You're the second person to say something similar and I don't understand the response. I'm fully aware things break. When they do I get them repaired just like the rectifier in my Hayabusa that failed when the bike had done 500 miles. The thing is I don't know anyone else who has had a rectifier failure on that model so it's an uncommon fault, I was just unlucky and am more than happy to forget about it.
If lots of people had had a similar problem that would be indicative of an unreliable part and I would expect Suzuki to replace them as Yamaha did with the centre stand on my FJR. If several parts break regularly on a bike then I would consider the bike itself to be unreliable and I don't want one.
What I'm trying to establish with the cross-section of 1200GS owners on this forum is whether the 1200GS is considered unreliable. On balance it seems there are more happy owners than unhappy owners but given the information I had received from several sources it's not an unreasonable question for me to ask, is it?
Re. the fuel pump, funnily enough it was the fuel pump that failed on our 1150 when we were wandering. If you consider it necessary to carry a spare that's indicative to me that that you consider it to be an unreliable part which is a factor for consideration albeit you are a sample size of one.
Kevin
Hi Kevin
I've had some of the "normal" issues with my 1200 (May 05, 30,000 miles) but only one of them - failed fuel pump controller - left me stranded and only a flat battery left me stuck at home once. These are frustrations, undoubtedly, and should not be issues on a perceived top-end bike, and one sold as being capable of riding round the world. Engine plate corrosion has been fixed (twice) under warranty, failed oil seals (gearbox and alternator drive) sorted under goodwill.
By "normal", you do need to take into account that I imagine the majority of bikes have not had any of these issues, but we are more likely to become aware of those that do. So even though they are more common, maybe they are still rare (if that makes sense).
However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another because I like the bike so much. The fuel pump controller issue may not recur but the worry is solved by buying a spare for £70 and bunging it in the top box. I consider it to be an unreliable part, based on my bike's failure but also the number of people on here who have suffered similarly, but it is fairly easily resolved.
Do I consider my bike unreliable? No, not at all. Even though the fuel pump issue left me stranded in Austria on holiday in July 2007, it didn't for a moment make me worry about going on a trip to Spain in Summer 2008, nor do I worry about it at all when riding day to day, whether it's an hour on a Sunday, a weekend in Belgium, or a day trip to Gloucester. I have breakdown cover, but I also have breakdown and recovery cover on my cars, and I really can't remember the last time a car left me stranded!
So, it's not been perfect, but even accepting that, I can't think of another bike I'd rather have, even assuming that another model would be 100% reliable. It becomes a very individual choice for each owner whether you'd rather have a "flawed" GS or a perfect ZZR or whatever.
I prefer the 1200 to the 1150, although it is a slightly different "feel" and I can understand why some prefer the 1150. Incidentally, my previous bike was an 1150, also owned from new, and that was not without its problems and warranty claims.
The dealership issue isn't brilliant around here, is it? Coopers in Tunbridge Wells are the nearest and I've used them for servicing (while it was in warranty) and warranty repairs. I bought the bike from a now-defunct dealer in Bexley. There's a good independent mechanic called Brian Giles, also near Tunbridge Wells, who I've used as well and comes recommended. But it's still a fair old trek to get there. A few people use BMW dealers in France - Arras, I believe - for servicing, so that's perhaps an option for you?
On the positive side, servicing and maintenance at home is relatively simple - now the warranty cover is no longer an issue, I do all the basics myself, and use Brian for more complicated stuff (so far, just ABS related work).
Robin.
