Years to avoid on the waterboxer

[Pauly S]

Did i hear the early models were plagued with gearbox and steering issues? i note the rally i test rode the weekend had a steering damper fitted? What do you know?

 

[unicycler]

2014 on

 

[Flaming T]

I have a 2014 (June) GSA with 15,500 miles... no issues with either steering or gearbox

 

[POL382]

Heated grips weren't fit for purpose on the first GS LC's IIRC.

 

[Shamone]

I have a 2014 and the heated grips are very poor, but the silver frame paint is perfect.

That's about it - I'm still very happy with it.

 

[Pauly S]

excellent news keep the comments flowing lads.

 

[autogs]

get the newest one you can afford?,but remember ANY 2nd hand bike bought from a BMW dealer as an approved used bike has a full 2yr warrenty which imo makes buying privately much less attractive even with the small saving re price

 

[WaterMonkey]

Did i hear the early models were plagued with gearbox and steering issues? i note the rally i test rode the weekend had a steering damper fitted? What do you know?

I have an April 2013 model, no steering damper and have never felt like I would need one.
It's had a new engine due to salt corrosion.

The bike rides exactly the same as a 2015 model I test rode.

Gearbox feels the same on the new engine as it did on the old and on the 2015 I test rode.

 

[Pauly S]

get the newest one you can afford?,but remember ANY 2nd hand bike bought from a BMW dealer as an approved used bike has a full 2yr warrenty which imo makes buying privately much less attractive even with the small saving re price

yes i was told this,which makes a secondhand machine much more sensible , and a vat saving to boot.

I have an April 2013 model, no steering damper and have never felt like I would need one.
It's had a new engine due to salt corrosion.

The bike rides exactly the same as a 2015 model I test rode.

Gearbox feels the same on the new engine as it did on the old and on the 2015 I test rode.

good news.

 

[MikeS]

2013 - 2020

 

[Pauly S]

Ive got a test ride tommoz on a 2015 gsa TE with gear shift assisty thingy, 11k, and luggage for 13k..and 2 years warranty ..looks promising.

 

[Victor c]

Ive got a test ride tommoz on a 2015 gsa TE with gear shift assisty thingy, 11k, and luggage for 13k..and 2 years warranty ..looks promising.

That seems a bit steep for 2015 with 11000 miles.
I bought a 2016 Triple Black in Jan for £12850 from Williams in Manchester. It only had 480 miles on the clock and is fitted with gsap, keyless and BMW alarm. It was as new condition. Luggage and nav was extra, but at a good discount.

Edit : just noticed it is a GSA you are looking at

 

[SilverSurferToo]

I bought a 2013 TE in 2016 with the first of the 2yr warranty deals. I did choose the cleanest one available in terms of corrosion (or lack thereof) and it has not got any of note so far. Gearbox is fine and waaay better than the 1100S I was coming from ... although possibly not as good as the R9T I alao had at that time. Steering damper might have helped slightly with a slight weave I detected while on the Autobahn when heading to Austria at a speed that might have exceeded what one should be doing with panniers and a topbox but in truth ... it's a fabulous bike. So good in fact ... I sold the R9T through lack of use. Ive put about 7k on the R1200GS I think. Enjoy.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[MrMcNamara]

2014 on

Yes 2014 on, slight gearbox improvement & all important steering Damper fitted

 

[dave hendy]

Just be happy with the gearbox on the one you are interested in they vary a lot for all years! There is nothing wrong with the early bikes if you get a good one. My 2015 isn't any better than my 2013 although it does have GSAP which I love.

Good luck

 

[ChazzyB]

Ive got a test ride tommoz on a 2015 gsa TE with gear shift assisty thingy, 11k, and luggage for 13k..and 2 years warranty ..looks promising.

If that's out from Cooper TW, I can tell you that they have a Racing Red 2015 GS TE (not GSA) with 20,600 on the clock, lowered chassis, keyless and Gear Shift Assist, etc. I also know it's had a replacement engine (the usual paint issue) which had done only 4600 miles when I px'd it in late March. £9995 being asked. GL15 GBY.

 

[kurienp]

If a GS, 2014 onwards. If GSA, 2015 onwards. It seems that in the early years there were more bikes with engine replacement due to the paint peeling issue.

When you test ride, do take it out for a longish ride (3 hours?). Halfway through the ride stop and have a coffee. Gives you time to think about your riding experience, reflect on what else you need to experience before finalising on that bike.

All the best with your selection.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I heard the 2019 year is the one to go for

 

[Pauly S]

That seems a bit steep for 2015 with 11000 miles.
I bought a 2016 Triple Black in Jan for £12850 from Williams in Manchester. It only had 480 miles on the clock and is fitted with gsap, keyless and BMW alarm. It was as new condition. Luggage and nav was extra, but at a good discount.

Edit : just noticed it is a GSA you are looking at

Its got panniers too.

I bought a 2013 TE in 2016 with the first of the 2yr warranty deals. I did choose the cleanest one available in terms of corrosion (or lack thereof) and it has not got any of note so far. Gearbox is fine and waaay better than the 1100S I was coming from ... although possibly not as good as the R9T I alao had at that time. Steering damper might have helped slightly with a slight weave I detected while on the Autobahn when heading to Austria at a speed that might have exceeded what one should be doing with panniers and a topbox but in truth ... it's a fabulous bike. So good in fact ... I sold the R9T through lack of use. Ive put about 7k on the R1200GS I think. Enjoy.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

cheers for the info !

Yes 2014 on, slight gearbox improvement & all important steering Damper fitted

I heard that!

Just be happy with the gearbox on the one you are interested in they vary a lot for all years! There is nothing wrong with the early bikes if you get a good one. My 2015 isn't any better than my 2013 although it does have GSAP which I love.

Good luck

Thanks mate

If that's out from Cooper TW, I can tell you that they have a Racing Red 2015 GS TE (not GSA) with 20,600 on the clock, lowered chassis, keyless and Gear Shift Assist, etc. I also know it's had a replacement engine (the usual paint issue) which had done only 4600 miles when I px'd it in late March. £9995 being asked. GL15 GBY.

ooh ill check that out.ta

 

[Pauly S]

If a GS, 2014 onwards. If GSA, 2015 onwards. It seems that in the early years there were more bikes with engine replacement due to the paint peeling issue.

When you test ride, do take it out for a longish ride (3 hours?). Halfway through the ride stop and have a coffee. Gives you time to think about your riding experience, reflect on what else you need to experience before finalising on that bike.

All the best with your selection.

good idea..