My 100k on a GS1200

bikenav · Post by **bikenav** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 12:22 am

100k's on a GS1200 (non ABS)

This is a brief mechanical history of the bits that have failed or busted in my nearly 10 years of ownership just from memory.
Bought in 2007 @ 20 months old private purchase from a local guy 3 miles up the road, at the time bike had about 2500mls on the clock and he was the original buyer. Bike was in pristine condition and came complete with a baglux tank cover and matching bag and a full set of vario luggage.

Roughly in order as I remember.

2yrs Side light failed no supply did not seem important never looked at it still out ........today.
3yrs You guessed it fuel pump controller trailered home and replaced it.
5yrs Clutch slave to engine/gearbox o-ring/seal weeping memory a bit vague remember ........changing something.
6-8yrs indicator micro switchs corosion and rubber boot failure "Sticking on" ........second hand cluster soldered switch's in when needed.
Gearbox output shaft seal fail replaced.
Paralever bearing play replaced.
7yrs Rear wheel bearing/finadrive seal weeping replaced.
Throttle cable top half stiff replaced.
Forward paralever boot split replaced.
8yrs Heated grip element failure- Due to use of throttle buddy???? only R/H ........side. Rewound and soldered.Not so good so replaced with second hand unit.
Starter relay? (under tool tray )failed -drain blocked too many extra ........tools!
9yrs Alternator failed, body split open- corrosion????? replaced with second ........hand.
Torn sumpguard mounts riding up steps???? replaced.
10yrs Front damper blown oil out replaced whole unit second hand.
Low beam out no supply voltage, replaced with own relayed/switched supply
Slightly sticky throttle body butterfly-ongoing.
BMW RECALL- Fuel pump/pipes and well documented rear brake disc flange ........replaced free of charge while they were at it they replaced badly worn ........rear disc with you guessed a second hand one I supplied THANKS BMW.

Obviously many sets of brake pads, tyres(Anakees1,2,3) and a new battery at about ....7yrs old!

Thats about it as I remember

The bike was originally a pampered Sunday Spin,weekend, holiday bike(owning more than 1 bike and a car all through ownership) but in the last 3.5 years become an everyday all weather main means of transport rarely washed and spending a lot of time in shitty country lanes,in the Uk and as far as Greece.Only a very little light trail rideing.
Engine OIl changed pretty much every 6k most of the time halfords or similar nothing special semi, any oil filter, final drive and box 3 times, rockers adjusted 2 times, probably about 3 sets of plugs and 6 air filters. Dont use my pressure washer on it.
Ride a little harder than average perhaps but dont rev it hard at all, quite hard on the clutch(slow riding) no wheelies very little two up, Rarely cruise more than 80mph even in Deutchland.
Went on its side at about 30mph once on ice, rocker cover through, 100m from home, another one again at about 30 and flipped on to other side knocked the levers straight carried on journey(300miles) never had engine bars or metal rocker covers fitted. Fallen over probably close to 10 times total- broken hand guard bracket,mirror, one indicator and a small bend in the bars.Tough old bus I'd say.

Worthwile things

self made top box mount-forward and lower
Plate for roll bag where rear seat would be
complete with security cables for above
X bar and handlebar bag
Big Givi top box
Zumo 550 and locking touratech mount
Montana 600
homemade cameltoe
Baglux tank cover good for ortlieb mapcase with homemade fixing
12v cig lighter on bars permanent live
sidestand puck stored under topbox plate homemade
Extra tools etc jammed under seat !!
Bar risers with rear offset

dont like

tank bag
vario top case too small
pathetic standard
crap headlights
single tail bulb

Waste of time

Original Hella socket
Extra Hella socket
low seat
high power h7 bulbs
Crap Chinese USB socket

Toke about 6 months to bond with the bike from time of purchase comeing from dirtbikes and sports bikes it felt big and awkward today I think its a great machine and it has taken me to many interesting places and allowed me to have some great experiences some with people on this very forum. All maintenance/repairs done by myself (with advice from friends and forums)except once, Alternator belt snapped in Scotland no big spanner so Kilbride Motorad near Glasgow were more than helpfull thanks guys. On its 100,000 mile mark now, thinking of putting it into semi-retirement and adding something new to the garage -orange perhaps any 1190's out there with milage yet?.
So there you go, make a judgement on reliability or post your 100k report.Might be of use to others.
Should have been wrapping Christmas crap.

Flintlock · Post by **Flintlock** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 12:37 am

Great to hear. I am a recent R1200 ADV (2010) convert and love it (thumbs)

videoman · Post by **videoman** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 8:36 am

Great report and I keep looking at them and wondering whether to treat myself.

-Ralph- · Post by **-Ralph-** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 8:45 am

Ouch! Quite a list of issues. Some minor electricals you'd get on any bike, but a few major mechanicals you wouldn't if the bikes maintained properly and not mistreated.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

crofty · Post by **crofty** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:06 am

A great real world 100k experience. Love it and a testament to a great bike. I have never had a BMW and hear lots of bad things about them but if I could have the 100k that bikenav's had I would probably buy one tomorrow,
(if I could afford it that is

)

videoman · Post by **videoman** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:21 am

(if I could afford it that is

)[/quote]

You will have to sell some of your other bikes then you could afford one!

I look at them and then tell myself I do not want another heavy big bike again, but then again life's too short and why not if only for six or twelve months.

Would need a good warranty though.

Whippet · Post by **Whippet** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:26 am

Crofty , a multi bike owner pleading poverty :dry: There are plenty of good quality used BM's about for not big money, you couldn't pick it up though

ollydog · Post by **ollydog** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:33 am

my last gs, 74k miles in 22 months, a flat tyre and a bulb,all maintenance you say done "yourself with advice from friends" ermmm, go figure

steve

geoham · Post by **geoham** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:33 am

As a GS1200 owner myself it's great to read a first hand report from someone who has actually owner and ridden the bike managing to rack up 100k! Best part too is that your still enjoying riding the bike.

My 1200 GSA has taken me and my Mrs 2 up on many a great trip covering a lot of miles over the years and I have to say it's one of the best bikes I have owned.

You will get the usual suspects coming on here spouting something negative about your bike,usually but not always I might add these guys have never owned let alone ridden a 1200GS and they definitely won't have put 100k on one!

Once again thanks for a great real World report (thumbs)

ollydog · Post by **ollydog** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 9:36 am

just to add mu current lc model 3.5 years old nothing at 20k miles, must of been just lucky

steve