Even if it is bullshit, the BMW finish is still not acceptable. I have a 2004 Husky 450 which has had a hard life and the paint / wheels are in great condition. I had a 5 year old KTM 990, used for a few winters, constantly covered either mud or salt and not a spot of corrosion on it. My 1999 Kawasaki Drifter gets washed about once a year, sat outside for most of its life and again, though now showing some rust in underside areas the frame is fine. Had my GSA a year and it was corroded on every main component.
Ok so let's answer that.
What makes BMW Paintwork acceptable?
Does it have to withstand, acid attack? anti-scratch? anti-bleach? what?
At the end of the day, it's paint, that covers up the trellis framework. Which if scratched, goes rusty.
You can't compare cars, because they can handle the extra weight of underseal, multi-layers of paint. The GSA is supposed to be as lightweight as possible, or it becomes a non starter on your notebook checklist.
If out on your adventure in the middle of nowhere. How is any welder going to deal with welding your steel frame back together covered in flammable underseal? Or weld back an Aluminium Frame?
Its a world travelling adventure bike, and you will be glad it has thin paint when rebuilding a cracked frame to keep you going, that's what it's designed for.
Cars are not comparable to motorcycles as the ONLY parts on a car that you can see now which are metal are it's doors, boot and roof. Everything else is alloy, plastic or glass, bonnet, bumpers, headlights, wheels, sills, wheel arches, everything.. nothing to go rusty except metalwork underneath... and that IS GOING RUSTY you just can't see it.
At the end of the day, it's water based paint. If you use a jet wash, it'll go more porous and flake. If you use corrosive chemicals it will expose the metal and go rusty.
If you want a bike that's build more suitable for UK salt roads, jet washing and no maintenance. Go buy something else. Simple.
In my opinion.
