2016 GSA LC - Frame Rust - repair?

[kurienp]

2016 (March) GSA LC - the frame is pitting (and rusting), quite bad (see pic). Considering a powdercoat. Anyone recommended who can take the frame out paint/powdercoat and then put it all back together?

Some on here have done the work themselves. Don't think I am capable of that.

Any recommendations appreciated. Don't mind travelling for the right service.

Ta,

PS: any chance of a warranty repair from BMW? Already crossed 5.5 years.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

Take it back to BMW and reject it.

 

[Dave N]

It’s really not that hard. This is mine after powder coating the subframe, which was in a similar condition to yours. 3 years on, and it still looks like this. If you can hold a spanner, and get hold of a Haynes manual, it’s easy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kurienp]

Take it back to BMW and reject it.

Thank you. That is an option and the guys at Oxford have been very good so far with everything to do with servicing.

It’s really not that hard. This is mine after powder coating the subframe, which was in a similar condition to yours. 3 years on, and it still looks like this. If you can hold a spanner, and get hold of a Haynes manual, it’s easy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave, that looks really good. Is it only the rear subframe that you did or did you also have to do the front frame?

I have rust on the front frame as well (below pic, frame section next to the right front fork).

 

[meintjiesj]

Hi, do you ride during winter i.e. salt on the roads? From the last foto it looks like you have chipping on the fork stations also, could be wrong? suggest you get it cleaned by the guys doing ACF50 treatments, will not remove current rust but prevent any further rust.

 

[Molsal]

BMW should be ashamed of that! These are premium machines sold at inflated prices.

 

[kurienp]

Hi, do you ride during winter i.e. salt on the roads? From the last foto it looks like you have chipping on the fork stations also, could be wrong? suggest you get it cleaned by the guys doing ACF50 treatments, will not remove current rust but prevent any further rust.

Yes, ride in all weathers but always washed with cold water on return if in winter . Yes, acf 50'd as well and this is the state.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[Dave N]

Dave, that looks really good. Is it only the rear subframe that you did or did you also have to do the front frame?

I have rust on the front frame as well (below pic, frame section next to the right front fork).

No, that would involve dismantling the whole bike, which just isn’t worth the hassle.
I put a frame protector on, which covers a fair bit , and keep the rest of the frame “wet” with ACF50, so you don’t notice it so much.
One day I will rub the frame down with the engine in situ, and paint the worst bit with hammerite

 

[autogs]

bmw warranty? no chance,tbh i cant see any acf50 in those pics?

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

Can I just make this clear. My comment (post #2) was a bit of humour. A joke. But of piss taking.
Oh well. HNY Tossers

 

[jefformston]

BMW should be ashamed of that! These are premium machines sold at inflated prices.

Basic neglect, nothing to do with BMW. Sorry to say it but that bike just hasn’t been looked after.

 

[GeorgeM]

Basic neglect, nothing to do with BMW. Sorry to say it but that bike just hasn’t been looked after.

Used to get the bmw club mag for many years , rusty frames was hot favourite from the early 80’s onwards, not a lot changes
I bought a 3 yr old rt back in 2006 , the previous owner said he “lived by the sea” after taking the Tupperware off it was apparent “ he lived in the sea”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Pablo1]

Basic neglect, nothing to do with BMW. Sorry to say it but that bike just hasn’t been looked after.

not necessarily, i had a 2017 feb gsa which was going that way despite being always garaged etc, first bmw in 15 years of owning these bikes ever to go that way, all looked after to the same degree. I traded the bike last year for this reason.

 

[Santa-2512]

My 2016 , is exactly the same.

Daily use, washed as required.

If and might get a freshen up at some time

its the whole frame, so no chance of dropping the subframe lol

Its 6 years old btw , corrosion warranty is 2 years,

 

[Pukmeister]

On my 2008 GSA I have had to keep on top of things corrosion wise, rubbing down and repainting areas of slight corrosion as they occur. I guess the WC models are no different, shiny modern water based paint finishes seem less long-term durable than old school paint was.

I would strip and powder coat that rear subframe and retouch the bad front frame areas by hand with rust killer then some black enamel and a fine brush.

 

[GeorgeM]

On my 2008 GSA I have had to keep on top of things corrosion wise, rubbing down and repainting areas of slight corrosion as they occur. I guess the WC models are no different, shiny modern water based paint finishes seem less long-term durable than old school paint was.

I would strip and powder coat that rear subframe and retouch the bad front frame areas by hand with rust killer then some black enamel and a fine brush.

I think it’s the prep , I’m not sure that they do any galvanic dipping or whatever and even rumours have been about for many years ( since 1980)that they don’t believe in undercoat. A few quid more wouldn’t make a difference on a near 20k motor , if they want to save ££ just junk the esa suspension.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[malcopopolo]

I would be tempted to buy 2nd hand rear subframe and have it powder coated. Swap them over and seek the rusty one.
The rest if the bike frame I would be tempted to rub down with 1500 wet and dry and spray with hammerite satin black. Mask up well and all should be good

 

[Pukmeister]

I think it’s the prep , I’m not sure that they do any galvanic dipping or whatever and even rumours have been about for many years ( since 1980)that they don’t believe in undercoat. A few quid more wouldn’t make a difference on a near 20k motor , if they want to save ££ just junk the esa suspension.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The paint process is indeed a single coat process. I suspect microscopic porosity if applied too thinly allows moisture to penetrate. My ‘08 subframe rust fix was in some thinly applied areas and changes of cross-section like edges and corners. The main tubing sections remain rust-free as the paint is thicker there.

A hot dip wash degrease and galv during production would be ideal but probably not done on environmental grounds. No manufacturer wants their product to last forever, inherent failure drives customers on to newer models.

 

[Max-GS12]

Not just BMW - they are virtually all guilty - a crying shame. Literally one thin top coat direct to bare metal on most bike frames. A total joke. At least a basic zinc primer would help a ton but they simply don't want to.

All you can do is Dinitrol the insides as much as possible, clean fully and XCP it from new and rinse/wash/re-apply and fight a battle that nature (and the road salters) will always win eventually.

 

[GeorgeM]

Not just BMW - they are virtually all guilty - a crying shame. Literally one thin top coat direct to bare metal on most bike frames. A total joke. At least a basic zinc primer would help a ton but they simply don't want to.

All you can do is Dinitrol the insides as much as possible, clean fully and XCP it from new and rinse/wash/re-apply and fight a battle that nature (and the road salters) will always win eventually.

I move in the 2nd hand circuit , usually buy a 3/4 year old , Ducati 07 trellis frame was excellent , as was moto guzzi along with the fasteners, Tiger frame was good ,GS not so with both frame ,engine covers and bolts fairing badly.
My Pal has just swapped his GS for a Tenere 700 and isn’t overly fussy cleaning so it’s going to be interesting to watch this over the next 3/4 years.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk