10-12-2022, 02:10 PM
I've owned a number of GS's including a water-cooled GS 1200 Adventure. The GSA includes some extras, the larger tank being the most useful, but were I buying one now I think I'd go with a regular R1250GS and add Bumot panniers. And were I to go down to one motorcycle it may very well be a R1250 GS. Or my V85TT (but it'll not have enough power for you, just a little more than an Airhead GS, but MUCH better brakes).
I never had any problems with any of my GS's or RS's and normal servicing was no more expensive than on my Japanese motorcycles, but BMW parts and accessories can be pricy.
One thing to be aware of is some of the water-cooled R bikes, I think from 2015-2019, had soft cams that wore prematurely. If within the 3 year warranty BMW covered it but after 3 years it's an expensive fix. It typically shows up within 8-10,000 miles but I recall one that had more miles, that the owner never knew anything was wrong, that was discovered to be severely worn at the 16,000 mile valve inspection. Were I looking an a used one I'd have someone pull the valve covers to look at the cams.
I never had any problems with any of my GS's or RS's and normal servicing was no more expensive than on my Japanese motorcycles, but BMW parts and accessories can be pricy.
One thing to be aware of is some of the water-cooled R bikes, I think from 2015-2019, had soft cams that wore prematurely. If within the 3 year warranty BMW covered it but after 3 years it's an expensive fix. It typically shows up within 8-10,000 miles but I recall one that had more miles, that the owner never knew anything was wrong, that was discovered to be severely worn at the 16,000 mile valve inspection. Were I looking an a used one I'd have someone pull the valve covers to look at the cams.
