new bike

[jambop]

Just bought a secondhand 2005 R1200GS ABS from a local BMW dealer who was selling for a customer ie. not their bike. The bike was bought from his shop and has full service history and low 27km comes with a satnav, topbox, hand guards plus some engine protectors and looks absolutely mint. I know I have probably broken every rule in the buying a secondhand bike book as I did not test ride the bike I just assumed that a beemer with such a low mileage and full history would be OK!! I pick it up next week is there much that I should be looking out for? I just looked it over and thought that will do for me got the dealer to start it up, sounded sweet and as I say looks great... but then I thought better get an idea about possible things to look out for. Any comments welcome apart from what a twat for not test riding it.

[John Downs]

Jambop,

Think positive. All bikes need maintenace and service. The perfect bike doesn't exist. A low mileage 1200GS that starts and idles with a full service history from a local BMW dealer that you can afford to buy? Sounds good, lets go! By the time you have gone a few hundred kilometers on the ride home hopefully you will have stopped worrying. Just keep up with the service and fix anything that breaks. It's worked for me for the last few decades.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Although I will be happy to fly over and test ride it for you. It might take a couple months. Just kidding.

Kindest regards,
John Downs

[nigel_tailyour]

Just ride it and enjoy. Antique dealers call it "patina" you might call it Character"
All I know is that my tatty Adventure gets a crowd round it when I park up and the pristine Beemers are ignored. So just ride and enjoy.

[Walkabout]

Jambop,
While agreeing with the positive vibes of the other posts, I know 1200GS riders who ensure that they keep a warranty on their bikes, because there are issues with them (as there are issues with all makes and models of bikes). Those issues are well recorded elsewhere - you are in the "which bike" forum here!

Being purchased from a BMW dealer they will be offering a warranty (??).
BMW also do extended warranties so you might want to enquire about those for when yours expires; it's your call of course and warranties basically amount to a balance of probabilities.

Just a thought.