R1200GS and the DIY mechanic
- Thread starter ~Stef~
- Start date
Roymondo
Registered user
Not for routine service and maintenance, no. But you might need something a bit more sophisticated than a bulb + croc clip continuity tester for some diagnostic/fault-finding operations, should Something Go Wrong in the engine management/fuel injection.
Google GS911.
Which does seem to be rare and unlikely, service it the same as older motors, just don't poke about with test lights and the like if a fault is suspected..
Looking at maybe another Adventure/Tourer type bike and have considered a R1200GS but do I need a degree in computer science to service and maintain it myself ?
Or should I stick to an 1150 ?
Stick to an 1150. Better built and simpler.
chad
Registered user
Maybe...
But also down on power, and 35 Kg heavier.
CANBUS isn't horribly intimidating once you know it's quirks. It's certainly not a case of inadvertently putting a death-hex on it by looking at it funny...
Maybe...
But also down on power, and 35 Kg heavier.
..
The 1200 was 35kg lighter.
Until the overweight owners bolt on 70KG of unnecessary shite.
The 1200 was 35kg lighter.
Until the overweight owners bolt on 70KG of unnecessary shite.
Spot on.
But that applies with equal emphasis to the 1150.In fact, this could be why McGregor, Boorman and Von Planta made a spectator sport out of whinging about how heavy their GSs were. (To anyone who hasn't yet watched 'Long Way Round' - have a squizz to see what I'm on about. You'll see at least one complaint about how heavy the bikes are PER EPISODE - after the bikes were seemingly loaded with every item Touratech ever thought of.
No wonder they all had sub-frame failures.)
As for me, I'm firmly in the middle of the 'average' mass range for my height, and I make a habit of stripping unnecessary weight off all my bikes wherever possible.
My '09 GSA has no foglights, no wind wings, no bashplate, lightweight mirrors, a lightweight de-catted performance exhaust, a front wheel approximately 1 Kg lighter than standard, no pannier rails, and the standard steel luggage rack has been replaced with the plastic item from the GS...
Gossy
Registered user
Spot on.
In fact, this could be why McGregor, Boorman and Von Planta made a spectator sport out of whinging about how heavy their GSs were. (To anyone who hasn't yet watched 'Long Way Round' - have a squizz to see what I'm on about. You'll see at least one complaint about how heavy the bikes are PER EPISODE - after the bikes were seemingly loaded with every item Touratech ever thought of.
No wonder they all had sub-frame failures.)
As for me, I'm firmly in the middle of the 'average' mass range for my height, and I make a habit of stripping unnecessary weight off all my bikes wherever possible.
My '09 GSA has no foglights, no wind wings, no bashplate, lightweight mirrors, a lightweight de-catted performance exhaust, a front wheel approximately 1 Kg lighter than standard, no pannier rails, and the standard steel luggage rack has been replaced with the plastic item from the GS...
Awesome - must take a sqizz
Mad_Accountant
Registered user
Take out the unnecessary fuel as well - don't fill with 33 litres unless you actually need the range.
+1.
Unless I'm doing a 'Saddlesore'-type trip, I typically never fill the tank with more than R200-worth (equating to roughly 16 litres at current fuel prices).
During a normal work week, this gets me about four days' travel.
Think you will find its only the owners that are simpler
I am sure we must be and that's the reason we get involved with 1200's!!!.
