How reliable is your 1200?

[Deleted account 210609001]

9,000 miles in just under a year. Not missed a beat. None of the horror stories have applied to me. I can't think of a bike i'd rather own instead of a 1200GS (althought there are a few I'd like as well as ).

 

[wilbjr21]

Crikey.

How quick did they rust ?

You can't have had the bike long ?


So no rusty bolts or oil leaks yet ?

They showed signs on the first washing - in the corners and along the front edge under the beak.
There seems to have a been sub-standard batch of bars (see earlier triumphal trumpetting of the issue - some people couldn't wait to find something wrong with the GSA). I don't expect any other problems, if previous 1200GS ownership is anything to go by. Bolts will corrode if not looked after and oil leaks seem to be rare. Done 2000 miles now and loving it. The 2006 model of the GS (as well as the GSA) seems to have a smoother engine and gearbox and is very easy to put on the re-designed centre stand.

 

[Joyseeker]

15000mls

machanically sound but needed a change of software at the first service because a factoury nerd had put the software for the 'noise test' on for delivery ....... which produces a flat spot through 4000rpm.

 

[paulhull]

First breakdown at approx 6k miles in southern Spain and needed recovering. No fault could be diagnosed when returned to the dealers. Just needed recovering form the Dales and a new fuel pump needed. Bike is 18months old. I am not satisfied with the reliability - and this is my 3rd BMW so up to this bike I was happy.

 

[ynotbiker]

positive

howay lads,is there any more positive posts out there had a couple of props with mine dangerous surging and oil leak its a oct 2004 bike 7000 miles hoping thats it now, trip planned 5000 miles in july,but reading posts seems there maybe other props to think of,owned 3 triumph tigers before the bmw no props at all,my warranty runs out in oct seriously thinking of the new tiger whats coming out,my 1200 is fantastic to ride would like to keep, a friend of mine has a 2005 model 6000 miles with no props maybe it might be worth buying extra warranty, so come on lads let me see some positive posts

 

[Joyseeker]

we seek perfection here..... not reliability

howay lads,is there any more positive posts out there had a couple of props with mine dangerous surging and oil leak its a oct 2004 bike 7000 miles hoping thats it now, trip planned 5000 miles in july,but reading posts seems there maybe other props to think of,owned 3 triumph tigers before the bmw no props at all,my warranty runs out in oct seriously thinking of the new tiger whats coming out,my 1200 is fantastic to ride would like to keep, a friend of mine has a 2005 model 6000 miles with no props maybe it might be worth buying extra warranty, so come on lads let me see some positive posts

GSers are better at moaning then saying great when happy.

the 12GS is the cheapest and easiest bike to maintain i've owned. the harest to damage when binned also.

what you have also to take into account is how much more the GSer does with his bike and with some...... they tinker and don't own up to bad work

is that good enough?

ps does the new tiger have a chain? if so i'd never consider it..... and also the GS is more rust resisitant then a Tiger.

 

[DonC]

Potentiometer on gearbox went after 2000 miles...no digital gear indicator (oh well, just like riding a normal bike) but no neutral light either. Meant I was fishing around for neutral a few times; BMW garage guys said thats what Ducatis are like ALL the time . Apparently it normally just needs some WD40 on the socket but mine needed replacing.

I'm an ex-Honda owner as well so the fasteners rusting (I'm now on 4500 miles) is a little disturbing but its still a fantastic bike ....... the way it goes round corners.... brilliant .

 

[wilbjr21]

I'm an ex-Honda owner as well so the fasteners rusting (I'm now on 4500 miles) is a little disturbing

I'm an ex Honda owner too - Fireblade, two ST1100s and one ST1300 and that's just the bikes. The fasteners on the the R1200GS are better - no question - how can anyone, who has experience of the two marques think otherwise? I don't feel like slagging off Hondas, there're a good bike - my experience is that the BMW is better.

Getting a bit fed up of the trivia knockers.

 

[Micky]

7,000 miles on my 1200 Adventure... in ten weeks.

No probs

 

[andy1200]

35k on my mid-2004 GS. Some longer trips, inc back from Poland to the UK, and used every day in all weathers.

No major problems. The front engine cover was replaced under warranty and a couple of minor things and software upgrades carried out painlessly during routine services.

Maybe I'm just lucky but my experience is of a great bike that I enjoy riding.

 

[Timolgra]

No major problems. The front engine cover was replaced under warranty and a couple of minor things and software upgrades carried out painlessly during routine services.

Maybe I'm just lucky but my experience is of a great bike that I enjoy riding.

You call that lucky

 

[wilbjr21]

You call that lucky

Certainly seems that problem free is the norm for the 1200

 

[IanC]

35k on my mid-2004 GS.QUOTE]

That is lucky, particularly on an '04