Final drive Failure @16,000 miles

Now 2000 miles on I REALLY should change those bloody tyres! (NOT the original set I may add) :thumb
 
Put the key in ignition during a rain day in the French alps and the dam thing starter without me pressing the starter. took it into dealer after giving them a weeks notice ,they then turned around and said we will order a new starter switch as your is faulty and you were right about it. We poured water on it and it did the same thing for us.Will let you know when it in and you can make another 140 mile round trip and sit for 3hours.thank you very fecking much Mr BMW dealer
 
18k mile '04 R1200GS FBMSH Threw an exhaust valve recently necessitating a full right hand side rebuild.

Should be finished tomorrow and I'm hoping it will purr like a pussycat now it's been lovingly fixed but not impressed for a bike that it supposed to go around the world.

Maybe I was just unlucky but still grates a little.

Cracking bike though!
 
ABS pump and fuel sensor on 57 plate

Just been into Bahnstormer Maidenhead for them to diagnose the ABS modulator is buggered and yes no warranty , £1250 to replace on a GS that had only done 8146 miles when it failed, plus they have replaced the fuel sensor twice in two years, second time under the 2yr warranty as I had to pay for the labor on the first replacement, I guess just bad luck for me when compared to some bikes having done 20k plus without any issues,
 
Gs1200

I brought a 56 plate gs1200 r in desert yellow
As I've wanted one for a long time so far apart from the seat being put on too far from the ground it's been exactly what I wanted I'm really enjoying the ride can't wait for July and the French alps :)
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R1250GS reliable or not !
3 4 5
Replies
86
Views
22,037
Nutty


Back
Top Bottom