2014 RT's GROUNDED! DO NOT RIDE!
- Thread starter AHaywood
- Start date
thats excellent customer service, are you a good customer or is it your first bike from them ?
Well there's gonna be a lot of bikes, that's for sure. Whether they'll be going for a song is a different matter!
I think not, because it will soon be proven by the journo community and the eventual comparative tests, that the new RT is by far and away the best tourer ever made, and thus it will become one of these cult bikes. Like the 1150GSA. Desirable, despite itself.
Will be having a coffee and a chat with our friendly dealer tomorrow, probably along the lines of option 2, followed by 3! Find the latest boxer engine completely addictive so it's going to be very difficult to go for anything other than (another) brand new RT. The 1600GT's a great machine, but not as good a pillion bike as the RT.
For us, a lot's going to depend on when BMW commence RT production again. Don't suppose it'll be for a long time yet, but probably worth the wait. It's that or go for a late air/oil RT.
Decisions decisions
I had set my mind to be on camp 1 before I got there. I think the free loaner in terms of a new GS is top treatment. Then I was a bit mixed about the whole paperwork, loaners, insurance, the feel it's not mine, just a rental etc.
I thought of going for option 2, but there is nothing in the market that does it for me, Pan, Trophy, GTR and Diavel Touring being the other candidates at the point of ordering the RT. I really fancied a Diavel actually until I sat on it for 10 minutes, uncomfortable does not begin to describe it.
Then they put me on the K16. That engine sold it to me. And the fact that hopefully the major issues of gearbox, water pump and switches have been partially sorted by now at least. The gearbox of the bike I rode today was excellent for a BMW... ( I.e. Just ok by Jap standards). The engine though is the best one I have ever ridden for sure...which is a huge compliment as I m coming from a vfr1200...
Can well understand how you were won over by the 1600. We had the good fortune to do a great many continental touring miles on the K16 last year and have to agree that it's monstrously good. Little details like the air con flaps were miniature feats of engineering in themselves, then there's the weight defying handling....and THAT engine....BUT...and it was a sadly uncomfortable butt....the wife just didn't find it as comfy as the (old) RT. Our K16 didn't have a hugely happy transmission either, but I've ridden worse! Anyway, missus found the RT LC equally delightful on test ride back in April, so the deal was done.
Whether or not BMW currently have worse recall, QC or build quality issues than other manufacturers is a subject open to debate. The fact that they make the best touring bikes in the world is surely beyond question and that alone makes it virtually impossible to jump ship to any other brand (bastards!). You just know you'll be riding second best
Will be having a coffee and a chat with our friendly dealer tomorrow, probably along the lines of option 2, followed by 3! Find the latest boxer engine completely addictive so it's going to be very difficult to go for anything other than (another) brand new RT. The 1600GT's a great machine, but not as good a pillion bike as the RT.
For us, a lot's going to depend on when BMW commence RT production again. Don't suppose it'll be for a long time yet, but probably worth the wait. It's that or go for a late air/oil RT.
Decisions decisions
Out curiosity, why is the K16 not as good a pillion bike as the RT in your opinion?
Not that it will change my position, bought the RT for that very purpose, to better accommodate the mrs than current bike (but hadn't planned any major trips at time of recall). Despite the great engine on the K (only tested without pillion) the RT just seemed the better package for our particular needs - I preferred the riding position, weight saving, manoeuvrability etc.
I will wait for the RT to be fixed/returned and continue to use my other bike in the meantime. Dealer has been very good in attempting to look after me in the fallout however...
Edit: I see you've already pretty much answered my question above, that'll teach me to read to the end....
The bikes are presumably covered by BMW's European Breakdown cover, which will indemnify the owner for direct expenses incurred for cancelled or curtailed holidays (loss of hotel deposits, irrevocable ferry bookings and the like) caused by what is apparently a mechanical or electrical failure or fault, rendering the vehicle dangerous. All bods have to do is present their claim(s) along with supporting documentation. It follows that if the individual has not incurred any costs due to the cancellation or postponement of their holiday, they have lost nothing.... So no need for any indemnification.
'Loss of use / enjoyment' is not covered, nor under similar 'Breakdown' insurances or warranties; it being hard to quantify. That does not stop anyone pleading their case directly with BMW or through the courts, of course. What might a court say? Well, they might say that punitive or exemplary damages are justified. Or, they might say that BMW went to great lengths to ground the (dangerous) vehicles, very reasonable lengths to collect the bikes, offered reasonable alternative transport, fixed the problem and returned the bikes; finer details not known / to be advised.
An 'Action Group' is what you need, preferably pan-European to embrace RT bikers from Finland to Portugal.... Or to get more persuasive with your dealer. Direct your passion, not to the empty holes in cyberspace, but to those that might listen and MIGHT do something to help you. AHaywood seems to have managed... Get real, as he put it.
'Loss of use / enjoyment' is not covered, nor under similar 'Breakdown' insurances or warranties; it being hard to quantify. That does not stop anyone pleading their case directly with BMW or through the courts, of course. What might a court say? Well, they might say that punitive or exemplary damages are justified. Or, they might say that BMW went to great lengths to ground the (dangerous) vehicles, very reasonable lengths to collect the bikes, offered reasonable alternative transport, fixed the problem and returned the bikes; finer details not known / to be advised.
An 'Action Group' is what you need, preferably pan-European to embrace RT bikers from Finland to Portugal.... Or to get more persuasive with your dealer. Direct your passion, not to the empty holes in cyberspace, but to those that might listen and MIGHT do something to help you. AHaywood seems to have managed... Get real, as he put it.
Happy to be more explicit if you like, though please consider that the following is subjective!! Other pillions may feel differently..
The K16's pillion seat was a bit harder on the backside and generally less comfortable than the cushiony but supportive RT. This was exacerbated by the peg positioning, which both pillions in our group (ladies, btw) found to be less than ideal...the pegs weren't where the feet wanted to rest naturally and didn't allow such easy bracing against acceleration/braking as the RT.
Taken in isolation the K16 would an excellent pillion place. Weather protection and general buffeting were similar to the RT - it just fell a bit short (for our ladies) comfort wise when compared against one of the best pillion rides ever created (unless you want a 'wing
).
HTH.
The K16's pillion seat was a bit harder on the backside and generally less comfortable than the cushiony but supportive RT. This was exacerbated by the peg positioning, which both pillions in our group (ladies, btw) found to be less than ideal...the pegs weren't where the feet wanted to rest naturally and didn't allow such easy bracing against acceleration/braking as the RT.
Taken in isolation the K16 would an excellent pillion place. Weather protection and general buffeting were similar to the RT - it just fell a bit short (for our ladies) comfort wise when compared against one of the best pillion rides ever created (unless you want a 'wing
).HTH.
Have you actually read what I wrote? I'm not whining, or moaning, or in need of "getting real". I'm generally delighted with the way our BMW dealer has treated us - I've waited for the official response from BMW and for me at least, it doesn't cut the mustard. Not sure why you think I'm in need of an action group! We're going to ask for a refund and put our money down on a new RT. I've already said that twice.
Perhaps you should "get real".
Your post #306 did not read as a whole heap of satisfaction.
It was directed to those that are bleating about loss of holidays, expenses incurred, damages / extra financial restitution and the like. Genuine costs incurred are indemifiable very easily, submit the claims, along with the evidence... Loss of enjoyment, less easy. You want a new bike out of the deal, go and get one; you'll probably manage it. There are lots of threads in the WC section of bods negotiating one, when the gearboxes of their early edition bikes proved shonky. Killer suspension should be a breeze.
Re the mustard. Change to Colmans. The Germans can't touch it.
PS The action group was tongue in cheek. Bikers and action? You're having a laugh. Though a class action may be just what BMW America fears... Their consumer laws are different, even their warranty cover is different, just as it differs in Germany and in France.
This will cheer you up...
It was directed to those that are bleating about loss of holidays, expenses incurred, damages / extra financial restitution and the like. Genuine costs incurred are indemifiable very easily, submit the claims, along with the evidence... Loss of enjoyment, less easy. You want a new bike out of the deal, go and get one; you'll probably manage it. There are lots of threads in the WC section of bods negotiating one, when the gearboxes of their early edition bikes proved shonky. Killer suspension should be a breeze.
Re the mustard. Change to Colmans. The Germans can't touch it.
PS The action group was tongue in cheek. Bikers and action? You're having a laugh. Though a class action may be just what BMW America fears... Their consumer laws are different, even their warranty cover is different, just as it differs in Germany and in France.
This will cheer you up...
Wasn't directed at anyone except the poster that said, "what do you want compensating for?". I'm amazed that someone of your exception brainpower didn't pick up on that.
You know so much about the Germans, here's a word that sums up your approach to this - schadenfreude. You seem to take great joy in trying to make people that are a bit sad about their dream being dampened, feel a whole lot worse.
I actually feel sorry for you, which perversely makes me feel a whole lot better about this situation. So, thanks!
Wasn't directed at anyone except the poster that said, "what do you want compensating for?". I'm amazed that someone of your exception brainpower didn't pick up on that.
You know so much about the Germans, here's a word that sums up your approach to this - schadenfreude. You seem to take great joy in trying to make people that are a bit sad about their dream being dampened, feel a whole lot worse.
I actually feel sorry for you, which perversely makes me feel a whole lot better about this situation. So, thanks!
Get a grip fella, otherwise you'll bust a blood vessel if you're easily offended
Did you like BMW's letter in post 331
AHaywood
Registered user
love the letter
AHaywood
Registered user
Agreed!.
I've been using with the same dealership since moving onto BMW motorcycles in 2008, but i'm only on my second new bike, well third if you count this loan bike
. However from my personal experience they treat old and new customers alike, hence whilst not being my nearest dealership in milage terms, I wouldn't consider going anywhere else. This issue with the RT and the way in which they've looked after me totally justifies my loyalty to the dealership and brand!Everyone on here has a different take on how or more to the point 'how much' they should be compensated and that's up to them...all I'm trying to do is let the forum know that some of us are very happy. The sad thing is, I know for a fact there are three others (and probably many more) out there who have received exactly the same treatment as myself...then again there's just no pleasing some. Most just love to complain and moan when things go wrong, but are infrequently willing to speak up and give praise when its due!
Spoke with the dealership earlier today, they're pretty much prepared to do whatever it takes (within reason 
) to keep us sweet. Nothing in writing, but looking like whatever outcome we settle on, it'll be to our liking. They are the mutts nuts.
) to keep us sweet. Nothing in writing, but looking like whatever outcome we settle on, it'll be to our liking. They are the mutts nuts. Just looking what's going on across the pond, saw this colour RT. http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1003801&postcount=1060
Absolutely love it but as yet no explanation from the poster as to whether it was just a straight respray or dealer special (nothing about it on the van Harten site)? Hope BMW might do something like it one day.
Absolutely love it but as yet no explanation from the poster as to whether it was just a straight respray or dealer special (nothing about it on the van Harten site)? Hope BMW might do something like it one day.
GSmiles
Registered user
22 pages and still going....
after 22 pages of commentary , and given that its the rear suspension that MIGHT just fail and lead to you meeting a hedge or falling down one of those great cliffs that feature so much in publicity photos... its worth note that no one has yet said thank you to BMW for trying hard to make sure that your new bike doesn't scratch me...
after 22 pages of commentary , and given that its the rear suspension that MIGHT just fail and lead to you meeting a hedge or falling down one of those great cliffs that feature so much in publicity photos... its worth note that no one has yet said thank you to BMW for trying hard to make sure that your new bike doesn't scratch me...
