[Dozer]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2015 R1200GS and would like input on what to look out for.
There are a couple of things I'm questioning:
The GPS (Garmin V or VI?) may have a bad battery as I'm told it wouldn't start up but they were able to get it to start by putting external voltage to it. I'm guessing that means they plugged it into a USB charger. Are there any good aftermarket batteries?...BMW wants $128.
I gather there can be "ghosting" problems with the screen. I did run across a company in Germany that can fix those for around $200.
The GPS doesn't require a data plan to update it or keep it running does it?
I've also read that if you wipe the previous owner's saved trip info you run the risk of permanantly locking yourself out of the GPS unless you have the access code that the previous owner set.

It has an Akrapovič exhaust on it. Not sure if it's just the muffler or the entire header pipe too. For the small HP gain I don't know why it would have been worth adding it on. The exhaust noise seems loud...are they quite a bit louder than stock? It may be that I'm just used to how quiet my old '82 R100Rs was.

Should I be concerned that the seller doesn't have a way to run a computer code check on the bike? If this were a used bike at a BMW dealer it could be easily checked for fault codes. Almost worth buying my own reader to check it out.

Any other things I should look out for? It's pretty low miles so I don't think clutch & final drive splines are a concern yet.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[PerazziMx14]

1. I'm sure you can find an aftermarket battery. Will it be cheaper or better, anyone's guess. BMW's NAV6 has had issues and were replaced under warranty, not sure if that is still in effect. Personally while I do have a NAV6 I use my phone 99.9% more. It's just easier and simpler for me. I'd not let the operational status or generation of the GPS direct my decision to buy or pass.

2. As for the exhaust and any other farkle, people add them for all different reason. If you don't like the sound output it should not be too hard to fine an OEM exhaust to put back on and then sell the aftermarket unit and maybe make a few dollars. Bear in mind that no matter if you have and OEM or aftermarket exhaust the 1200 will be louder than the airhead R100.

3. Is the bike currently in fault and/or throwing a code? If not connecting a reader to the ECU and looking for old codes is pretty irrelevant. I mean who cares if the bike had a misfire on April 12th 2019 and even if it did it is likely that after any repair was made the codes were cleared so you'd never knew they existed.

4. The biggest thing I'd look for is the right deal. There is no shortage of used bikes out there and its a buyers market. Don't be afraid to walk away if the deal is not right as there is always another deal right around the corner you just might have to look for it.

 

[BMWRich58]

If you think the price is right spend a few bucks and have a Dealer do an assessment.
Dealer should also be able to get info on the bikes history,..if the current owner ever had the bike in for any BMW service/warranty work. It might also be eligible for Warranty UPGRADES….at No Cost!!!

Folks on different ‘cycle sites, have reported that even as a new owner of a previously owned/used Nav6 model, that they, “Garmin“ will honor the warranty of said GPS having Ghosting issues. Folks have also said that currently this year, Garmin has got it finally resolved.

If a NAV5 model, a guy in Minnesota going by the name “Palm Doctor” owner(Chris Short) can repair these models.
I had him repair my NAV5 earlier this Spring. Also had the *internal memory * up graded for a few more dollars.
Total round trip costs……shipping, upgrade and repairs under $200.00.
Quick Quick service and a very pleasant to do business with person.

With either the 5 or 6 model, once you get the “pass code” that originally was used to setup, you can change to a new code of your choosing. EZ peasy…..
Chris at Short Electronics might even possibly be able to answer your question if the “original” access code is unavailable.

Goodluck with the bike if you choose to purchase.
I‘ve got a 2015 and it runs GREAT!!!!

 

[Krons]

Welcome to the forum. Some opinions below.

I'm looking at purchasing a 2015 R1200GS and would like input on what to look out for.
There are a couple of things I'm questioning:
The GPS (Garmin V or VI?) may have a bad battery as I'm told it wouldn't start up but they were able to get it to start by putting external voltage to it. I'm guessing that means they plugged it into a USB charger. Are there any good aftermarket batteries?...BMW wants $128.
I gather there can be "ghosting" problems with the screen. I did run across a company in Germany that can fix those for around $200.
The GPS doesn't require a data plan to update it or keep it running does it?
I've also read that if you wipe the previous owner's saved trip info you run the risk of permanantly locking yourself out of the GPS unless you have the access code that the previous owner set.

I’d sell the Nav V/VI and get a Carpuride. Better functionality.

It has an Akrapovič exhaust on it. Not sure if it's just the muffler or the entire header pipe too. For the small HP gain I don't know why it would have been worth adding it on. The exhaust noise seems loud...are they quite a bit louder than stock? It may be that I'm just used to how quiet my old '82 R100Rs was.

I’d sell the Akra and put a Delkevic or stock exhaust on it. Agree gains on boxer is small with exhaust.

Should I be concerned that the seller doesn't have a way to run a computer code check on the bike? If this were a used bike at a BMW dealer it could be easily checked for fault codes. Almost worth buying my own reader to check it out.

I would not expect a seller to pull codes on the bike, if you plan to DIY worth getting GS-911 or MotoScan. Could also have a dealer do a prepurchase inspection as mentioned previously.

Any other things I should look out for? It's pretty low miles so I don't think clutch & final drive splines are a concern yet.

Thanks for your replies.

Driveshaft should be covered by the recall going on.

 

[Dozer]

Driveshaft should be covered by the recall going on.

I was aware that the driveshafts have corrosion issues that need to be watched but didn't know BMW had issued a service bulletin.

 

[ajayhawkfan]

If you buy it and need a battery let me know. I sent my GPS into Garmin for replacement so many times I have 7 or 8 batteries laying around.

 

[OnTime]

Jayhawk, I have a Nav6 in need of a new battery. I'll buy a recent Nav6 battery from you.

 

[Krons]

I was aware that the driveshafts have corrosion issues that need to be watched but didn't know BMW had issued a service bulletin.

May be a service bulletin and not recall — at any rate, BMW buys you a new driveshaft every 36,000 miles. Call a dealer with VIN to verify but I believe it is all liquid cooled 1200/1250 GS/GSAs:

https://www.r1200gs.info/threads/bmw-driveshaft-%E2%80%94-new-service-interval.56948

https://www.r1200gs.info/threads/r1200-r1250-new-driftshaft-maintenance-policy.57935

 

[BMWRich58]

Jayhawk, I have a Nav6 in need of a new battery. I'll buy a recent Nav6 battery from you.

Me too!

 

[Single T]

I purchased my 2014 R1200GS new, May 2014, 11 years ago. It currently has 106,000 miles and still runs strong. I've had no issues with the bike.
I have the Nav VI (on number 8). Garmin keeps replacing them, so I can complain. Garmin now says they've corrected the issues. The graphics have changed. Lets hope they have. Maybe #9 is in the cards .. .. ..?
Other than regular maintenance through Cal Moto Sunnyvale, CA (closed) and GoAZ Scottsdale, AZ. The GS has been reliable. On the 3rd BMW battery. The driveshaft replaced at 105,000 miles under the recall, there was no issue. Front fork seals were replaced around 102,000 miles. And the TPMS sensors need replacing about every 2 years.

 

[rdsmith3]

I bought a used 2015 GS last November. Great bike. Mine came with a Nav 5. I updated the maps to use it as a spare. I bought a 7" Carpuride because it is much easier to see. The instruments overall, and the non-TFT display on the 2015, are the main thing I do not like. I find the speedometer very hard to read. Other than that I am very happy with it.

I bought a used GS 911 later on. There were no faults. Everything was fine.

I have added two sets of Denali D3 lights to mine, and sound bomb horn, and an improved brake light, using a cansmart device. I am very happy with those additions.

For the money you are paying, what else are you getting? Hard cases? Windshield? Lights? Crash bars? After market seat? Mine came with a Puig touring screen, which I like. It has crash bars and a saddleman seat. It also came with Givi side cases and a top case, and a tank bag. I bought mine from a dealer, so the price was not great, but the windshield and hard cases would have cost me a lot of money if I had to buy them.

 

[bmwbob51]

I bought a 2015 BMW 1200GS 3 years ago with 18K miles and $6K in farkles in mint condition for $12500, a killer deal at the time. It has about 40K miles now and its never had issues. It has the NAV V and I only use it for bike telemetry. The only things I added were ROX bar back, a taller windshield and a BMW car horn that is a direct plug in. BMW replaced the shaft at 36K at no cost. Crazy as it may seems the bike has never been on its side. At 74 I don't go gallivanting in the backcountry any more! I did try a KTM 890 Adventure R for 10K miles, but it still almost weighs 500 pounds and BMW is easier to pick up if needed! Just get a Yuasa Battery!