BMW R 1200 GS LC - 6 Year ownership review

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 67

  • @GreenString
    @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    CHECK OUT THE UPDATED 100K REVIEW OF MY BIKE!

  • @markanthony6128
    @markanthony6128 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My2016 gsa 45000kms -rear pads same burn down quick apparently it’s the abs brakes front and then back -clutch agree with you I changed from bmw oil to motul synthetic gear changes smooth - flappy valve I just lube every 6 months - other issues we’ve had is front screen adjuster weak-left hand handle bar controls switch gear sticks-right leg exhaust heat is bad on long trips but great review keep on riding

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Good point Mark. I forgot to mention that my right leg gets very toasty, great in winter but a pain in the height of Summer. Take it easy mate and stay safe. Steve.

  • @andrekikkert2787
    @andrekikkert2787 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thans for taking the time to share your experience.
    About the rear break, it looks like you have quit some stroke before it’s starts pressure rises the system (or you are really strong man). I had some issue with the rear brake that it would go soft after a short time without using it. By bleeding the system with help of installing a speed blender I was able to get all the air out (the layout of the lines makes in not easy to get all the air out), the speed bleeder helps you to keep pumping the fluid at a fast speed, flushing all the air out. Second thing I did was make sure the brake lever is adjusted correctly (as the repair manual states). The thing is with this paddle, that it’s not made to be adjusted to you preference, there is only one correct setup. After these changes no problems any more. Not saying this will do the trick, because there are more issue’s with the rear brake if you read the forums, but these check are easy to do.
    About the water pump, had the same exact experience, some seepage in the beginning, now is dry all the time.
    Cheers

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great information, thanks for taking the time to comment. There are a few things there you mention I was not aware of that I need to have a look at. Very interesting indeed. Once again thanks, take care and stay safe ✌️

  • @mototakahe836
    @mototakahe836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ah it is your friend that has the AT. I will whip through your videos tonight. Thank you. I did have in the past 2 x1150Gs with the blue and white tanks .

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, thanks for the comments. Yes I am still riding my faithful 2014 GS. I really would like the Tenere 700, but every time I ride my GS I am reminded how brilliant it is. Enjoy the other videos, stay safe and keep riding👍

  • @pieterbrepoels6563
    @pieterbrepoels6563 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The GS automaticely brakes on the rear brake when applying front brake its a combined system 👍

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's weird because the last set of brake pads (same as all the others) has lasted significantly longer than the others... I give up.

  • @Life_a_bike
    @Life_a_bike 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rear brake is always engaged, also if you use just the front brake. Can’t tell or eating the pads is normal doh…

  • @Greggspies
    @Greggspies 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I run a 2014 and had new engine (corrosion) and new exsaust too all under warranty, mine does about 5.5k rear pads. It loves um.

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      This all sounds sooooo familiar 😂

  • @RolfAalders
    @RolfAalders 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another vid I enjoyed watching, very informative. Since I'm aiming to get a 1200GS myself within the next year or I'm making preparations for owning a bike again. Unfortunately I do not have a garage and I am concerned about the impact the weather will have on the bike. I recalled you mentioning your GS also isn't stored inside, only outside under a cover.
    How many years are you storing the bike like that? Just under a cover, whole year round?? You also use it whole year round?
    Your bike still looks just great. :)

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Rolf, lots of good questions, so let’s see if I can be of assistance. Out of interest on my ride home from work today I just clocked 90,000kms.
      So I still do not have a garage and the bike remains under a “neoprene type” outdoor bike cover (from Louis) that seems to do a pretty good job (8 years now) I am still riding all year round, in fact my daily commute has significantly increased. I now have ,corrosion on the front of the cylinder heads (not too excessive but there if you look closely) inside the “fins”. I presume this is from constant road spray in winter and lack of cleaning in the Winter months from me. My bike only really gets cleaned properly in summer. I took my heat shield off from the “flappy exhaust valve cover” last weekend and this had corroded to the point that a mounting bracket (welded to the exhaust) had snapped off, again due to lack of maintenance from my part and one to keep an eye on.
      All my electronics are 100% fine and my bike continues to also be 100% reliable. Earlier this year the front brake discs were replaced under normal wear and tear.
      I have used a corrosion protection spray but I am not sure what effect it had. I am travelling back to the uk later in the year so will probably get some ACF 50 ( very expensive in Germany). I was seriously considering trading the bike in but after some thought decided against it. It continues to impress me, it’s fantastic to ride, tough and reliable. I am going to keep it until it self destructs! I hope this helps mate, if you have any other questions feel free to ask. 👍🏼P.S when I get to 100,000km I plan on doing an update video so watch this space.

    • @RolfAalders
      @RolfAalders 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@GreenString
      :) So grateful that you actually reply :) Thank you for that.
      90.000kms Nice. Something to be proud of :)
      I posted my questions, but then edited the post because some questions were actually covered in the vid, so took them out again. It is impressive that the 8y old bike is handling the weather so great. The flappy thing and the rear brake sticking a bit are probably indeed examples of issues by the weather or not cleaning the bike enough. Very recognisable as well. I also cleaned the bike one or twice a year, but again, that was stored in a garage. How you use the bike and how it copes is really great. Should also not be an issue storing it outside in NL then. Not sure where you live and how your route to UK will be, but if you're near Gouda/Rotterdam I'm happy to buy you a coffee/tea :)
      Thanks for your responses. Looking forward to you next vids

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Rolf, much appreciated. Stay safe mate and keep riding👍🏼

    • @ozziejim8472
      @ozziejim8472 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GreenStringwhat a great reply , one day, I’ll trade the 800 for the big boxer!

  • @yjkim6065
    @yjkim6065 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good review. what does "LC" mean? I saw same word on the RT.

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  ปีที่แล้ว

      Good Question. It stands for Liquid Cooled. They were the first generation of GS bikes that were liquid cooled but only 30% the remainder of the engine is 70% air cooled. I believe it was done to reduce emissions

    • @yjkim6065
      @yjkim6065 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString Thank you. (It was not Low and Comfort)

  • @mototakahe836
    @mototakahe836 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just stumbled across you video greeat stuff, thank you. I say this because I have just bought 2013 1200GS. 48Kmiles. It is one of the clattery ones you may not have even heard of.
    Now that I now they were not all clattery I shall overcome the clatter. Thanks again for down to earth review.. I also see afterwards you changed to Honda and though I have not seen those vids I hope you are ok after the last vid bike went down . All the best stay safe and healthy.

  • @killertoejam
    @killertoejam 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2014 and finding neutral is not easy. Tried new clutch and clutch rod, still hard to find sometimes. Otherwise I love the bike.

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I read about this problem alot on the forums. Seems to be a fairly common problem for model year 13/14. It is really bizarre when you consider every bike is made exactly the same way on the production line. One bike works fine, the next has issues. Confiding.

    • @ac5967
      @ac5967 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString Hello! I have a 2013 (143000 km now) and shifting 3rd to 2nd gear and finding neutral has been very difficult until I changed the clutch plates at 100000 (I would have changed it sooner if I had known). The same issues with the air in the rear break until it got worse making bleeding necessary once a day! So I changed the rear caliper, the rear brake pump and the brake fluid reservoir without improvement. Now I have found that the problem is the pressure sensor of the ABS module, so I have to replace the whole ABS. I love this bike in any case. I wish you many safe and happy journeys

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ac5967 Congratulations on clocking up such a high milage. I'm impressed and it reminds me I need to get out more! Interesting about the rear brake, I can presume I have the same problem... Just waiting to fail. Still we both have something in common, only the 2013 & 2014 models have the lighter fly wheel, so we should be faster away from the lights😁 Thanks for the information and taking the time to comment. Stay safe and keep riding👍

    • @ac5967
      @ac5967 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString thanks so much! Yes we have the light fly weel, I tested a my 2017 and ours are funniest in my opinion! Thanks so much for your interesting vids and stay safe and keep riding you too

    • @stephennesbitt4397
      @stephennesbitt4397 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Try greasing the pivot ball joints on the gear levers...

  • @hspd8607
    @hspd8607 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good review a lot of usefull information thanks

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for taking the time to comment. All the best and stay safe.👍

  • @shirokazama
    @shirokazama ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi there! Any corrosion on the engine or cylinders?

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, yes there is now. If you haven't already seen it check out my updated 9 year - (100,000km) review. I talk about corrosion on that video.

    • @shirokazama
      @shirokazama ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GreenString oh yeah I have to rewatch that! Haha Thank you for your videos and reaction on my question. Cheers!

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shirokazama Stay safe mate👍🏻

  • @milesdavis8665
    @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    We still waiting on the follow up video Mr Green String 😂😂😂😂

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Miles, your right and thanks for giving me a kick up the backside to get motivated 😂 so close now to 100,000Km. Once I’ve hit that mark, and it stops snowing, I’ll will start ‘Production’. Stay safe buddy👍🏼

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Green String yes please be safe. I'm sure us fans can wait a little longer 😆.

  • @milesdavis8665
    @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm curious? How has the maintenance been since the bike is a base model

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Miles, it’s funny you should mention that as I was planning on doing an update video. I’m now very close to 100k. I continue to get routine servicing done at an independent, non BMW, garage as required every 10,000km. A service is required about every 10 months as I have increased my daily commute distance. The bike continues to be ridden all year round and is not garaged. In nearly 9 years the bike has only failed me once. A couple of months ago the rear brake master cylinder failed and was replaced. Other the bike has been VERY reliable considering how I treat it. It continues to consume brake pads and discs at a rate that is a little higher than I would like but that is probably a combination of riding style and where I ride. I hope this helps mate. Feel free to ask any other questions.👍🏼

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString I truly appreciate your reply. I'm currently bike shopping and getting a used GS is on my list. Here in the Philippines where I live I have never seen a base model GS. I agree with you that without ESA there's less to break. How is the front shock holding up? I know the ESA shocks go out eventually. Thanks for the reply and let's see if you get another 100k out of it!!! Looking forward to the update video

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@milesdavis8665 Front and rear shocks are 100% OK. No leaking or any sign of corrosion. They have stood up well. I do only weigh 70 kg so that has probably helped over the years. However on the other side of the coin I have taken the bike on some light off roading ( see older videos). I ordered the bike from new and the BMW salesman said in 20 years I was the first person to order a base model!😂 so I presume they are fairly rare. I’ve only seen 2 others over the years. You could always run a second hand bike with ESA ,if the rear shock fails replace it with an upgraded aftermarket suspension system (non electronic) I’ve heard a few GS riders have done this. I understand your concerns, I used to read the forums and they are full with nothing but problems about the bike. On a personal level my bike has been brilliant. It’s ridden regularly, never red lined and just keeps on plodding along.

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString that is excellent. After owning 5 bmw cars, I'll never do that again, I was thinking about their motorcycles but I am concerned. I'm happy that your happy with your bike. Looking forward to future videos!!!

  • @bm7760
    @bm7760 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been contemplating a minimum spec GS myself (for budget reasons - and less to go wrong I suppose). Be interested to hear if there are any creature comforts you wish you'd chosen now you've been riding it for a few years? Thanks.

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Firstly, if you are contemplating keeping the bike long term you are right, less to go wrong. Mine is now on 80,000km with no real issues. If I could buy it again I would go for spoked wheels (I’m getting more and more into trail riding now). Heated grips are a must ( depending on where you are in the world, steer clear from model year 13,14 heated grips as they don’t work) , possibly cruise control for the longer journeys. Let me know what you end up with. Take care, keep riding and stay safe👍🏼

    • @bm7760
      @bm7760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString Cheers for the advice. Much appreciated. I'm in NZ but heading back to the UK next year. All the best.

    • @joost1183
      @joost1183 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bm7760 gear assist shift pro or smth. Great feature as well. ESA only fun if you're often switching between solo and 2 up, otherwise better to keep on going untill the shocks fail and upgrade from there for cheaper than the whole ESA option.

  • @Greggspies
    @Greggspies 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mine uses rear pads every 6k just fit £15 sinterd off eBay. Service myself oil expensive Sikolene 5x40 ma2 bought from Motoworks.

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree. It is pointless fitting Brembo pads every change. I haven’t serviced the bike myself yet, but do intend to start with some of the more basic aspects like oil change etc.

  • @milesdavis8665
    @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey I forgot to ask you about the front suspension. Is it electronic since the paralever is manuel and have you had issues with it

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My front suspension is not electronic. I’m not sure but I don’t think a model with ESA has either (but check). The paralever suspension is, in my opinion, a strong case for choosing a BMW over other models. It’s sort of like having rear suspension but on the front wheel. The big advantage is there is virtually no fork dive under heavy front braking. The disadvantage is that some riders complain the front end can feel “vague” and reduced feedback from the front wheel. I’ve not noticed it but I’ve read some riders have. I’ve had zero problems with the front forks and last time I checked the forums it doesn’t seem to be an area where there are any problems. I hope this helps mate. As always if you have any the questions please fire away.🤟🏼

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GreenString indeed it does. The Missenden Flyer has one where his rear suspension went our and had to replace it. Thats why I'm looking into getting a used one with standard suspension which I found by the way. 21,000 miles on the clock. Hopefully its in good shape and won't need much maintenance. I dont ride everyday so this should last me a long time. I'm hoping the GS is a much better made motor vehicle than bmw cars

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@milesdavis8665 that's good news Miles. Well even if the rear schock does fail (very unlikely) then it will be significantly cheaper than an ESA version. As you probably know they are the most sold large capacity bike in the world and people, me included, swear by them. Enjoy your bike mate and keep me updated. 👍🏻

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GreenString I sure will. Thanks for the advise. Is there anything I should look for since it's a 2014 model?

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@milesdavis8665 check disks, front and rear a full set will knock you back a fair bit. My rear disk was swapped out at 40,000 km. Not an issue but could help you with haggling! They burn no oil, whatsoever, so that's no issue. Mine is starting to corrode under the pistons ( winter riding) again not an issue, cosmetic only, as is the centre stand. With only 21,000 on the clock I would suggest it's just broken in and the owner is obviously not a high milage rider. As I said my 2014 is now on 61,000 miles and has been exemplary. Let's face it, if it's a basic model there actually isn't much that can go wrong. It's a pretty basic bike. I think your gonna love it👍🏻😁

  • @milesdavis8665
    @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I forgot to ask you how's the handling on your bike since it don't have dynamic ESA. I know you flog it in the curves every now and then 😂

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well to be honest Miles I have never ridden a GS with ESA, so have nothing to compare it with. To me the basic model handles just fine... Ignorance is bliss. If I ever sat on a ESA version I'd probably want one! 😂

    • @milesdavis8665
      @milesdavis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Green String 😆 🤣 😂 😹 I can dig it. Thanks for responding brother...

  • @nikkihayes5411
    @nikkihayes5411 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How did you manage to find one without the playstation and thumbwheel?🏍️🍺🚑😷

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Nikki, good question. I ordered the bike brand new, in completely stock condition (less heated grips). Naturally most people bolt on packages and bits and pieces. I wanted a stock bike as I knew I would be keeping it until it died. My theory being the less on it, the less that can go wrong. On 70,000 km now and still no problems.

    • @nikkihayes5411
      @nikkihayes5411 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GreenString Ok so that's why they are rare as unicorn poo..😞 I'll probably have to keep my 07 gs and just keep replacing bits..like Triggers broom...😁🏍️🍺🍺🍗🍗🍕🍕🍕🍖🚽

  • @markrich9619
    @markrich9619 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What brand are those upper crash bars please mate, I want to get some that are independent of the lower ones

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Mark, both are from Wunderlich and completely independent of each other.

  • @LesRitaMitsouko
    @LesRitaMitsouko 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nothing like a carefully manicured graveyard 😉

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great minds think alike 😀. Thanks for the comment and the sub, enjoy the channel👍🏼

  • @adventurenh
    @adventurenh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your crash bar is disconnected

    • @GreenString
      @GreenString  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Bill, it’s a Wunderlich crash bar and it is in two separate pieces…if that’s what you mean?