Left tank panel on '07 GS - Olive

  • Thread starter Thread starter NakedRider
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NakedRider

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I've got a REAL unusual thing happening on my Olive colored '07 GS Adventure.

The left side tank panel has hundreds of "spider web" type cracks in it. I first noticed this when a co-worker at work pointed it out. You have to be at just the right angle in the sun to see the cracks. Otherwise they are invisible. I went to my dealer and they ordered a replacement set. I never looked closely at them before putting them on but a few weeks later noticed that the new left side was also cracked.

My dealer ordered another replacement set. This time we took the new panel out in the sun and looked at it from every direction. No cracks.

Last week I noticed that this third panel is also cracked. Hundreds of little fine lines. You can't feel them and they are only visible in the sun at a very specific angle. There aren't the lines from the "brushed aluminum" look. They appear to be under the clear coat.

I've checked the bike when riding and can't notice any more vibration on the left side than the right. The right side doesn't seem to have this problem.

I was EXTREMELY disappointed at the response from the dealer yesterday when they said "you may just have to live with it". I explained that that was an unacceptable answer and we left it at them contacting BMW for advice.

Has anyone else noticed this? You have to be standing to the rear of the bike with the sun overhead - no shadows or you won't see it.

I have to say I'm shocked at the response from the dealer. "Living" with a problem like this just isn't acceptable given how much these bikes cost. I understand their frustration in that we could continue going in this loop of replaceing the part and the next one cracks too but, come on, I offered up everything from a different color to a tank cover (neither of which I should have to pay for).

Two questions -

1) Has anyone else had their tank side covers crack?
2) Do you think I'm unreasonable asking for a solution?

Thanks.
 
I have seen it before on a gs. reminds me of stress cracks as if the panel has been pushed in / dented. but mot actually caused a dent
 
Thank God it's not just me....I think. It's just unusual for a bike that's considered so off-road capable to have such a delicate part.
 
Greetings from across the pond in Pennsylvania. I found out about this forum on the Adventure rider forum when I was inquiring about the 4100 rpm vibe. Yup, mine has it too. Definately annoying.
As for the side panels, When I picked my bike up (07 GSA) the dealer said they had ordered replacements because there was spotting apparently under the clear coat which is only visible in certain light. 99% percent of the time they are not visible and then they jump out. oh well, whaddya' expect for 20K$. Thanks for the forum.
 
Greetings from across the pond in Pennsylvania. I found out about this forum on the Adventure rider forum when I was inquiring about the 4100 rpm vibe. Yup, mine has it too. Definately annoying.
As for the side panels, When I picked my bike up (07 GSA) the dealer said they had ordered replacements because there was spotting apparently under the clear coat which is only visible in certain light. 99% percent of the time they are not visible and then they jump out. oh well, whaddya' expect for 20K$. Thanks for the forum.

My thoughts exactly.

So, let's see, if we bought a car and this happend on the door the dealer response would be:

1) Just live with it.
2) It's from the sun. Make sure you always park in the shade.
3) Don't close the door so hard
4) Don't push so hard on the door when you wash the car.

I think we have a right to expect our vehicles to live up to day to day riding and washing. Customer feedback should improve product quality which is why I'm on a rant.

BTW I'm on this side of the pond as well even though it's on the other side of the country. I just love this forum because the "take" many times by our friends in England matches my own. I've found that to be the case with motorcycles and computers.
 
Left Tank Panel - '07 GSA

I have an '07 registered 1200GSA and have the same crazing on the LH side-panel, in fact I hadnt noticed it until somebody pointed it out on a sunny day (don't get many of those, thats why I hadnt noticed it !).

I was going to point it out to the dealer when the bike went in for its 6k service, but I couldnt see it to be able to point it out. I think the sun / light has to be quite bright and at a certain angle.

John
 
I have an '07 registered 1200GSA and have the same crazing on the LH side-panel, in fact I hadnt noticed it until somebody pointed it out on a sunny day (don't get many of those, thats why I hadnt noticed it !).

I was going to point it out to the dealer when the bike went in for its 6k service, but I couldnt see it to be able to point it out. I think the sun / light has to be quite bright and at a certain angle.

John

You're right. You can only see it at some angles. Looks like several people are having this issue. I've posted it on several forums and I can't believe how big of an issue it is. BMW should address this.
 
Had exactly the same problem on mine, dealer advised me that there was a known problem on the Olive colour side panels and ordered some replacements under warranty. When they arrived from BMW, turned out they had sent the black ones off the white version. i opted to have those fitted and IMO they look great. before anyone asks, yes I know "this thread is useless without photos ..." and I'll see if I can get something uploaded in due course.
 
The left side tank panel has hundreds of "spider web" type cracks in it.


Me too, had it replaced under warranty, dealer said it seemed to be mainly the left hand side. If it happens again I will ask for both to be replaced with black ones.
 
Mine too

well i am gonna look for this in sunlight but
has anyone else managed to clean these panels properly
on my first wash i cleaned the bike to showroom condition
then put polish on the panel
that fuC"ed it
since then i have never ever seen an olive green panel on any bike that is clean and shiney
its either cloudy or stained
i even asked a valeter once at vines
he said he hadnt a clue how to keep it like new
anyone else got any ideas:nenau
 
anyone else got any ideas:nenau

Yea give them to me and I'll get them sprayed in Moto Guzzy Matalic Black or the new Candy Black from the States, which is somthing else :D

You've seen mine and you know it makes sence :D
 
Had exactly the same problem on mine, dealer advised me that there was a known problem on the Olive colour side panels and ordered some replacements under warranty. When they arrived from BMW, turned out they had sent the black ones off the white version. i opted to have those fitted and IMO they look great. before anyone asks, yes I know "this thread is useless without photos ..." and I'll see if I can get something uploaded in due course.

I'll be VERY interested if the black ones don't crack. That would be an acceptable solution to me.
 
Pic

has anyone got a pic of this cracking
not 100% sure how to see it
ta
 


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