TheJoker said:I guess I should retract my statement above, as I've just got a K1200R
Hows it going Jocke?
Yes I would and I am buying another, although it has the added "A" factor.
Hows it going Jocke?
Yes I would and I am buying another, although it has the added "A" factor.
TheJoker
Registered user
shedracer said:
Hows it going Jocke?
Yes I would and I am buying another, although it has the added "A" factor.
shedracer, I'll answer over in this thread instead...
so some are bad and some are good.
My 1200GS is just over a year old, 8,500 miles
3rd gearbox
2nd clutch
etc
etc
etc
etc
pretty much everything has conked out at some point
I'm overall disappointed by the build quality of the bike (especially compared to previous BM and non BM machines)
I've also been let down repeatedly, badly by the clowns that run the so-called BMW "assist" service, but that's another tale.
It looks like I bought an early one and have been an unwitting product developer - judging by the amount of differences between mine and a spanky new one!
Might by another if all the gremlins have gone....
My 1200GS is just over a year old, 8,500 miles
3rd gearbox
2nd clutch
etc
etc
etc
etc
pretty much everything has conked out at some point
I'm overall disappointed by the build quality of the bike (especially compared to previous BM and non BM machines)
I've also been let down repeatedly, badly by the clowns that run the so-called BMW "assist" service, but that's another tale.
It looks like I bought an early one and have been an unwitting product developer - judging by the amount of differences between mine and a spanky new one!
Might by another if all the gremlins have gone....
Arthurwg
Registered user
NO
While I think servo brakes are stupid, I can tolerate the failures I experienced because I believe the new wireing harness fixed that problem. But having to disconnect a flat battery to recharge it is the end-- much too much trouble for such a simple thing. I park in a public parking garage so I can't keep it on the trickle over winter.
While I think servo brakes are stupid, I can tolerate the failures I experienced because I believe the new wireing harness fixed that problem. But having to disconnect a flat battery to recharge it is the end-- much too much trouble for such a simple thing. I park in a public parking garage so I can't keep it on the trickle over winter.
Yes. Just done it
pogo
Registered user
marcus said:
Ouah! 3 gearbox and 2 clutch in only 8500 mile!
I dont want to offend you Marcus,but are you one of those guys who dont use the clutch when changing gear? Whats wrong with you? nan,just kidding,
Just want to test the famous "British sens of humour"
A+ pogo
bsogri
Registered user
gs 1200
i have gdone 15000 miles on 2005 gs 1200 with no problems whatsoever, greart
i have gdone 15000 miles on 2005 gs 1200 with no problems whatsoever, greart
Bullitproof
Guest
Roger, Wilco and Yes Sir, In a heartbeat......
I thinks thats a definate YES!!!!!!!!!
I have only done 4300 Kms but I try everyday to find a longer way home from work........... Yes my brakes squeal like a London Taxi, but My bike is the best. I like every nook and cranny on it and I dont want anything else. The 1200 GS ADV......... hmmm it looks ok, but really is it any better????
I thinks thats a definate YES!!!!!!!!!
I have only done 4300 Kms but I try everyday to find a longer way home from work........... Yes my brakes squeal like a London Taxi, but My bike is the best. I like every nook and cranny on it and I dont want anything else. The 1200 GS ADV......... hmmm it looks ok, but really is it any better????
Reading through this list, there is an amazing contrast of people who have had no problem and riders who have almost endless complaints. I've (maybe) been lucky with only one minor problem, the gearbox oil seal. And that was dealt with by Bath road at the 6k service without a problem - though their loaner bike is an apalling advert for them.
Some of those with complaints seem to have adopted and agressive and unrealistic attitude, no doubt with the net result of getting up people's backs and worsening the service they receive. Most of this seems to have been brought on by the perception that they have bought a premium product that should be better than a Jap bike. Maybe, but you'll always get better results with quiet polite persistence.
And some of the dealers are not being helpful either - a warranty claim is the dealers problem and he has to sort it whether the factory underwrite or not. Stevew's experience is an illustration - the seal shouldnt have been missed out but the dealer should have caught this at PDI and should themselves have picked the bike up , corrected the problem and returned it to him. Instead they abandoned him to BMW assistance and made excuses for not finding the fault.
But what about 3 gearbox replacements and a clutch? Since large numbers of other posters arent having box problems, this cant be a general issue. So was it lightning striking - or was it partly down to the rider? Or did the dealer not do a good job of finding the prob and curing it?
I reckon that there are three general issues. Firstly, buyers paying a premium price are expecting something special, but simply getting an average Euro bike. Bit like Merc car buyers these days. Secondly, BMW are trying to push out much larger numbers of this model and quality has become more variable. Thirdly, when things go tits up, the dealers arent always pulling their weight and the BMW sub contracted assistance is designed round cars.
None of which helps. If Honda ever produce a bike as attractive I shall go back to them. In the meantime, I will enjoy the BMW until / unless it becomes a real problem.
Some of those with complaints seem to have adopted and agressive and unrealistic attitude, no doubt with the net result of getting up people's backs and worsening the service they receive. Most of this seems to have been brought on by the perception that they have bought a premium product that should be better than a Jap bike. Maybe, but you'll always get better results with quiet polite persistence.
And some of the dealers are not being helpful either - a warranty claim is the dealers problem and he has to sort it whether the factory underwrite or not. Stevew's experience is an illustration - the seal shouldnt have been missed out but the dealer should have caught this at PDI and should themselves have picked the bike up , corrected the problem and returned it to him. Instead they abandoned him to BMW assistance and made excuses for not finding the fault.
But what about 3 gearbox replacements and a clutch? Since large numbers of other posters arent having box problems, this cant be a general issue. So was it lightning striking - or was it partly down to the rider? Or did the dealer not do a good job of finding the prob and curing it?
I reckon that there are three general issues. Firstly, buyers paying a premium price are expecting something special, but simply getting an average Euro bike. Bit like Merc car buyers these days. Secondly, BMW are trying to push out much larger numbers of this model and quality has become more variable. Thirdly, when things go tits up, the dealers arent always pulling their weight and the BMW sub contracted assistance is designed round cars.
None of which helps. If Honda ever produce a bike as attractive I shall go back to them. In the meantime, I will enjoy the BMW until / unless it becomes a real problem.
Bullitproof said:
If they squeal, take the bike back and ask the dealer to fit the modified brake disk mounting bolts/washers which will cure it. Its not done on a recall campaign, its a case of 'if customers complain, fix their squealing brakes'. Mine are now silent in use and have been for some time since the modification was done by my dealer, free of charge.
Bullitproof
Guest
Thanx Adam........
Yup already booked in for the job to be done, Ze friendly Germans here at my local BM garage had me on a list, to phone me and ask if they needed doing........
Yup already booked in for the job to be done, Ze friendly Germans here at my local BM garage had me on a list, to phone me and ask if they needed doing........
Griffin
Guest
Mmmmm i'm still toying with the idea but its looking more and more like i will get one in March unless anyone has anything else to add
JFC
Registered user
I thought they were good until I read all of the complaints - think I'll ignore the complaints and keep riding
Yep!
I would.. looking at the negative posts on the site make me a bit anxious. However, I've founds a nice dealer in Prestige and the little niggles I've experienced have been sorted out. I love it.
I would.. looking at the negative posts on the site make me a bit anxious. However, I've founds a nice dealer in Prestige and the little niggles I've experienced have been sorted out. I love it.
MATKAT
Registered user
Next bike is another 1200
Every now and agin I look at this thread, usually when I log in and someone has recently posted. My 1200 is just out of warranty, March 14th '04. It has 14,500 miles on the clock..................I believe I make progress when riding, and rarely get overtaken. I also take it on tracks and some would say dont just bimble along.
I continue to enjoy my 1200 !!
At 5,600 miles the gearbox was replaced (I bought it with 6000 on the clock) I frequently do clucthless changes, well all the time.but I have been riding bikes for 35 years now. The box is smooth and gearchanging positive.
At 8700 I blew the dip bulb (not standard blue light)
At 12300 miles the front fork seals were both replaced under warranty.
I have also had some problems with the canbus system triggering off the 12v socket. The bike has an extra socket. Autocom, Sat Nav and TT light set up. All the indicators and tail/stop are LED and the headlights have blue bulbs.
I changed the screen at 13000 to a Nippy Norman version.
The bike also has fastway footpegs, rear brake extension and a bendy gear lever (very useful judging by the number of standard ones that break off at the off road school)
TT steering hardpart, Metal Mule Boxes and frames with Scorpion can (brillaint set up). H&B bars. NN rear carbon hugger and the Brillant Technoflex adjustable suspension.
Would I buy another, no question....................It is the best all round motorbike i've owned. Which is why I no longer have my 1300 Pan (the 1200 does everything it did) or my VFR (the 1200 does everything it did) and of course I can go off road!!!!!!
However, if I was to go on a round the world trip tomorrow it would not be on the 1200
That would still be on my 1981 siebenrocked, ohlined, billited, Motoelektric airhead , fix just about anything by the side of the road wonderful simple BMW!!!
Why, because if my 1200 stops..............how on earth would I fix it !!!!
I just ride it all the time and the grin never goes away.well within a 1000 miles of home anyway
Every now and agin I look at this thread, usually when I log in and someone has recently posted. My 1200 is just out of warranty, March 14th '04. It has 14,500 miles on the clock..................I believe I make progress when riding, and rarely get overtaken. I also take it on tracks and some would say dont just bimble along.
I continue to enjoy my 1200 !!
At 5,600 miles the gearbox was replaced (I bought it with 6000 on the clock) I frequently do clucthless changes, well all the time.but I have been riding bikes for 35 years now. The box is smooth and gearchanging positive.
At 8700 I blew the dip bulb (not standard blue light)
At 12300 miles the front fork seals were both replaced under warranty.
I have also had some problems with the canbus system triggering off the 12v socket. The bike has an extra socket. Autocom, Sat Nav and TT light set up. All the indicators and tail/stop are LED and the headlights have blue bulbs.
I changed the screen at 13000 to a Nippy Norman version.
The bike also has fastway footpegs, rear brake extension and a bendy gear lever (very useful judging by the number of standard ones that break off at the off road school)
TT steering hardpart, Metal Mule Boxes and frames with Scorpion can (brillaint set up). H&B bars. NN rear carbon hugger and the Brillant Technoflex adjustable suspension.
Would I buy another, no question....................It is the best all round motorbike i've owned. Which is why I no longer have my 1300 Pan (the 1200 does everything it did) or my VFR (the 1200 does everything it did) and of course I can go off road!!!!!!
However, if I was to go on a round the world trip tomorrow it would not be on the 1200
That would still be on my 1981 siebenrocked, ohlined, billited, Motoelektric airhead , fix just about anything by the side of the road wonderful simple BMW!!!Why, because if my 1200 stops..............how on earth would I fix it !!!!
I just ride it all the time and the grin never goes away.well within a 1000 miles of home anyway
bustupbiker
Registered user
MATKAT said:Every now and agin I look at this thread, usually when I log in and someone has recently posted. My 1200 is just out of warranty, March 14th '04. It has 14,500 miles on the clock..................I believe I make progress when riding, and rarely get overtaken. I also take it on tracks and some would say dont just bimble along.
I continue to enjoy my 1200 !!
At 5,600 miles the gearbox was replaced (I bought it with 6000 on the clock) I frequently do clucthless changes, well all the time.but I have been riding bikes for 35 years now. The box is smooth and gearchanging positive.
At 8700 I blew the dip bulb (not standard blue light)
At 12300 miles the front fork seals were both replaced under warranty.
I have also had some problems with the canbus system triggering off the 12v socket. The bike has an extra socket. Autocom, Sat Nav and TT light set up. All the indicators and tail/stop are LED and the headlights have blue bulbs.
I changed the screen at 13000 to a Nippy Norman version.
The bike also has fastway footpegs, rear brake extension and a bendy gear lever (very useful judging by the number of standard ones that break off at the off road school)
TT steering hardpart, Metal Mule Boxes and frames with Scorpion can (brillaint set up). H&B bars. NN rear carbon hugger and the Brillant Technoflex adjustable suspension.
Would I buy another, no question....................It is the best all round motorbike i've owned. Which is why I no longer have my 1300 Pan (the 1200 does everything it did) or my VFR (the 1200 does everything it did) and of course I can go off road!!!!!!
However, if I was to go on a round the world trip tomorrow it would not be on the 1200
Why, because if my 1200 stops..............how on earth would I fix it !!!!
I just ride it all the time and the grin never goes away.well within a 1000 miles of home anyway
I take it that's a big YES MatKat
bustupbiker
Registered user
Had my bike May 05, only done 5530 as i knackered my right shoulder in August. I have had the FD replaced at 5200 miles ( sounded as if it would drop out the day i picked it up ) ( they all do that Sir ) well it don't any more. This is the best road bike i have ever had in 39 years, who the heck
wants to do 150 mph every where! not me. Well not any more anyway, it is just a very good all round machine. I just hope it does not stop at the side of the road after the two years are up. ( i like it )
Lyn.
wants to do 150 mph every where! not me. Well not any more anyway, it is just a very good all round machine. I just hope it does not stop at the side of the road after the two years are up. ( i like it )
Lyn.
pomm001
Registered user
1150 interloper
I read with interest the comments on ownership, i have an 1150 adv
my firsts BMW .
When i was looking for a bike someone told me not to test ride a 1200 as i would want to buy one, as it is more refined ,but way outside of my budget.
I think some of the disapointment stems from the fact 'buying into the BMW lifestye' is expensive, and the actual quality and service dont always match the perception, there seems to be a very big difference what you have to put up with if you are a BMW bike owner compared to a BMW car owner corrossion seems to be a common issue.
While there is still a waiting list on GS's, dont expect a a turn around in customer service from BMW sometime too soon
But imagine for a few moments if Honda brought the GS off BMW and built it , it would be more reliable, better quality, and cheaper, but would it have the same appeal ? i dont think so.
I read with interest the comments on ownership, i have an 1150 adv
my firsts BMW .
When i was looking for a bike someone told me not to test ride a 1200 as i would want to buy one, as it is more refined ,but way outside of my budget.
I think some of the disapointment stems from the fact 'buying into the BMW lifestye' is expensive, and the actual quality and service dont always match the perception, there seems to be a very big difference what you have to put up with if you are a BMW bike owner compared to a BMW car owner corrossion seems to be a common issue.
While there is still a waiting list on GS's, dont expect a a turn around in customer service from BMW sometime too soon
But imagine for a few moments if Honda brought the GS off BMW and built it , it would be more reliable, better quality, and cheaper, but would it have the same appeal ? i dont think so.
degsy
Guest
another GS yes
even though i've had the problems with the bike (most of the common faults) there's still nothing out there that i really like better than my 1200GS. Yes there is other bikes /manufacture's but none tick all the right boxes as the gs.
even though i've had the problems with the bike (most of the common faults) there's still nothing out there that i really like better than my 1200GS. Yes there is other bikes /manufacture's but none tick all the right boxes as the gs.
Gonzo
Registered user
pomm001 said:But imagine for a few moments if Honda brought the GS off BMW and built it , it would be more reliable, better quality, and cheaper, but would it have the same appeal ? i dont think so.
I think on the appeal front, the Varadero answers yer question. Build quality, reliability, price, etc - quite possibly. Appeal?
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