2005 1200GS known issues?

[espressoforyou]

I would look closely where the engine and transmission bolt together for signs of an oil leak. Might just be a very slight line of oil where the two parts join together. I have a 11-2004 build date 2005 r1200gs and have many, many, many counterbalance seal, engine output seal and transmission input seals go bad.

[jolly green giant]

Two years ago I bought a 2005 with 6000km on the clock and it now has 17000km all on tarmac. The only problem so far has been the rear disc brake flange which I replaced as soon as I discovered lugs were damaged. Still has the original battery fitted and I do not have an optimizer. Very pleased with my bike but news about component failures is somewhat disconcerting.

[tommyvdv]

Originally Posted by IJM

I think that's a reference to the noise the servo assist pump makes for ABS equipped models.

if i'm not mistaken mine is not equipped with servo's. the 1150gs adventure has a year with servo's and I've seen a 1200gs with them. but mine (2005) does not.

anyone know for sure which ones are equipped with them and which ones aren't?

[Mike M]

I put about 12000 miles on my 2005----it was totaled in an accident (crazy incident) and I got a 2006 as a replacement. I remember having a couple of issues but really--they were rather minor so it wouldn't stop me if the 2005 you found has been serviced and maintained properly.

The more concerning issue was the servo-brakes----although it's more of a preference issue. The whizzing sound is annoying, but on one particular occasion, when someone pulled out of a gas station and didn't see me---I grabbed hard on the brakes, the servos power assist did their job and saved my ass. I do recall having a brakes indicator come on and brake operation was limited, due to a brake system failure. I forget the specifics but it was related to the servos and covered under warranty. That was early on and no other issues with the brakes after that.

The other issue was the early-version centerstand the 2005's came with----definitely more difficult to lift the GS up on it due to it's position and design. It was redesigned and my 2006 had the updated stand. Much easier to use. The early stand is easy to recognize with it curved crossover bar.

Good luck with the purchase.

[Martad00]

I have an 05 and have put 20,000 miles on it with limited issues. The only real thing was the brake system telling me the ABS system wasn't working even though it was. One of those sensor errors that scare you real good for no reason.

My dad has the 2008, and it has a few additional features, but I have been very happy with the 2005.

[OkieTom]

I have a 2005 GS that I bought with 4000 miles on the clock, now has 52,000 trouble free miles. Basically just tires, and I have all service done at my dealer at recommended intervals.....

[tom28734]

I bought an 05 last spring with only 8k miles. It's been fault free for 10k miles this year. I have no service history on the bike. I just changed the brake fluid and it looked OK. It uses no oil - and leaks nowhere.

From what I have read on the forum, most of the major troubles seem to come with offroad use. This is a heavy bike to throw around in the rough, and you should expect things to break if you do that.

[JimVonBaden]

My current one has 120K miles on it. The clutch was replaced 12K miles ago. Other than that just normal wear and tear items.

Jim

[1200gsceej]

Mine is a late-production 2005. Now has approx 40K miles (no, I don't ride as much as I'd like to). All required/recommended service done at appropriate mileage.
I had the main seal leak (at 16K miles?) fixed under warranty.
I've not had any problems w/my servo brakes.
Do be sure to check for this problem on the bike (not just a 2005 issue): http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711467
-ceej

[Tebpac]

How can I figure out when the bike was manufactured? Have a 2005 GS that I bought going on 2 years now. Had 36400 miles on it when purchased from the dealer and now has 41000. (Yeah I know, I don't get out enough!) Had the tranny seal replaced by dealer prior to purchase. Brakes are ok but I find the fast blinking brake light will come on now and then. I shut off the bike and apply the front brake handle off and on and then it's fine. Think its the brake handle that is sticking. I can't say the brakes are wizzy but they do make a high pitched noise when applied. Enjoying the bike emensely compared to the cruiser I had. Appreciate the JVB video! Here's hoping for some more trouble free years.....

[Jason1202GStime!]

I got my 05 at 12000km, 3 years ago and since have put on more than 50k on the clock.

So far only need to replace the FD seal, Fuel pump flange, Stick coils and fuel pump regulator.

Which other GS does not need to replace these items?

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by Tebpac

How can I figure out when the bike was manufactured? Have a 2005 GS that I bought going on 2 years now. Had 36400 miles on it when purchased from the dealer and now has 41000. (Yeah I know, I don't get out enough!) Had the tranny seal replaced by dealer prior to purchase. Brakes are ok but I find the fast blinking brake light will come on now and then. I shut off the bike and apply the front brake handle off and on and then it's fine. Think its the brake handle that is sticking. I can't say the brakes are wizzy but they do make a high pitched noise when applied. Enjoying the bike emensely compared to the cruiser I had. Appreciate the JVB video! Here's hoping for some more trouble free years.....

The date is on the VIN tag on the left side of the frame, IIRC it is under the small side cover. Month and year in the box on the upper right.

[Plane Dr]

I got mine 2.5 years ago with 25K miles on the clock. 47K on it now. No issues other than normal BMW oil changes and a battery.