It's a totally different process
and what's the paint like on the wishbones and other exposed gubbins?
the paint never falls off the body panels on the bikes either.
2011 GSA: Love the bike, hate the build quality.
- Thread starter Reddivedog
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and what's the paint like on the wishbones and other exposed gubbins?
the paint never falls off the body panels on the bikes either.
DrogoNevets
Registered user
another issue i have (common?) is the paint on the left side rocker is chipping around the oil filler cap, if i wanted i could pick great chunks off, it almost looks like concrete afterwards, guessing the top of the metal is coming off too
Deleted account 251212001
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My 2011 has no issues with frame paint , i wear the bmw rallye trousers over boots.
Winglet has a small crack, a fastener on the rear swingarm is losing its finish, other than that no issues , ridden daily in all weathers and given a bucket and sponge once over at the weekend.
I like the build quality, it feels good, so far.
Winglet has a small crack, a fastener on the rear swingarm is losing its finish, other than that no issues , ridden daily in all weathers and given a bucket and sponge once over at the weekend.
I like the build quality, it feels good, so far.
I think the build quality is actually quite decent, my '08 at just under 20k looks pretty good.
I have to give it some TLC by cleaning it regularly, applying some ACF here and there and not leaving salt on the thing, but that goes for most bikes.
I think the paint (especially on the wheels) is as good or better than most (if not all) Jap bikes.
My gripe with BMW is the poor reliability with issues such as Final Drives, Fuel Pump Controllers, fuel gauges going on for years on end. It's bad enough to make me sell the GS and buy a Yamaha despite really prefering the Twin Cam GS.
If I thought I could buy a new BMW and get 50k of reliable motoring I would have done so, with a Yamaha (and the other Jap makes) I have confidence in reaching those mileages without several major and a dozen minor problems that your as good as gauranteed with a BMW.
I have to give it some TLC by cleaning it regularly, applying some ACF here and there and not leaving salt on the thing, but that goes for most bikes.
I think the paint (especially on the wheels) is as good or better than most (if not all) Jap bikes.
My gripe with BMW is the poor reliability with issues such as Final Drives, Fuel Pump Controllers, fuel gauges going on for years on end. It's bad enough to make me sell the GS and buy a Yamaha despite really prefering the Twin Cam GS.
If I thought I could buy a new BMW and get 50k of reliable motoring I would have done so, with a Yamaha (and the other Jap makes) I have confidence in reaching those mileages without several major and a dozen minor problems that your as good as gauranteed with a BMW.
An articulate well presented post with which I agree. However truth of the matter is that at the moment BMW do not have to try very hard to sell their motorcycles.
Deleted account 210516001
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Trouble is that very few buying a new bike have heard of these problems but everybody you try to sell yours to second hand know only too well how far the build quality of the GS has slipped from the days when you could ride round the world on one and still have a resale value.
+1
I've now done 7.5k miles on my July 2011 GSA. That's mainly small roads/mountain passes and includes many campsites (the point being, it's not been all motorway).
No issues with any paint or coatings. However, I clean the thing thoroughly when it's dirty. I avoid salty conditions. I use ACF50 strategicaly (i.e. not full misting). I use Motorex Protect & Shine liberally each clean.
adventurecrv
Registered user
Had rust on the final drive - flaking plating - replaced under warranty
Had the frame paint wear down due to R2PRO pants - no biggie - Tremclad gloss black spray in the spring and touratech protector...no more issues...
Centre stand rusted as well. It was from the debris coming off the front wheel. Again, every spring or fall a little Tremclad Gloss and all is good. '01 VFR did the same thing...
One fastener on the right side has a bit of rust, but nothing major. I live on a sand/dirt/gravel road so the bike is dirty, well all of the time...no salt though - too much snow in winter to ride here in Canada eh!
Had the frame paint wear down due to R2PRO pants - no biggie - Tremclad gloss black spray in the spring and touratech protector...no more issues...
Centre stand rusted as well. It was from the debris coming off the front wheel. Again, every spring or fall a little Tremclad Gloss and all is good. '01 VFR did the same thing...
One fastener on the right side has a bit of rust, but nothing major. I live on a sand/dirt/gravel road so the bike is dirty, well all of the time...no salt though - too much snow in winter to ride here in Canada eh!
Been told second hand from a well known dealer, that the head of buying for BMW has been given the bullet over in Germany for driving down the price of parts.
You buy cheap and we all know what happens to quality.
Dont shoot the messenger just passing it on .. lol
Mts
You buy cheap and we all know what happens to quality.
Dont shoot the messenger just passing it on .. lol
Mts
Reddivedog
Registered user
Interesting... This corroborates what I heard on the grapevine about the brake lines. The existing supplier wouldn't supply the (quality) product for the price demanded.
Reddivedog
Registered user
Hey Reddog why don't you chop it in for a Honda ? - I hear they have a great reputation for build quality
After having splashed a significant amount of cash on the GSA, maybe I am not as willing as you to accept a sub-standard product?
Anyway, this isn't adding much insight, so let's move on.
Got no issues at all with mine and I am sorry to hear that you have had some problems.
The dealers are normally very willing to help resolve any issues and if your guys do not sort it out I would go to another dealer.
The dealers are normally very willing to help resolve any issues and if your guys do not sort it out I would go to another dealer.
2010 GSA Anniversary 12,000 miles
Sad to see that my 2010 GSA Anniversary @ 12,000 miles suffered:-
Rusty frame
Rusty engine protection bars
Chipped and pealing rocker covers
Bought off first owner who purchased it new from Grimsby.
However, Williams BMW bikes Manchester did me proud and replaced the lot under warranty.
They were very good ( after a bit of a mix up with the Bavarian HQ).
Picked it up & dropped it off - job done.
Well done Levi - Willliams Customer Service
Sad to see that my 2010 GSA Anniversary @ 12,000 miles suffered:-
Rusty frame
Rusty engine protection bars
Chipped and pealing rocker covers
Bought off first owner who purchased it new from Grimsby.
However, Williams BMW bikes Manchester did me proud and replaced the lot under warranty.
They were very good ( after a bit of a mix up with the Bavarian HQ).
Picked it up & dropped it off - job done.
Well done Levi - Willliams Customer Service
jpooch00
Registered user
So, I'm guessing that the Germans haven't ever heard of powder coating?
Seems like that would be much cheaper in the long run than doing all those warranty replacements and the additional bad press (like in this thread)!
Seems like that would be much cheaper in the long run than doing all those warranty replacements and the additional bad press (like in this thread)!
Goose
Registered user
The fact is that these bikes have huge build-quality problems......... but no matter how we moan & groan......... we still buy them!
Why should BMW listen and change anything...... when sales are not affected at all............?
Why should BMW listen and change anything...... when sales are not affected at all............?
jpooch00
Registered user
How can they possibly believe that sales aren't affected by their total non-concern for the quality of their products?
I know for a fact that I just cancelled my order for a '13 GSA because of it.
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