I really want a 1200GS but...

chipsonfriday

chipsonfriday

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... every second-hand 1200GS I have viewed has some degree of corrosion on the front engine cover.

Is it really that common?

If so, how easy is it to remove the casing so that it can be stripped and repainted? I know it is only cosmetic but it is a shame that BMW quality has dropped to an all-time low. I have owned with pride a 1100RT for the last six years with no problems as far as finish is concerned.

Just moved the 1100RT on and really want to get a GS but I am hesitating because of this 'hang-up' over the corrosion.

I need therepy!

Please help.

Chips
 
there not all corroded,my 06 was mint

but as you live at the seaside why worry just ride it and enjoy:thumb2
 
I got an 05 1200 not a bit of corrosion on the front engine cover

eddie
 
I went from a 2008 12GSA, which at 6 months old and 6000miles was exhibiting corroded fasteners and a rusty subframe/discs/front cover.........to a 13 year old 1996 R1100RT in exceptional condition

The RT is in far better shape and lovely to ride
 
A fairly common complaint but I certainly wouldn't let it put you off buying. Do a serach and there are plenty of threads relating to this, some showing DIY spray jobs that look pretty good IMHO.

Go on get the wallet out and buy it, sell a kidney/child/wife (delete as applicable) and get riding. Life's too short not to.

TT.
 
Its not uncommon on the 1100 either.. as you'ld soon find out if you looked in the 1100/1150 technical section.

Or call Motorworks and ask them if they have an undamaged/corroded 1100 front cover.. and listen to the laughter.

I believe in the case of the 1200 its due to a (noise reducing) sponge thats behind the cover which fills with water... though some have said its due to galvanic reaction between the fasteners and the cover.. you pays your money. Some out of warranty owners have chosen to remove the sponge - others have opted to soak the sponge in a waterproofing wax.

But as is the case with all these little problems. some bikes have them - some dont. as has been said.

If you do a search in the 1200 section you will I'm sure find posts with pics of the front cover.. methods of removal and rejuvenation. I'm sure I have seen a pictorial 'how to' - Tossers love taking pics of their handywork.

I have read that removing the front cover is a 10 minute job. and the corrosion can be dealt with by removing and repainting with smoothrite which is a very close match to the original silver... so close its very difficult to tell apart.

hope that helps. :thumb2
 
motobiker said:
I

I believe in the case of the 1200 its due to a (noise reducing) sponge thats behind the cover which fills with water... though some have said its due to galvanic reaction between the fasteners and the cover..
Click to expand...

IMO it's more to do with the water based paints that now have to be used to appease the Save The Ant brigade.
 
My '05 has corrosion on the front cover. Do I care? :nenau
When it starts to leak I will I suppose, but until then......
Mark
 
cookie said:
IMO it's more to do with the water based paints that now have to be used to appease the Save The Ant brigade.
Click to expand...

save that nonsense for the pub cookie. you should know better than that.

Corroding front covers have been a fault on these bikes for 15 years. (at least) It wasn't something specially developed for the 1200.

Some bikes get it - (and as you can see from some posts) some don't. and there's no real reason why some do and some don't.

850s 1100s 1150s and now 1200s. they ALL get it.


The paint on my front cover is definitely NOT water based - its more like thick plastic and yet the corrosion appears identical to what I've seen on a couple of 12s.
I still have absolutely no idea how it started. it just did. One week it was pristine.. the next week it wasn't.
 
motobiker said:
save that nonsense for the pub cookie. you should know better than that.

Corroding front covers have been a fault on these bikes for 15 years. (at least) It wasn't something specially developed for the 1200.

Some bikes get it - (and as you can see from some posts) some don't. and there's no real reason why some do and some don't.

850s 1100s 1150s and now 1200s. they ALL get it.


The paint on my front cover is definitely NOT water based - its more like thick plastic and yet the corrosion appears identical to what I've seen on a couple of 12s.
I still have absolutely no idea how it started. it just did. One week it was pristine.. the next week it wasn't.
Click to expand...


"save it for the pub" WTF are you on about? :rolleyes:

we were talking about 1200s, and AFAIK they use water based paints which are not as durable as the paints used on old bikes like the 1100 you have.

i had no corrosion on my 1150's cover, but have certainly had it on the 1200, both bikes being treated the same.
 
earthmover said:
My '05 has corrosion on the front cover. Do I care? :nenau
When it starts to leak I will I suppose, but until then......
Mark
Click to expand...

Likewise - when I can see through it - it's time to get a new one. Until then, I'm gonna keep abusing it :thumb2
 
chipsonfriday said:
... every second-hand 1200GS I have viewed has some degree of corrosion on the front engine cover.

Is it really that common?

If so, how easy is it to remove the casing so that it can be stripped and repainted? I know it is only cosmetic but it is a shame that BMW quality has dropped to an all-time low. I have owned with pride a 1100RT for the last six years with no problems as far as finish is concerned.

Just moved the 1100RT on and really want to get a GS but I am hesitating because of this 'hang-up' over the corrosion.

I need therepy!

Please help.

Chips
Click to expand...

I think you should be more worried about the reliability of the machine than the corrsion :augie
 
Both places I went too looking to trade in my 05 1200 noted the excessively corroded front cover and stated that they would replace it before putting it in their showroom (there isn't any other serious corrosion on the bike) so if you are interested in getting the bike, insist that they replace the front cover (its about £100 apparently) or negotiate a discount if you can live with a furry cover.
 
I would not worry about a bit of rust on the cover its not the frame thats after rusting trough just enjoy JJH
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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