Adventure Bike Rider Forum

I have a 2012 Twin Cam Standard from brand new. Now at 24k.

Just returned from 8 days riding in the French and Swiss Alps and down in to Italy, last year Spain, Portugal for over two weeks. Two big trips around Scotland this year and in 2014, Garmisch, Bavaria and the Austrian Alps in 2013 not to mention countless trips camping and riding around Wales at weekends. Also did the GS Challenge this year too. Hasn't missed a beat. Without doubt the best bike I've owned, regular serviced and change oil at intervals too. (thumbs)

Major Problem so far:

Exhaust Flap Valve Seized in the open position while in Scotland earlier this year. Didn't spoil my ride, just a loud squeal when starting as it strained on the cables. Fixed on my return home. Removed and replace with a 30mm exhaust tube. Cost £8.00 !

Engine and Frame finish still excellent on mine, though I never ride between Dec-Jan when salt on roads anyway.

Also,

Watch out for scratches from key fob or other keys on the ignition key it scratches the top yoke finish. Some of the GSA's I have seen have some rust, bubbling on frames (the black powder coat not silver models) - check inside under rear mudguard and pannier area where panniers are kept on. Front of engine gets a bashing under balance pipe corrodes a bit with road salt too.

The Oil Cooled TC models don't hang about either. I was pinned to the rear of a Multistrada for a good while up Nufennen pass a week or so ago, still having a lot of fun 4 years on. Go for it.

As someone who has recently changed up to one of these bikes, its good to read the positive posts above. (thumbs)

I have a 13 plate version of the same jobby.

I'd echo previous comments it's a marvellous bike IMHO, fast enough, handles well and covers distance effortlesly one, two up and/or loaded like a mule.

An excellent machine.

My bike is used at weekends, highdays and holidays, not cleaned obsessively, or at all all on occasion tbh. I need a car for my present gig however quality of finish on some parts is variable if the bike is used as a daily runner if the experience of some of my friends is anything to go by and dealer response varies from helpful to err not very helpful.

I've been riding bikes of numerous marques for several decades and I've no axe to grind re the relative durability of different makes as most of 'em will look pretty ropy after not too long left outside and not thoroughly cleaned/covered however I thought I'd add a potential caveat to the ownership of a particulary fine bike.

Had a 2011 from new ,,rode 32 k onto it ,,never missed a beat
Very well sorted machines those (thumbs) (thumbs)
Bought a 13 plate one last year with 1800 miles :woohoo: on it ,, now at 23 k ,,,,,but it has a wee leak at the G box which needs sorting out, however these are such good machines ,I will just get it fixed and ride on (thumbs)

Thanks everyone.

All sounds very positive.

Deposit paid :laugh:

Enjoy (thumbs)

I'm on my second. I've tried the water cooled ones didn't like them, hence gone back to a twin cam oil head. Best GSA ever produced as far as I am concerned.

I'm now looking at one of these too, but am new to the R1200GS world. What do people make of this one on gumtree? It seems cheap... https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw-motorbike ... 1207614780

I'd be interested to know which R1200GS model people would recommend in that budget range - I'm unfamiliar with the differences between generations. Any help appreciated as always

Mine has had a hard life but is sweet as a nut I have used it off road hard it's still good don't let people put ya off by electrics ect it's just like any mass produced bike / car they all have faults

Main thing I would be looking for / checking is for clutch slip

lankyrider wrote:I'm now looking at one of these too, but am new to the R1200GS world. What do people make of this one on gumtree? It seems cheap... https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw-motorbike ... 1207614780

I'd be interested to know which R1200GS model people would recommend in that budget range - I'm unfamiliar with the differences between generations. Any help appreciated as always

Cheap because it`s seen 70,000 miles.

Looks tidy enough though.