2006 BMW R 1200 GS

I've had 4 different bikes in my 50 years of riding and as my dream bike I bought mine used at 25k km just 4 years back (2015). I've put on another 30K since and in most respects it's lived up to expectation, though in all honesty it is NOT a bike for Africa unless you can deal with the probable ... repairs / services yourself. All spares need to be imported (by you), and without the GS911 test unit (from South Africa), electronic fault diagnostics are impossible. In Kenya I believe there are just two competent service centers, with none others between here and SA. HOWEVER, it is a BMW so very reliable, as was my 1984 K75, so, my complaints, minimal - Nairobi traffic is SLOW, stop start, therefore a lower 1st gear would be nice. 6th gear perhaps a higher ratio. The Rfid chipped key is a pain when it goes wrong

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.

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.