Want one, but concerned about reliability

[knnelg]

Hi people,

I,m currently riding an FJR 1300 which I've had for over 4 years. It's a great bike and has been 100% reliable, but my problem is that whenever I go for rides, I always seem to gravitate towards 'interesting' roads that have poor surfaces, and her suspension takes a battering. So I'm thinking I might change to a bike with better ground clearance and softer suspension.

I rode a GS for two days on the BMW off-road course in Wales last year and had a fantastic time. I would never have beleived I was capable of doing the things we did, absolutely amazing.

So I'm thinking I may swap my bike for a new GSA, but then I start doing research and I'm very disapointed to be reading loads of stories of Final Drive, Fuel pump & Ignition aerial issues to mention just a few.

I know there is the fact that people tend to be vocal if things go wrong, and quiet if things are OK, so I'm hoping that all these stories are a small minority.

Am I justified in being worried, or are the actual number of issues very small?

Given that I'm asking this in a GS forum, I kind of know what sort of replies I'm going to get, but I would like some honest feedback.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[L'Escargot]

Up early,or is it late ??

Hello mate,you'll read all sorts of different opinions on this here site but as you say,some have good experiences some bad.
Personally,I've had a bit of bad,at the beginning,due to a Dealer f'ing up on 1st service,since then (2009 GSA by the way !) done nearly 15,000 miles,including trip to Croatia with some great folks off this site,via several other countries.Hungary was a bit interesting in parts,crap road ,wouldnt have wanted to take a FJR along that one !
No problems since,the ugly beast does what it says on the tin,I walk into the garage some days,look at it and think,mmm,youre f'in ugly but I love ya !!

So,check out the other replies you'll no doubt get,then go and buy one,you may have difficulty gettin the smile off your face,and the credit card put back in your wallet when it comes to all the goodies you can add on to stop yourself getting bored !

Well thats it for now,off to France wiv a few mates later today (on the bike )
cant wait.Mates on-GSXR 600,Blackbird,Triumph Sprint ST1050, & VFR 800.

Nice to know that my legs,arms wrists etc wont be aching after the first 100 miles or so !
320 miles between fill ups too,mmm,you work it out !

All the best mate.
Charlie.

 

[Davy F]

I had my 12GS for over four years and covered almost 25k. In that time, I did have the gearbox seals replaced (six days before the warrenty expired) and a couple of minor recalls. However, I sold it last November as I admit to becoming a bit paranoid as to 'when' the bike would break down, not 'if', probably exacerbated by reading too much here about peoples frustrations with reliability woes (finish wise, mine was perfect). I now run a Fazer thou and those dark thoughts have disappeared and I am really enjoying my biking even more. But saying that, the GS is probably the best bike I've ever had in riding terms for comfort (after I bought a Sargent seat) and all round ability.

 

[elefantman]

The FJR is a great bike in its own right,it will do most things the GSA will,why not keep it and invest some cash on better suspention,i'm sure for a couple of hundred quid you could make it better suited to your riding style,that said the GSA is the best bike i've owned and i've had a few,just don't keep it after the warranty runs out and you'll be fine

 

[richie]

The FJR is a great bike in its own right,it will do most things the GSA will,why not keep it and invest some cash on better suspention,i'm sure for a couple of hundred quid you could make it better suited to your riding style,that said the GSA is the best bike i've owned and i've had a few,just don't keep it after the warranty runs out and you'll be fine

A sad statement.... the last line I mean...

 

[elefantman]

Sad but true,and also true of any other vehicle,if bmw only think its worth fixing for the first two years them who am i to argue,i know you can get extended warranties and cover when buying used but its not the same level of cover,once you buy new you have to keep it up or loose money.

 

[gs1150]

i picked up my 1150 gs yr 2000 model in january this year and have racked up 11,000 miles since then and I am about to do my 60,000 mile service in a matter of moments.

my bike has lived outdoors for all its life and therefore cosmetically it isnt a shiner but mechanically it works and im well happy with it. i treat her to a wash now and again and look after the engine oil, put petrol in her and ride it.

if you are REALLY concerned about the 1200's then buy an 1150gs. there is alot less to go wrong electronics wise......unless you are a software guru with all the laptops and software in the world to sort 1200 glitches.

i was contemplating a differnet bike a few weeks ago but the 220 miles to a tank is worth more to me now than the power gain of a fireblade or R1. less to damage if it falls over too!

 

[BeemerBaz]

Hi people,

I,m currently riding an FJR 1300 which I've had for over 4 years. It's a great bike and has been 100% reliable, but my problem is that whenever I go for rides, I always seem to gravitate towards 'interesting' roads that have poor surfaces, and her suspension takes a battering. So I'm thinking I might change to a bike with better ground clearance and softer suspension.

I rode a GS for two days on the BMW off-road course in Wales last year and had a fantastic time. I would never have beleived I was capable of doing the things we did, absolutely amazing.

So I'm thinking I may swap my bike for a new GSA, but then I start doing research and I'm very disapointed to be reading loads of stories of Final Drive, Fuel pump & Ignition aerial issues to mention just a few.

I know there is the fact that people tend to be vocal if things go wrong, and quiet if things are OK, so I'm hoping that all these stories are a small minority.

Am I justified in being worried, or are the actual number of issues very small?

Given that I'm asking this in a GS forum, I kind of know what sort of replies I'm going to get, but I would like some honest feedback.

Regards,

Glenn

If your still looking mate mine is for sale ?

 

[GS TRV]

i was contemplating a differnet bike a few weeks ago but the 220 miles to a tank is worth more to me now than the power gain of a fireblade or R1!

eek

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

If it's going to cause you worry and concern, then don't buy one. Buy something else. You can get one that is no trouble (yet) like mine, uses no oil and is as much fun to hoon about on as it is to bimble...my preferred riding style..... or you can end up with a lemon.
No one on here can pat you on the head, like yer Mom and say "there, there..it will be alright" because no one...with the possible exception of the Prof after a few shandies..when he successfully predicted the outcome to Sid...can see into the future.... Good luck with whatever you choose....just live with it...

 

[scud]

I have the 1150GS and although it's still my first bike, I've just turned 89,000 miles.

Some things wear out over time, but that is to be expected - the bike has been used in all weathers and all times of the year and still looks pretty good to boot!

I've really liked the reliability of the GS; take a few sensible precautions (such as having breakdown cover) and there's no reason why it should not give you anything but sheer pleasure!

Go for it!!!!

 

[knnelg]

Thanks for the comments guys. I shall continue to do research, and consider all options in order to make a well founded solid decision based on that research.

Then I'll probably just ignore it and buy a GS anyway Buying bikes is nearly always driven by the heart rather than the head.

Thanks again.

 

[Big Nick]

Bugger the above

Just watch this !!

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Now tell me you're worried, just buy one and if it breaks fix it!

 

[elefantman]

Wow I want a 2 stroke one like the one at 0:50 seconds,they should say ''The GS is like a women,sexy,exciting and good dirty fun,but after 30 years it'll be fat,expensive and unreliable but still better than the alternative''

 

[Big Nick]

Wow I want a 2 stroke one like the one at 0:50 seconds,they should say ''The GS is like a women,sexy,exciting and good dirty fun,but after 30 years it'll be fat,expensive and unreliable but still better than the alternative''

Bloody hell mate you're one miserable downbeat git, cheer up a bit and you may enjoy life a bit better

 

[Greger]

Wow I want a 2 stroke one like the one at 0:50 seconds,they should say ''The GS is like a women,sexy,exciting and good dirty fun,but after 30 years it'll be fat,expensive and unreliable but still better than the alternative''

30 years seems a bit optomistic to me...

 

[GS TRV]

cool vid

 

[Melly Senior]

Fancy a part x for my 09 gsa?

Hi Glenn

I've just been looking at FJR's today with a view to moving from my 09 gsa to one (love the gsa but redundancy and lack of job on the horizon makes me think i may need to downsize for 12/18 months) If you wanted a chat let me know


Then again i could get rid of the car (choices choices)

Andy

 

[knnelg]

Just to complete the thread... I eventualy took the plunge. Trading my beloved FJR for an 08 GS (only 1,600 miles on the clock!) with luggage & dynamic/premium packs.

Took it for a 2 hour test this afternoon. It's TOTALY different to my current bike, but still fun and strangely ecentric (how long does it take before you stop pressing the horn when trying to signal left? ).

Pick it up on Thursday. Just hope I haven't made a big mistake.

Expect I'll be asking loads of silly questions in the next few weeks.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[FatAl]

Thats a crackin' video.......seemed to be mostly the airhead versions on it. You might be best buying an airhead thats been fully restored, at least they are simple to work on, and have none of the over complicated electronics of the later oilhead models (particularly the 1200's)
Having said that I had my R1150 GS for six years and 30,000 miles, it was totaly reliable, I never had a moments trouble with it, I eventually got bored with it though and traded it in for a Moto Guzzi Stelvio which I've had for 14 months, it's a fantastic bike, I don't miss the GS1150 at all, although I do still run an R100GS to keep a foot in this camp.