Originally Posted by mollydog

That's a lot of miles Big Ups to you!
At all the big BMW rallies here we'd always met guys like you. But my question is ... has your bike done much hard ... or even semi-hard dual sport travel?

I've followed GS's since 1981 (owned a '81 R80GS) and have dozens of current and former friends that have ridden BMW 30 years. (old guys! )

The early GS's (and other models) had fewer shaft, driveline and trans failures. But starting with R100GS and beyond ... we have seen A LOT of failures ... of all kinds actually.

The Oil Heads were even worse. Dunno about latest LC models but I do know BMW finally wised up and ditched the Getrag gear box and now use a Japanese gear box. The irony of that cracks me up!

Once guys started running the GS's on rough off road tracks whilst loaded up ... well shafts, gear boxes and bearings began to fail at a HIGH RATE. It's not a myth or made up by haters ... it's well documented FACT.

In my riding group we have 3 long time, certified BMW dealer mechanics and one former dealer owner (now passed on). The stories we would hear from the mechanics would mean you'd never buy another BMW. But man, nothing better to ride than a nicely set up R1200GS! (one of my Fav's ... but one I'd never own)

Things are better now at BMW (public relations wise) and corporate are finally admitting to **** ups and dealing with most of them. In our riding group over the last 12 years about the only mechanicals have been BMW GS's and KTM 990/950. Usually 2 to 4 day mixed rides on very bumpy pavement or off road.
Technical and rough.

You've been lucky ... but I wonder how much you've spent on parts and maintenance? Do you do all your own service or use a dealer. Total costs?
My R12GS riding buddies all paid extra for extended warranties ...getting a total of 7 years cover.