Faults:

Hall Effect (ignition timing) sensor at 80,000 miles.

Starter noisy (needed internal lubrication) at 90,000 miles.

Rear differential outer seal at 75,000 miles.

General Comments:

A magnificent bike, through and through. The quality of BMW components do more than merely justify their high cost. The cost/durability ratio easily matches or exceeds even Japanese counterparts, and the value of being able to rely on a twelve year old motorcycle with nearly 100k miles on the clock -- while traveling down a 2500 mile offroad trail (Continental Divide Trail) -- is immeasurable. On no other bike would I have even considered this challenge.

Its performance on-road continually amazes me and -- much to their chagrin -- many a sport-bike owner. Even with Michelen Anakee's (60/40 street/offroad), this bike will hold a corner til your heels bleed, no exaggeration. Offroad takes a period of personal adjustments in comfort and riding style, but after riding with a friend of mine (rides a KTM 450), he expressed his awe from watching the capabilities of this bike in scrambles and tight single-track.

It is isn't the fastest bike out of the showroom. But it isn't sluggish either (especially at low rpm), and there are many effective, yet healthy upgrades for it. After re-chipping this with a very inexpensive aftermarket product (<$100 US), I gained significant improvements in both mid-range performance and fuel efficiency (<= 55 mpg).

My only complaint (and no doubt that of others') is of course the weight. I've managed to trim mine by 40-45 pounds at the peril of the ABS system. The only time this becomes a real drag is when uprighting the bike from its side, or in the kinds of scrambles that this bike has no earthly business attempting in the first place.

I positively love this bike, and I am one tough customer (in general). I'd say that I'll always buy BMW, but I seriously doubt that I will ever need to buy another bike again.

Faults:

Speedometer cable broke at 13,000 miles.

Fiberglass gas tank pealed at 15,000, replaced under warranty with metal tank.

General Comments:

This is awesome motorcycle, and I realize that BMW has since refined the GS to an unbelievable level of excellence, that makes this original seem like a horse.

The motorcycle is an excellent touring bike for a single rider, and with a passenger.

I am a 6-3, 240-pound rider, and this bike is perfect for my size. I have added Corbin seat and foot-peg lowering kit for more leg room.

Fifth gear runs a little high; could use sixth gear or different gearing. Love the ABS brakes.

Excellent for all road surfaces and very rugged bike.

Faults:

Dropped it on the ice and broke a front turn signal; had to take it to dealer to replace, as the mount was buried further than I wanted to take it apart.

General Comments:

The GS line of BMW is their best selling line ever. They are comfortable, handle well, have large tanks, can go just about anywhere and are as dependable as anything on two wheels.

Only drawback is that they are a bit high and heavy, so are not designed for folks with short legs, unless you want to replace shocks, etc, and can be difficult to pick up if you happen to lay it down.

Although very capable on dirt and gravel, they can be a bit tricky until you figure out to lower the rear shock pre-load all the way down. Once you learn to do that, they are like a big, fast, comfortable dirt bike.

Faults:

This bike is reliable as a sledgehammer. Follow the maintenance and pass it on to your son or daughter.

General Comments:

This is an excellent motorcycle that can do just about anything.

It excels in handling, ergonomics, versatility, roll-on power and has a high fun factor. As one rider said "It's a grown-up hooligan bike!".

Windshield buffeting is fairly pronounced, but I have reduced it with after-market products.

Gas mileage is 38-45 mpg, and I'm not shy about twisting the throttle.

The engine is under-stressed, as is the drive-train. I can see putting over 100k on this bike easily.

Build quality is excellent.

Faults:

Front fork seal.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and competent for all-day riding on interstate or back road twisties. Has more off-road capabilities than I do.

ABS and heated grips are big plus. Quirky appearance draws attention everywhere.

Downsides: Tall and heavy for a short, elderly guy like me. Dealer service costs are high.

Faults:

Routine maintenance only.

General Comments:

Bought as a 2 up sport tourer when the hog started acting up.

Needed to replace the seat with a Corbin, and handle bars from a K75 standard, in order to be comfortable.

The bike would be a complete flop as a dirt machine due to its weight, but that is not why I bought it. As a sport tourer it was excellent. I could hang with the best as long as speeds were kept to "grand touring" and not flat out racing.

Put on 52K miles in 2 years, and that was mostly sport touring. Some commuting in San Francisco traffic.

The bike is reliable as a hammer.

Seat a bit high for me (28" inseam), but doable.

This is my third Beemer. They are what they are, and do well at it. You won't knock off any GSXR's or KTM Dukes at their games, but for sport touring, I can't imagine anything better, and I have owned other sport tourers.

Faults:

The only things needing repair have been a switch for the starter/clutch interlock ($11 part), and I had to rebuild the rear brake caliper pistons at 40000 miles. All other expenses have been routine maintenance and upkeep.

General Comments:

Very dependable. Very versatile. Good performance.

Love the ABS brakes. Integrated hard bags are useful and efficient. Excellent traveling motorcycle.