Newbie questions and suggestions please (and a rather long diatribe, sorry).

[Knutttt]

Hello All

Have been lurking here for a couple of weeks and have tried to do a lot of reading but still have a few questions and would also welcome some recommendations.

So on Monday I part-ex'd my Honda CB1000R for a ridiculously low mileage '58 plate R1200GS.

It's been quite a week but I'm starting to gel with the GS now (I've ridden 4 cylinder machines for the past 15 years so this is quite different), I ride 15 miles to work every day and the CB was a 59 plate with 26,000 miles on the clock. The GS had just under 3900 miles showing when I picked it up and had done less than 50 miles since 2011 (I've done more miles this week then the bike has done in the past year or so).

The bike was serviced by my local Honda dealer before I picked it up but I'm considering getting a proper service at somewhere that can check the electronics and perhaps update anything - open to suggestions for a reliable service centre in the Midlands...

I'm also after some engine bars and again would welcome some recommendations. I've seen ones on NippyNormans and these on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140895242292?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)...

The bike came with fully BMW panniers but the chords that stop the top box lid flipping over are damaged and I haven't found anywhere listing just those on their own (the press-stud rivets are damaged).

Sorry for all the questions and excessive reading but I'm hoping I've covered everything.

Fingers crossed for some wisdom

cheers

Andy

 

[david a hall]

Welcome, You might have to think outside the box on the luggage stoppers, Im sure a handy chap could probably fabricate something better. If its done so low a mileage it will probably be ok and just ride it.

 

[Pukmeister]

If you search for the online parts fiche sites such as MAXBMW you may find an exploded view of the panniers complete with part numbers.

I had Hepco & Becker bars on my first GS and they saved the bike from major scars in a 30mph+ slide up the road.

For reading/resetting fault codes you need to use a dealer or befriend somebody with a GS911 device.

Enjoy the GS.

 

[Knutttt]

Thanks guys, I thought I might end up at a full BMW dealer, guess they'll have the fiche to.

Still not sure about the engine bars, the ebay ones seem like a good deal but I don't like the way the tank bars fit (unless that's how they all fit)?

Andy

 

[Fireflyer]

Still not sure about the engine bars, the ebay ones seem like a good deal but I don't like the way the tank bars fit (unless that's how they all fit)?

Andy

Hi Knutttt

PM sent re crash bars

 

[snappo]

For servicing, you'll get lots of folk recommending Adventure Bike Warehouse up in Manchester - and they'll all be telling the truth!!

 

[Knutttt]

Thanks Snappo, will look them up.

Cheers

 

[JerseyNeil]

I would respectfully suggest that if it ain't broken then don't fix it. Meaning that if your Honda dealer serviced it and put in new oil & filter and there are no warning lights on the dash, the brakes feel good then just ride it.

Plan your next service with a BMW specialist for peace of mind but do go spending your hard earned cash just for the sake of it.

I had a Honda VFR800 VTEC for five years before buying a 2010 GS privately with 1,700 miles on the clock. The GS had not been serviced for two years but only had done 100 miles in that two years. The oil was still red (rather than brown/black) in the window and it had be lovingly stored by its owner who was not fit to ride it. I bought it in April with 1,700 miles and it now has 4,100 miles on it. I plan to take it to my local BMW dealer for it's 6,000 service in the autumn and am just enjoying riding it till then.

I know these forums are full of doom and gloom (as all forums are) but try not to think you have just a piece of precision engineering than needs to be checked by wallet emptying experts every five minutes. If it rides okay then the odds are it is fine.

Enjoy your new bike. I know I am.

Neil

 

[Knutttt]

Thanks Neil
That's a good point, maybe just being paranoid incase they missed anything but will bear that in mind.

Andy