RTLC – LONG-TERM TEST BY CYCLEWORLD

[Yonkyo]

I think they were quite impressed... http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/0...orcycle-review-specifications/?src=SOC&dom=fb

 

[Karlread]

I agree with their conclusions having just done a round trip to BMW Motorrad days taking in some rather exciting Swiss and Austrian mountain passes as well.
Whilst there I spoke to one of their bids about corrosion which he replied, they are aware of the "British problem" which is down to 2 things. First of all we chuck copious amounts of salt on the raid where in Europe they use an alcohol based solution to lower the freezing point. The second point is that all manufactured vehicles have to comply with EU regs which mean that they must be 95% recyclable and the paint has to be water based. Their output and manufacturing processes do not give them time to coat the edges of components that have been coated then machined. At least the guy was honest and that is why I have an R1100RS and some heated gear for the winter.

 

[Our Gee]

It's interesting to hear BMW acknowledging that zer is a corrosion problem, even if they seem to be saying it's a "British" problem. If indeed the corrosion is limited to the British market why on earth don't they produce bikes for the British market with a suitably "up-graded" finish. They must be producing all of their bikes in many differing specs for different markets so it can't be that difficult. There would of course be a cost implication but I'm sure most of us wouldn't mind a few quid more for a bike that wouldn't disolve at the first sign of winter. My own Twin Cam RT has had replacement Footrest Hanger Plates and Final Drive due to paint defects. Major items replaced under warranty at great cost to BMW. Incidently, in keeping with the BMW Dealer's code of practice they did manage to scratch the replacement Final Drive during fitting. Arrrgh. !!.

 

[strod]

I don't think BMW are the only motorcycle manufacturer who claim "zer British problem" based on levels of salt used here....

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

Wrong kind of salt error, Ive started a campaign to get low sodium salt and the council to come and cover the roads up when not in use with a larger version of the covers used at cricket grounds.

 

[Karlread]

Well, cage drivers claim for tyres, wheels and suspension when they clout potholes. Perhaps we should claim for corrosion caused by road salt. Long term though, the 95% recyclable applies to cars as well so I dread to think what a 60k car is going to look like after 3 winters of good old sodium chloride!