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They sell (R1200GS) like hot cakes...

I purchased my R1200GS in late fall 2006.

So far a light bulb failed...and I’m just coming up to 20,000 k. I’ve hit every thing from hail, snow and sleet to scorching desert highway, but very little off road use as yet. When you talk about an all rounder type of motorcycle you have to think comprom...ise but I have found my GS really lives up to it's reputation, it can and will do everything with near faultless ease. In fact it probably over achieves. I find myself trying to out pace the latest crotch rockets and only my lack of skill, not the bike, (ok speed) hold me back, the bike handles just that well.

Just like many I have started adorning my machine with aftermarket parts, most from http://www.bmwsantacruz.com/wunderlich These have helped with my comfort and overall enjoyment of the machine. The aftermarket guys have really gone full bore when it comes to the GS you won’t find much from BMW off the shelf.

My machine came with ABS, this is the first motorcycle I have ridden with ABS and yes it does take a little while to get use to and the consistent whine of the servo can be annoying. I also went for the spoke wheels as I can't really see a reason to have cast on an off road bike and in the long run that's where I really want to take this machine. The ABS is easily disabled for off road use or track days etc.

Ride comfort was a must for me and on the whole it's spot on for my 200Ib bulk. With the seat at the lowest position on the frame I can almost get both my feet flat on the ground and that's with preload cranked fairly high. I can see a challenge for a shorter inseam but aftermarket seat replacement will lower a few cm more.

I also picked up the BMW hard bags (the bike already had the mounting brackets. These are great, expandable and easy to get on and off but i don't reckon they'll last in a true off road adventure, more for road trips and commuting.

The heated grips are a god-send and when you try and ride year round as I do, they make a huge difference along with a heated vest, the GS comes with a convenient plug-in already built into the left side. The stock Metz Tourance tires have never let me down on the tarmac but for basic trail riding you'd better drop the pressure down and don't press your luck...they aint no off road knobblies and traction is limited to say the least.

Fit and finish is high on the GS, BMW didn't skimp here and for the price they'd better not. If, like me, you found the sticker price a shock, quality and reliability has to be a priority as you probably won't be stabling this beast next to other thoroughbreds for a while.

To date I've had no issue with the engine or transmission, all seem to do as requested, like all niche products not every size fits all and the R1200GS just seems right for me. There's enough power when needed and I can act like a seasoned road jockey or step it up a notch with the bad boys and it all seems to work. I guess we'd all like our bikes to be lighter, stronger, faster and indestructible and the GS is getting there in its own unique style.

Over all a great do it all motorcycle, I'd repeat if necessary but have only started to appreciate this fine machine and see many years of solid reliable and fun motorcycling ahead.

http://clinkscrashpad.blogspot.com/
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06 R1200GS

This bike is the swiss army knife of motorcycles. I bought it with 5300 miles and in 4 months I've put 8000 miles on it.



I can ride it in comfort to Idaho and then jump on a fire road when I get there. On my way there I can hit all the twisties and have a blast. A good rider on this bike, even ...with Tourances on it can smoke a sportbike in the tight twisties.

The stock seat after 300 miles sucks. The suspension takes some getting used to, but once you do it's fine. Read Full Review

Not the best bike I've had...

Bought my bike new in fall of 2005. At about 2000 miles (excluding winter months, 3 month of riding). I've had electrical troubles - at 7000 mile and multiple shop visits now today 11/2008 speedo has failed, break failure and headlight randomly works. The only shop in Iowa states "there is no... problems showing up". Because when it goes into shop the gremlin leaves. Does not BMW have a history in the computer? It's a fun bike to ride but when its needing work so often and dealer doesn't resolve issues. what good is computerize bike. Oh and another problem. Filling the fuel tank full the display show all but one digital line. Than at around 86 miles the display drops to 3 or 4 marks on LCD read out. Took it in and "that's normal for bikes., is the response from dealer. I stated that it should fall under warrenty and only to fix if it does. Not fixed yet after 2 visit for other issues. Does BMW not want to replace tank or sensor? Horrible bike I have better luck with 8 month old Harley Ultra with 12000 mile that I put on, Yes twelve thousand miles. It goes to show no matter what the thought of mechanical reliability is of bike. Not always true. Read Full Review