Looking at a R1200GS 2018

[FragglePete]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. For quite sometime I've lusted over a GS of some sort, but always been happy with my V-Strom. Riding with the group of bikers that I do, almost every other bike is a GS, either a 1200, 1250 and now the 1300's are starting to appear. I made the mistake of sitting on a 1250 the other day and it was a case of .... "oh, my....!" I've done a lot of miles this year with my wife as pillion, and as our kids are becoming more self sufficient we are wanting to do more, but comfort for my wife is key especially with luggage loaded up - can't fault my V-Strom, it's been great but it's getting on.... and well, it's not a "Honda!"... sorry, "BMW". Sitting on various bikes with luggage, the GS seem to have the side panniers lower and further back than most other bikes - with the exception of the Voge DS900X..... but, not ready to go there just yet....!

So, the time has come, the planets have aligned, so am looking at a 2018 R1200GS with a test ride booked in tomorrow. What should I be looking for? Obviously, Service History is key here and I'm assured it's got a good one. It's from a dealer, so should be all good. Would appreciate any pointers.

TIA

Pete

 

[Oldrat]

Don’t do a short test ride.

The wishbone suspension can seem strange if you’ve never ridden a GS before.

As an indication of handling differences, try and find some goat tracks, the more rutted the better. I remember my first ride on a GS sailing across grass ruts as if they were not there compared to my always staring at the track in front of the bike looking to avoid them.

 

[Neil W]

Look for corrosion on the engine casings , other than that service history . By the time it got to 2018 they had sorted out the sh*t switchgear , gearchange , esa suspension etc

One thing I would check if you are buying private or a non franchised dealer outside the Approved Used Warranty system is lift the seat and look at the ECU , if it has a Bosch ECU it should be fine but if it has an ECU that only has a part number and no makers details it may be one of a batch from late 2017 to mid 2018 production runs that had issues (mine failed on my 2017 model in Austria at 13,500 miles (2021) and the dealer said it was the 5th they had seen).

Just remember they are a pain in the arse to find in a busy motorcycle parking area as every one has them , came back to the car park on the top of the Grossglocker and there were 6 Triple Blacks in the same row

 

[FragglePete]

So, is corrosion on engine casing a deal breaker? I know of someone that ended getting a new engine out of BMW following corrosion on what was at the time a new bike. This was a 1250.

And the ECU, that's an interesting one. Is that a warranty / recell issue?

Bike I'm looking at has the service history done at a 'BMW Specialist', with the first few being BMW. Concern or not?

Thanks

Pete

 

[littleade]

Is it a main dealer that's selling it and is it used approved so you get the 2 year warranty with the bike? (Note, this isn't the factory warranty so doesn't include everything a new bike would be covered for so things like the corrosion you mention would likely not be covered) if it's got the semi active suspension make sure it works by strating the bike and while stationary selecting high, wait for it to jack the rear end then select the low setting and finally auto. The bike should then settle about half way between the 2 as you ride off.

 

[FragglePete]

Is it a main dealer that's selling it and is it used approved so you get the 2 year warranty with the bike? (Note, this isn't the factory warranty so doesn't include everything a new bike would be covered for so things like the corrosion you mention would likely not be covered) if it's got the semi active suspension make sure it works by strating the bike and while stationary selecting high, wait for it to jack the rear end then select the low setting and finally auto. The bike should then settle about half way between the 2 as you ride off.

Not a BMW dealer - just a bike dealer that does appear to have a good rep. Thanks for the info regarding the suspension - will ensure I check that out.

Pete

 

[littleade]

Not a BMW dealer - just a bike dealer that does appear to have a good rep. Thanks for the info regarding the suspension - will ensure I check that out.

Pete

In that case what warranty will it come with? If it's the TE spec (it'll have the semi active suspension, quick shifter, hill hold, cruise control and riding and modes amongst other options check you have Rain Road and Dynamic via the mode button on the RS handlebar mode switch if there's no dynamic mode the red plug might be missing that should be plugged in below the riders seat at the front and check the cruise control and LH whiz wheel work. Does it have the TFT, as that was a £500 option back then. Good luck, enjoy the test ride. The tekelever might feel strange to start with, a bit detached but yiu soon get used to it and with no fork dive your pillion will love it

 

[FragglePete]

Thanks. Yes, it does have a TFT Screen. It's this machine here:

Used 2018 BMW R 1200 GS 1200 Adventure Petrol Manual Euro 4 (125 ps) £8,290 28,278 miles - Brown | South Downs Motorcycles | South Downs Motorcycles

Buy a used 2018 Brown BMW R 1200 GS 1200 Adventure Petrol Manual Euro 4 (125 ps) with 28,278 miles on the clock for £8,290 from South Downs Motorcycles at South Downs Motorcycles.

www.southdownsmotorcycles.co.uk

Servicing has been done by BGM BMW Specialist recently rather than BMW (first few were BMW though), Does have a letter with saying the Drive Shaft will be replaced FoC by BMW at 60K KM.

Pete

 

[Nick Marshall]

Looking at the downpipes I would check the condition of the paint in the front of the barrels. Take a torch.
The rest of the bike looks quite nice. 28,000 m isn’t epic Milage.

However, if it was my money I would be looking for something with half that Milage and no corrosion.

Pardon our interruption...

 

[FragglePete]

Looking at the downpipes I would check the condition of the paint in the front of the barrels. Take a torch.
The rest of the bike looks quite nice. 28,000 m isn’t epic Milage.

However, if it was my money I would be looking for something with half that Milage and no corrosion.

Pardon our interruption...

Appreciated. It's part of the gamble of looking for something that is not too far away from home - better bikes do appear up north. It's also to do with Part-Ex as well. But, part of me is going by the mantra that I see on here a lot; mileage doesn't matter, it's servicing and condition.

There is a place local to me, Motorcycles UK that has 2016 with 50K on the clock, but it looks absolutely brand new - full MoT history throughout. When I spoke to them and took a look they were unsure what to do with it as it really was too higher mileage for them to sell normal but are just staggered how good it was. They were going to retail it at £5995 - so it's a cheaper option, but the other half is saying better to go with something a bit lower.

Pete

 

[Barnoe]

In that case what warranty will it come with? If it's the TE spec (it'll have the semi active suspension, quick shifter, hill hold, cruise control and riding and modes amongst other options check you have Rain Road and Dynamic via the mode button on the RS handlebar mode switch if there's no dynamic mode the red plug might be missing that should be plugged in below the riders seat at the front and check the cruise control and LH whiz wheel work. Does it have the TFT, as that was a £500 option back then. Good luck, enjoy the test ride. The tekelever might feel strange to start with, a bit detached but yiu soon get used to it and with no fork dive your pillion will love it

I have dynamic on mine and its never had the red plug inserted (its still under the seat in its little plastic bag)
I think the plug only opens up the off road settings so you can disable traction and ABS... might be wrong?

Rain, Road and Dynamic have always been enough for me.

Good luck @FragglePete.
Enjoy the test ride and make sure you stop in a car park and play with the settings.
Check heated grips, suspension settings etc.

Mines a 2017 TE and I've owned it nearly 6 years, its been a fantastic bike all over Europe.
If you have half the enjoyment I've had, you will love it.

 

[Neil W]

So, is corrosion on engine casing a deal breaker? I know of someone that ended getting a new engine out of BMW following corrosion on what was at the time a new bike. This was a 1250.

And the ECU, that's an interesting one. Is that a warranty / recell issue?

Bike I'm looking at has the service history done at a 'BMW Specialist', with the first few being BMW. Concern or not?

Thanks

Pete

ECU issue does not exist according to BMW yet the dealer in Austria got me a new coded ECU within 36 hours , in my case the Insured Warranty paid £1000

 

[FragglePete]

Out on test Ride now. Parked up and having a good poke around.
ESA works fine
BOSCH ECU
Goes ok. But corrosion on cooling fins on barrels is quite prominent.
Corrosion on Centre Stand also.
Front of exhausts corroded as well.
Can feel the shaft drive churning, if that makes sense...?. Or are they all like that
Picks up nicely.... But feels like a tractor... Is that how it should be? I know they have a reputation of being a bit like that.
All controls work fine.
Fan kicked in ok when sitting with engine running at side of road.
Not sure. But not a no, may have to sleep on it but would welcome any thoughts.

Pete

 

[richh]

They are a bit of a slow burner. But do everything very well.

My 2014 (had it a couple months) sounds rough. I got the mechanic to check it but he said it sounds about as good as they get.

It’s not a rev it out sort of bike, but the bottom / midrange shove is where they are ridden, short shifting and going quickly very composed.

They have their own character, but they are hard to love on a short test ride. I was so so initially and didn’t think it would last.

Gearbox not as nice as Jap stuff. But “just ride it” is the advice you always get from those in the know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nick Marshall]

Centre stands quite easy to sort.
Whip it off. Get it blasted and powder coated.

Corrosion on the engine is much harder to sort.

Nothing as disappointing as touching the engine and big bits of paint falling off.

 

[FragglePete]

Firstly, thanks to all the replies on here; I'm very much appreciative of the community that you have here and it's great to get these replies. The V-Strom community has been just as good.

I'm home now. Undecided - it's a 'sleep on it' situtation.

What I liked.....
Nice to actually get on one and give it a go. I'm pleased to say that I felt perfectly comfortable on it. Not just on the go, but moving it slowly around the car park I was quite comfortable with it.
Low end grunt - oh my.... they don't have shift on the lower end! Almost scared me.
Everything seemed to work fine. I liked having the TFT - maybe a gimic, but I just liked it... feels it brings it up to date a bit more. The overal average MPG on one the displays showed a low 60mpg which is nice to see.
The wishbone suspension didn't upset me, quite happy with it really - does the job.
I enjoyed the ride back more after parking up and taking a good look round it - so, it a short time it grew on me.
What I thought was the shaft churning I think now is more the road surface which I picked up on more on the ride back to the dealer.

What I didn't like about this particular bike....
Corrosion - both fins on the barrels is quite poor, the exhausts on the front and running down the side it quite badly pitted. The front supension spring has corrosion all over it. Some bubbling present on the near the shaft rear gaiter. I took some photos of these areas of concern, and soon as the my good wife looked at those photos, she just went "Nope". For a 2018 bike I think it's a bit dissappointing.
I also picked up that the brake hoses where Goodridge hoses on it, and the banjo bolts where really badly corroded. Is this a common upgrade that people do? I kinda like my bikes to be unaltered from stock, but is it a good upgrade.

Typing this, and talking to the wife, I think I may leave this one. The corrosion is just putting me off too much but the hunt does continue.

Pete

 

[Neil W]

Firstly, thanks to all the replies on here; I'm very much appreciative of the community that you have here and it's great to get these replies. The V-Strom community has been just as good.

I'm home now. Undecided - it's a 'sleep on it' situtation.

What I liked.....
Nice to actually get on one and give it a go. I'm pleased to say that I felt perfectly comfortable on it. Not just on the go, but moving it slowly around the car park I was quite comfortable with it.
Low end grunt - oh my.... they don't have shift on the lower end! Almost scared me.
Everything seemed to work fine. I liked having the TFT - maybe a gimic, but I just liked it... feels it brings it up to date a bit more. The overal average MPG on one the displays showed a low 60mpg which is nice to see.
The wishbone suspension didn't upset me, quite happy with it really - does the job.
I enjoyed the ride back more after parking up and taking a good look round it - so, it a short time it grew on me.
What I thought was the shaft churning I think now is more the road surface which I picked up on more on the ride back to the dealer.

What I didn't like about this particular bike....
Corrosion - both fins on the barrels is quite poor, the exhausts on the front and running down the side it quite badly pitted. The front supension spring has corrosion all over it. Some bubbling present on the near the shaft rear gaiter. I took some photos of these areas of concern, and soon as the my good wife looked at those photos, she just went "Nope". For a 2018 bike I think it's a bit dissappointing.
I also picked up that the brake hoses where Goodridge hoses on it, and the banjo bolts where really badly corroded. Is this a common upgrade that people do? I kinda like my bikes to be unaltered from stock, but is it a good upgrade.

Typing this, and talking to the wife, I think I may leave this one. The corrosion is just putting me off too much but the hunt does continue.

Pete

Very odd that it has Goodridge hoses (especially if they are non stainless) as standard they already have braided hoses that are plastic sheathed . I've never seen a BMW that new with Goodridge hoses fitted (fair enough the R1100 and R1150's but not never stuff).

Re the 2016 bike it will have the earlier (clunky ) gearbox, not sure what your budget is but have you checked the BMW Approved used selection , they do have 4 or 5 listed and they will all be full service history and have the full 2 year BMW warranty which basically covers the same as a new bike

 

[littleade]

The GS and GSA have been the top selling bikes for years so there will always be decent examples knocking about and with a bit of patience you'll be able to find a nice example within your budget, the one you've seen sounds like it's best avoided. It might be worth you contacting a few dealers so they can let you know when they get new stock in to suit your budget, but you'll need to act quickly as good ones normally sell very quickly.

 

[Larry Langford]

Sounds like that bike might have too much corrosion, unless the price just crazy low ... Be patient, it's a buyers market right now. I just picked up a used 2019 R1250GS HP in February. It has 33000 miles on it but coming from Colorado it has no corrosion that I have seen. I made sure I got one that has the dynamic ride modes and all that. You might consider at least a 1250 as there is a noticeable bump in power with the shiftcam. You should try to ride one of those for sure before you buy. I had seen a lot of 1200s that were priced higher than the 1250 I bought (14k US) ...
The other thing to consider is sizing, if one is on the shorter side, he might consider a lowered one. I missed that, and I'm amazed at how tall the bike is wow... It was ordered with the sport suspension, so it is quite tall. It is my second bike so it's ok. I was able to get the foot peg to seat height just right but i can't flat foot it with my 30 inch inseam at all, balls of my feet. But that suspension soaks up almost anything so it's a trade off ...
Also another thing to consider is farkles .... mine came with everything it seems. The HP package seemed to be a really good deal for sure. The bike does have the vario bags, AL top box, big skid plate, headlight protection, the massive crash bars that go all over, and the clearwater lights, which light things up like day ....

 

[FragglePete]

Hi again, just to update on my situation...

So, at the weekend just gone I picked up a 2018 R1200GS from a BMW Dealer in Northampton for about the same price with lower mileage and much better condition. Bit of trek to get it, but so worth it.

I'm a member of the club now.

This just rides almost like knew. After only 5 mins in the test Ride I could tell it was such a better bike than the previous one. Much smoother engine, gearbox very slick and just felt right.

Only downside is on the ride home I noticed the right fork tube is leaking oil. It happens I know, but disappointed it wasn't picked up or I noticed it before I took it away. But... 2 year warranty so booked in to a dealer more local to me to sort hopefully with no fuss but got to wait a few weeks.

Happy... Just need to find some luggage for it now.

Pete