What do I need to look out for

[russell davies]

Hi I am in the process of finding a GS1200, is there anything i need to know or look out for on the bikes i view. Is there anything that is common in failure i need to know about. i have a mechanical background so dont hold back. what are the common failure items for MOT,s etc all help greatly appreciated.

 

[D6]

all depends what year really, the newer they are the better

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi I am in the process of finding a GS1200, is there anything i need to know or look out for on the bikes i view. Is there anything that is common in failure i need to know about. i have a mechanical background so dont hold back. what are the common failure items for MOT,s etc all help greatly appreciated.

A warranty

With that .................life is good

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site Russell


First thing to note is that its a 1200GS

Meanwhile it depends how old it is .... but the general things are the fuel pump regulator ( fixed in a recall) EWS ring antenna (older bikes - again fixed) and the occasional problem with leaking gearbox / final drive seal and final drives packing up ..

Don't let it worry you

 

[pedro]

Beware of The Bling

A terrible illness brought on by owning a GS and reading a Touratech Catalogue. Easy to catch, hard to get rid of.

 

[STUBBS]

an 11**

 

[mherkin]

Don't Blame Me

...if you don't like it! Unlikely though.

 

[kenseaton]

Mmmm, everyone seems to be ignoring the one glaring fault with the 1200GS and that is rampant corrosion - whether on the front engine plate (which can, admittedly be unbolted and repainted, but, umm, why) or on the cylinder heads which stick out into the salty, yacky corrody stuff.

But, surprisingly, also on the rear shock which is really in a shocking state unless you invest in a hugger to keep the muck off - and that same hugger will also stop your legs getting covered in muck from the rear wheel.

You could also take a close look at the heated grips which get very thin very quickly (at least on my 2005 bike) and will need replacing.

On the plus side; I love the bike. Every single inch of it.

On the minus side; I live in the south of France - here all the GSs are in as-new condition as regards corrosion so I will have to take the bike back to Scotland to resell it. However, the next one I buy will have all the above faults fixed - at the previous owner's expense (or BMW's)

Ken