Should it stay or should it go?

[apoll013]

What a dilemma. The 1200 is dynamically a fantastic bike, absolutely no question. My issue is the fact that my gearbox on my 2005 bike broke at 500 miles. And I only cover about 1500 miles per year. And the warranty runs out in 10 months. And my confidence in the bike has never recovered. All my conversations with BMW to (under these exceptional circumstances) extend the warranty (on the gearbox only) by one year have been unsuccessful. I am frankly astonished they would so easily let someone slip the brand with so little effort or risk to themselves. We expect to little maybe? In contrast the Mercedes car I bought at the same time has covered 25,000 miles to date. It has no problems at all, and I frankly don't expect any. Ever. I really thought BMW was the bike equivelant. It is not, moreover BMW's attitude has helped my decision. I am pretty resolved to sell it now. I would love to buy a bike like this again one day, but it will need a three warranty and proven reliability record. I have enjoyed this forum immensely, if I will sell I will check now and again. If anyone wants a pampered 1200 with a very young gearbox let me know.
All the best.
Apollo

 

[Boz]

I think your expectations may be a little too high....

The fact that the gear box went so early is not such a big deal, just goes to show it was the unit! I'm guessing it was replaced under warranty so there's no harm done and WHY should bmw extend the warranty due to one fauly unit.

I had my first bike for 6 weeks and the engine developed a problem which was fixed but due to other issues I rejected the bike and BMW gave me a new one. I now have 20K on the bike which I've had for 18 months, I've had a few problems with it but again these have been repaired at no cost to me and at every stage the dealer adn BMW have been great.

Maybe it comes down to expectations, yours seem to be based on what you expect from a car, or manufacture. If your only riding 1500 miles a year then to be honest the bike isn't going to get much use and so parts may last a lot longer.

On a whole I do think as customers our expectations are far too high, marketing seems to be working, we're tricked into believing the hype, things brake, get used and shit happens!

But if your not happy then change the bike...

 

[Toad]

Mercedes

Also worth remembering that Mercedes have one of the highest incident rates for post-sales issues in the motor trade - just review the JD Power survey.

They have a quality product that's poorly put together.

You've had a good experience - you're lucky.

Don't forget - They are machine, they WILL break.

I've had my 1200 for a year. I've done 8000 miles. I've never had even a minor issue. Not even a blown bulb.

It'd take more that a single faulty component replaced under warranty to get me out of the saddle.

 

[Fanum]

If you're only doing 1500 miles a year, sell it........you ain't gonna miss it are you

 

[Graham G]

If you're only doing 1500 miles a year, sell it........you ain't gonna miss it are you

Absolutely agree. By the way Fanum, I did walk past you at the BMF yesterday didn't I? Either that or you've got a doppelganger.

 

[redcastle]

I would love to buy a bike like this again one day, but it will need a three warranty and proven reliability record.

Cut back on your mileage by 1500 a year and its job done, you'll probably get a lifetime warranty on it.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Absolutely agree. By the way Fanum, I did walk past you at the BMF yesterday didn't I? Either that or you've got a doppelganger.

Oh my God! The world can't cope with more than one Fanny!

 

[Wapping]

Strikes me you are looking for an excuse to get rid and return to the R1, Ducatti etc.

Concerns over oil, geabox, screen, pinch bolts, front brake judders, the 'valve thing' and indicators....all in 1,500 miles....just think of the problems to come.....

Somethings are not meant to be.

Sell it or give it away.

 

[Zoton]

Sell it buy a sinclaire c5 fit it out with sat nav abs grips and full panniers,
join the c5 owners site and tell of tail and woe on your long trips

 

[apoll013]

I asked for that...

Brutal but true. It doesn't suit me its true. The gearbox imploding is only part of the story. Everytime I ride it (which is not often its true), the whole thing feels crude and just about to breakdown. I think you have to be weened on one of these to 'get' them? Thanks for the comments. You are all right in your own way - apart from the C5 - which I have already.