Contemplating buying one and wondering just what weaknesses bmw have built in this time. From comments in other threads it looks lke gearbox and brake pads. Anything else? Bevel box bearins? Fuel tank guages? Corrosion?
what problems on the lc?
- Thread starter birdseye
- Start date
Nothing to worry about, brilliant bikes & all the supposed issues are in the mind, not the bike
Nothing to worry about, brilliant bikes & all the supposed issues are in the mind, not the bike
I understand the point you are making about forum hysteria, but the 11000 mile bevel box bearing issue on my current gs wasnt ''in the mind''. Nor the corrosion.
There have been some 'sticky' switches and one or two cracked screens (probably down to incorrect assembly at the factory or dealer) the gearbox on mine is fine, clunks into first like all of them and the rest of the changes are just like any other 1200 I have owned, some changes really sweet some a bit less so BUT it doesn't detract from a brilliant bike.
Captain Beaky
Registered user
There is no sign of bevel box issues - yet. Time will tell.
The corrosion issues have been around since the 1150gs. And I would not really expect that to change anytime soon.
Best advice is to be armed with crud catchers etc, and use acf50 to try and hold back the corrosion.
Some (early?) bikes seem to suffer clutch drag(?) that makes gear selection a difficult or noisy affair. Either I have a good one, or I'm not so sensitive to it. Mine is about the same as my 2007 R1200r, and definitely better than my 2001 GS. The gearbox on mine works fine, but it is typically "GS" agricultural.
There are reports few electrical switchgear issues on early bikes. And some bikes needing shims in the rear pannier brackets to make them fit - this seems to have calmed down.
Personally, at 2000 mikes now, I'm very happy with mine. It is different to the previous GS bikes - the clutch action is different, being a wet clutch, the handling ( especially with ESA) is even better than before, with a lot more power than Ive ever experienced on an adventure bike - I find it the most comfortable GS yet. I don't get on brilliantly with the BMW panniers, I still prefer the old black clamshells on my k1200rs - they simply seem a lot easier to use - I suppose I'll get used to them. Ditto the switchgear - its a bit fussy and complicated - i miss the old indicator paddles of the precious bikes, but after a period of adjustment, im getting used to it - and like the GPS. Overall, I'm very happy - I smile every time I ride it - which is why I bought it.
The corrosion issues have been around since the 1150gs. And I would not really expect that to change anytime soon.
Best advice is to be armed with crud catchers etc, and use acf50 to try and hold back the corrosion.
Some (early?) bikes seem to suffer clutch drag(?) that makes gear selection a difficult or noisy affair. Either I have a good one, or I'm not so sensitive to it. Mine is about the same as my 2007 R1200r, and definitely better than my 2001 GS. The gearbox on mine works fine, but it is typically "GS" agricultural.
There are reports few electrical switchgear issues on early bikes. And some bikes needing shims in the rear pannier brackets to make them fit - this seems to have calmed down.
Personally, at 2000 mikes now, I'm very happy with mine. It is different to the previous GS bikes - the clutch action is different, being a wet clutch, the handling ( especially with ESA) is even better than before, with a lot more power than Ive ever experienced on an adventure bike - I find it the most comfortable GS yet. I don't get on brilliantly with the BMW panniers, I still prefer the old black clamshells on my k1200rs - they simply seem a lot easier to use - I suppose I'll get used to them. Ditto the switchgear - its a bit fussy and complicated - i miss the old indicator paddles of the precious bikes, but after a period of adjustment, im getting used to it - and like the GPS. Overall, I'm very happy - I smile every time I ride it - which is why I bought it.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Mines still fine done 4k just come back from Germany faultless! My advice would be listen to those that have them not those that don't!
With fluid reduced from clutch master cylinder and engine oil removed so that level is halfway in window this is the best road bike i have ever had the pleasure to own and ride it is without doubt the best out there
Well one was and the other wasn't
One issue was in your hands, wasn't it?
The corrosion occurred with the previous owner, but that said I dont see why I should have to spray bolt heads with a preventative ( try duck oil - its as good as acf and way cheaper) on a bike costing north of 12k new. The extra cost to BMW of using marine grade stainless fasteners would be maybe £1 per bike so why not? If it were an option, I bet you would specify it.
Other comments are reassuring though after owning two 1200GS my confidence in BMW is a bit shaken. I will have a look at the Explorer too.
You're not being realistic mate - this topic has been done to death.
4,500 miles in 10 weeks and mine has been a peach.
All I can do is echo the positive comments other have said and pass on my 'get we'll soon' wishes to the what seems subset of people with some real problems.
Daz
All I can do is echo the positive comments other have said and pass on my 'get we'll soon' wishes to the what seems subset of people with some real problems.
Daz
Captain Beaky
Registered user
Bought new 1st July, 7000 kms later on the 31st and its nicely loosened up.
Great bike, lowered the clutch fluid and the engine oil a fraction and it made an acceptable gear change, just fine.
Brakes, handling, engine all much improved over my old 1200.
Great bike, lowered the clutch fluid and the engine oil a fraction and it made an acceptable gear change, just fine.
Brakes, handling, engine all much improved over my old 1200.
Had a short run on one at the weekend so not a full test run. Compared with my 1150GS:-
The engine is fantastic, fairly smooth and addictively powerful.
The gear change is horrible, neutral is a best guess.
The clutch doesn't seem to disengage properly making 1st selection a very noisy and brutal affair.
The brakes are brilliant.
The screen is a massive improvement.
The switch gear is fiddly but I guess you'd get used to it.
Will I buy one? Not until they improve the gearchange/clutch. They should have stuck with a dry clutch car stylee.
The engine is fantastic, fairly smooth and addictively powerful.
The gear change is horrible, neutral is a best guess.
The clutch doesn't seem to disengage properly making 1st selection a very noisy and brutal affair.
The brakes are brilliant.
The screen is a massive improvement.
The switch gear is fiddly but I guess you'd get used to it.
Will I buy one? Not until they improve the gearchange/clutch. They should have stuck with a dry clutch car stylee.
Isn't yours on EBay at knocked down sale price ?Nothing to worry about, brilliant bikes & all the supposed issues are in the mind, not the bike
I dont own one but have read all the posts on here about them good and bad !
would i own one/buy one? Yes i would if i hadnt spent a fortune fettling my 1200 to be as good as it can be so i am happy with it for now
i would of course seriously consider the KTM but the LC would win
Only you know if you want one and if you really do want one then what is the point of poking this wasps nest with a stick !
would i own one/buy one? Yes i would if i hadnt spent a fortune fettling my 1200 to be as good as it can be so i am happy with it for now
i would of course seriously consider the KTM but the LC would win
Only you know if you want one and if you really do want one then what is the point of poking this wasps nest with a stick !
You obviously have little knowledge of materials to suggest they would use Marine grade for £1 per bike.
Realistically it would be far more than that, but there are many other issues involved such as how the materials stretch, torque figures, difficulties in production and the fact that the standard fasteners work like sacrificial anode and help the front cover last until the warrantee runs out
Stainless is all well and good when you are happy to copperslip each one etc, but very hard to us in a factory environment.
I wonder how you'd complain when all the fasteners break on the bike and you have a huge bill for removing stuck in bits of stainless bolts because they have seized into the ali casings
Stainless steel comes with it's own list of issues, visible corrossion isn't one, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have plenty of others!!
If you like the bike when you ride it and it suits you take a chance like I did, the bike is under warranty so any problems they should get sorted (waiting for clutch rod myself). I think it is a much better bike than my 05 & 07 GS's and it is now fast enough for me to come back from a K1300! I tried the Cross Tourer and the Explorer and I think the GS is a much better bike, the Multistrada came closest for putting a smile on my face but overall the GS is a better package and cheaper!
Just sort my gearbox/clutch and I will be over the moon
Just sort my gearbox/clutch and I will be over the moon
Corrosion
I had a 2009 oil head gs for 2 years, when i first bought it i fitted a fender extender and sprayed all the fasteners with acf50 and just washed it as normal from there onwards. when I traded it for a Tiger Explorer there were no furry fasteners or corrosion of any kind. I have now come back to the Bavarian mother church and i am awaiting delivery of my 2014 spec GS WC, I shall give the same treatment to this one.
The comments about SS bolts are quite correct.
I had a 2009 oil head gs for 2 years, when i first bought it i fitted a fender extender and sprayed all the fasteners with acf50 and just washed it as normal from there onwards. when I traded it for a Tiger Explorer there were no furry fasteners or corrosion of any kind. I have now come back to the Bavarian mother church and i am awaiting delivery of my 2014 spec GS WC, I shall give the same treatment to this one.
The comments about SS bolts are quite correct.
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