Using a 1200 as a daily driver - reassure me

[Pirahna]

First post, so hello.

I just need some reassurance. If I use a 1200 as daily transport will it survive 20k a year without spending too much time on the back of a break down truck?

I believe the 08 and later models have a better bearing in the bevel box?

 

[Shep]

Hello and welcome, yes, they are mostly fine, you might be unlucky but then again you might be lucky who knows

I'd make sure my RAC was up to date and just get on with it.

 

[stanley]

ACF50 and home-servicing will be your new best friends

 

[Pirahna]

No problem with home servicing, I've been doing it for years. I assume the finish on BM's hasn't improved, it's 10 years since my last one.

It's the amount of electrickery on these that worries me.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

That's what I'm using and I love it . You get used to the size and 300 miiles between fill ups is a bonus . The only vehicle you will ever need

 

[spm0912]

Been commuting on a boxer for 10 years, 1150, pre and twin cam. All exceeded 20k miles a year, all year round and never been let down (now I've done it0. Yep things have gone wrong but nothing that has left me stranded. Get yourself some breakdown cover and just ride it.

 

[NickD]

As above, 15k commuting on the GS 1200 (2012) since Sept. gone through a couple of tyres (punctures) but otherwise fantastic.
Road side assist a must!
Enjoy

 

[dave perry]

Plus Several to all the above, 50K miles in 3 years on the 2007 baby, and now just starting on a 2010 Twin Cam, all you will ever need !

 

[cookie]

It's the amount of electrickery on these that worries me.

doesn't seem to give much trouble nowadays.

 

[APE]

I used an 06 on a 50 mile daily commute into the City all year round for 4 years. I think I had a FPC issue once and a flat tyre during that period.

 

[ThorH]

It's the amount of electrickery on these that worries me.

You worry much about the elctronic systems in your car? No? So why worry about the bike?

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I think, within reason, the more regularly you use your bike the more reliable it will be for you.

I met a chap at Vines (a total stranger I might add) who commutes 30,000 miles a year on his 1200 RTs

He keeps them for three years then buys a new one.

He was on his third RT.

Does that reassure you?

 

[Magwych]

Hi Piranha and welcome.

I've been using my '08 GSA for a 55mile each way commute since new in March 2008. Its now at 109,000 miles.

It's been on the back up a pick-up twice. Shaft drive failure the first time, short in the starter the second.

Given the hard life it gets, out in all elements I can be fairly fatalistic about it. Keep up with the servicing should help avoid a lot of issues. The largest number of issues seem to crop up here in March/April when bikes are being taken out of hibernation.

 

[GB.]

Hi Piranha and welcome.

I've been using my '08 GSA for a 55mile each way commute since new in March 2008. Its now at 109,000 miles.

It's been on the back up a pick-up twice. Shaft drive failure the first time, short in the starter the second.

Given the hard life it gets, out in all elements I can be fairly fatalistic about it. Keep up with the servicing should help avoid a lot of issues. The largest number of issues seem to crop up here in March/April when bikes are being taken out of hibernation.

I thought I was racking them up at 77000 on an 07

 

[Magwych]

Hi Piranha and welcome.

I've been using my '08 GSA for a 55mile each way commute since new in March 2008. Its now at 109,000 miles.

It's been on the back up a pick-up twice. Shaft drive failure the first time, short in the starter the second.

Given the hard life it gets, out in all elements I can be fairly fatalistic about it. Keep up with the servicing should help avoid a lot of issues. The largest number of issues seem to crop up here in March/April when bikes are being taken out of hibernation.

Oh, and it has done a few trips to France and Spain too, even as far as Cornwall.

 

[Ali-bear]

They are only as reliable as anything else on the road.

 

[robb]

In my experience if you ride it daily then it's less likely to suffer the niggling faults people moan about e.g. batteries etc

 

[Sgt Bilco]

In my experience if you ride it daily then it's less likely to suffer the niggling faults people moan about e.g. batteries etc

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. The more you ride them, the less hassle they have.

 

[1130cc]

I commute 350 miles a week, since last October, on a 2010 GSA.

ACF50 did :a great job of protection.
50mpg if I ride like pussy, and 43 if I tear the arse.

Absolutely love it.. Tis the best commuter I have had.

Handles well on green lanes too, when I fancy the scenic scenic route home.

 

[Mick-B]

64,000 on an '06 1200 GS - bought March last year with 48,000; since then, a 200 mile weekly commute throughout the year (minus the "snow days"), a trip to Normandy, numerous visits to the New Forest, several trips to Norfolk, one to Sherwood Forest, etc. account for the last 16,000 miles - averaging about 1,000 per month

Last year the original battery started to go wobbly, the original FPC failed and the RHS throttle started to stick. Aside from these minor items (each fixed within same day), all has been good. My last bike (an '05 Bandit) did 64k before I sold it and that was fine - would likely have done loads more miles.

Breakdown assistance for peace of mind and serviced at the specified intervals - go for it!