Build Quality

[Dainese Brave]

I keep hearing about the build quality having deteriorated on recently built BMW’s, normally being put down to production being sourced from China now.

I just wondered if it really is noticeably worse now on the 08/09 'makeover' GS/GSA’s, or is it just one of those issues that raise their heads without any grounds?

Anyone have any experiences of bad build quality issues, or has noticed the difference from previous BMW’s they have owned.

Steve

 

[John Armstrong]

I read an article on the introduction of the R80 G/S. The testers complained about the build quality was worse then compared to earlier models

 

[Our Gee]

Many years (in the sixties I think) ago I was chatting to Russ Armstrong of Armstrongs Motorcycles in Middlesbrough who where BMW Agents at the time. They had just Re-Built a BMW as a new Frame had been authorised by BMW due to Rubbish Paint. So "iffy" BMW quality isn,t something new. I also noticed that the Paint and General finish on our 2005 K1200LT was not as good as our 1999 Model.

 

[wilbjr21]

'08 1200 GSA. I can't find a single thing wrong with it.

People do not like change - especially when their pride and joy has just been superceeded by a new model. Some will always find something wrong - just out of principle (and they're usually vociferous)

 

[Sgt Bilco]

It`s not just a BuMW thing. Build quality has deteriorated on most mass produced vehicles. Just the way the world is I guess.

I think my 1200 is great quality though compared with some of the opposition

 

[Bones]

The fact that they can't use noxious chemicals in paints and laquers these days has a lot to do with it

 

[jimmystewpot]

I keep hearing about the build quality having deteriorated on recently built BMW’s, normally being put down to production being sourced from China now.

I just wondered if it really is noticeably worse now on the 08/09 'makeover' GS/GSA’s, or is it just one of those issues that raise their heads without any grounds?

Anyone have any experiences of bad build quality issues, or has noticed the difference from previous BMW’s they have owned.

Steve

Are all BMW's now manufactured in China or was it just the lower end models? I got the jist from reading an article it was only the G range bikes and lower end models.. Is that correct or did I mis-read/understand the kung-foo of cheap labor/even cheaper life?

 

[longdog]

My old R75/6 out of doors all of it's life and always cleaned up nicely using GUNK and car wash and Simoniz polish. It never furred up or corroded in any way.

My '02 R1150GS had the dreaded pealing powder coat disease on the fork yolks, cylinder heads, etc, etc.

I think part of the problem is the bean-counters cutting costs and the other part is environmentally friendly paints, etc.

The other factor is some of the new cleaning agents. For example, Muc Off left my wheel rims milky, whereas GUNK doesn't have the cleaning power, but at least leaves it looking nice and shiny!

 

[Wapping]

My Electrolux washing machine was built in China.

It works fine.

 

[NorthernBoy]

'08 1200 GSA. I can't find a single thing wrong with it.

People do not like change - especially when their pride and joy has just been superceeded by a new model. Some will always find something wrong - just out of principle (and they're usually vociferous)

Well, possibly, but that cannot account for all of the stories about the previous generation. Equally vociferous are those who refuse to believe that there can be anything that anyone can genuinely complain about on their expensive new bikes.

Leaving aside the mechanical things that went wrong (after all, possibly I had a lemon that was unrepresentative...), I had a few issues with the build quality on my '05 model. The fasteners rusted far too soon, there was too much corrosion on the engine (enough that I needed a new front plate), and I had corrosion on the rear light that necessitated a new one on a bike only two years old, that had lived in a garage when not being ridden.

In general, comparing it to BMW cars, and to other brands of bikes, the finish was just not very good. Paint rubbed off the frame very easily, for example.

My new '08 bike seems much better. It is generally of a higher quality all around.

Build quality can be very apparent well before something breaks. The '05 bike that I had was a great disappointment. It was finished about as well as a chinese bike. The '08 seems to be back more in line with japanese bikes.

 

[wilbjr21]

NorthernBoy:

Well, possibly, but that cannot account for all of the stories about the previous generation. Equally vociferous are those who refuse to believe that there can be anything that anyone can genuinely complain about on their expensive new bikes.

Touche.

NorthernBoy:

My new '08 bike seems much better. It is generally of a higher quality all around.

I agree - they've addressed most of the issues. Just the FPC to go.