A client from Europe asked us to compare: Compare Honda CBF 1000cc, touring 2007 61,040 mileage, price 2,500 Eur repair and maintenance costs per month with BMW R 1200 GS
1200cc, enduro / adventure 2005 Mileage: 114,000 km Price
3,500 € with Suzuki Bandit 2003 600cc 47,914 mileage, price 1,700 Eur

Comparison of Monthly Repair and Maintenance Costs: Honda CBF1000 (2007), BMW R 1200 GS (2005), Suzuki Bandit 600 (2003)
This comparison focuses on typical monthly repair and maintenance costs for three used motorcycles, factoring in their age, mileage, and general market reputation for reliability and service expenses.
Overview Table
Model | Engine | Year | Mileage (km) | Price (€) | Typical Monthly Maintenance Cost* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CBF1000 | 1000cc | 2007 | 61,040 | 2,500 | €40–€70 |
BMW R 1200 GS | 1200cc | 2005 | 114,000 | 3,500 | €60–€120 |
Suzuki Bandit 600 | 600cc | 2003 | 47,914 | 1,700 | €25–€50 |
*Estimated for typical use, including routine servicing and average wear items, but excluding major unexpected repairs.
Honda CBF1000 (2007, 61,040 km, €2,500)
- Routine Maintenance: The CBF1000 is known for its reliability and relatively low running costs. Standard service intervals are every 6,000 km, with valve checks at 24,000 km.
- Common Costs: Oil and filter changes, brake pads, chain and sprockets, coolant, and periodic valve checks. Consumables such as chains and brake pads are not covered by any service plan and must be budgeted separately.
- Typical Service Pricing: UK service costs for similar Honda models range from £120–£300 per service, depending on the work done. Parts for oil/filter changes are modest, and many owners report the CBF1000 is cheaper to run than smaller Hondas.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: €40–€70, assuming regular use and no major repairs.
BMW R 1200 GS (2005, 114,000 km, €3,500)
- Routine Maintenance: The R 1200 GS requires more specialized servicing, including shaft drive maintenance, valve checks, and more complex electronics.
- Common Costs: Oil changes, shaft drive fluid, brake fluid, valve adjustments, and periodic clutch or electrical repairs. BMW parts and labor are generally more expensive than Japanese brands.
- Service Intervals: Typically every 10,000–20,000 km, with major services (valve checks, air filter, spark plugs) at 20,000 km.
- Typical Service Pricing: Annual maintenance is estimated at $500–$1,000 (€460–€920) if no major repairs are needed. High mileage (over 100,000 km) increases the likelihood of expensive repairs (clutch, suspension, electronics).
- Estimated Monthly Cost: €60–€120, with higher risk of large, unexpected repair bills due to age and mileage.
Suzuki Bandit 600 (2003, 47,914 km, €1,700)
- Routine Maintenance: The Bandit 600 is simple, air/oil-cooled, and easy to service. Most work can be done by DIY mechanics, and parts are inexpensive.
- Common Costs: Oil/filter changes, spark plugs, air filter, brake pads, chain and sprockets. Service kits (oil, filters, plugs) cost about £75 (€85), covering a full service.
- Service Intervals: Every 6,000 km for oil/filters; valve checks less frequently.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: €25–€50, making it the cheapest of the three for regular maintenance.
Summary Table: Maintenance and Repair Cost Comparison
Feature | Honda CBF1000 | BMW R 1200 GS | Suzuki Bandit 600 |
---|---|---|---|
Engine Complexity | Moderate (4-cyl, FI) | High (boxer, shaft) | Simple (4-cyl, carb) |
Service Parts Cost | Moderate | High | Low |
Labor Cost | Moderate | High | Low |
DIY Friendliness | Moderate | Low-Moderate | High |
Risk of Big Repairs | Moderate | High (high mileage) | Low-Moderate |
Monthly Cost Estimate | €40–€70 | €60–€120 | €25–€50 |
Key Takeaways
- Suzuki Bandit 600 is the cheapest to maintain and repair, thanks to its simplicity and low parts cost.
- Honda CBF1000 offers a good balance of performance and running costs, with moderate service expenses and strong reliability.
- BMW R 1200 GS is the most expensive to maintain, especially at high mileage, due to complex engineering, pricier parts, and higher labor costs. However, it offers unique adventure capabilities and comfort for long-distance touring.
Conclusion:
For minimal monthly maintenance costs, the Suzuki Bandit 600 is the clear winner. The Honda CBF1000 is a solid middle ground, offering more power and comfort with only slightly higher costs. The BMW R 1200 GS, while a legendary touring/adventure bike, will cost the most to maintain, especially as it ages and accumulates mileage.
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