Are BMWs really that unreliable?

[GOG 007]

How very dare you

You never offered me a tea at the Ace last week and I know you love Chad more than me, but surely a tea would have won my heart

[Lord Vader]

You never offered me a tea at the Ace last week and I know you love Chad more than me, but surely a tea would have won my heart

sorry don't do tea,only coffee

[TWIN BURNER]

sorry don't do tea,only beer

Fixed it for you

[Lord Vader]

Fixed it for you

Nope,not at the Ace.Still got to ride home from there

[StumpyFingers]

When I was looking at the Transalp, the one thing I searched for besides the fuel economy was the amount of reports of faults.
I did not find any, if I was looking at getting a BMW and the search turned up the problems with the final drives and other faults I would be inclined to go elsewhere.
The mate at work was going to get a BM but was put off by Petes problems and now has a Vara.

[j]

The GS R1150 was top of its evolution tree. The GS R1200 is in its developmental stage and is being modified at nearly every new model. Bmw are also recalling bikes to up date things like immobiliser rings, fuel modules, The paint on the early ones was a water based paint, now they have switched to a cellulose base paint. Like all good chefs say, if you want to make an omelet you have to break some eggs or is it final drives

[phil w]

I guess you have to suspect that in the fact the BMW has become the market leader by a country mile, build quality in mass production has suffered slightly. There are plenty that havent had a tap of problem out there its just always the bad that gets noticed. Still a great bike... but still a Heinkel
Its the bomb doors opening that kills the final drive

[jasonbc]

Yes Jason my little Varadero owner friend, your Dad has a 1150GS, but Boris has a Vara, and I have a Transalp, and Lord Fu$kwit has a 1200gs, how do I know 'cause I'am interested in Boris's Vara and have seen Vader's 1200gs, but not your Dad's 1150gs, is he selling it ?

Not that i'm aware of but everything is for sale for the right price

I was just making the point that having ridden both bikes long distance the Varadero is more comfortable, has wind protection that works, headlights that work and the chain drive on the Vardero has never needed adjusting or lubind while i've ben away due to a scottoiler

[Stella Bob]

I've had one GS 1200 and three GSA 1200. My average is mileage is 24,000 miles per year. The reason that have I owned four is that BMW kept bringout "must have changes" for the first ones i.e. removing the servos on the ABS system from '07. My current one is the '08 model and this saw many improvements, the gearox being one example. Sure I've had recalls (Antenna Ring) but no faults. The Antenna Ring problem is now yesterday's news - as may well be the fuel pump controller. The fuel pump controller was a failure point. I carry a spare as I do on my Afric Twin.

I'm convinced that many of the faults reported - especially on UKGSer, are caused by some of the ownrers that the model attracted. Questions such as being "unable to do a hill start without a servo self check failing" beggar belief. Many whinges are in comparison with their cars. Some owners expect untreated aluminium panniers not to be affected by salt on the roads and others are suprised when their bikes corrode when not washed. Yes, there have been some issues with the front engine cover, but BMW are exceptional when it comes to warranty claims.

The much critised electronics (CAN Bus network) are incredibly reliable - I don't remember reading of a failure; although there must me some.

Much of the sniping comes from 1150 owners upset that their heavy, cumbersome beast has been supplanted by the vastly more nimble and superior 1200.

Comfort? GSA 1200 - marvellous all day long me and the missus. She much prefers this to our Pan European days

[Mabels Old Man]

I've had four GS's an 1150, a 1200 and I'm on my second 1200 GSA. I've also ridden a few Varaderos.

When you look at the number of 1200's on the road the percentage of breakages isn't that bad. When the 1150 was introduced it was the subject of recalls and unnecessary breakdowns. As J says when the 12 was introduced the 1150 was at the end of it's life and all the problems were long gone. Having said that my 1150 ate it's final drive. As for reliability have a look on Gsers about Timolgras ride report through Mongolia and Sid Horman's Calums Road ride. 1200 GSA's completed both trips with no problems. Believe me they were subjected to much abuse.

As for finish try riding any bike, including Hondas, through a winter without washing or anti corrosion and see what happens! I used to be a bike valeter and I've seen some sorry examples.

If I thought they were unreliable I wouldn't be on my fourth.