Bmw R1200gs Reviews Wanted.

After any feedback / reviews anyone might have re these bikes. I am considering purchasing one and am trying to get a feel for their reliability, performance, handling etc.

Please only post if you own or have owned one of these machines.

 

I've got a GSA on an 58 plate. so if you,re looking at a single or twin cam one, then I can offer a review, if it's a water-cooled one, then it's a tottally different bike, so would not be of much use to you, let me know

 

Cheers Late, I am test riding the GS 2014 and the RT 2014 which are both water cooled. The RT is my most likely choice as ride position is so comfortable and progressive riding seems to be well within it's means but thought I would try the GS as I do like the rugged look.

Any feedback would be most welcome.

 

I do quite a bit of touring with a couple of mates, one has a 2014 GS, the other an 11 plate RT, if i could live with one, I'd have the RT, they make ideal tourers, agile, loads of poke, handle and stop well, good luggage. The RT's were all "grounded" by BMW a while back, something to do with the rear shock mounting collapsing, the general consensus on the watercooled GS, is that it has too much power for the chassis/running gear and they've started fitting steering dampers to the 2014 bikes after Kevin Ashes fatal crash

In general, they are expensive bikes to own £300-400 for a service from a dealer, though the BMW back up and warranty are good (they've just extended the warranty on the fuel strip to 12 years on my bike and just had a re-call on a fuel pump flange). BMW make it difficult to service them yourself, you need loads of special tools and software,you can get away doing every other service though there are good independant BMW garages, where youre pay nearer £200 for a service and get a better job done , I'd buy another BM, just not a new one, I'd struggle to tolerate the smugness of the BMW sales/service people

If your new to BMW, research canbus system, it's the same electrical system that the put in cars, the power wires are also the communication wires (to keep weight down) but basically you cant tap into it, it just shuts down if it notices an irregularity, theres no fuses

 

I test rode a couple of Water Cooled GS's for quite a few good hours, and I was impressed with the bike over the older one, (only rode an older one once though had it a couple of days, still a good bike) It certainly had more poke, was light to handle once moving, and good fun, surprisingly light to flick from side to side. They do very well what they are supposed to. It also has a very smooth engine at all revs. Excellent ride with active mono suspension, system, ESA, and very adjustable screen and ride positions.

Although I ended up buying a Multistrada which in my view does everything a little better albeit at a higher cost.
GS's are very common, I like the exclusivity, and more power of the Ducati, although the V twin is quite lumpy at lower revs with the added lower gearing makes it harder to ride around between 1st and 2nd gear on tight bends etc. far more sporty when you want to ride it on twisty fun roads.

Regarding reliability, both are well built and solid, both having their quirks, and issues, like all bikes now days, (Especially pre 2011 Multistrada's). Service costs Personally I do not find any bike that cheap now days to run, BMW not the cheapest, but I would guess due to work required during the service Ducati overall costing more.

I know Late has issues with BMW Dealers, and some are odd with their attitudes, but I had a good relationship with the Service Side of the Brighton Branch, although their sales sucked, did not want to sell me a bike, where as Alton where trying to rip my arm off to take my old K1300R, and sell me a new one with very good prices on both.

In the end I went for the Ducati, I have no doubts in my mind I would have been happy with the GS, bar it being bigger, and heavier for my short ass.

The only real way for you to decide is to RIDE, RIDE, and RIDE, add your sums up and shop around. Good luck

 

Thanks all for the great feedback, it is very much appreciated as always.

I have now taken both the GS and the RT for testrides and have to say i found the GS rough and unrefined, not a particularly enjoyable ride and although the handle and turn in well the fueling in lumpy and the gearbox very cluncky indeed.

Now the RT, that was a very enjoyable ride and have to say has me thinking. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride position, the protection from the fairing / screen and especially enjoyed how well i was able to flick it through the lanes and twisties. Plenty of grunt low down but def smoother than the GS as the flywheel is slightly heavier and the gears a bit taller, quite a machine....

Hmmmm......

 

Well they do call the GS a tractor now go ride a multistrada lol but you need a good long ride on that one

 

Must say gents, am very tempted to buy me a 2014 R1200RT, still can't get over what a great ride it was.

 

You just want the heated seats you tart...

 

Hmm interesting move. I thought they were going to carry their tourers on the new 100occ revised engine
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N...4/September/Cologne-Show-All-new-BMW-R1200RS/

 

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/uk/en.../2014/r1200rs/r1200rs_overview.html&notrack=1

 

Forget the BMW's and just buy a Pan European instead.

 

Na, test rode the pan...

 

Pan is a lovely machine and I have long been a fan but sadly it is very basic for the same money as others with a full house. (IMO )

 

Cheers for the comments all, decided not to go for the GS, just feels to agricultural for me.