R1200S reliability

[1200boxer]

Being a born worrier and having read some horror stories about right hand cilynders and broken valves I ask,are these bikes/engines truly reliable?
There are also tales of the 1200 engines leaking like mad,although I've never seen one and mine at 19000kms is perfectly dry.
I love my bike ,it's looks, and the way it goes and handles but if I'm going to worry then I think I'll get a Honda

[Herb]

There are always horror stories, especially when you hang around on one make forums where any bad news gets reported.

I think the 1200 is pretty reliable. There are lots of people who have clocked up massive mileages on GS, RT etc so in my mind the core power train is pretty robust. The S is perhaps more slightly stressed but I can only recall a couple of catastrophic failures, Gus's race bike being one.

There are a couple of areas that would be considered weak, final drive and clutch maybe, but generally I think if you ride reasonably sympathetically and keep up to date with the servicing your bike will run on and on.

Ride your bike and stop worrying.

[popsky]

Herrman from this parish had the last time we spoke over 73K miles on his, so I shouldn't worry overly

And at 19000km it's barely run in

[Blackal]

I think the engine/drivetrain on the 1200s has an easier life than on the 1200GS, to be honest........

The lack of (credible) pillion and limited luggage options - probably give it an easier life than the 75kg/40kg extra that the GS has to haul with pillion and luggage.

Al

[Grip Fast]

Interesting that I should see a post stating a worry that has crossed my mind a few times. I think the light weight bodywork and complex (looking) electrics, gives it a slightly delicate feel.

I've had a couple of hiccups, such as lumpy, slow tick over and an intermittent failure of the gear position detector to find neutral. Both of these have (touch wood) gone away. The only failure I've had was an advisory on the front wheel bearings (didn't cost much to fix and wasn't off the road at all).

But when I go out on it, it's such a lovely bike to ride, I immediately forgive these minor problems.

[Herb]

Back in 2006 to about 2008 (bang on when our bikes were built) BMW really dropped the ball on quality. They admitted as much in the press.

Most of the issues were fairly minor cosmetic issues, front covers, fasteners etc, but a few more serious issues did creep through. The 'maintenance free' final drive springs to mind.

I personally am paranoid about the final drive, but seeing as it costs so little to change the oil, I change it every year regardless of mileage.

Major issues fortunately are few and far between. You just have to stop worrying. If it breaks, it breaks. Deal with it in the unlikely event anything ever happens. Ride your bikes and have fun on a superb handling machine.

[Grip Fast]

Back in 2006 to about 2008 (bang on when our bikes were built) BMW really dropped the ball on quality. They admitted as much in the press.

Gee thanks, that's a real comfort...

[Herb]

Back in 2006 to about 2008 (bang on when our bikes were built) BMW really dropped the ball on quality. They admitted as much in the press.

Gee thanks, that's a real comfort...

I know MCN has to be taken with a pinch of salt, but......

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/news/ ... -problems/

[Vince]

97,000 miles on my old girl. was still going well until I threw her at a rock face in Switzerland early July.

I'm now down to my R12r with 18,000 on, so she has a bit to catch up on old faithful.

Unfortunatly I fear old faithful won't be doing any more miles, not down to unreliability but to my own dosy mistake.

Ride em often, service them as per schedule, don't be afraid of using all the rev range on occasion and they can be as reliable as any other bike brand IMO.
hth
\v/