BMW Motorcycles

[dinosaur]

 

Now to the ride. The R1200GS is considerably smoother than its predecessor the 1150GS. The boxer engine inevitably causes the bike to sway left and right when throttled hard. However with the 1200GS the swaying was hardly noticed. The GS may look like a giant, but I tell you once it is on the move, it feels light as a feather. Inexplicable. Even my girlfriend's parents were suprised at how agile the giant was when they drove along side. Top speed is about 210kph? perhaps faster, as i ran out of road. anything below 180kph is quite comfortable.

 

 

 

Amendment, top speed is about 225kph with empty plastic vario boxes, and abt 1/4 tank of fuel. At 180kph rpm is exactly 6500. Pulls suprisingly fast to 200 actually. Yup just an update,sorry i misrepresented the capabilities of the GS in the earlier review.

[Guest antigraft]

I will need to break the 200kmh barrier first before writing a review. Haha.

 

I saw the BBQ pics at PML webby yest while bore-surfing the net. Everyone in there looks... eerrr.. above 30 and 40?

 

How old are you guys in here?

[bowler]

I know few of them (inside BBQ pic) . Btw my age 36 riding R1200GS.

[Guest mealorder]

Morning everyone.

 

It seems that from the sight glass, the oil level is below minimum.

 

What oil does PML use? Mineral or fully-syn? Need to DIY top-up the oil.

 

Pls advise. Have only clocked 6600++km on odometer.

 

Thanks.

Edited July 6, 2009 by mealorder

[Blackie21]

Morning everyone.

 

What mineral oil do you guys use to top up? It seems that from the sight glass, the oil level is below minimum.

 

Go to PML to top up, or just grab ANY mineral oil and DIY?

 

Pls advise. Have only clocked 6600++km on odometer.

 

Thanks.

 

 

I am using Motul and have a spare bottle to top up, if required.

if touring, just get any mineral and top up (change oil after the ride) but if in town, just call them to see what oil they use, go and buy outside and top up yourself.

cheaper than asking them to do it for you, unless you can get them to do it for free.

[Guest mealorder]

You mentioned about touring. I've yet to change the EO since i am back from the trip. Guess i'll just change the EO instead of topping up.

 

Thanks.

[spyder8850]

Morning everyone.

 

It seems that from the sight glass, the oil level is below minimum.

 

What oil does PML use? Mineral or fully-syn? Need to DIY top-up the oil.

 

Pls advise. Have only clocked 6600++km on odometer.

 

Thanks.

 

Mineral. You can you Mobil special 20W-50 for easy purchase & emergency top-up. I am using Castrol Activ 20W-50 for local rides (every 5k) Royal Purple for longer rides cos it consumes lesser than ordinary mineral.

[Guest mealorder]

Mineral. You can you Mobil special 20W-50 for easy purchase & emergency top-up. I am using Castrol Activ 20W-50 for local rides (every 5k) Royal Purple for longer rides cos it consumes lesser than ordinary mineral.

ahh thanks for the info bro.

 

Yah, juz changed to mineral too. Peace of mind not seeing it under the minimum level at the sight glass.

[Faiz Gonzalez]

anyone can enlighten me how much does a gs800 new one cost is it reliable for daily transport bedok to tuas n monthly ride up kl or north sometimes..

[Guest mealorder]

anyone can enlighten me how much does a gs800 new one cost is it reliable for daily transport bedok to tuas n monthly ride up kl or north sometimes..

Click on the price list on the right side.

 

http://www.pml.com.sg/bmw/motorcycles/

[twisticles]

anyone can enlighten me how much does a gs800 new one cost is it reliable for daily transport bedok to tuas n monthly ride up kl or north sometimes..

 

Reliability - well I had one of the first 800GS, delivered 13th March 2008. There was a recall for the immobilizer ring antenna, but the newer bikes never had that problem. There have been other "service recalls" for fuel maps, radiator hoses etc...but again these will all have been done on a new bike. Early models (mine included) had a chocolate chain, replaced under warranty at 3500km. The 2009 models don't have these problems, they are pretty refined in that sense.

 

Otherwise, in 16 months, mine has never failed to start, never missed a beat and never done anything unexpected. Fuel economy is incredible, especially at Singapore speeds.

 

It rides light and nimble - although the bars are wide they are higher than car wing mirrors, so it can squeeze thru gaps you wouldn't believe, its great in city traffic.

 

For monthly rides, its not going to keep up with the R1s out there, I cap out about 160km/h with knobbly tyres, should be smoother & faster with road tyres. I've done 1000km in a day a couple of times (also on knobblies) and the bike takes it all in its stride.

 

Some people don't like how hard the seat it - a recover with softer foam is pretty cheap here, though I haven't bothered. Some people like a taller screen for long-distance touring, but I find the air-flow very clean and directed, much quieter than a tall screen that induces buffeting behind your head.

 

I've said it before - this is the last bike I will buy, it does everything I could ask of a bike.

 

But if you never plan to go off-road, there are better suited bikes out there, including the new F800R.

 

More of my views and 800GS linkes here

[Blackie21]

man, you are tempting me!

[coolcat]

Roadie 1150 up for sale ... do not know the owner; just passing the word.

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246646

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[twisticles]

Wish I could ride my 800GS like this

[mamat]

one hot-looking GS. i'm drooling.Take a closer look.Really impressive

 

http://f800riders.org/forum/images/garage/attach/garage_vehicle-329-12466840331.jpg

 

http://f800riders.org/forum/images/garage/attach/garage_vehicle-329-12466840342.jpg

 

http://f800riders.org/forum/images/garage/attach/garage_vehicle-329-12466840343.jpg

 

http://f800riders.org/forum/images/garage/attach/garage_vehicle-329-12466840344.jpg

 

 

stumbled upon in http://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=29395

[ridz_o_rama]

Hello ppl

 

I've been doing my homework on the internet and magazines, trying to get a much better idea of how reliable (or unreliable, according to some overseas adv riders!) a 12000GS really is. Because you see, I'm a sportbike rider for the last 5-6yrs, and im about to settle down, get married, kids, yakyakyak... and im seriously contemplating getting a bike that can last me more than 10ys. Easily. Without backaches if I may add.

 

A BMW 1200GS never fails to attract my attention (and lust!), but the ONE thing that always stops me from grabbing one is, yes, the PRICE. I've read many, many posts especially in ADVrider.com regarding regular breakdowns on the final drives, fuel controller, etc etc. A bike WILL break down occasionally no doubt, but the basic principle of 'paying for what you get' applies to not only the wonderful experience involved in riding it, but also its reliability. Or so that's what I look for.

 

Perhaps some frank opinions / suggestions on whether forking out 10k for downpayment and paying over the next 5yrs, for a beast like the GS, will be worthwhile. I am, unlike the common perception here linking BMW owners to being wealthy CEOs or doctors, just an ordinary man earning a living as a Civil Servant. Im willing to pay, but im not willing to suffer the regular breakdowns. I hoping to own one, one fine day.

 

Cheers!

[coolcat]

Perhaps some frank opinions / suggestions on whether forking out 10k for downpayment and paying over the next 5yrs, for a beast like the GS, will be worthwhile. I am, unlike the common perception here linking BMW owners to being wealthy CEOs or doctors, just an ordinary man earning a living as a Civil Servant. Im willing to pay, but im not willing to suffer the regular breakdowns. I hoping to own one, one fine day. Cheers!

 

Hiya, welcome.

 

I think most of us are not "CEOs or doctors"; but just guys who are keen on riding and love a certain type of machine(s). As with most bikes, a BMW will depreciate most during its first 3 years and I think it is fair to say that at the end of its 10-year life, a value of about 20% remains. A 7-year old R1150GS will probably go for $13K-17K now. A R1200GS is like a pocketknife, versatile. There will be better variants that come along later, but that is life, isn't it?

 

As with any acquisition, do not break the bank to get it. Make sure that you are comfortable with instalments. Factor in some repairs like clutch and bearings replacements and the bike will take you places. Talk to owners, and meet up with us if you can, make an informed decision. My take is that if you are keeping the bike long term, shocks and other upgrades are better done earlier than later.

 

If you love wrenching, maintenance of BMW bikes is easier. Otherwise, there are alternatives to PML. With the Net there is a wealth of information-sharing and much free help out there. Owning a long-term bike is a journey, and will come with its joys and not-so-joyous moments. Enjoy them all, for later you will smile at the not-so-joyous moments (I've had many ).

 

Is it worthwhile to buy a new R1200GS? That is a very subjective question, and too many factors come into play. The decision, and the rewards/consequences of it, reside with you.

 

Sorry for the rambling, ... been a long day.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[yem_paul]

 

Owning a long-term bike is a journey, and will come with its joys and not-so-joyous moments. Enjoy them all, for later you will smile at the not-so-joyous moments (I've had many ).

 

 

Cat

 

:thumb:

 

Couldn't agree more Cat.

[Blackie21]

:thumb:

 

Couldn't agree more Cat.

 

shite man, we have many of those!

[sbox23]

Originally Posted by coolcat

 

Hiya, welcome.

 

I think most of us are not "CEOs or doctors"; but just guys who are keen on riding and love a certain type of machine(s). As with most bikes, a BMW will depreciate most during its first 3 years and I think it is fair to say that at the end of its 10-year life, a value of about 20% remains. A 7-year old R1150GS will probably go for $13K-17K now. A R1200GS is like a pocketknife, versatile. There will be better variants that come along later, but that is life, isn't it?

 

As with any acquisition, do not break the bank to get it. Make sure that you are comfortable with instalments. Factor in some repairs like clutch and bearings replacements and the bike will take you places. Talk to owners, and meet up with us if you can, make an informed decision. My take is that if you are keeping the bike long term, shocks and other upgrades are better done earlier than later.

 

If you love wrenching, maintenance of BMW bikes is easier. Otherwise, there are alternatives to PML. With the Net there is a wealth of information-sharing and much free help out there. Owning a long-term bike is a journey, and will come with its joys and not-so-joyous moments. Enjoy them all, for later you will smile at the not-so-joyous moments (I've had many ).

 

Is it worthwhile to buy a new R1200GS? That is a very subjective question, and too many factors come into play. The decision, and the rewards/consequences of it, reside with you.

 

Sorry for the rambling, ... been a long day.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

 

me certainly no CEO/Dr......couldn't agree more with what ya said......maintenance usually DIY unless major prob dan by PML.....

[Roy]

Really, cool. Can I confirm if Looi is at Yishun right?

 

Thanks.

 

HI, dropped by LOOIs, wow, really impressive showroom with lots of bike, but sadly not one KLR650.

 

Does anyone know which BMW rider owns the KLR, would love to catch up with the guy for a beer or coffee.

 

Cheers.

[ridz_o_rama]

Thanks for the responses and PMs... I truly appreciate them. Best part is that all were unibiased accounts of owning a BMW bike. Im in deep consideration...

 

To make matters more aching, I met a BMW GSA rider at a petrol stop. Started asking him abt the bike, blablabla, and he willingly let me try to sit on his ride.

 

Nice.

[coolcat]

This is OFF-TOPIC; I am selling a Fazer 600 here:

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248213

 

Now for something more on-topic, comparing the Fazer 600 with a beemer, I can see the strengths and weaknesses in beemers. The Jap bike was reliable, started after months of non-riding without fuss, and it is quite mental, before I know it I was doing 150 km/h with stability and the rpm was below 8,000 rpm (I think 15 rpm redline)! When I discussed this with my mech, he educated me that the beemer's flywheel is heavy and hence need more power to turn it.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[mamat]

This is OFF-TOPIC; I am selling a Fazer 600 here:

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248213

 

Now for something more on-topic, comparing the Fazer 600 with a beemer, I can see the strengths and weaknesses in beemers. The Jap bike was reliable, started after months of non-riding without fuss, and it is quite mental, before I know it I was doing 150 km/h with stability and the rpm was below 8,000 rpm (I think 15 rpm redline)! When I discussed this with my mech, he educated me that the beemer's flywheel is heavy and hence need more power to turn it.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

 

wow you have a Fazer too?? ..dats a lot of parking coupons .c'mon wat else u have in that parking lot? a Guzzi perhaps? heheh .comparing a beemer with a jap eh.. hmm dats more than apples and pears.ups for ur sale

Edited July 20, 2009 by mamat

[coolcat]

Found this on the Net, posted by a R1150R owner on high cost repair of beemers. Interesting thought-provoking reading. Funny enough, I have not heard about that many final drive failures ...

 

Let’s define high-cost as any repair costing more than $1,000. Seems to me that there are 3 types of high-cost repairs.

 

Type 1 – failures requiring repairs/renewals occurring as result of normal wear. While occasionally expensive, these "failures" should be expected and will occur regardless of the make of the motorcycle. Shocks fall into this category - all bikes will require new ones at some point as a simple function of time and use. In the case of BMW’s generally and the R1150R in particular, this repair is likely to be somewhat more costly than on other marques and similar models because of the unique suspension design. So the trade off that BMW owners make is a more stable, better handling bike but at somewhat higher initial and long-term ownership cost.

 

Type 2 – those failures that are not predicted and are unexpected in normal use but that can be relatively easily prevented. The wire harness failure that I experienced (along with Toolingalong and apparently quite a few other R bike owners) falls into this category. In this case, the harness meltdowns can be almost totally prevented by frequent inspection and some minor, inexpensive modifications such as the addition strategically placed insulation on the harness and/or chassis.

 

Type 3 - these are failures that are neither predictable nor preventable. In this category are the clutch hub/input shaft spline failures and FD bearing failures (and perhaps some others like the clutch slave cylinder failures). While these are relatively rare they seem to affect a significant percentage of R bikes, perhaps something in the range of 3 to 5% for splines and FDs. This is admittedly a guess since BMW has not been forthcoming with information on these failures.

 

Type 1 failures are essentially benign. Though they contribute to the overall cost of ownership of a BMW, they are (or should be) expected and are only a matter of degree compared to motorcycles from other manufacturers. You would expect to replace the shocks on any bike at 25,000 – 50,000 miles. For most bikes, your cost of replacement will be under that $1,000 threshold by virtue of the fact they have a traditional front fork (which can be rebuilt at reasonable cost) and will need only rear shock replacement. I think that the BMW telelever/paralever system provides a number of benefits over a more traditional suspension and that the added cost of renewing the suspension parts is a worthwhile trade off for those benefits.

 

Type 2 failures are more difficult to accept. While they may be preventable, you need to know ahead of time of the likely failure in order to take the appropriate preventative steps. In the case of the wire harness and some other, less costly problems such as the inferior QDs supplied by the factory, BMW should and could have been expected to know and at the very least, inform owners of the potential problem. A service bulletin advising close inspection of the wire harness for chaffing at certain points would have cost the company very little, would have alerted owners to the problem and in virtually all cases, prevented a catastrophic and very costly failure. The QD issue would have been more costly for factory since simple notification would not have been sufficient and BMW would have had to absorb the cost of fitting new parts. The point is that in each of these cases, the factory chose not to address the problem.

 

Large numbers of Type 3 failures are not acceptable. While the FD and spline problems admittedly impact only a relatively small percentage of bikes, it is a much higher rate than would be expected. It’s likely that most manufacturers have Type 3 failures, however what sets BMW apart is the way that company has chosen to deal with the problems or more correctly, not deal with them. The BMW strategy seems to be to ignore things as long as possible and hope that the problem goes away on its own. This may work but is extremely short-sighted with the long-term cost to BMW likely to be very high in lost customers.

 

So what does all this mean? While the Roadster is probably the most capable all-around bike out there, handles and brakes extremely well, has a wonderfully responsive, torquey engine and is comfortable and capable, in the end it is still a BMW. This means that it is not as reliable as much of the competition, is hampered by indifferent factory support, is sold and serviced by a declining number of dealers and likely has a significantly higher cost of ownership than many other marques.

 

Because the Roadster is such a joy to ride, I was able to overlook the factory’s apparent indifference to things like their fuel system problems as well as the high prices charged by my local dealer for very shoddy work and was an unreservedly enthusiastic supporter of BMW. As other problems like those discussed above started surfacing and as the BMW factory’s lack of concern for their customers became more apparent, my enthusiasm has dimmed considerably. I still love riding the Roadster but I no longer have any confidence in it - or for that matter anything produced by BMW - over the long term.