Fixability of GSs away from dealerships
 

Hi,

I'm new to BMWs and looking at getting an F650 GS- my previous bikes have been an old Tenere and KLR which I specifically chose for their simplicity so either I, or a local mechanic, could bodge anything which went wrong with it to keep me on the road. FI and computers(!) on bikes are completely new to me. What are the implications for fixability when it all goes wrong in Timbuktu? Will the complex electrics potentially be a real "show stopper" if they go wrong? What happens when FI goes wonky - I can't imagine a couple of well placed wacks with a hammer fixing that as it used to do on my old CV Carb. All opinions very much appreciated as I have to make a decision on whether or not to buy a Dakar asap. The ability to keep a bike moving by any means available is very important for what I need it for.

Thanks,
Lee

[This message has been edited by lee5500 (edited 15 January 2005).]

Lee,

After my little test ride this afternoon, I'm starting to think that a B'em is a great bike for dirt roads and crappy tar roads, but for trips to TImbuktu it's the KTM you want. If you're buying soon and it's going to be a KTM, let me know, perhaps if we buy together the dealers will give us a decent discount.

Geoff

Geoff,
Thanks for the respose but KTM to me says:
1. Fantastic off road
2. Great ride
3. Looks cool
4. Unreliable
5. Expensive to repair
I've never had a KTM, so I may be wrong of course.

I'd take the KTM everytime. The tank range alone would be reason enough, but the build quality,robustness and simplicity of the bike compared to the GS makes it a clear winner.

The old Tenere and KLR with their simplicity had electronic ingition. What were the implications for fixability of this bit of electronics when it all goes wrong in Timbuktu? Not to mention voltage regulators and rectifiers!

By adding EFI into the mix you have just reduced the possiblity of a local fix vs getting the part in. But the same procedures are used for the other bits of electrics (and mechanicals) that you cannot get locally. More knowledeg of the EFI will help if it does go wrong - aids identification of what is wrong so whne you get that bit you won't find that it was ok and it is something else.

All of that said - all the modern electrical stuff is very reliable. Most faults are the connectors (90%)- a can of contact cleaner is a good thing.

I believe the '04 GS (R1200GS right?) uses CanBus technology which is a whole different ball game than anything else on current motorbikes. It basically eliminates much of the wiring harness by sending command signals through a single (or possibly pair) of wires to devices about the bike. It's hard to say much about reliability at this point since it's new to BMW. I think it's been used in cars for a while though. My personal feeling is that it's a bit early to make a judgement here. I'm anxously awaiting the experiences of others.

Kurt

I have a 1200GS. There aren't many reported faults with the electrical system or components but, quiet a few with gearbox and final drives more especially with early 04 bikes. I've had no problems as yet. Check out the UKGSER site www.ukgser.com




[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 20 January 2005).]

CAN buss (as on the R1200GS) has been used in large trucks for a few years. The impelementation is such that the CAN buss reports the problem with a code directly to the driver. (Not the way bm do it - reports a 'fault' but does not tell you anything more.)


There have been a few electrical reported porblems with the R1200GS. E.G. The fuel pumps controller that sits on top of the pump gets water in it and that confuses the electronics. The EFI software in some situations drains the battery ... fix here is a reflash of the program. Your dealer should do this at a service if required.

I am presently in southern Patagonia heading north on a '04 R1200GS which is starting to develop electreonic? snags. The gear position indicator has packed up for most of the time and when it does work it gives spurious info. The use of the sidestand when in neutral kills the engine, remember, no indication electronic indication only use of boot to find neutral and the engine can only be started by pulling in the clutch (as if it was in gear) and to add to my miseries the start button is becoming intermittant. A totally unrelated snag is that the upper mounting bolt on the rear mudguard has sheared, stressful or what. Still only 2000k to the nearest dealer and his test equipment. Ride Safe, Mike

if you're serious about taking it to timbukto (or a similar destination) then I think a gizmo'd bike will leave you with a big bill if you have problems. Both you and the local mechanic won't really be able to do much. Though many people put their faith in electronics, they are still made/designed by people. And affected by water, dust, dirt and vibes.

You have experience of simpler bikes, why trade up for something more expensive and unknown? You are right when you say the ability to keep moving is important, and that seems to mean keep it simple.