Same manufacturer, same main components so likely the same problems - now reportedly cured by the changes made since 2004. Not a good way of developing a bike, but I dont for a minute think that BMW have just sat there and ignored any problems that have developed, happy to pay out on garauntee.
Finish? All bikes are poorer than cars (why?) but no one can sensibly say that BMW are worse than the Japs, let alone the Italians
I'm not sure what general opinion is, but coming from an RT, I think ignorance was bliss - the gearbox in the GS now is soooooo sweet, don't need a clutch anymore...!