What to look for and at in used R1200GS?
Hello,
I'm in the market to get a used R1200GS, probably a 2005 or 2006. I'm new to BMW motorcycles, what should I look at and look for (both good and bad) in one? I've only ridden my sportbike mostly up to this point, but somehow I don't think looking for the oil plug to be safety wired is as much of an issue here.
Thank you!
Jason
5's and 6's are esentially the same motorcycle and both have the power servo brakes. 06's supposedly incorporate some improvements in build quality. I had an 05 and traded it with 34K. I never had any problems with it but the PO had to replace the servo brake pump. Thankfully their extended warranty covered the $2,700.
In fact I liked the GS1200 so much I traded for a 09, leftover.
Look for one to ride before you buy. Make sure you can live with its idiosyncrasies.
Marty - in the western Oregon mountains.'06RT, (gone '04RT, '86 Venture Royal, '81 Yamaha Virago920, '82Suzuki GS1100GK, '76 Suzuki GT750, Triumph 750 Bonneville, BSA Road Rocket 650, 61" Harley knucklehead)
Do you mean idiosyncrasies of the specific bike, or the model?Originally Posted by MPMARTY
I mean the model and GSs in general. Weight, riding position, altitude of the seat etc. I'm 5'9" and 175lbs and cannot handle a GS and freely admit it. My DR400 was all the off road bike I needed. Don't do that anymore as I just stay on the pavement, or try to anyway.
Marty - in the western Oregon mountains.'06RT, (gone '04RT, '86 Venture Royal, '81 Yamaha Virago920, '82Suzuki GS1100GK, '76 Suzuki GT750, Triumph 750 Bonneville, BSA Road Rocket 650, 61" Harley knucklehead)
Ah, yeah I figured I'd try for a test ride at least. I wouldn't mind buying a sportsbike too much without much of a ride, but yeah, this is way different then one I'm used to. I'm about your height, but I'm quite a bit heavier. The height does have me a bit concerned, but I think I can manage. My 6'9" buddy has a Triumph Tiger, and I was able to manage that ok, though I don't think it's quite as heavy either.
Thanks!
I mean the model and GSs in general. Weight, riding position, altitude of the seat etc. I'm 5'9" and 175lbs and cannot handle a GS and freely admit it. My DR400 was all the off road bike I needed. Don't do that anymore as I just stay on the pavement, or try to anyway.
Marty, are you referring to a GS Adventure? They are tall. My husband has the GSA and there is no way I can handle it. However, I have a standard GS with the low seat option (not the lowered chassis that is also available). I am 5'5" and I have no trouble.
If you're 5'9" you won't have any trouble with a standard height GS, with the standard seat. Just place it in the low position and you're good. I'm 5"8" and 155 lbs (soaking wet...). The GS is light and handles well compared to other road bikes. Off-road you want something smaller and lighter if you ride in soft, loose stuff. Hard pack is no problem with the GS. I'm on my 3rd GS, now a 30th Anniv 2010. I had an 07 GS and an 08 GSA. The GSA, while having nice range with the large tank and comfortable with the big windscreen, brought a lot of extra weight with it. I've gone back to the standard GS and it rips, especially now that it has the HP2 engine config! Think of it as a giant hypermotard with bags! I've got a Ducati 1098 I run on the track and a Honda Repsol CBR1000RR for the street, but I prefer my GS to any other ride.
Just some further thoughts: In the past 4 years I've gone through 6 bikes looking for the perfect (for me) sport touring machine. I started on a VFR (great bike but lousy seating position for me), to the '07 GS (should have kept it), onto an ST1300 (reliable, comfortable but heavy and no soul), to the '08 GSA (too much of a good thing), then an '09 K1300GT (an absolute rocketship, but I never got comfortable on it, despite seat and bar changes), and now back to where I started. I can do everything on the GS that any of those other bikes will do and more, except not quite as quick in some cases or maybe go 300 miles on a tank...and my bladder won't do that anyway! The GS rocks!
Last edited by dwestly; 08-04-2010 at 11:30 AM. Reason: I despise grammar errors... :)
MSF RiderCoach, Schwantz School, MSTA, AMA, IBA, BMWMOA, Ducatista, HRCA, Factory Demo Rider
2012 R1200GS Rallye Edition, 2004 Ducati 749 Dark, 1990 Honda CB1000F Hurricane
Helmetless riders=Darwinism in action.
Well stated dwestly. Jason I think you're going to love a 1200GS.
I have a 2006GS and when I was shopping for one I was advised by BMW certified mechanic that I should not buy an 05 with a born date before October 05 because they made some significant improvements in the transmission after that time. A friend in the Alabama club had his 05 transmission go bad and sold the bike for parts as it was too costly to repair. That did not discourage him from buying another as he had a 2009 and now a new 30 year anniversary model.
Jim Dubick
Boaz, Alabama
R1200RT,R100/7,KLX250
BMW MOA, BMW MOAL, AMA, CMA
That's interesting to know! How do I check that on the bike?
The build date is under the small black plastic piece above the air intake on the left side of the bike. Pop it off and take a look at the vin, build date, etc.
FWIW my 05/05 has had no transmission problems. However, transmission input and out seals were replaced.
Not going to argue the merits of a GS. If you're shopping you have already done that.
Engine - near indestructible but common sense should dictate....
Suspension - likely heavily worn on a 05/06 by now. No GS specific issues to check.
Tranny/Clutch - a test ride should give you an idea.
Driveline - The dreaded FD. Anyone who owns a GS should understand your feelings on the subject. I wouldn't think checking for side/side play in the rear wheel is over the top.
Brakes - The year model your picking has servo brakes. If they're working you'll know.
Electronics - Consider borrowing a GS911 to check for faults (doesn't count on the 10 VIN limit). Of course, you could arrange a meeting at a dealer to check the computers.
In a perfect world you would be able to check much more in a full shop.
Great pointers, thanks! Could you elaborate on the drive line bit?
Thanks!
Later R models have occasionally suffered FD failure. While the failure rate has now apparently diminished, there was a rash of them for awhile. You can hear conjecture on the reason(s) ad nauseum, depending on who you listen to. Regardless, there is agreement that the failure is not a without warning catastrophic failure, but rather an issue that builds over time and mileage. The best solution for checking for impending FD failure is routine check for any side-to-side play in the rear wheel (there shouldn't be any). Any side-to-side play, particularly if it noticeably worsens over time, is a good indication that things are not well in FD land...
Everyone, did I miss anything?...
MSF RiderCoach, Schwantz School, MSTA, AMA, IBA, BMWMOA, Ducatista, HRCA, Factory Demo Rider
2012 R1200GS Rallye Edition, 2004 Ducati 749 Dark, 1990 Honda CB1000F Hurricane
Helmetless riders=Darwinism in action.
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