New GSA important back-up items

[Duct Tape]

Having read multiple threads on whats been breaking on older GS/GSA bike, and getting a new one - what extra OEM BMW parts do I still need to keep in my panniers for long trips?

1. Fuel pump controller - it's not clear to me that this is fixed with the new recall item.
2. EWS - ditto the ring antenna

Other?

 

[jacro]

Ews upgraded 09, 30,000 on mine and fuel pump cont fine

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Having read multiple threads on whats been breaking on older GS/GSA bike, and getting a new one - what extra OEM BMW parts do I still need to keep in my panniers for long trips?

1. Fuel pump controller - it's not clear to me that this is fixed with the new recall item.
2. EWS - ditto the ring antenna

Other?

How old is the GS? I've not heard of an FPC or EWS failure for a very long time. Contrary to some of the old shite you may read, the GS is pretty bombproof if it's prepped properly.

Just by way of proof, I've taken 30 1200GS's of all vintageson 3 trips in the US in the last few years. Total mileage of around 220,000 miles all up and we've had 2 batteries, a couple of weeping outer seals on the FD's which you can ignore and 2 punctures in all that time.

Good preparation is the key with a GS and just enjoy the ride

 

[ghost-rider]

How old is the GS? I've not heard of an FPC or EWS failure for a very long time. Contrary to some of the old shite you may read, the GS is pretty bombproof if it's prepped properly.

Just by way of proof, I've taken 30 1200GS's of all vintageson 3 trips in the US in the last few years. Total mileage of around 220,000 miles all up and we've had 2 batteries, a couple of weeping outer seals on the FD's which you can ignore and 2 punctures in all that time.

Good preparation is the key with a GS and just enjoy the ride

well said that man

 

[Nutty]

Some here will have you believe that you need to take a spare engine, gearbox, final drive etc

Take no notice, and just enjoy yourself

 

[Duct Tape]

How old is the GS? I've not heard of an FPC or EWS failure for a very long time. Contrary to some of the old shite you may read, the GS is pretty bombproof if it's prepped properly.

Just by way of proof, I've taken 30 1200GS's of all vintageson 3 trips in the US in the last few years. Total mileage of around 220,000 miles all up and we've had 2 batteries, a couple of weeping outer seals on the FD's which you can ignore and 2 punctures in all that time.

Good preparation is the key with a GS and just enjoy the ride

Good to hear. Thx. I was referring to a new one, 2013 GSA TB. I couldn't tell from posts here and adv if this problems were still extant or old news. Thx again.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Good to hear. Thx. I was referring to a new one, 2013 GSA TB. I couldn't tell from posts here and adv if this problems were still extant or old news. Thx again.

I think they are old news matey

 

[Boxed-in]

Having read multiple threads on whats been breaking on older GS/GSA bike, and getting a new one - what extra OEM BMW parts do I still need to keep in my panniers for long trips?

1. Fuel pump controller - it's not clear to me that this is fixed with the new recall item.
2. EWS - ditto the ring antenna

Other?

I which case it is absolutely essential you carry both parts, that way you can guarentee they will never be needed!

 

[ihandyman247]

Having read multiple threads on whats been breaking on older GS/GSA bike, and getting a new one - what extra OEM BMW parts do I still need to keep in my panniers for long trips?

1. Fuel pump controller - it's not clear to me that this is fixed with the new recall item.
2. EWS - ditto the ring antenna

Other?

You don't need anything old boy just go out and have fun what will be will be !
I never take anything with me except the BMW emergency phone no. And spare mobile phone
Try to be sensible if you go for a long ride round the Europe , high octane fuel from top brands and you should be fine , you are never far from a BMW garage .
I been advised in the past to buy this and that, all big pile off crap and didn't had even a puncture
All you need is.
1 good gear,
2 full comp.insurance
3 credit card
4 mobile phone
5 good seance off humour, don't panic,
And the rest is mystery , expect the unexpected !
Have a safe ride

 

[Sgt Bilco]

You don't need anything old boy just go out and have fun what will be will be !
I never take anything with me except the BMW emergency phone no. And spare mobile phone

Have a look where the OP is from mush. You can't just call BMW assist and expect anyone to rescue you out there. If things go wrong you have to mend it or you will sit there for a very long time

 

[ihandyman247]

Have a look where the OP is from mush. You can't just call BMW assist and expect anyone to rescue you out there. If things go wrong you have to mend it or you will sit there for a very long time

Come on , you scare the crap out off this guy We don't live in middle off Arizona or Russia if the worse come to worse then walk or push the bike there is a reason why the bike buts have none slippery rubber so you can walk where the bike can not take you

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Come on , you scare the crap out off this guy We don't live in middle off Arizona or Russia if the worse come to worse then walk or push the bike there is a reason why the bike buts have none slippery rubber so you can walk where the bike can not take you

Have you ever been to Colorado? Possibly the best place on earth to ride a GS but it can get very, very remote. He's asking a perfectly reasonable question for where he lives and if I lived there, I'd carry essentials as well. The last thing he is is scared.....he's being sensible

Come back when you want to ride further than your local fucking Tesco

 

[Rasher]

I carried an FPC and never needed it, but it is probably still one of the most likely failures that could strand you somewhere and they don't take up much space.

I paid about £70 for a new one, and after I flogged the bike got £50 back on it, I really do think the EWS was sorted properly, but the odd FPC failure is still reported on bikes under a few years old - chances are it would last many years, but if it makes you feel happier hide one under a panel somewhere just in case.

Maybe see if you can get one thrown in on the deal if buying from a delaer I am sure they wont lose a sale over a part that costs them @ £50

 

[Gossy]

Come on , you scare the crap out off this guy We don't live in middle off Arizona or Russia if the worse come to worse then walk or push the bike there is a reason why the bike buts have none slippery rubber so you can walk where the bike can not take you

It a big push

 

[Wapping]

Just to echo what Sgt Bilco said. I have taken assorted GS's around France, Germany, Belgium and into Italy, clocking up well over a quarter of a million accumulated road miles. One leaking tyre valve, no punctures and just one fuel pump controller failure.

Ironically, the controller was replaced by a spare, carried by another bod in the party..... Who didn't think it worked properly, but it did and all was well.

If I add in the quarter of a million miles that a friend of mine clocks up taking bikes of all shapes, colours and hues into Europe, with similarly very few significant mechanical problems, then the GS (and all modern bikes in general) would seem to be hugely reliable.

The only significant, GS home on the back of a trailer type incident, was a crash. Not down to mechanical failure. Oh, and my 1600GT which boiled.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

When touring, I carry a spare gear lever and front brake & clutch lever (+ the tools to change them). This goes for ALL my bikes, although the GS handlebar levers are protected enough to not need spares.

At least a small topple won't leave me stranded.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

I just take a wee air compressor and a Stop 'N' Go tyre plugger.

Oh and my warranty card.............Not that i've ever needed it on my last three GS's

 

[dxtans]

I just take a wee air compressor and a Stop 'N' Go tyre plugger.

Oh and my warranty card.............Not that i've ever needed it on my last three GS's

Pretty much what I carry as well:
plug and go puncture repair
mini foot air pump
duct tape
copy of BMW ext-warranty/ bike insurance


dxtans

 

[Nutty]

If you're riding around the wilds of Colorado, maybe some spare petrol

 

[Duct Tape]

duct tape

I thank you for taking me along on your rides. Been great fun!

Thx for all comments. Yeah we don't have much cell service where I ride (western US, Canada, Mexico). I've got my repair kit pretty well sorted since I've needed it many times. Tow strap is the only other option. Pushing?, no thanks! But I'm thinking about trading in my 990 Adv (also have a 950 SE) for a 1200GSA and will need new set of tool, parts, etc.