BMW R1200GS running costs

[suffolkbiker]

Was watching the Long Way Down the other day and of course became tempted by the allure of the BMW R1200GS.

Idly searching ebay I see you can get one for as little as £3500 with 50k on the clock.

Obviously this is a complex bike to maintain but that does seem a lot of bike for the money. - or is there a horrendous service required at the 60k mark or something?

Anyone got any experience?

[wr6133]

Isn't it the most recalled bike ever made?

[P.addy]

[MCN]

[Rogerborg]

[Loui5D]

To be blunt, do you really need an 'Adventure' bike?

[BTTD]

The older air head boxers built a reputation for reliability, longevity, simplicity and easy servicing.
The newer models have moved further and further away from that, while gaining power and size.
Basic servicing should still be pretty easy - the cylinders stick out the side, so plugs, tappets and throttle body balancing couldn't be more accessible.

However, as 'borg has helpfully linked, there are plenty of expensive bits that might need sorting.
My personal favourite is a clutch change. I think it's something like 5 hours by the book as you have to remove the back end of the bike. Here's a good how to:
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/259838-1200GS-clutch-change-how-too
I'm only mentioning that as based on the mileage, if it hasn't had one recently, I'd consider the real possibility of one in the not too distant future.

Edit: They're also massive, and heavy to push in and out of the garage.

[MCN]

[mailee]

[ScaredyCat]

How much is a soul worth these days?
____________________
Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[spnorm]

As one of the gullible masses who owns a GS LC, I love the versatility of the bike. It's quick enough (just), it's comfy, handles well and is, above all else, fun on all types of road. I ride two-up all the time and stuff like the Fazer 1000 and Z1000SX are great solo, but not so good with a pillion onboard.

Now scamera vans and unmarked police cars are spoiling the fun on faster roads, adventure style bikes are making the bumpy, twisty backroads of the Lakes and Dales much more fun than they ever where on sportier bikes

P.s. Mine's just had a new engine due to corrosion

[Albigularis]

[Doink]

They're pretty popular commuter bikes in London, with both panniers on they are pretty wide though so unless the panniers are packed full then they would be better to off left at home.

I think they are great looking bikes, but unless you're using it off the roads regularly i i could think of plenty of other tourers I'd rather ride.

[Rogerborg]

[Silver_Fox]

Ok so what's an alternative?
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CBR600 F3 FV
CG125

[TCFA]

[BTTD]

[Albigularis]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Loui5D]

Aprillia Caponord (normal & Rally) , Super Tenere etc

[TCFA]

I've got intentions for a tracer, hopeful that they are comfy over long distances. If you want proper big comfy adventure tourer I hear the multistrada is good but now we're talking a lot more than the OP's budget!
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[Mudshark]

I had one for a day, so no idea about running cost, was very comfy, and tall, so a bit like sitting in a scania cab, also a bit high and wide for my normal filtering, although that may be down to not being used to the bike.
But, the thing, the one big thing, I really disliked about it; despite of the two big cylinders sticking out the sides, my boots were bloody manky afterwards, I mean really bad, worse than weeks and weeks of winter commuting on the GT, in one day! it's not like I even took it off-road.

so, in answer, it'll cost you more on boots or boot cleaning/treatment

[sickpup]

[Rogerborg]

[sickpup]