What to look out for?

[Richard ZB]

I'm looking to buy a 2004 or 2005 1200gs.

I am a competant mechanic, are they easy enough to service? Not too much electronic stuff to go wrong.
What do I look out for?
Are there any common problems?
Is the 2005 significantly different form 2004?
Any pointeres to other similar threads most welcome!

Many thanks

 

[Jason P]

Personally I'd be looking for a non-ABS model at that age - I'm not a fan of servo brakes, too much to go wrong and increased service costs. But others may well disagree...

 

[Bobbin-Man]

By choice I'd try to go for one with the modified center stand - I think this happened Oct 2005. It has a straight bar linking the stand legs rather than a big hoop.

 

[APE]

By choice I'd try to go for one with the modified center stand - I think this happened Oct 2005. It has a straight bar linking the stand legs rather than a big hoop.

Yep the hoop centre stand was a bastard As mentioned avoid servos if possible. Suspension might be shagged at the age. I would go of the most basic model you can find and buy a secondhand set of Ohlins or Wilbers - they really transform the bike. And thats about it - give the rear wheel a wiggle for play in the drive shaft and have a good look for oil leaks around the gearbox seals.

 

[Mr K]

Bought a brand new 2004 with the "centre stand from hell" noticed as I rolled beneath her (today) that the fear/death/ tradgey curvy centre stand had indeed rusted again.
May have to spend an hour in the garage with abrasive products and Hammerite.

Everyday with servo- ABS is a living nightmare............

Best bike I ever owned. Don't believe the tripe.

 

[yoxi675]

I'm running a 54 plate 1200 with servo abs and the hooped stand. No probs so far 25000 miles on her now. I self service it. The one mod I would do is his lights they are a squill ion times better than the standard candles.
Good luck with the purchase.
Chris

 

[Steptoe]

Servo isn't a problem - if it goes wrong simply remove it.

 

[Bobbin-Man]

50,000 miles and servo still fine

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Most important to look out for is a nice clean 950 ADV

HTH

 

[Buz]

Servo isn't a problem - if it goes wrong simply remove it.

Doesn't it depend where you are when it does go wrong
(according to other threads i've read)

 

[APE]

Most important to look out for is a nice clean 950 ADV

HTH

As long as youre ok with the awful carb icing and squealing brakes

 

[trainman]

I'm looking to buy a 2004 or 2005 1200gs.

I am a competant mechanic, are they easy enough to service? Not too much electronic stuff to go wrong.
What do I look out for?
Are there any common problems?
Is the 2005 significantly different form 2004?
Any pointeres to other similar threads most welcome!

Many thanks

servicing is a doddle, took about 90 mins for me to do eng and gbx oils, plugs and filters,
not sure when the 'sealed' final drive came along, its a pain to drain (I have it on my 06), just adds some time i guess
check the recalls have been done (fuel pump controller etc) and give it a good test through the gears to check clutch is ok and no leaks onto plates

 

[Richard ZB]

Thanks so much and keep them coming.

All the info is gold! The more I can amass the happier I'll be!

I test rode a KTM 990 adventure, Triumph 800, Yamaha 1200 super Tenere, 1200GS and 1150gs adventure.
The only one that rang my bells was the 2004 1200GS I rode, but the shaft was clunking in first and it was rusty all over at 24,000 miles, must have been outdoors all it's life.
So I'm on the lookout, the closer to Devon the better!

 

[jwpzx9r]

I have a 2005 with 18k miles. Watch for clutch slip rip it a new one in top from about 4k rpm if it goes past 6k without sliping then thats ok! I don't know what the issue with the centre stand is my one has a curved stand and I have never had an easier bike to put on the stand fullstop! The brakes are amazing but I have had the ABS light flashing and I am of the opinion, as in my bikes case it has all been electical issues causing the fault. I have heard of a few FD problems but even if this was to surface, having seen the replacement procedure for the bearings I would be confident replacing them myself although you do need a couple of specific tools. Overall a great bike though.... oh and the handling is s hot for a lump of its size

 

[52blackshadow]

04 reg 1200GS............

I ride an 04 reg 1200GS with 85k miles. So far apart from a bit of rust I haven't had a problem with the centre stand (Centre stand pivots broke and dropped out a few times until i made up modified ones which have now been in for about 50k miles without issue).

I'll second the suggestion of looking for a non ABS bike - I've just removed the servo from mine because it has let me down a few times, and always seems to require a trip to the dealer to sort it out. Other weak points? Mine had a replacement gearbox and clutch at 18k under warranty, then a second replacement clutch and a gearbox rebuild due to a collapsed bearing at 50k. the Oilseal in the bevel box seems to go every 30k miles or so (better than the R1100s, which seem to take the bearings out at about the same frequency).

Good luck with your search - when they are right they are the best bike you can own, but when they go wrong they can be a sod.

Shad.

 

[Humbug]

Bought a brand new 2004 with the "centre stand from hell" noticed as I rolled beneath her (today) that the fear/death/ tradgey curvy centre stand had indeed rusted again.
May have to spend an hour in the garage with abrasive products and Hammerite.

Everyday with servo- ABS is a living nightmare............

Best bike I ever owned. Don't believe the tripe.

I've had my 2005 model with all the above design faults since new. It's never failed to start or get me to my destination -yet! It's still on the original battery and front brake pads. At only 30,000 miles covered in seven years I suppose the mileage is low but I do ride five other bikes!