From reading forums, talking to dealers, speaking to owners etc, there seems to be just three main weak points with the 1200GS/GSA? Three points that would stop the bike from going any further, end the trip and can happen without warning. This excludes leaking transmissions and other occasional faults which announce themselves over time and so can be worked on before the trip. 1. Ring antanna failure. 2. Poteniometer failure, i.e. the sender which tells you what gear you are in. 3. Fuel pump relay. Reason for asking is big trip planned and want to bring spares.....just in case...
If your "big trip" includes being in the middle of nowhere, Ring antenna, and a fuel pump regulator makes sense. I would not bother with the gear sensor, you can ride without it. Jim
Pardon my not knowing too much about stuff, hence my original question but how can you work around the gear sensor? Mine went last year and I had to wait for a new one before the bike would run again..
Your gear indicator sensor will not kill the bike. It simply wont start in neutral, and your gears will show wrong. Kickstand up, clutch in, and it will start and run fine. Mine sometimes wont work when it is really cold out, no problem riding the bike. Either your bike had an additional issue, or your dealer is not so bright. Jim
Get 1 and 3.. number 2 is not a gear sensor is the throttle position sensor, (TPS). I haven't seen much in the way of reported failures of the TPS. Mine did fail and and was quickly replaced. I'm not sure I'd carry an extra one though.
well my biggest problem with the bike is its just too much fun to ride!! the other one is the tires don't last real long.
I find they share a common weakness with all other BMW's, it's the owners ......They tend to worry a lot Sorry, just have'n fun
The TPS failure is indeed extremely rare, and is usually due to boots, road debris, or small meteorites striking it. It's fairly vulnerable where it is and I'd get the Touratech or Wunderlich protection for it. Cheap insurance, especially if you go offroad or find yourself in BFE.
Wunderlich sells metal fuel injector nozzels. Good insurance in my book. Santa Cruz BMW has a great web portal that shows these goodies
Aint that the truth. If I thought I needed to carry any of those spares I would sell my bike. Just saying
Kinda funny and sad. Over 85k on 12GS's. I think I've got a spare headlight bulb in one of my boxes. That's the only failure I've had. I've been to alaska and 13 other countries. Solo 99% of the time.
If it wasn't for this forum, I wouldn't know about all the things I'm supposed to be worrying about. I think that if you're only worrying about three things then you have a lot of work to do to catch up with the rest of the inmates who have taken the concept of worrying to a completely different level. Check the worry-bead thread, or, stop worrying altogether, ride the thing, and post fantastic pictures in your ride report. All is well - ride and be happy