So how reliable is the 1200 really?

[KevinW]

I'm struggling a bit. I had an 1150GS last year which we really liked and took on an 11k wander round Europe. When we got back I sold it as I found it a bit underpowered.

We have a few bikes, one of them is a 1400GTR and we've come to the conclusion that it's time to trade it in. We want a bike that is capable of long distance 2-up touring. Most of it will be on road but there will be some occasional off-road sorties.

I really like the 1200GS (I suspect my 29" inside leg makes the GSA a no-no) but I'm concerned about reliability. I've heard lots of stories about how unreliable they are mostly, it has to be said, from people who haven't owned one but some of them are from people who service them and I've just read a couple here:

[snip] What the last two years have taught a lot of 1200 owners is that reliability is a real concern. When I go out I always make sure I have my RAC card and mobile phone. Its like riding with a monkey on your back. I have to put up with it because I can't afford to change.

What I would really like like is BWM to cut back on the "facelifts" and new colours and put a decent battery, fuel pump and gearbox in the bloody thing and have the balls to come in here and tell us thats what they've done. [snip]

and

Thanks for this review. I was contemplating a KTM Adventure myself. My R12GS has been giving me soooooo many troubles that ANY comparison helps me out in deciding what bike to buy next, as it will definitely not be a BMW.

It does not inspire confidence at all. These were both from 2007 and from a thread in which the GS and KTM Adventure were compared which I was reading because I'm also considering the KTM although that seems to have its own issues. This is an old thread I'll grant you but I've seen similar, more recent, comments.

So what's the real story? Is there a reliability issue with the 1200GS?

Thanks.

Kevin

 

[Toad]

You have alot of owners here, so your going to get alot of issues.

After 3 years I bought another one - read in to that what you like

 

[wully]

Go to any internet forum for cars, bikes vans or whatever and you will read all sorts of moaning, greeting faced complaints about what went wrong and how shyte the customer service from whatever manufacturer it was.....

Very few people rave on about how their bike didn't break down -AGAIN.

It's a machine. It might break down.

Might not.

Some people have problems.

Some don't.

Good luck
(BTW- I've got a 29" inside leg and have a 1200 GSA- the height isn't a problem. It was on my 1150 which I dropped 4 times,not so much of a problem on my 1200 which I dropped twice.Yet to drop the GSA, but give me time..)

 

[GSmonkey]

Not as reliable as the BMW marketing would have you believe and not as unreliable as you'd think from purely reading these forums.

I'm on my second as well..........

 

[wilbjr21]

I'm on my fourth.

'08 model is just about perfect.

 

[KevinW]

Go to any internet forum for cars, bikes vans or whatever and you will read all sorts of moaning, greeting faced complaints about what went wrong and how shyte the customer service from whatever manufacturer it was.....

Very few people rave on about how their bike didn't break down -AGAIN.

It's a machine. It might break down.

Might not.

Some people have problems.

Some don't.

Good luck
(BTW- I've got a 29" inside leg and have a 1200 GSA- the height isn't a problem. It was on my 1150 which I dropped 4 times,not so much of a problem on my 1200 which I dropped twice.Yet to drop the GSA, but give me time..)

You may be surprised. Go and have a look at the 1400GTR forums (UK and US) - very few complaints. Have a look at UKBusas, I don't think I've ever seen a complaint there; mind you, there's not a lot to complain about as the Hayabusa is an excellent machine. It's the same story on the UK ZZR forum - I get a hard time from people rushing to defend the ZZR every time I've had the temerity to mention the Hayabusa! I don't think I've ever seen a complaint there either so this complaining 'thing' isn't universal.

Anyway, back to the point - yes, if someone wanted to complain it doesn't surprise me that it's here but it's not just here I'm hearing it. OTOH it's good to know some of you have had several and are still happy.

That's good information about the GSA as well, thanks.

Kevin

 

[red1]

I've just moved to a 12GSA and hoping like you that the reliability is good.

It's a hoot around the back lanes of Lincolnshire. Faster than the K1200GT on a lot of the local roads even though it's 55BHP down on power.

If like me you're a normal mortal and not over-endowed with cash my suggestion would be to go for a late 07 model pre ESA ASC etc etc. Not because of the purchase price but the possible repair cost if something does go wrong. The ESA suspension units are 2000 Euros each (last years price). Been there, done that, got the tee shirt, etc. Not funny!

 

[Fanum]

Kweller......If you tell anyone I said this, I will have to kill you........

I don't like the 1200 models.....their characteristics, their feel, their skitteshness, their image....I'm an 1150GSAman and when I have to change, I'll go to the orange side unless the big Tenere that is rumoured to be coming is great or something else pops up.

Having said that, the 1200 is a fine bike and it's largely sorted now......if you've ridden one and like it, then don't let the stories stop you from getting one

To put things in perspective, I run a company that takes bikes into the High Atlas mountains, down into the Sahara desert and throws bikes up and down lots of off-road pistes ranging from the piss easy to the downright scary......we've had as few problems with 1200's breaking down on trips as we have 11xx's...and they crash nearly as well too.

The 12's are very different beasts to the 11xx's, and that's the reason I won't have one...they just don't suit me.....it's not because of any reliability issue (not anymore anyway)

Go test ride one, and if you like it, get it....then fit knobblies and ride it like a GS should be ridden

 

[Engineer]

I'm struggling a bit. I had an 1150GS last year which we really liked and took on an 11k wander round Europe. When we got back I sold it as I found it a bit underpowered.

We have a few bikes, one of them is a 1400GTR and we've come to the conclusion that it's time to trade it in. We want a bike that is capable of long distance 2-up touring. Most of it will be on road but there will be some occasional off-road sorties.

I really like the 1200GS (I suspect my 29" inside leg makes the GSA a no-no) but I'm concerned about reliability. I've heard lots of stories about how unreliable they are mostly, it has to be said, from people who haven't owned one but some of them are from people who service them and I've just read a couple here:


and

It does not inspire confidence at all. These were both from 2007 and from a thread in which the GS and KTM Adventure were compared which I was reading because I'm also considering the KTM although that seems to have its own issues. This is an old thread I'll grant you but I've seen similar, more recent, comments.

So what's the real story? Is there a reliability issue with the 1200GS?

Thanks.

Kevin

Almost 4 years now, 2005 Standard GS and just over 36,000 miles, it has never failed to work when called upon to.

I don't have those silly servos, ABS, traction control or lazy mans suspension because I believe in keeping things simple. It has always been serviced by the book and looked after - A few niggles have occurred from time to time, but has never let me down. I love the bike and will almost certainly buy another.

 

[peepingtom]

55,000 miles in 4 years on 1200 and no breakdowns , just 1 battery failure. i agree that there are alot of problems talked about on here and its quite depressing reading at times. Overall i still consider most jap stuff to be more reliable but the GS has alot of great qualities. some are exceptonally reliable, have shaft drive, very torquey engine , abs , heated grips, fairly easy to service yourself, great for long distance , trailable fun to ride and loads of non bmw extras available and with a pipe they sound GREAT

AS above i would only sell to get KTM950/990 or a new Tenere twin if it gets made and is very good

 

[alimey4u2]

As long as you don't start it up it will serve you a lifetime....

 

[Dahoum]

get it....then fit knobblies and ride it like a GS should be ridden

Yeah baby

 

[motobiker]

I'm struggling a bit. I had an 1150GS last year which we really liked and took on an 11k wander round Europe. When we got back I sold it as I found it a bit underpowered.

BMW's GS range aren't about 'power' if thats what you want, then I think you're looking at the wrong bikes

 

[longrider999]

MORE horsepower

BMW's GS range aren't about 'power' if thats what you want, then I think you're looking at the wrong bikes

kweller,you could try the bmwK1200lt or honda goldwing.both have afew more ponies than youre 2 cylinder bike.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

The wider appeal of good bikes like the 12GS has brought along owners who are not too tuned in on the workings, and for whom some issues are very serious failures while for others they are part and parcel.

Recently had a Ducati rider tell me that Desmo meant it had no valves so it did not have any of the valve bounce issue. Hmmm.

Several cases have been reported of the handguard moving and preventing the front brake lever releasing fully, well guess hat, the brakes wont set. Likewise, small stone can jam the rear brake switch.

I have fitted HID lamps to mine, and have learned that if the battery is low (not run for a few weeks, not common but happens) it helps to turn off the dip before cranking, otherwise the lamp fires just after the engine moves and the battery cannae cope. I learned this the hard way.

And we all know how to check the throttle cables seating in the FI adjuster ferrules - don't we?

There are some killer issues, like the ews, no argument. Still, it is useful to read and learn what you can before you need it.

My '04 R12 has 65k kms, dry dusty and hot miles, and it has been good so far!
Change engine oil every 10, g/b and drive every 20k, (sealed for life - hahahaha.)

So far, great bike, top value for money, can ride it all day. A hard act to follow.
Bin

 

[KevinW]

BMW's GS range aren't about 'power' if thats what you want, then I think you're looking at the wrong bikes

If all I was looking for was power I'd keep the 1400GTR or go out on the Hayabusa.

There's a world of difference between 'wanting power' and finding the 1150 underpowered. As much as I loathe them there are times when doing long distance touring that it becomes necessary to use motorways. I found the 1150 was happiest no faster than 85-90 and I was looking for an extra 10mph.

Thanks for the other responses which are helping although I'm going to have to look 'EWS' up! I think it's time to have a wander over to the KTM forum to see what the general feel is there before making any decisions.

One factor is servicing. I live near Dover and there is a KTM dealer not too far way in Ashford. I know of no local BMW dealer so that's going to be a bit of a PITA. Still, there are lots of factors and that's just one of them.

Kevin

 

[KevinW]

Recently had a Ducati rider tell me that Desmo meant it had no valves so it did not have any of the valve bounce issue. Hmmm.

No valves? I must get one of those as it must be much more reliable!

Likewise, small stone can jam the rear brake switch.

My GTR has just had a plate fitted under a recall notice for a similar issue but in this case it was the brake pedal assembly in which the stone could be jammed.

I have fitted HID lamps to mine, and have learned that if the battery is low (not run for a few weeks, not common but happens) it helps to turn off the dip before cranking, otherwise the lamp fires just after the engine moves and the battery cannae cope. I learned this the hard way.

Yes but any bike can do that. If I'm not riding one of the bikes for a few days it always goes on an Optimate.

Kevin

 

[KevinW]

To put things in perspective, I run a company that takes bikes into the High Atlas mountains, down into the Sahara desert and throws bikes up and down lots of off-road pistes ranging from the piss easy to the downright scary......we've had as few problems with 1200's breaking down on trips as we have 11xx's...and they crash nearly as well too.

They obviously have a hard life so it's good to know they're no worse than the 1150.

Mind you, the gearbox disintegrated on the first 1150 I bought which had 49k on the clock; I'd ridden it for about 300 miles! The bloke who sold it to me, who I sort of knew and trusted, was obviously a shyster and I was stupid for believing his "They all make that noise" without checking further. It only cost us about a grand to sort it out.. This may help to explain my nervousness abut buying into a model that is perceived to have reliability issues.

The 12's are very different beasts to the 11xx's, and that's the reason I won't have one...they just don't suit me.....it's not because of any reliability issue (not anymore anyway)

You're not the first person to tell me that just because I like the 1150 I'll like the 1200. 'very different' was how one person described it. The 1150 we did our European tour on was bought from this forum and the owner was selling it and his car to finance a 12. When he finally bought his 12 he sold it shortly afterwards as he found it uncomfortable.

I'm curious about your 'not any more anyway'. We will buy second-hand although not old but when did 'not any more' start?

Kevin

 

[Deleted account 211028001]

triumph
tt600 mapping EFI lights clutch cable (recall)
SPRINT 955 Fuel guage panel fit lights fuel tank fast release things (recall)
SPRINT1050 lights, some major linkage bolt,(recall) hot legs ( rectified in 06 bike)front brake going spongy
TIGER 1050 lights rear shock ( replaced good will but loads of moans)

so lights problem for triumph - but most manufacturers dont give a damn re lights as when mostride 3000 miles a yaer in the summer they rarely get used !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SkyGod]

2 1/2 years old 2006 1200 GS, 42000 miles. Its spent most of its life green laning and been dropped several hundred times ( never causing permanent damage). And it certainly isn`t pampered.

One brake down in all those miles and that was the fuel pump thingy at 31000.( I now carry a spare)

When I bought it if they said in the next 42k you will have one brake down I would have still got it.

Things brake, thats life.

The thing that will make the difference will be your attitude when stuff does go wrong.

Dont whinge openly on here about how awful it is, just say "shite, that needs fixing" and get it done.