What's happened to BMW build quality?

[Tim Cullis]

I have the same issues with the chain, also the front disc is very rusty. As for the side stand and the centre stand...

My 1200GSA is sitting next to the F650GS, and although two years older looks better in many respects. The F series GS has been built to a budget.

Tim

 

[david a hall]

I got my bike out from the garage yesterday for a ride, did my usual checks and was horrified to see the chain had once again started to rust up. I then removed the front sprocket cover to see the washer had started to rust and the sprocket. One of the screws that holds the chain guard in place had also started to rust.
Now I cleaned the chain three weeks ago, and put wurth chain wax on it as the same thing happened previously. I did the same again and have now purchased some more expensive ceramic putaline chain wax to try and prevent this from happening again but I am not happy.
My triumph sprint st1050 05 plate sits next to the BMW in the garage with no such signs. She has been in the same garage for over two years whereas the BWM has sat there for less than 12 months !
I have only covered 1200 miles on the BMW and mainly dry weather too. I am disgusted with this level of quality especially after paying a 'premium' for BMW. I am contacting AJ in Shipley for them to inspect the bike and see if I can have parts replaced under warrantly.
This is my first BMW and I have always wanted a GS and the 800 fitted my requirements perfectly. BUT, I am not at all happy with the shoddy coatings that are now showing their true 'worth'.
Anyone else with issues ?

sacre bleu!!!! id trade that straight in and get a bike that didnt mind being not used for 51 weeks of the year!!!, seriously the chain must of been dry of oil if you then wash the bike, then oil it you can get rust on it, id just ride it and the rust will disappear

 

[LiquidLAN]

can't comment on BM build quality, but I did laugh when I saw the thread title, but rest assured that your bike is going to be in great hands there at NOG.

They are a great bunch and have done me proud over the few years I've owned a BM

 

[Snoopy]

I have the same issues with the chain, also the front disc is very rusty. As for the side stand and the centre stand...

My 1200GSA is sitting next to the F650GS, and although two years older looks better in many respects. The F series GS has been built to a budget.

Tim

1200 = expensive stainless discs
800 = inexpensive steel discs

But when will Micky stop kidding himself the 800 is a smaller version of the big GS.

My 1200 hasn't been cleaned in 6 months and I rode it daily through the winter. It's covered in road salt at the moment. Still looks ace (other than the rusting centre stand).

 

[Greggers]

I'm just riding mine ... it's ex ORS but everything works, I don't worry about many things, I just get on with it...

G

 

[Emmbeedee]

Now I cleaned the chain three weeks ago, and put wurth chain wax on it as the same thing happened previously. I did the same again and have now purchased some more expensive ceramic putaline chain wax to try and prevent this from happening again but I am not happy.
My triumph sprint st1050 05 plate sits next to the BMW in the garage

I find chain wax is rubbish. Use a proper chain lubricant and neither the chain or the rest of the back of the bike will ever go rusty again.

DAMHIK.

 

[everywherevirtually]

I cleaned mine tonight. I've been riding it all winter and it has been heavily coated in salt. Sure a few bits showed signs of rust but a bit of metal polish here and there to remove the rust and a bit of ACF-50 to inhibit any more rust does the trick. A few washers and bolts have either rusted or furred up. No big deal. I'll either replace them or just clean them up again.

These bikes are there to be used. They are adventure bikes. They're not museum pieces to be kept in glass cases with sugar sprinkled on them. get the bike out there, use it, get it mucky and live on the edge a little!

 

[nikp]

I totally agree.

If you want something to pose on - buy a Ducati, a power ranger suit & stand outside your local pub once a week with it regaling tales of how fast you were getting the 1 mile there from your house.

 

[Uinneag]

I totally agree.

If you want something to pose on - buy a Ducati, a power ranger suit & stand outside your local pub once a week with it regaling tales of how fast you were getting the 1 mile there from your house.

As opposed to not having to pose because your bike is shite

All bikes and cars made nowadays use as little products as they can get away with paint steel etc.

I find the quality far better on my KTM than on the GS but it still has it's bad points where rust is concerned just not as much

 

[Polak]

These bikes are there to be used. They are adventure bikes. They're not museum pieces to be kept in glass cases with sugar sprinkled on them. get the bike out there, use it, get it mucky and live on the edge a little!

I agree to a certain extent, but surely if you are paying BMW prices you should expect a decent product in return.

Since owning my 650 the chain looks rusty as hell (despite lubricating it frequently), the front disc is also rusty too. That is after 2,200 miles.

I have also had the displeasure of the oil dipstick snapping off inside, after trying to remove it.

All bikes have their little problems though don't they?

 

[bradders]

Crappy BMW Quality

I agree the bike is there to be ridden & not posed on but I like to keep my bikes in good order.
This is my second new bike and I have had nothing but Triumphs before and paid a premium for them and happily so. Triumph build quality from my experience has been spot on.
What has irritated me is BMW trade on their 'quality' brand and charge a premium for it. If I pay for a quality brand I dont expect shoddy quality, especially not within the first year.
I waited a long time to get the 800gs and am disappointed.

 

[Micky]

1200 = expensive stainless discs
800 = inexpensive steel discs

But when will Micky stop kidding himself the 800 is a smaller version of the big GS.

Where on earth did you get that from AC

The F800GS is a bigger bike all round than the 1200 ... that's in everything but size

 

[everywherevirtually]

Where on earth did you get that from AC

The F800GS is a bigger bike all round than the 1200 ... that's in everything but size

well said Micky

 

[John Armstrong]

1200 = expensive stainless discs
800 = inexpensive steel discs

Last issue of M, S & L complained about the K1300S demo bikes discs having rust on them

I think it might be the work of the tree huggers again

 

[BM_donator]

With BuMW's car division suffering badly in the credit crunch, I'm sure they will be leaning on Motorrad to keep profits up by keeping costs down.

Hence cheaper parts and less QA.

Fingers crossed I've only the smallest amount of rust showing on my discs and haven't suffered the chain or hose problems others have.

 

[scowler]

checked my bike tonight , evidence on radiator that a hose has been leaking , looks like i'll have to book it in

got traces of rust on discs ,( always cleaned bike after run )already had caliper bolts tightened and my chain is rusty in places. done 4k on mine so far , not impressed with the build quality and agree with bradders sentiments.

I still love it though !

 

[Micky]

Rusting front discs

Here's mine after 12 months use, 19,000 miles with mucho winter riding

... and the 'bike sleeps outside

Don't you look after your 'bikes

 

[Ross Dean]

Posing to the max - Ducati AND BMW

I totally agree.

If you want something to pose on - buy a Ducati, a power ranger suit & stand outside your local pub once a week with it regaling tales of how fast you were getting the 1 mile there from your house.

Just part-exchanged my Ducati S4RS Tricolore for an F800GS - a correct descision given where I want to take a bike in the next few years but I'll never get over loosing the Ducati. The build quality was superb, they go very fast with attitude and they handle like a dream. I took it around Scotland with tent and luggage without even noticing the extra weight. The S4RS is not a purpose built tourer but it is an excellent bike. And, yes, it is so cool its hot . I will take pleasure in posing to the max in a different way on my new 800GS - why not?