General Failure

[038199]

Well,

Back to BMW in Battersea. This time the call out guy admitted he knew "nothing about these bikes". So far after 500 miles

- first gear hasn't engaged periodically
-"brake failure" twice - now it is back at the dealers. Servos failed to activate
-bike wouldn't start and left me stranded on the M4
-fuel gauge wildly inaccurate
-after 3weeks I am noticing corrosion on some of the bolts-3 weeks?

The problem is you start to lose confidence after time. A motorcycle needs to inspire really. As well as this the bike is so lumpy especially under acceleration and low down. The buffeting is terrible, better with tobinators but still pretty poor.
I am sure it does improve over time but running in engines like this is prehistoric. "Round the world?"-I'd settle for round the block.

BMW-build your bikes better and improve your service

I wander how long I will be without transport.

I'm sorry I left you Honda, it was a mistake, I wasn't thinking straight, I thought I didn't need the thick end of 9 grand..........

 

[bigbike2004]

Has the dealer offered anything by way of comfort to get your situation sorted? Other than throwing the keys back, what will your next move be?

 

[Dave Price]

It sounds as if nothing will change your mind now.
At least if you decide to sell, you'll get back a decent percentage of the cost, unlike a Honda where you'd be lucky to see 75%.

 

[Detox]

Part x it for my 1100? money my way of course

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

It sounds as if nothing will change your mind now.
At least if you decide to sell, you'll get back a decent percentage of the cost, unlike a Honda where you'd be lucky to see 75%.

Yes David.........but if he'd stuck with Honda, the reliability might be more like a Swiss watch and he wouldn't need to sell because of all this lost time on a 1200GS

 

[MATKAT]

Pan

well I have an '04 reg Pan with all the extras I might consider doing a swop with foresaid BMW
Of course the Honda is like a swiss watch.actually a better one a Seiko.oh they are japanese too !!!!!!

 

[038199]

Thank you all for your kind offers of bikes and sympathy, but after 3 weeks I dont intend so sell it just yet. Its reputation is worth sticking with and I still hope I will be sounding like most others soon enough........a happy rider

 

[038199]

Has the dealer offered anything by way of comfort to get your situation sorted? Other than throwing the keys back, what will your next move be?

Dealer hasn't offered me anything yet but will not give on on the bike yet.....

 

[laughingBob]

It probably won't be of any comfort, but I know exactly how you feel. I changed from a Honda a few few years back and had a complete nightmare with BMW.

I part exchanged a Varadero for an F650 GS and from day one had problems with it. The main one being that it would cut out on the over-run and leave me stranded with a bike that wouldn't start, usually in the middle of junctions and on one occasion in lane 3 of ofthe M25. I owned the bike for a period of about four months, but only had in my possession for a total of about a month. The rest of the time I had a series of loan bikes.

Eventually I wrote to the dealer, Park West in Chiswick, and BMW at Bracknell stating that as a qualified engineer and vehicle examiner I considered the bike was dangerous and was not suitable for the purpose for which it was sold to me. I was contacted by the dealer shortly afterward offering a replacement bike or my money back. I took the money as at that time I had no confidence in their product and bought an Africa Twin.

I can't really fault the dealer as they seem to try everything to resolve the problems with the bike.

It seems BMW though are still delivering bikes to the buying public that aren't sufficently developed and that there quality control is not up to that of other manufacturers.

So far, I feel I've been very lucky with my 12 and after almost 2k miles have not had any problems. I love the motor, the slicker gearbox and the handling, but 'am still not totally confident in it's reliability and for me that is as important, if not more so, than the other aspects of the bike. I use mine most days. It is not just a toy, but transport.

Good luck. I honestly hope evrything gets sorted with your bike.

 

[SQD8R]

I've had a similar experience to Bob's except in reverse. I've had issues with 2 out of my 3 new Honda's and while they were very annoying (bearing seized @ 3,000 km on my RC51 and a rad hose blew on my 600RR @ 15,000km) and caused me to question Honda's reputation the one thing that will still see me as a Honda owner in the future was the customer service. Despite the issues I had, Honda covered all of the work on both bikes. That's why I'll never speak poorly of Honda products. I've had no issues with my 12GS. It has been the most trouble free bike I've ever owned. 25,000 kms and no issues. That said, I've experienced excellent customer service form BMW and that will be a stronger lasting memory for me. Hopefully you will experience the same. Best of luck to you.

 

[bigbike2004]

SQD8R, I have come to the conclusion I can put my life savings on you having a complete opposite expereince to anyone here on bike related products........

KTM problems...
Honda problems......

Maybe Canada or wherever is a mirror universe to us????

BB04

 

[038199]

Thanks for the support! The dealer has promised me my bike back today and we will just have to see. In fairness to BM all that was wrong was the hand guards interfering with the brake switch, so its a case of wait and see how things go.........

 

[Joyseeker]

corrosion??????

got my 1200 stuck on a beach in sept.

yep sea water and sand everywhere.

no signs of rust yet ..... i'll keep you posted.