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4 Apr 2012
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bmw
I have an option to buy a 2006 BMW 1200GS with only 5500 miles for about $9500. It seems in great shape, and the price and miles seem good. Anything I should look at as I check out the bike?
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4 Apr 2012
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Check out the 1200GS section on here . Don't be put off too much because for every one report of a reliability issue there are probably 10 owners who've had no problems at all. Also similar information can be found about any bike model on the internet.
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4 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimhazelwood
I have an option to buy a 2006 BMW 1200GS with only 5500 miles for about $9500. It seems in great shape, and the price and miles seem good. Anything I should look at as I check out the bike?
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I agree with Magnon's post here; most people will only provide feedback when they are not happy, it's just human nature.
But, what I would look for is what has that bike been doing to complete so few miles in 6 years.
What's its history basically, both the written version (which according to BMW should be an annual service no matter how many miles are done) and the informal version from the mouth of the current owner.
Not to everyone's taste are the CANBUS electronics/"wiring loom" which is fitted on all 1200GS I think.
Mechanically, the drive shaft has had problems - either small issues of weeping seals or much bigger ones with complete failure.
Some problems have occurred with the gearbox also but the UKGSer site in that link will show you more about these.
It has oft been said by UK BMW riders that the bikes are "hammered together" in the factory and then BMW rely on their outstanding after service warranty to sort out the issues within the dealer network; personally I believe there is some truth in this, and I would rather buy a 1200GS that has been maintained well by a good BMW dealership than one with low miles covered and a general lack of attention.
Just a few thought for my 2 cents.
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4 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimhazelwood
I have an option to buy a 2006 BMW 1200GS with only 5500 miles for about $9500. It seems in great shape, and the price and miles seem good. Anything I should look at as I check out the bike?
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Be sure to take it to a BMW dealer and have the VIN checked to see that all of the recalls and service bulletins have been done.
The EWS (key signal Antenna ring) should have been replaced.
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6 Apr 2012
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vstrom
After much debate and testing I've decided to go with a Vstrom 1000. Found a good deal on a 2009 with very low mileage. I know I'll be upgrading the seat, but I think this is the way to go. Thanks everyone for you help.
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6 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimhazelwood
After much debate and testing I've decided to go with a Vstrom 1000. Found a good deal on a 2009 with very low mileage. I know I'll be upgrading the seat, but I think this is the way to go. Thanks everyone for you help.
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Please let us all know what solution you have for the wind blast around and over the standard screen; at 6ft 7in you are sure to be experiencing that!
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6 Apr 2012
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I know this site is primarily for bikes, but I have to confess I have been looking at a few small cars, the fiat diesel panda in particular. It does more MPG ( up to 75mpg) than most bikes and for two of us travelling it has been the ideal answer. I keep the kitchen, and tent in the boot, all dry stuff on the back seat.
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7 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimhazelwood
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Fair one Jim!
I mention it because every tall guy I have ever known riding a V Strom has had to experiment with the wind shield to find a solution to turbulence.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
I know this site is primarily for bikes, but I have to confess I have been looking at a few small cars, the fiat diesel panda in particular. It does more MPG ( up to 75mpg) than most bikes and for two of us travelling it has been the ideal answer. I keep the kitchen, and tent in the boot, all dry stuff on the back seat.
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Ah! I have also been a tad wobbly on the 4 wheel options, on a bad day inclining toward their advantages over 2 wheels - the 4x4 section is beckoning to you 
Some interesting trips have been accomplished by 2 wheel drive vehicles; quite recently there has been a thread in there about a Ford Mondeo that has travelled on the west side of Africa.
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