disappointed with BMW

[MRJB]

Long time Honda customer that made the jump to BMW with the 650GT. After 1100 miles really like the bike but have nagging quality concerns. Just buying it was a comedy of errors with the floor model that had several technical problems (computer, windshield, battery). Ended up test riding a different 650 that I bought. Didn't realize though that the gas gauge was inop (stuck at half tank). Came close to running out of gas because of it.

The bike sat in the shop waiting for a tank sensor that ended up being back ordered and then delayed again. Ultimately, tacked on an extra 120 miles going back and forth to the dealer, and with the bike sitting in the shop for 10 days out of the first month. Plus, the gas mileage at speeds under 55 mph (I baby my bikes) is barely over 40 mpg - well short of what is advertised.

BMW customer service was polite but that was all - I had asked for a short extension on the warranty because of my quality concerns.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I'm venting a bit - I expected more from my first BMW experience. Again, I like the 650, it's an improvement over my old Honda Silverwing in many ways (I'll post a comparison between the two soon).

Anyone else having quality issues?

 

[JaimeC]

<Knock Wood> Nothing like you describe. So far, other than an errant oil warning light, I'm doing pretty good. Getting better than 50 mpg (measured) with my GT, which betters the high-40s I was getting with my Yamaha TMAX despite the GT being heavier with a bigger, more powerful engine.

I didn't like the stock shield so I replaced it with an Aeroflow, and the difference is striking. BMW should just subcontract to Aeroflow for all of their windscreens and save us the trouble of doing it ourselves.

 

[mkbowl]

So far I love mine, ride it much more than my motorcycle, so much easier to deal with. I'm getting around 50 mpg and I Ordered an Aeroflow, stock was to noisey at speed.

 

[SteveADV]

I didn't like the stock shield so I replaced it with an Aeroflow, and the difference is striking. BMW should just subcontract to Aeroflow for all of their windscreens and save us the trouble of doing it ourselves.[/QUOTE]

Which Aeroflow did you buy? We're you able to install it yourself?

 

[SteveADV]

Uhh, wait a minute I just found it.

 

[SteveADV]

$275 seems steep. Is it worth it?

 

[JaimeC]

$275 seems steep. Is it worth it?

Have you priced a stock replacement shield? But the answer to your question is "EVERY PENNY!"

 

[Skutorr]

BMW is not alone in equipping their rides with USELESS windshields. Yamaha Tmaxes and Majesties have junk screens, the screen on the new Honda Integra Scooter has been RIPPED by all the reviewers, my brothers SYM Citycom 300 stock screen was junk (and CLOUDED); I could go on and on.

it must be an industry-wide phenomenon, possibly to upsell you either a "Sport" or "Touring" screen. The stock ones are useless for either need...

 

[omniphil]

Wondering if the Aeroflow windshield comes with the little side deflectors like the Givi Windshield does? I am leaning towards the Givi to get side deflectors too. (I have a C600)

I just completed about 300 miles today, most of which was under 55mph, I got over 60 MPG average. (I calculate my mileage via www.fuelly.com) Make sure your not going by the built in display, that doesn't seem to work right.

 

[Skutorr]

Side deflectors make a HUGE difference in the cold. Both the GIVIs that I had on my bike had them and were GREAT!

 

[JaimeC]

No side deflectors on the Aeroflow. Haven't ridden it in winter yet, but I don't think I'll miss them based on my experience so far.

 

[JPG68]

Hi, I'm having same fuel gauge issue but unfortunately I found out the hard way, ran out of gas and had to push bike about a mile to gas station where it took 4.1 gallons, confirming that I was out of gas and it wasn't some other issue! Fuel gauge never dropped below 1/4 tank and warning light did not come on. Bike spent two weeks with dealer, sensor changed, problem still exists. Dealer waiting to hear from BMW but it's been a week and no word. Took bike back from dealer because I wanted to ride in this great fall weather and am just filling up every 125 miles or so. Averaging about 45 mpg. Not sure if I'm annoyed at bmw or dealer at this point but really hoping they correct it soon.

 

[JaimeC]

I have my Garmin "Fuel Monitor" set to "pop" at 180 miles, with a warning with 40 miles left to go. So far, I've never put more than three gallons in the tank. I'm not sure why I'm getting such awesome mileage (hovering between 50 - 53 mpg) but I'm not complaining. I pretty much do a steady 70 mph on the highway, and I check my tire inflation every week (I don't trust the TPM, I use my own trusty pressure gauge).

Tires are nearing 5,000 miles and still look good, too. I don't think I'll make it to 10,000 though. Sure does look like the front wears faster than the rear.

 

[trekguy]

My mpg average is stuck on 53.3, so I am happy with that. I have not been riding too much lately, as my back gave me bad trouble with pulled muscles etc. My chiro said it could have very well been due to the bikes jarring ride, plus the fact that I put over 8000 miles on it in a few months.

 

[SteveADV]

I have my Garmin "Fuel Monitor" set to "pop" at 180 miles, with a warning with 40 miles left to go. So far, I've never put more than three gallons in the tank. I'm not sure why I'm getting such awesome mileage (hovering between 50 - 53 mpg) but I'm not complaining. I pretty much do a steady 70 mph on the highway, and I check my tire inflation every week (I don't trust the TPM, I use my own trusty pressure gauge).

Tires are nearing 5,000 miles and still look good, too. I don't think I'll make it to 10,000 though. Sure does look like the front wears faster than the rear.

Jaime,

What tire pressure do you use? Tonight, my GT showed 31/35 (after an hour on the bike). Other days it has varied up to 33/37. Too low?

Also, first 900 miles on my GT mpg at 52.2 at avg speed of 33.6; the speed seems low but thats what it says.

Thanks.

Steve

 

[MRJB]

Update since I started this thread. No joy with the replaced sensor. Gas gauge still sticking on half tank. JPG68, I feel your pain. I'm planning on riding too until I get an answer from the dealer. So very miffed at BMW now.

 

[JaimeC]

I inflate to the pressure documented on the sticker under the saddle (measured cold). I don't remember the numbers off the top of my head. It is normal for those numbers to increase after riding, as the heat generated by the tire/road contact will increase the pressure.

Ideally, they shouldn't increase by more than 3psi. Any more and that means you started with your tires underinflated. If the pressure increased by less than 3psi, you probably started with your tires overinflated.

 

[mkbowl]

I always reset my trip meter when I fill up, rely on that more than the gauge. Never got a linear response from a
bmw fuel gauge.

 

[bill steele]

I'm getting between 55 and 57 MPH and I am riding the bike pretty hard riding on the interstate and our mountain roads here in southern Vermont I'm finding using name brand gas Vs. 7-11 gas or no name gas is making a difference in the MPH and there both about the same price per gallon by a penny or two.

 

[JPG68]

MRJB, sorry to hear of ongoing problem. It's been over a week since my dealer called bmw and no word yet so I guess I'll have to follow up with them. Getting jealous of all these high mpg results! I wonder if my lower performance is somehow related to fuel gauge problem, wouldn't seem likely but my highest average has Been about 45 mpg. I will let you know if I hear anything on what the next steps are for this problem.