ASA stalling ?

[botus]

I give in.
You haven't ridden one so you have no idea.
What is the point of repeating other reviews.

I've been riding bikes for 55 years - grew up as a motor vehicle tech before moving to a real job, and I know how to operate a clutch and wish to retain that functionality as it helps you ride a bike more safely

The big thing I learnt today - is that a lot of people ride bikes that clearly shouldn't - that's very clear in the five ASA video reviews I watched today - so many claiming benefits I didn't know people had issues with, but clearly do

Just one guy explains very nicely why he'll always want a manual clutch - I'm on the same page - it helps you to ride a bike properly. The E clutch is a cheap simple idea that gives you a proper bike with a nice idea for the times you've had enough - those simple facts can't change - and the fact BMW went the wrong route doesn't mean I need to prove what I already know

 

[roundincircles]

I've been riding bikes for 55 years - grew up as a motor vehicle tech before moving to a real job, and I know how to operate a clutch and wish to retain that functionality as it helps you ride a bike more safely

The big thing I learnt today - is that a lot of people ride bikes that clearly shouldn't - that's very clear in the five ASA video reviews I watched today - so many claiming benefits I didn't know people had issues with, but clearly do

Just one guy explains very nicely why he'll always want a manual clutch - I'm on the same page - it helps you to ride a bike properly. The E clutch is a cheap simple idea that gives you a proper bike with a nice idea for the times you've had enough - those simple facts can't change - and the fact BMW went the wrong route doesn't mean I need to prove what I already know

I guess others don't ride their bike like you!

 

[Troppo]

I've been riding bikes for 55 years - grew up as a motor vehicle tech before moving to a real job, and I know how to operate a clutch and wish to retain that functionality as it helps you ride a bike more safely

The big thing I learnt today - is that a lot of people ride bikes that clearly shouldn't - that's very clear in the five ASA video reviews I watched today - so many claiming benefits I didn't know people had issues with, but clearly do

Just one guy explains very nicely why he'll always want a manual clutch - I'm on the same page - it helps you to ride a bike properly. The E clutch is a cheap simple idea that gives you a proper bike with a nice idea for the times you've had enough - those simple facts can't change - and the fact BMW went the wrong route doesn't mean I need to prove what I already know

Like you, I have been riding in excess of 50 years. I consider myself quite proficient. The ASA works better than a manual clutch.

Period.

And yet here you are, giving us all the benefit of your experience of a bike that you have never ridden.

Go away.

 

[roundincircles]

I've been riding a bike for 56 years and continue to learn from others. IT has equipped me to recognise bollox when I see it. But then one person's bollox is another person's truth.

 

[botus]

I found another video of a guy that can ride - he too wasn't a fan

if you want I'll post it - but two things - 1) a guy on a Harley somehow separates from the bike as he squeezes past a van that pulled out on him (sounds more interesting than the limited footage shows). And 2) trying to discuss elements of the BM system, he gets carried away praising the Honda DTC system (on a bike he doesn't even like), it gets a bit much

 

[Tyzer]

Boxerlust ???

 

[botus]

Boxerlust ???

nope - he doesn't seem to come up much on searches I have tried... he def doesn't hang around

 

[BusterDan]

To anyone reading this thread, I would strongly urge you against buying the ASA version, at least until some time has passed and BMW have hopefully fixed what appears to be fundamental design issues with the ASA clutch technology. It's apparent that there are other people with the same issue... a small number but who know when more clutches might start failing, time will tell.

When ASA works it's brilliant but when it doesn't it puts you in danger..... it's as simple as that.

BMW through my dealer have replaced my bike.... so what - I paid £24K and I didn't expect it to fail after 695 miles (basically new).

BMW seem to think that replacing the bike is "a gesture of goodwill" but I'm not benefitting directly, I'm just getting what I paid for and expected.... a working bike that is fit for purpose. Actually it's the dealership that have benefit because they have another sale and have charged back much of the labour and change over costs to BMW. As well as a nearly new bike that they have charged BMW to repair and gave me a part-x of £18,000 with BMW making up the difference.

BMW haven't even apologised to me for the inconvenience I've been caused and basically told me to go to the MCIA or seek Legal advice.... that's a great way to deal with customers!

But what all this shows me is that if things go wrong, BMW is reluctant to take any accountability, in my case it was clear cut, but what about if you have ASA and it fails in say 2 or 3 years..... that's a whole new clutch replacement and I bet it ain't cheap.

As much as I love the bike I highly doubt I'll buy another BMW vehicle again (I have a 2024 car that has also had built quality/factory issues).

 

[zoltan]

BMW through my dealer have replaced my bike.... so what - I paid £24K.

Or take the cash and walk away? Are you expecting a "sorry" from the CEO? Dealer? Shit happens...

 

[BusterDan]

Or take the cash and walk away? Are you expecting a "sorry" from the CEO? Dealer? Shit happens...

I should have taken the cash to be fair.... maybe Ducati are a better manufacturer?

And yeah... shit happens.

 

[zoltan]

maybe Ducati are a better manufacturer?

They are coming out with an auto box as well.

 

[BusterDan]

They are coming out with an auto box as well.

Hopefully it will not fail so soon, would also like to think they might have better customer service because BMW is pi$$ poor!

 

[pbbanks]

But how many ASA versions haven't had major problems??. Mine hasn't had the "stalling problem".
Don't think it's correct to say it's a "fundamental design issues with the ASA clutch technology." Otherwise every single bike would have the problem.

I just trust that BMW will sort any issues if there is a long term problem. Theres is a 3 year warranty to fall back on.

I'm not sure what more you are expecting as a resolution from BMW. Haven't they given you a brand new bike as a replacement?.

 

[BusterDan]

But how many ASA versions haven't had major problems??. Mine hasn't had the "stalling problem".
Don't think it's correct to say it's a "fundamental design issues with the ASA clutch technology." Otherwise every single bike would have the problem.

I just trust that BMW will sort any issues if there is a long term problem. Theres is a 3 year warranty to fall back on.

I'm not sure what more you are expecting as a resolution from BMW. Haven't they given you a brand new bike as a replacement?.

The seals fail, but it's impossible for me to know how many bikes are affected, definitely some based on the various places I have posted in. Also my dealer said they had a bike come in with the exact same thing, the day after my bike went in to them. When they stripped the clutch down they said the problem was clear to see and that it is either a design or manufacturing issue.

They went on to say "BMW will probably run a campaign".... but BMW are masters it seems of downplaying issues. As I say time will tell, but all I can hope that paying punters like you are not impacted. If you plan to keep your bike for a few years then just make sure you have this thread bookmarked, just in case.

 

[BusterDan]

Otherwise every single bike would have the problem.

Maybe they do, we have no idea and the problem was intermittent for me... the first time.... after 2 minutes from home it started, 30 minutes the bike would not pull away. Then after that for 60 miles it was fine.

The next time (as per the video), I pulled out from home, managed one mile, then the issues started. Again after 30 minutes I managed to limp the bike home. When the bike was collected from me, no issues at all, straight up and into the van.

As I say BMW are aware and will no doubt downplay it, but have a chat to your dealer, see if there has been any thing mentioned on the grapevine.

 

[pbbanks]

The seals fail, but it's impossible for me to know how many bikes are affected, definitely some based on the various places I have posted in. Also my dealer said they had a bike come in with the exact same thing, the day after my bike went in to them. When they stripped the clutch down they said the problem was clear to see and that it is either a design or manufacturing issue.

They went on to say "BMW will probably run a campaign".... but BMW are masters it seems of downplaying issues. As I say time will tell, but all I can hope that paying punters like you are not impacted. If you plan to keep your bike for a few years then just make sure you have this thread bookmarked, just in case.

Not sure what good bookmarking this thread would do.
If it gives a problem I'll just take it to the dealers, or ask them to collect it, & ask them to sort it.

If it's a seal that failed then why assume it's a design fault rather than simply a badly installed seal, or a seal which has a fault.
Clutch seals can fail on a manual clutch.

Don't know how many other makes of bike you have had dealings with but over my 50 years of having bikes BMW are one of the better ones.

 

[BusterDan]

PB... I'm just trying to be helpful and urge caution... I thought ASA was great but when my dealer is reluctant to supply me with another ASA bike.... that doesn't exactly instil confidence. As I understand it, the faulty seal was on the actuator motor.... the bit that replaces your hand and the clutch lever. It's an single integrated part that has to be shipped over from Berlin, so if it it goes kaput in the middle of nowhere, then good luck with that.

Yes of course bikes can fail at anytime but in my experience of mostly new/nearly new bikes, mechanical issues are rare, typically it's cosmetic, finish issues, paint etc. I've had mostly Japanese bikes over the last 25 years or so - Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha, also a couple of Triumph's which had some cosmetic issues. None of these bikes have had internal/mechanical issues so soon.

 

[JoeBiff]

……my first post and …..



…..I think the outcome will come good in the end....

So.
What happened in the couple of weeks since your first post?
The dealer told you it was a faulty seal within four days of your first ever post here.

 

[BusterDan]

So.
What happened in the couple of weeks since your first post?
The dealer told you it was a faulty seal within four days of your first ever post here.

That's right... and I've got a new bike... without ASA and there are some small differences in the spec... but at least I have a bike, rather than having to wait 3 months for a factory build.

This resolution for me was not immediately clear and has only been possible because the dealer was wary of replacing the bike with another ASA (which I wouldn't have trusted anyway). So I rejected the bike and BMW accepted the replacement. They haven't done me any favours though and more to the point they won't acknowledge they have a problem. If I was a current ASA owner I'd be quite concerned and want some clarity. Similarly, if I was about to buy one I would want to know about such issues.

 

[TaskMule]

snip They haven't done me any favours though snip

Well other than taking back the bike and giving you another one. What else is it that you want them to do? Maybe grovelling?