thinking of changing from twin cam to water cooled- questions

[birdseye]

Really just one question. What are the problems with the water cooled, like the old air cooled / oil cooled had bevel box issues and corrosion problems.

Thinking of an RT this time rather than another GS but since there are far more GS about, I thought this a better place to ask the question

 

[EVskiy]

Really just one question. What are the problems with the water cooled, like the old air cooled / oil cooled had bevel box issues and corrosion problems.

Thinking of an RT this time rather than another GS but since there are far more GS about, I thought this a better place to ask the question

Apart from electronic components (LH switch gear and quick shifter module thingy) failing snd replaced under warranty on my last GS, all has been fine. Corrosion is an issue but if bike cleaned with correct products regularly and ACF50 treated, you shouldn't have any problems. Alternately there is 2 year warranty to fall back on to.


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[Jallani]

I've done 28K on my 2013 LC and has been pretty reliable. The only issue i've had is a faulty water pump and dodgy LH switch gear replaced under warranty otherwise been faultless. The gearbox on mine is pretty clunky but you learn to live with it.

 

[birdseye]

Thanks. I tested one when they had just come out and noticed then that the gearbox was very clunky going into first. I assumed that BMW would have sorted this by now but from what you say, they havent done

 

[Engineer]

Really just one question. What are the problems with the water cooled, like the old air cooled / oil cooled had bevel box issues and corrosion problems.

Thinking of an RT this time rather than another GS but since there are far more GS about, I thought this a better place to ask the question

If you buy a new one and look after it the water-cooled ones are at least as good as the twin-cam.

 

[Wierpig]

Do it.Superb bikes.Mine still looks great at 2 years 20000 miles.

 

[mattgslc]

I don't know where to start on this one as I have so much to say about the twin cam I had and the two LC's I have had since

I will say that I wished I saved all my money and kept my 39000mls 2011 Twin Cam and never bought a LC

my 2016 had corrosion problems and my 7 week old on Monday 2017 GSA TE is at the dealers in bits with half its engine apart and also got gearbox problems, needless to say that BMW have been and test ridden it and have agreed that it has indeed got "problems" and they are thinking that it might be an engine and box change to a new one, hold on a mo, this has 1440 mls on the clock to which the BMW Motorad UK did 40+ of lol
I want a brand new bike to be honest, you will however always get the odd bad apple but mine is not an isolated case from what I have been reading as of late

I also will say that Marshalls Of Grimsby have been absolutely fantastic, they lent me a brand new nineT and are getting me a loan GS with brand new boxes to go on the Dent ride with
I cant thank them enough to be honest and will always go back to them for something else or another GSA

 

[sven]

2009 R1200GS MU - flawless until the clutch started slipping at 12k miles due to a leaking oil seal

2012 R1200RT - No real problems

2014 R1200GS LC - No real issues, but I had the engine replaced at 13k mile due to less corrosion than my RT and GS MU, but the harsh ESA suspension is worrying The rear shock absorber was replaced at 15k miles and is harsh again 3k miles later

 

[adventuredon]

If you buy a new one and look after it the water-cooled ones are at least as good as the twin-cam.

So explaon to me then how corrosion on 1 side of the bike is considerably worse than the other? I was equally well on all sides..yet left is fecked...

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[adventuredon]

2009 R1200GS MU - flawless until the clutch started slipping at 12k miles due to a leaking oil seal

2012 R1200RT - No real problems

2014 R1200GS LC - No real issues, but I had the engine replaced at 13k mile due to less corrosion than my RT and GS MU, but the harsh ESA suspension is worrying The rear shock absorber was replaced at 15k miles and is harsh again 3k miles later

No real issues...engine replacement and gear box....ffs what do you class as an issue? Bike disintegration on a motorway

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[mattgslc]

So explaon to me then how corrosion on 1 side of the bike is considerably worse than the other? I was equally well on all sides..yet left is fecked...

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that normally happens on the left side more than the right due to all the shit on the roads being in the gutter / curb side and not so much on the white line side hence more corrosion on the left

that's my thoughts anyway lol

 

[Wreford Miles]

I like the character of the TC engine over the LC, it feels more grunty.

I suspect on paper it's not more grunty but it feels real

 

[oldnfat]

Well, having had both and gone back to a TC I am of course bias. My '14 GSA LC had many issues including the ESA not working as it should. Given the vast numbers of LCs sold I would hope mine is an isolated case but having had a GS of some description since 1986 I can honestly say the LC was the only one I lost confidence in and binned. I am now back on a '13 GSA with the AF XIED units fitted which have transformed the motor to a smooth and punchy unit.

Having recently test ridden a '17 GS there is no doubt the motor is in a different class...much faster. However, I still think there are issues with the dynamic ESA and the ergonomics are not so good....the quality of components is still a let down as well....lots of hard flimsy plastic. But for me and the long distance riding I do....I just find the TC a better, more relaxing ride. I wanted to like the LC more....just didn't.

My advice would be to make sure you go on a very long test ride...they are very different bikes.

 

[batman1]

Oldnfat is right, have at the very least two good long test rides of a least 100 miles each ride, and ride the bike on a bit of everything, motorway, town traffic and of course the twisties.
Then when you feel you know the bike, make your decision.

I'm on my 5th LC since they came out, 2013GS, 2014GS, 2015RT, 2015GSA, current bike 2016GS/TB

I really like 'em, but the pre LC's were good bikes too!

I've not had any real issues and nil corrosion on all of them, proper cleaning is essential, and at the very least a thorough cold water rinsing after winter rides.

 

[sven]

No real issues...engine replacement and gear box....ffs what do you class as an issue? Bike disintegration on a motorway

The old engine worked perfectly and had no more corrosion (a bit of paint bubbling) than most of the used bikes in my local BMW dealers and less than my old GS and RT at the same age. It'd still have been working perfectly now

 

[Tinytim]

Is this a spoof thread?


" no real issues"

Bwahahahah!

 

[mherkin]

I tried a 2016LC for a week in Oz and found it a lot more uncomfortable than my 2011 TC.

I considered "upgrading" the TC but after that experience I don't think I'll bother. Also found the LC more rattly.

Not for me.


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