BMW R 1200 GS - 100,000KM Long Term Review
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2023
- Steve looks back on nearly 9 years of ownership of his 2014 BMW and highlights the good, the bad and the ugly.
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Great review. I have a 2015 model GS1200 and plan to keep it to at least 100k. 56k at the moment. Love it even more than the new 1250 which i have ridden 5 times.
Hey Lindsay, I haven’t had the chance to ride the 1250 yet. From what I’ve read it’s marginally better. Smoother more power etc but to be honest it doesn’t really excite me. The problem is I “bond” with my bikes and never want to get rid of them, like there members of the family😂. My old GS has served me well. In fact I’m about to jump on it now and disappear for the weekend! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Stay safe & keep riding 👍🏼
@Green String Some issues i have with the 1250gs are, its 11kg heavier for a start.
They have softened the throttle response which means you have to be in dynamic mode all the time and it still feels like my gs in rain mode. Because of this i didn't notice any power or torque increase over my bike. Sure the 1250 engine is a bit smoother down low in the revs and the quick shifter is a bit smoother but it has a rubbery feel to it that i didn't like. The TFT screen is a nice improvement. I seriously got off the 1250 each time wanting to love it but feeling underwhelmed. Most people who have upgraded to the 1250 rave about how much better it is but i disagree. I have also upgraded my suspension to Wibers front and back and now love my bike even more.
@@lindsayfinger4262 There's some really interesting points there. I'm going to pin your comment. Many thanks. 👍🏻
Hi from Texas. Great Review on the GS. I ride a 2006 R1200GS and Love it. I’ve only had One Light Bulb go out, and I replaced the Front Blinkers after breaking one. Cross my fingers, but that’s the only problem I’ve had with it. I do regular Maintenance myself and I also believe the GS is the Best Bike I have ever Owned. I grew up Riding Motorcross, Street Racers, and Harleys. I’m a Disabled Veteran and can’t afford a newer GS. But maybe one Day my Luck will change. Thanks again for the Review.👍👍
Great video!
My 2010 is coming up on 75k and the more I ride it the more I want to keep piling the miles on.
I take good care of mine and she’s never left me down.
The older mine got and the more miles I put on it just made me bond even more with the bike.👍🏼
I loved mine after you helped to sort my clack noise, again thank you. It had to go age and weight mine and hers.
Nice video! I have removed my exhaust valve and fitted a Healtech ES Eliminator, so no check engine error codes on the dash, happy days. Highly recommend that mod!
Hi yeah I've heard of that mod I'm surprised more people don't do it. It seems to make perfect sense to me. Stay safe mate👍🏻
At 100k that has to be a keeper, if only for the memories, but it still looks a solid bike that will not let you down. Like you say it’s strength is it’s simplicity.I have a friend who rode his BMW around the world in the early 90’s and he just cannot bring himself to part with it. Hope the new bike meets your expectations. You know you will be comparing both bikes for sometime..😊.
You are so right. It’s become a friend and travel partner over the years. I guess, like you, only a few (real) bikers would understand this. 👍🏼
Thanks❤😊
You're welcome 👍🏼
As a tip, go to a dealership and ask for the driveshaft recall service. They will drill and fit the breather, and with the mileage you’ve got they will replace the driveshaft for free.
100.000km is about the time to change it, too.
My January 2016 one just did 105.000 and I might do a similar video inspired by yours.
Hi, your the second person that has mentioned that they would fit a new shaft. I really need to get down to my local dealer. Definitely make a video if you get the chance. The more “real world” videos that are out on social media the better it is for the larger biking community. Thanks for your comment. Stay safe. 👍🏼
Bloody Hell Steve that is certainly impressive 100k km on a motorcycle is something else
As you say basic model may have something to do with it 👌
Thanks for another informative video
Keep well and ride safe sir , all the best 👌👍👊
Cheers. We are about to do an impromptu sprint down to Spain in a couple of weeks so that’s gonna be around 6000 km. I will be interested to see if the old GS makes it without issue. It’s such a great bike, even yesterday I was plodding along to work at -6 degrees and thinking the wind protection is phenomenal. I definitely cannot sell it, I would feel too guilty 😁. Bring on the 2023 riding season my friend👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Indeed bring it on can’t wait
Enjoy Spain mate should be a blast , have a good one and ride safe mate 👍👌
excellent review Steve. Been waiting for this one for awhile now. Glad you took the time to put some of us at ease. Do you plan on buying a newer model?
Thanks Miles for the kind words. I'm keeping it a close secret regarding my next bike.. But I am definitely keeping my GS. 😎
@@GreenString I hear that 😆. Don't try to fix what's not broke
Impressive. I have a 34 year old Honda Transalp with about 82000 kms and a 2017 KTM 1090 with 68000kms. Obviously I prefer to ride the KTM most of the time, but like your BMW it has given me trouble free riding compared to one of my friends who opted for the higher spec 1290 and has had no end of trouble with half the mileage of mine. Will look forward to seeing your new bike.
Hi Martin…that’s spooky. I think my old Transalp may have been a 89-90 model. It was my first ‘proper’ bike, I had a great time on it. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a helluva lot of fun! As we both mentioned it comes as little surprise a low tech bike should be theoretically more reliable, but I have no real evidence of that. Equally I fully understand why people would want a fully kitted out bike with all the bells and whistles. Arguably with todays tech they are safer and if you are swapping it out before the warranty runs out you have nothing to lose…except the mystical long - term bonding that comes from bike ownership…that could make a good subject for a video! Mate thanks, so much for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated.👍🏼
I have exact the same bike, but with ESA and LED. 2014 GS, 80k km already. Same experience, no failures left me stranded. Changed battery because it was really low (lasted 9 years). Run win the same Mitas tires. Also I replaced brake fluid with high temperature Motul 660, that takes care of rear brake softness. I changed pads only once and I think it still have the original rear brake pads. Very reliable bike. Was about to change with a lighter one but, I think its fine. Any other bike feels like toys now, haha. Ah one more thing, mine also sleeps outside but has no visible corrosion. I clean it and cover it in wd40 and that seems to do the trick.
Interesting that a change in brake fluid did the trick. I might have to give that a go as my rear brake is ok, but not brilliant. The similarities between our bikes is also interesting in that we have both had similar experiences with our bikes, that is reassuring. I’m going to pin this comment as I think the points you made about your bike will also add value to anyone else seeing this video. Thanks for taking the time to comment, its really appreciated. Stay safe and keep riding.👍🏼👍🏼
Cool! Funnily I own an R1200GS just like yours - also 2014 and in black and grey. I bought it last year with 66k on it and rode it to 104.000km last year, on a big(!) trip.
My bike is almost fully loaded though; ESA, LEDs, quickshift - the works. Curiously my findings are very similar to yours. No failures that left me stranded. My bike is corroded in the exact same places. My exhaust valve was not stuck but it's been squeaking like a bastard, so I decided to replace it with titanium headers. Good thing I did, as it turned out the bracket for the exhaust under the engine was cracked all the way around and was hanging on with only a few mm's of the bracket. Brakes in the front do last a little longer than the rear, I attribute that to the linked brakes.
Your bike probably qualifies for the new recall on the driveshaft. All bikes over 60.000km get a free exchange of driveshaft when carrying out the recall for the drain in the swingarm. Bikes under 60.000km they test, and only gets a new driveshaft if the resistance in the driveline is not within spec.
I heard the same thing about the recall from someone else regarding a free exchange, I will have to get it booked in at a “ proper “ BMW dealer for its next service. I am really beginning to believe that these bikes are made to be ridden. If you stick them in your shed and only come out to play when the sun shines then that’s when the problems start to creep in. It interesting to read about the similarities between our bikes, which makes me wonder if the 2014 model is a bit of a gem?
brilliant, mine is a 13 plate LC with 35k miles on it. Im off to the Balkans this year on it
Mate that’s gonna be awesome, I’m off round Eastern Europe on a „No plans, let’s see what happens“ Tour. I might bump into you! Stay safe Dave and keep riding.👍🏼👍🏼
You right about the corrosion in the UK, after a Scottish winter my GS looks like it has 200.000 mile not 30.000..😁.. keeping us on edge without details on the new steed..
Hi mate, yeah I often see the corrosion problem being discussed on UK forums and yet it is hardly mentioned in mainland Europe or the USA. It doesn’t help that BMW seem to use bio degradable paint! There will be plenty of new content in May when the new bike arrives and we are off to Spain in a few weeks for an impromptu mini tour….apparently it’s freezing at night where we are going!
Here's to another 100,000 plus 👍🤘
I'm on 112,000 now and she just keeps on rolling😎
@@GreenString good man 👍
Sometimes your better off with a base model! 😉 I’m running a F-3S Spyder with a Rotax 1330 cc 3 cylinder motor. Had a major stroke, thought my biking days were over. The only thing that didn’t return back to normal is my balance. Which is kinda important on 2 wheels! 😉 then I saw the Can Am Spyder’s at a local dealer.Mine has Traction control, ABS, stability control, cruse control. Loaded with all the features! Love my 2021 F-3S!!
Subbing! 😉
Thanks for the Sub! Mate I’m so glad you found a way to remain mobile. I often ponder on how long I can keep on biking for and you seem to have found a great alternative. It is really appreciated that you have taken the time to comment. Stay safe my friend and keep riding👍🏼
@@GreenString you bet! Keep your head on a swivel!😉
Hey @Green String have you ever adjusted your rear shock? I know a lot of people that buy A base Gs or any bike without electronic suspension that they have to break out the ruler and make adjustments.
Hi mate. In short no. Ive only ever adjusted the pre load if I’m fully loaded and even then I don’t apply any science to it. I dial it up until it feels OK. Very unprofessional I know but it works for me. I’ve also never even bothered to correctly adjust the sag.
Brilliant review, thank you for that. > little question > is your GS always outside with a cover during all seasons? I thinking of buying a GS myself but a have no garage or something to park it inside. I wonder if a cover will be enough to keep the GS in good shape ... thanks in advance.
Hi Simon. In short 100% yes. As I write it is sat outside with a cover on. It’s even the same cover I got over 9 years ago. Admittedly it is looking a bit worse for ware but it does the job. www.louis-moto.co.uk/en/louis-cover-soft-10010182
I presume you are from the UK so I have included the relevant link. This bike cover is heavy and bulky but it does the job. If you go for this one get it in the biggest size. The newer ones have an elasticated bottom which is annoying (I just got one for my Tenere, which also lives outside). Naturally I cannot comment on other bike covers, so there probably are better ones out there but I can confirm this is more than adequate. I hope this helps mate. Keep and stay safe.👍🏼
@@GreenString thank you for your swift reply. You helped me taking the last hurde before buying a GS :). Greetings from the Netherlands
@@simon_mera Sorry Simon, your English was that good I thought you were from the UK! Naturally you can find the same cover from the Louis EU website. Happy trails mate.
Clear story! Impressive reliability!
I'm also running the Anakee adventure tires. Doing great actually. I've read about the Mitas, but i thought my asphalt commuting would make them wear out really soon. Plus perhaps not the right handling/comfort for riding on asphalt. The rugged profile does look better on a GS instead of road tires...
But i hear you're happy with them for commuting also during wet and cold days?
Any indication on durability?
Motorcycle trip to Spain? Nice. Enjoy.
Fun fact: my commute is exact 40km one way. Similar to yours. Mainly highway though
Hi Rolf, if you ever fancy taking your GS off the beaten track then I fully recommend the Mitas. I’m terrible at off road riding so I invest in anything that makes it easier, that’s why I chose the Mitas. Surprisingly they are very competent on the road as well. Not noisy and yes, quite hard wearing. You’ll notice I had a set on our Nordkapp trip and there was plenty of grip left when I got back. Have a look around on UA-cam at some reviews from other GS riders.
We noticed we had a week or so free in March so we’re going to sprint down to Spain to dodge the cold weather. Turns out days are great in Northern Spain in March, it’s just a pity it’s just above freezing at night! Oh well it should make for some entertaining content! Stay safe my friend👍🏽
@@GreenString Thanks. Will consider Mitas whenever I will need to swap. Will check some reviews.
Looking forward to your holiday ;)
Stay safe!
I'm just as happy with my 2008 GS. Pretty standard and currently about 76700 Km. Currently looking for lower crashbars. What brand are you using on yours?
Hi Mate, I've got the Wunderlich upper & lower crash bars. I like the fact they are stainless steel. I've had power coated ones in the past, the paint got damaged and they started to rust.
Have you bought an Africa Twin so you and Jason both have the same screen start up time? Two of my ridding buddies have 1100 AT's and I have a simple 1000 AT, and when I'm waiting for them to finish their start up procedure, it reminds me of your vids when you're travelling with Jason .. 😂
Haha🤣😂 that made spit my coffee out! That’s a good idea, get my own back. He was bragging the other day about his new heated jacket. That is guaranteed to be a faff about as he needs to plug it in and out as he gets on and off the bike, Im looking forward to that! We are off to Spain for a week at the start of March so watch this space for a pre season adventure. As for the new bike, well I’m gonna remain tight lipped. Well done for watching till the end for that nugget of information. Stay safe and keep riding🫡
@@GreenString I don't think Jason will remember to unplug before he gets off 😂 Have a safe trip in sunny Spain, I look forward to the resulting vids ..
Nice video, I am currently on a lookout for a 2014/2015 1200 GS in the Netherlands.
Did you say you keep your bike outside ? I don’t have a garage, any tips on storing the bike in the open and I do plan to ride it almost everyday to work and for other things.
Hi, yes you are absolutely right. My bike was kept outside the entire time. I kept it under one of these: www.louis.eu/en/louis-cover-soft-10010182
If you get one get the largest size possible. They are heavy but to be honest really, really good. The latest version has an elastic bottom which prevents it blowing off in high wind but makes covering the bike more difficult.
I’ve recently just sold my brilliant GS to a pensioner. He has a nice big (warm) garage and I know it’s going to get way more care and attention than I could ever give it. The Tacho was reading about 120,000 Km when I sold it.
I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and may I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry. Christmas 🎅
@@GreenString thanks Green. I wish you A wonderful Christmas as well.
I've just bought a 1200 on 13 plate ,only 8621 miles on it 🤣, i did 202 miles first of owning what a great bike lets hope i have as trouble free miles or kilomteres as you , great review 🤙🏻
Hi Tim, I'm now at the point where I am doing the basic serviceing jobs myself on the bike. Just about to clock 110,000kms and still nothing gone wrong. It's just a work horse of a bike!! Stay safe mate and thanks for taking the time to comment 👍🏻
Nice review! I just bought a 2013 with the optional daytime riding light below the headlight but I can’t find a headlight guard for it (it has that extra bit to protect the DRL). I can see you have one even though you don’t have the DRL, do you know the brand or where I can get it from? Many thanks
Hi, the brand I used was 'Touratech'. Google it and you should find their website. I hope this helps you out. 👍🏻
Thanks for this review!! I hope to get to 100k miles on mine!! How do you like those Kriega bags and mounts?
I love them. Simple, robust and practical. What's not to like, oh and alot lighter than Mosko Moto. 😁👍🏻
I just ordered the OS 32 bags and looking forward to mounting them on my SW motech rack. I like the look and the light weight vs. mosko moto. I ordered the new SW motech softbags but they are going to go back because they don't seem as robust, at least to me.@@GreenString
Great bike👍
Did you ever take it to bmw about fork issue with some of these model?
Fork recall? Yes I did. Sorted no problem. 👍🏻
I don't know if you mention it, but did you have to adjist valves at all? Thanks!.
I honestly do not know if my valves needed adjusting. I never thought to ask.🤔
🤔 quite a bit of weight seating on the rear tire to balance it. I know you like those tires, any issues at higher speeds?
Hi, regarding the Mitas tyres at speed, no I have never had any issues. However I don’t think I have exceeded over 150kmph with them. They are quite hard wearing as well. I’d say a well priced Allrounder. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻
Any issues with vibrations in handle bars when you put the mitas on?
Definitely not mate. I haven't even noticed any increase in noise on the motorway either which is surprising.
Hey Steve have you ever had any issues with the suspension since it's a stock suspension?
Zero problems Miles. I only weigh about 70 kg but as you've seen in the videos the bike has been taken off road fully loaded.
@Green String most excellent!! Looking forward to your 150,000 kilometer review 😆
Great bike! so you didn't need a new clutch yet? regarding shaft drive I'd definitely do some lube job at that mileage if you want continue to ride safely.
Since I made that video I had to sell the GS. I just couldn’t afford to run two bikes. The clutch was perfect throughout its life, that I had it. I heard that any GS with over 100,000km would get a free replacement shaft drive. I can confirm the new owner has done this. I never once greased the splines. I know a lot of riders do this and it makes sense, I’m just lazy. My new Tenere is an awesome bike but the GS is still the best bike I’ve ever had. Thanks for taking the time to comment
@@GreenStringyou don't sell your bikes, you buy another ;)
Under that service bulletin your GS will automatically qualify for a new driveshaft ,due to its mileage .They won't test it on their gizmo . I have a 2013 GS and am getting close to qualifying for a new driveshaft , which my dealer will do . They also check and lube the splines on all LC GS's before they go on the shop floor . Work carried out by the dealer in this service bulletin won't cost you anything .
Wow, that’s interesting, I had no idea they did that. Thanks for the heads up, I’ll check that out. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Stay safe and keep riding.👍🏼
not sure that's true!! there has been a software update and they were drilling a few drainage holes but certainly not replacing drive shafts
@@mdaydj The software update I think is for recent bikes .It's a completely separate issue to the bulletin for the driveshaft . Qualifying GS bikes will have the shaft tested ,and replaced if it fails the test .At 36000 miles or 60000k the shaft is replaced automatically .The drain hole is drilled for all qualifying bikes.
Hi, what adventure bike would you advise for an absolute beginner?
Hello Mr Tandy😀. Now, I’m not entirely sure if this is a genuine question or a piss take, so for the sake of argument I’ll presume it’s a genuine question. 1. Got no cash? Get an old Transalp or Africa Twin. €3000 gets you in the game. 2. Feeling a bit flush? 2016 -2018 Africa Twin (CRF 1000) get a DCT Version (fully automatic, think twist and go) for about €8000 - €10,000 as you haven’t ridden in about 35 years this would be a good option, and your tall, so is the bike, making it better over long distance. I’ll lend you all the camping gear you could ever need…so what’s stopping you mate. I think you’d make a good addition to Team Green String (imagine the banter)😂
@@GreenString very informative reply thank you. I wouldn’t mind trying my hand on a bike, but as you know it’s been a very very long time. Maybe when the weather is a bit better we could have a more in depth chat. The banter would be awesome.
Hi Steve,
my 2016 GSA also eats rear brake pads.
Driving style is the same as with my previous bikes.
Anyone knowledgeable about this and maybe and solution?
Kind regards Jim
Hi Jim, I did a previous video on the bike and mentioned the rear brake issue that got a lot of response. Many suggested it was simply due to having linked brakes on the GS. To this day I have no definitive answer. All I know is some people get through them like cheese and others don’t which sort of makes me believe it must be simply down to type of brake pad?
Hi Jim, l was reading in these comments earlier, possibly they used Motul 550 ? Brake fluid. Might be wrong though...
Obviously you are living in Germany if I could deduce that from the video. So just checking, is the GS cheaper to purchase second hand there?
Hi, I’m not sure if they are cheaper, so just had a quick look on a popular German second hand website. For the same model year as my GS they are selling at around €8000 - €10,000 dependant on spec/mileage. I hope this helps?
That is 50% cheaper than Finland!!😂
@declanflaherty8958 Wow, I had know idea. That’s insane!
Whats your luggage set up?
Hi, on the GS I use Kriega bags. Take a look at this video for details: KRIEGA OS - Motorcycle soft luggage
ua-cam.com/video/mnQAfSczQ0g/v-deo.html
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. Stay safe & keep riding 👍🏼
What about the valve adjustments. 🍻🏍️💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
Good question John. They have been carried out at correct intervals (at least I’ve paid for it, so I hope so)! The mechanic (not BMW) has confirmed they required no adjustment. Not sure if other riders on the forums have mentioned that there valves required adjustment or not. Take care mate, any other questions fire away. 👍🏼
Only 100.000km? So basically you have just broken in the engine… Recall covers drive shaft for free when odometer has more than 60.000km. BMW rules them all!
112,000 now. Getting there. 😁👍🏻
Well, where's the new bike intro?
Haha, good question. I am hoping the new bike will arrive before the end of the month. I’ve got some serious plans for it this year.
Had mine 4 years 1250gs HP just 8k miles and I have way more corrosion than you (although that's not a brag I'm proud of)
keep mine very clean and used protective products Bmw have said "it's only paint" hmmm not over the moon but I wished for better. I have had many GS's and this was my worst sadly
Are you in the UK? It seems this is a recurring problem. I follow the European, American and UK GS forums and all the bad examples of early corrosion are UK bikes.
@@GreenString the Brits clean their bikes too much!
@@GreenString yes in the UK and yes sometimes ride in winter but as its one of a few bikes I own it only gets a bit of ride time
Must be the salt in the roads. Mine sleeps outside for years, no visible corrosion. And its very humid and rain here in Bs As, but no salt in the roads because it don't snow here.
Helllo, Are you interested in testing products? We would like to invite you to test Motorcycle Phone Holder for R1200GS
Hi, I only carry out long term tests for my audience, usually a minimum of 6 months real world testing. If the product has faults then I will identify them and let my audience know. Equally if the product is good I will hi light it. If your happy with this then yes, I'm more than happy to review your product. Contact me on: greenstringmotorcycles@gmail.com