How do we get BMW to take notice of customers and fix this ongoing problem once and for all. It is not acceptable for BMW to inconvenience customers to benefit themselves. Please share.
Brilliant, and you make a couple of very good points, first is that these bikes are unreliable and that BMW do not care as long as they continue to sell in big numbers with very little effort. The second is that all the biking press ignore customer issues, continually awarding accolade after accolade, lulling customers into shelling out £20,000 for these things. My personal position is that I will not buy another BMW, bike or car and I have cancelled all subscriptions to biking magazines. Can you share the email address of the BMW executive so that we all can make our feelings known to him. Much appreciation for picking up the baton on this.
I’m pleased you got a response from BMW CEO regarding the flappy valve issues. As i have owned three RT and all have needed this replaced and one also needed a new engine and that’s another story. Agree everyone needs to share their issue around the flappy valve and any other known faults. It’s the only way to get things resolved.
Thank you Graham. I had a replacement engine on my last GS due to rusty engine cases, after 12 months. The technician, who I think was just an unhappy employee showed me the yard behind the dealership, and there must have been 20 old engines stored there waiting for transport back to BMW. The good news is that Markus Schramm is responding, not just to me but to others who are writing to him, and I believe he has positive intent.
Mine was a complete new engine that had only done 11000 mile. BMW UK tried to claim it was owner error so I challenged that as you do and won. It cost them nearly 12K to sort out in the end and various emails to Markus to get resolved. Let's hope others support you with this issue as I have tried to do, so BMW/ Markus get's something sorted. This has been going on far to long with the boxer engines. Maybe design in something like KTM did to allow the part to be greased if they are unable to design it out all together to meeting Euro emission requirements. My last RT only had 1750 miles before it needed a new flappy valve. A great bit of German engineering ....... not.
Hello from Canada. Had a bike a few years ago. Contemplating buying a new RT this year but this has me thinking about my options. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Daniel. Talk to your dealer and see what they say. I love my bike and have no regrets in buying it but I have to be open about the problems I and others are having, especially with connectivity. I don't want to stop people buying bikes from BMW but if enough people challenge the dealers then maybe BMW will do something and we can all ride happy.
My fault came on my R1250RT LE, just before its 6000-mile service & the bike was 13 months old. I also had a fault on my wallet key. BMW Williams in Manchester sorted both. However, like yourself, it was inconvenient & took half a day for me to sort it. Last Tuesday, I got the amber yellow warning message of an engine control fault, but it said the bile is okay to ride. I need to make an appointment this week to find out what fault I have this time. So, the bike is just about 17 months old. Before I bought the bike, I met an owner in Inverary, over from Ireland. He said good luck with the navigation. I though he was just being a bit grumpy, but he wasn't. No end of dropouts without even going abroad. Let's see what the diagnosis that Williams come up with.
Thank you for what you are doing for us new 2021 RT owners. So far I have not experienced the exhaust issues that you mention. Touch wood as I am on a tour right now. That said, I am having a devil of a time with connectivity and would appreciate a video on anything you find out in that regard. For my set up, I have a Scala Packtalk Bold, iPhone 12 Pro, the BMW connectivity app and the bike. Some times I get maps to show on the TFT. Sometimes, I even get music and maps! Sometimes, I only get music. Most/Many times I get neither maps nor music...or I will start out with maps and it will disconnect for no reason. I thought I had a sequence down, where if I connected the helmet and phone via bluetooth...started to play music, and then connected the wifi I woukd get maps and music...that doesn't seem consistent though. Oh well...I'll look for a future video if you do something on connectivity. :-( I am close to just listening to music on my iphone/scala directly and getting a standalong GPS and mount it somewhere. :-( Good luck and thanks again for your updates.
Hi Darren. Your issues are common and I had the same last week on my ride back to Scotland. I may have some good news. We have been bombarding Markus Schramm with complaint emails. I have a meeting next week, but David Mckane sent a video of his connectivity problems and BMW are building a test to replicate the problems as well as other problems reported, and we hope to have a fix next week. I don't know how good that will be but the fact we are now talking to the guys in Germany gives me hope this will get resolved and we can all just get on with enjoying the ride.
@@HighlandRider That is phenomenal news. Funny thing…I am up in the Adirondack region of upstate New York for the week. My phone, maps, music all connected flawlessly today. Even stopped for a few craft beers and everything connected back up. I just don’t get it (but not complaining). As you said, when everything works as it should, the joy is just focusing on the ride.
@@Dartuck24 Let’s hope they stay connected. After getting my new exhaust everything connected for me, which is a first. Enjoy your week; I have toured a little bit in the US but never where you are.
I’ve owned a 1979 BMW R65, a 2007 BMW R1200R, a 2009 1200 RT, (failed fuel pump at 28K) a 2011 RT, a 2015 RT, and currently riding a 2019 RT the only issue is the BMW calipers were replaced with the Brembo calipers under warranty. Sounds like Ive had a bit more luck than you have. Anxiously awaiting delivery on a 2022 Triple Black RT.
Looks like it. If it was just me then maybe I am cursed, but lots of people suffer problems with BMW bikes. Having said that, problems are not confined to BMW, so I live with the issues with an open mind and enjoy the bikes I have. I love my RT, and to be fair it does everything really well most of the time, and what has gone wrong is not catastrophic
I presently ride a YamahaFJR and am contemplating an RT. This and other issues with BMW bikes keeps me on the fence. I'm very doubtful at this time I will make that purchase.
Hand on heart Greg, avoid it. I love my bike but BMW suck, and the tech on the bike has so many problems that I don't believe BMW actually have the engineering skill to solve it. I believe the next iteration of the bike will have a wired connection, but I would not recommend it now to anyone.
@@reddog907 It depends how important the technology is. Firstly, if you don’t like tech and having to set up the app and use your phone, then avoid. If you like tech but cannot live with the problems, then avoid. If you can live with the problems, as I do, then buy, it is a great bike, fabulous to ride and in my opinion, looks great.
I‘m owning an 2021-RT since 4000km and I have not one single problem (besides the slow connectivity betwen my iPhone12 and the RT). It‘s my 4th BMW (all in all about 100.000BMW- km) and I also had not any technical problem with them. 4 of my bike-buddies ride BMW‘s (one GS is more than 12 years old) and all say the same: Very reliable, no technical problems. We all ride 10.000 to 20000km/year. And no, we all are not BMW-employees...
Hi. I think you have been one of the luck ones but there are more that have suffered issue and these need to be addressed by BMW. I would ask what is your suggestion to those of us that have suffered. I’ve owned three RT all having the flappy valve replaced due to this know fault.
@@grahamjackson5273 Yes Graham, I would maybe go the same way as you. What I wanted to tell is, that according to my experience modern BMW´s are running normally without problems - but it seems, that your experience sadly is very different
Hi. It is wonderful that you have not experienced any problems. The pace of the connectivity is the same on all bikes and everyone I talk to does the same thing, turn the bike on while you put on helmet and gloves while all the items of tech talk to each other. If you have no drop outs you are the first person I have communicated to who has full mapping, music and directions all of the time, so I am encouraged that there is a solution out there. I also know lots of BMW owners who are happy, and overall I am happy and love the bike, but when BMW employees tell you how frustrated they are with the problem and taking the brunt of upset customers, when there are two customers in a showroom where one has the problem being fixed and the other has two bikes with the same problem, when above you can see a comment from Graham Jackson has had three RT's, all suffering the same problem, would you and your friends as non-BMW employees, say that is acceptable?
@@moppedbuaontour Not all bikes are affected and although I have owned three previous BMW's I did not know about this problem, and no sales person thought it relevant to say so before I handed over my hard earned cash. What has shocked me isn't that I suffered a fault, but that it is so common, which is the reason I made the video.
@@HighlandRider First of all, I didn´t want you to get angry. Yes, I would maybe go the same way as you. What I wanted to tell is, that according to my experience modern BMW´s are running normally without problems - but it seems, that your experience sadly is very different
Triumph no better had a complete new wiring harness with 1200 miles on clock.Curiously my mates Rs would not start last Sunday now in North Oxford garage awaiting their findings .
Having had Harleys that fall apart, and suspect that the gear selector is on its way out on my Triumph Thruxton, I know problems are not exclusive to BMW. North Oxford can be great, but they can also be tardy and when I was a customer for them I sold my GS and swore I would never go back. I had to go back when my exhaust flap went, and they were good in diagnosing the problem, but rubbish in actually doing something about it.
In USA all we need to do is a complaint to NHTSA about Flap problem, they will force BMW to recall the part with a solution. I just bought 2021 R 1250 RT and paid 28,000 quids. I am wondering did i made the msitake? My bike is already at the dealer for front-wheel wobbling issues the day I drove off the dealership when go at 65 to 75 mph.
Hi. Interesting as I have seen a few comments from US based people who have complained to NHTSA but still the problem persists. I am also sorry to hear of the problem you have suffered and it is worrying. As to have you made a mistake, I hope not. I love the bike and I really enjoy every ride I do on it so although I have had the exhaust flap issue and TFT problems I am happy with the choice I made.
In guess like others my response is to never buy another BMW. Mine failed under warranty they replaced it then less than a year later the new one failed. My dealer said - the bike is out of warranty - they could try BMW and see if as a "goodwill gesture" they might contribute towards my "repair". IMHO it's a design fault - why put a moving part in a hot exhaust? I assume it is to pass emissions and in which case is this not the same as VW got caught out for and owners were compensated - perhaps we should start an action against BMW... Probably just easier to abandon them as a supplier. I know blood bikes would like to but since no other manufacturer seems interested (since Yamaha and Honda pulled out of this sector) BMW have a monopoly... Shame because I like the bike and it's combination of comfort, luggage and tank range are excellent for touring.
Hello Steve. It seems with BMW you either get a great bike or a shonker. Mine, and the other three I have had have all been shonkers. I am just unlucky that way but I so want the bikes to be as reliable as they are fun and practical. I have enjoyed riding each one, but each one has been sold early because of quality issues. I have also found BMW customer service mediocre at best, all flash glass and coffee designed to get money out of you, but when it comes to problems then they don't really want to know. BMW quality is a myth that perpetuates despite a mass of evidence showing that the bikes can be rubbish. I now have a Goldwing, and with that I just enjoy the ride with no thoughts of what is not going to work, what will fail next.
Just had my 1250RT exhaust replaced under warranty at 13000 miles. Started squeaking , lubricated by BMW but problem returned within 200 miles. Back to dealer - replaced.
I think once they are gone they are gone, and the while header system has to be replaced. First time I have heard of an attempted repair but if it was only squeaking I suppose that was reasonable
Great videos, I own a new rt and having similar connection issues, can I ask you if you are using a android or apple iPhone? They tell me android is seemingly free of faults.?
It seems most manufacturers in our current upside-down world are doing things like this. GM, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota, BMW, Triumph, etc... I design automation equipment and it is astonishing how much the quality of component parts has fallen in the past 30 years.
Hi Brad, it isn't just motorcycle manufacturers, I think the quality and longevity of most stuff is inferior to what it used to be. Take phones, rarely are they the final product when launched, but early adopters become the beta testers. I am not sure what can first, consumers always wanting an upgrade or manufacturers creating that demand.
What phone would you recommend to use With the bike? And did I see a video of you saying you had a link to set up the phone to stop it dropping out? Cheers
Hi Steve. From what I can gather the Android based phones seem to do better than the iPhone, but I have not tested both so I have no evidence. I have two phones, a Samsung S10 for the bike, then my personal phone. I found that the app would suck in any GPX file I loaded, fine for riding the bike but not for a walking route intended for my watch. One of my subscribers, David McKane suggested it and I have found that the best set up. The link for the phone settings is here. dontkillmyapp.com
Hi.... I do think you being a bit harsh. I currently own a new RT, 5000km and no issues, only riding pleasure. I came from a Honda Goldwing (2018 model), and I had my share of problems with that bike. Go and have a look at connectivity issues, for example, folks are having on a Goldwing, you will be surprised. You say that this is a well known worldwide problem, but when I asked my salesman and the workshop manager about the flap, they never any complaints about flap issues. we get a full 5 year warranty on bmw bikes, so even if there is an issue, they simply put a new part, exhaust, etc. For me 5 years is a good enough time for peace of mind motoring. There is not one Japanese manufacturer that offers 5 years warranty.
Hi Zunaid. As I considered a Goldwing you reinforce my choice was the right one. Firstly, I am happy you have no problems, not everyone does, but in my view, based on feedback on the channel and two conversations with different dealers, many others do suffer from this problem and if you read the other comments on here you will see others suffer the same issue and other issues as well. In Europe the warranty is three years, not five, so count yourself very lucky that BMW have decided to take greater care of you than customers in Europe. Am I being harsh? Quite possibly, and I can see if you have no problems you would view what I have said as being unfair but I would ask how many problems have to happen before customers ask for something to be done. You point out the problems with Honda and connectivity, did the problems you suffered help you in your choice to change to BMW? For perspective, the response from BMW to my email to the CEO has been very good, the two dealers have been honest and it was from them that I learned the scale of the problem, and finally, the bike itself is brilliant and I am happy with it.
@@HighlandRider I am glad you decided to keep the bike, as I do think once they take care of your problems, the bike will bring you pleasure. BTW initially I also had connectivity issues (iPhone only, not android), but apples update of 14.6 seemed to have fixed that. On a personal side, I have never been a fan of the boxer motor, but my dealer was kind enough to lend me a 2020 model for a week, which convinced me to buy one. I just find, for me, this bike strikes a good balance especially for 2 up riding with a top case. It's LCG makes it easy to ride at walking speed, and I welcome all the new tech. Also we are fortunate in South Africa with the warranty being 5 years. keep safe buddy.
@@zunaidkajee4540 I think that's the problem, with the Rt you have no other manufacturer to go to, other than yamaha with the FJR which is not the same bike. Problems aside the RT runs rings around other out of manufacture tourers.
Just to let you know, I emailed herr Marcus and actually got a reply (surprised!). Asking for my bike details and the dealers I had used. The pessimistic me holds little confidence, however, I will try and keep you posted.
Hi. What’s the latest on the exhaust flap issue? I’ve now had two new exhaust header systems fitted under warranty as the flap valve has stuck twice! I don’t want to carry on fro the life of the bike having to take it into BMW to be fixed every 6 months! Is there a solution to this? How can we persuade BMW to redesign the system? Or is the solution to fir an after market system without a cat and flap valve?
A chap called Reman Reman commented yesterday on my original post that BMW redesigned the header system in April and he has had this new system fitted. I asked my dealer, who consistently for BMW knew nothing. Can we persuade BMW? Possibly but what I have learned is that this is an ongoing issue for all manufacturers going back to the Exup valve on Yamaha’s in the 80’s, to current Ducati models. Talking to motorcycles industry people it appears that no one knows how to get this process to work, but for some reason everyone persists, mainly now because of emissions legislation. The best solutions appear to be aftermarket exhaust systems or chopping out the valve, but depending where you live, this is illegal and or cancels out the warranty.
@@HighlandRider Thanks for your response. I'm based in London so removing the cat and flap valve wouldn't be illegal. The cost would be around £500 for a set of Remus header pipes and a servo light fault eliminator. I'll need to check with my local dealer if this affects the warranty. What's worrying is that BMW have this attitude that they can keep on replacing the exhausts when the flap valve fails and not resolving the problem by updating the design and carrying out a recall. I was concerned that once the warranty runs out, I could be faced with having to pay the cost of replacing the exhaust myself. I was told that I should extend the warranty, but I've read that the extended warranty doesn't cover the cost of an exhaust replacement? My local BMW dealer has managed to strip the thread off the lambda sensor whilst replacing the exhaust this time around. Sensor only available from Germany on a 7 day turnaround! Bike now in the garage awaiting delivery of the part. If your correspondent Reman Reman is reading this, perhaps he can shed some light on the new redesigned header system he had fitted by BMW?
Hi Lucas, I have just been out on a 40 mile ride and come back with the biggest grin. I love this bike despite the problems. BMW are sorting the TFT issues and the exhaust was replaced under warranty. TFT is the way forward for all manufacturers and while I have no evidence of problems for the likes of KTM, no doubt there are some. I would keep your order and enjoy what is a fabulous motorcycle.
It would need a coroner to identify the fault as the cause before blame could be directly attributed. The flap controls exhaust gasses and the fault is the flap seizing in the open position, so you don't really notice any change in performance, just the orange light and error code.
@@mfpix I don't think so, but I don't have the technical knowledge to say for sure. If you left the bike standing for a while, likely weeks or months, then it could stick in the closed, but all the cases I know about it has stuck in the open
As I said above, the older hex and cam head boxers have issue with throttle body pulleys breaking and there's silence. I got stranded. Imagine if it broke at speed and one loses throttle control. Could be a problem. Dead silence from BMW and there are many complaints to the NHTSA.
I am preparing to purchase 4 NEW 21 BMW's. That is over $120 THOUSAND dollars. If BMW takes this tact , and ignore their customers, I'll look elsewhere. This reminds me of the GSA issue with Paniers that took them several years to fix. GSA, RT, K-GT and a K-Bagger. I can afford to go elsewhere and ride something different.
If you are buying for the Tech then I would go elsewhere. I am just not convinced they have the knowledge to solve the problems without a significant redesign. The tech uses both Wireless and Bluetooth, and it is the wireless that is most unstable, but then the Bluetooth is also prone to dropping of. The exhaust flap issue has demonstrated to me that BME are happy to live with the problems and fix as they arrive, without being concerned for the inconvenience of customers. The issue is random so you could buy 4 bikes and none have a problem, or any combination
Could you provide the contact details for Herr Schumer pls. My TFT nav is now totally inaccessible as it won’t connect the WiFi either through the App or the the TFT command it’s just greyed out. I’ve had to rely on a 15 year old Zumo 550 during a tour to Scotland after the TFT failed to reconnect on the M6 on my way up North. My local BMW dealer is quoting 2 Nov before they will even look at it. Last time I took it to them the damn thing started working. I’ve contacted BMW customer service and other than wasting my time for an hour offered no help.
@@HighlandRider result, customer service got back to me the next day and offered a free sat nav holder and apparently a Nav 6. Not ideal but a good start.
a problem that has been around for a while and affects lots of bikes, not just BMW. No one seems to know how to have an exhaust valve that doesn't seize
I understand that Steve. After my last GS I swore I wouldn't do it again, but here I am, the eternal mug. This time though, I decided to do something, hence all the videos and regular calls with BMW
The bikes are fantastic but the way the business is managed at the top level is all wrong. It’s as if we are just a walking credit card and not a customer with legitimate concerns that need to be addressed and not swept to one side.
You may have done this, but you need to document every visit, communication etc, advise them you will take legal action and if no movement, take legal action. Easier said than done, as I hate upsetting anyone.
I had to do that with my GS to get a new engine, following rust problems. BMW just denied everything, then said it was my fault for how I rode it. I got a solicitor to write a letter saying I would sue as the bike was not as described, i.e. do anything and go anywhere, and requesting them to clarify what conditions the bike was not suitable for. They caved very quickly. It is a shame but they continue to only respond positively when threatened.
No one gets a direct reply, so this is not unusual. The emails get passed along to the Head of Customer Care (surely an oxymoron!) and then back to the dealers. The Connectivity Team present to Markus each week their progress in the fixes and testing they do, so each email sent applies a bit more pressure.
That is why I sold my a year old K1600 GA. All the issues I had with a new engine, only 12k miles. Moreover, the wind wobble at high speed, the steering pulling to the left slightly. I HAD ENOUGH !!!! Too much headache vs to the pleasure of riding. It's a shame cause I loved that bike. I will not touch a BMW again, sadly. I moved to a new GOLDWING DCT TOUR. Good luck to you.
At the moment, waiting is a good plan. Everything will come good, but how often, with both cars and bikes, do brand new models need time to settle down? Before this bike I have always waited to the second generation.
Nothing new about BMW's business model of not addressing issues. The older RTs have issues with throttle body pulleys. They crack from heat and age as they are plastic and can leave one stranded. Classic crappy BMW plastic. It's happened to me and many others and we've put in complaints to the NHTSA. When contacting BMW, oh, that's the first we've heard of it. BS. It's one of the reasons I won't buy another one. The other is they don't make anything I really like, but their contempt for their customers did it. It's all about $$$.
Prospective RT owners, hold onto your cash! Weirdly Benelli, after Triumph (Trophy) and Yamaha (FJR) drop out of it, are entering the big tourer market with the 1200GT. Chinese it may be but it can't be any worse than a BMW can it?
If you watch more of my vidieos you will come to the end of my relationship with my RT as I sold it in May and bought a Goldwing Bagger. Having said that, the RT is a fabulous bike and from what I hear the 2022 bikes are well sorted. I just always seem to buy rubbish BMW's but that is just me, plenty of good bikes out there
My RT1250 is totally unreliable, I can’t trust it. BMW bikes are not reliable and their dealer network is imho not very good. It’s a shame, I love their bikes but 20 years on them and have always had repeated issue
I have said in one of my videos that I bought my bike knowing I would get problems and it has delivered problems. There is so much I love about the bike, but BMW are living in the past.
and maybe it is starting to catch up. A host of motorcycle publications are doing their 'bike of the year' polls, and BMW don't feature in any of them. The RT does feature in the best tourer category, though it is a category of one.
@@HighlandRider Why do you say a category of one? There are a number of decent touring bikes, especially for solo riders. I agree that the number of what used to be called luxury tourers is now basically zero since the Gold Wing became a solo touring bike.
@@LTVoyager Yamaha have dropped the FJ which was the last dedicated tourer from a manufacturer other than BMW. Now it is a choice of the various Adventure bikes and the odd Sports Tourer. There are the tourers from Harley and Indian if you like the cruiser type but what magazine could now do a group Tourer test with anything but an RT or K16
@@HighlandRider I think the FJR is only being dropped in Europe. You still have the Gold Wing which is now more of a sport touring bike and the new NT1100. There is the Yamaha Intercontinental although I consider that a cruiser bike along the lines of HD and Indian. And what about the Kawasaki C14? I don’t consider it a long distance touring bike given the lack of cruise control, but it is basically similar to the FJR otherwise.
@@LTVoyager That may be true for the Yam, and in Europe we don't have the Intercontinental or the C14. The Wing I have always thought of as being in a class of one. The description was a UK magazine classification that from what you say may not be true globally, but is true in Uk and Europe
Shouting loud makes it worse. There was a guy that had a defective engine block on an out of warranty GS. They fixed a seal problem in warranty once and he paid for it once and it turned out to be a defective engine block. They offered 3k towards a replacement BMW. Because he got public and customer bitched, they cut it back to 1200 and said if it didn't stop they would rescind that. I could make a whole analogy about WWII, but it wouldn't be popular.
Reality is the only way BMW will pay attention to this is if people don’t buy their bikes. Their 1600,s have a transmission issue that’s been going on for years and not been sorted. Good luck with this 🐿
Hello Richard. I am assuming you have the same TFT issues as the rest of us. There is a major software update coming out in September which will address many of the problems, but I would advise writing to Markus so that you get o your dealers radar. The email is markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com
Thanks for your response. I don’t have a communication system installed in my helmet yet. My phone connection problem have been resolved at my last visit to my dealer . By the way I am Canadian leaving in Montreal area in Quebec. I drives 4872 km since new. The Motorrad software is installed on my old Motorola G6 was running strange asking me to make sure the wifi is activated but nothing on the mobile data or the Bluetooth. The mechanic at my dealer was confused by the software message showing {MAKE SURE YOUR WIFI IS ACTIVATED} he used the Bluetooth and everything when well after. Since everything is ok except the delay for connection is same as others. My last bike was a Fatboy 2018 and I have mechanical problems every years. On my 1250 RT I have an engine noise interrogation when shifting low rpm in gear 1,2,3 climbing road mountains it’s like empty steel bottles attached together. Nobody knows what it is. A case has been raised to BMW. I don’t think there is a perfect machine even Japanese..
@@richardtremblay7646 Hello Richard. I agree. The only bike I have not had problems with was my Ducati Supersport S but I am sure if I declared that the perfect bike someone would disagree. As for TFT and the app, that is the direction of travel for the industry and all manufacturers are heading down the same route, many with problems. Having owned three Harleys, I can say their quality is questionable, service costs outrageous and customer service non-existent.
I think like many organisations it is full of silos no one crosses. certainly to my knowledge no car TFT uses both Bluetooth and wireless to connect because the tech is too complex and unreliable
Just to educate people on what this valve actually does. Its there to serve two purposes 1 being to lower noise emissions at low revs and 2 It varies its position at different revs/speeds/throttle positions to increase back pressure which serves two purposes and that's to lower emissions and to increase midrange on the bike. You can disconnect them and the servo motor and also get a plug in devise to make the bike think its there doing its job. But why should it not be working eh! Also some of you may remember the days of the FZR1000 EXUP the they had the flappy valve and it was called an EXUP valve and they had problems with the seizing too.
@@HighlandRider They never dropped the EXUP valve a lot of bikes had them fitted R1's R6's etc my mate had a 2008 R6 which had one fitted which also started to play up and I managed to free it up and get it working properly. We later removed it and unplugged the servo motor and removed the cables as on these it didn't bring an engine light on. Kawasaki also have them fitted to some bikes too and they have their problems too. I think this is a widespread issue but to fail like yours did with so little mileage is just not on. The problem you have is any grease will be burnt off by the exhaust temperature and also washed away when ridden in the rain. But surely someone should be able to design a better system.
Brilliant, and you make a couple of very good points, first is that these bikes are unreliable and that BMW do not care as long as they continue to sell in big numbers with very little effort. The second is that all the biking press ignore customer issues, continually awarding accolade after accolade, lulling customers into shelling out £20,000 for these things. My personal position is that I will not buy another BMW, bike or car and I have cancelled all subscriptions to biking magazines. Can you share the email address of the BMW executive so that we all can make our feelings known to him. Much appreciation for picking up the baton on this.
The moto press doesn't have them long enough to experience issues.
Way to go! It’s not just the flap issues what about the connectivity and the non availability of the radio systems?
I’m pleased you got a response from BMW CEO regarding the flappy valve issues. As i have owned three RT and all have needed this replaced and one also needed a new engine and that’s another story. Agree everyone needs to share their issue around the flappy valve and any other known faults. It’s the only way to get things resolved.
Thank you Graham. I had a replacement engine on my last GS due to rusty engine cases, after 12 months. The technician, who I think was just an unhappy employee showed me the yard behind the dealership, and there must have been 20 old engines stored there waiting for transport back to BMW. The good news is that Markus Schramm is responding, not just to me but to others who are writing to him, and I believe he has positive intent.
Mine was a complete new engine that had only done 11000 mile. BMW UK tried to claim it was owner error so I challenged that as you do and won. It cost them nearly 12K to sort out in the end and various emails to Markus to get resolved.
Let's hope others support you with this issue as I have tried to do, so BMW/ Markus get's something sorted. This has been going on far to long with the boxer engines. Maybe design in something like KTM did to allow the part to be greased if they are unable to design it out all together to meeting Euro emission requirements.
My last RT only had 1750 miles before it needed a new flappy valve. A great bit of German engineering ....... not.
Hello from Canada. Had a bike a few years ago. Contemplating buying a new RT this year but this has me thinking about my options. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Daniel. Talk to your dealer and see what they say. I love my bike and have no regrets in buying it but I have to be open about the problems I and others are having, especially with connectivity. I don't want to stop people buying bikes from BMW but if enough people challenge the dealers then maybe BMW will do something and we can all ride happy.
All these problems are well known. It’s such a shame that you have spent all this money to experience all this. This is now why I ride Japanese.
My fault came on my R1250RT LE, just before its 6000-mile service & the bike was 13 months old. I also had a fault on my wallet key. BMW Williams in Manchester sorted both. However, like yourself, it was inconvenient & took half a day for me to sort it.
Last Tuesday, I got the amber yellow warning message of an engine control fault, but it said the bile is okay to ride. I need to make an appointment this week to find out what fault I have this time. So, the bike is just about 17 months old.
Before I bought the bike, I met an owner in Inverary, over from Ireland. He said good luck with the navigation. I though he was just being a bit grumpy, but he wasn't. No end of dropouts without even going abroad.
Let's see what the diagnosis that Williams come up with.
Glad to know this. I was planning to buy one R 1250 rs, and most likely I won’t. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for what you are doing for us new 2021 RT owners. So far I have not experienced the exhaust issues that you mention. Touch wood as I am on a tour right now. That said, I am having a devil of a time with connectivity and would appreciate a video on anything you find out in that regard. For my set up, I have a Scala Packtalk Bold, iPhone 12 Pro, the BMW connectivity app and the bike.
Some times I get maps to show on the TFT. Sometimes, I even get music and maps! Sometimes, I only get music. Most/Many times I get neither maps nor music...or I will start out with maps and it will disconnect for no reason. I thought I had a sequence down, where if I connected the helmet and phone via bluetooth...started to play music, and then connected the wifi I woukd get maps and music...that doesn't seem consistent though.
Oh well...I'll look for a future video if you do something on connectivity. :-(
I am close to just listening to music on my iphone/scala directly and getting a standalong GPS and mount it somewhere. :-(
Good luck and thanks again for your updates.
Hi Darren. Your issues are common and I had the same last week on my ride back to Scotland. I may have some good news. We have been bombarding Markus Schramm with complaint emails. I have a meeting next week, but David Mckane sent a video of his connectivity problems and BMW are building a test to replicate the problems as well as other problems reported, and we hope to have a fix next week. I don't know how good that will be but the fact we are now talking to the guys in Germany gives me hope this will get resolved and we can all just get on with enjoying the ride.
@@HighlandRider That is phenomenal news. Funny thing…I am up in the Adirondack region of upstate New York for the week. My phone, maps, music all connected flawlessly today. Even stopped for a few craft beers and everything connected back up. I just don’t get it (but not complaining). As you said, when everything works as it should, the joy is just focusing on the ride.
@@Dartuck24 Let’s hope they stay connected. After getting my new exhaust everything connected for me, which is a first. Enjoy your week; I have toured a little bit in the US but never where you are.
Don't hold your breath waiting for the motorcycle press to get involved!
I’ve owned a 1979 BMW R65, a 2007 BMW R1200R, a 2009 1200 RT, (failed fuel pump at 28K) a 2011 RT, a 2015 RT, and currently riding a 2019 RT the only issue is the BMW calipers were replaced with the Brembo calipers under warranty. Sounds like Ive had a bit more luck than you have. Anxiously awaiting delivery on a 2022 Triple Black RT.
Looks like it. If it was just me then maybe I am cursed, but lots of people suffer problems with BMW bikes. Having said that, problems are not confined to BMW, so I live with the issues with an open mind and enjoy the bikes I have. I love my RT, and to be fair it does everything really well most of the time, and what has gone wrong is not catastrophic
I presently ride a YamahaFJR and am contemplating an RT. This and other issues with BMW bikes keeps me on the fence. I'm very doubtful at this time I will make that purchase.
Hand on heart Greg, avoid it. I love my bike but BMW suck, and the tech on the bike has so many problems that I don't believe BMW actually have the engineering skill to solve it. I believe the next iteration of the bike will have a wired connection, but I would not recommend it now to anyone.
I have dreamed of owning the FJR but when I saw the RT I changed my mind but now I’m re thinking after watching this .
@@reddog907 It depends how important the technology is. Firstly, if you don’t like tech and having to set up the app and use your phone, then avoid. If you like tech but cannot live with the problems, then avoid. If you can live with the problems, as I do, then buy, it is a great bike, fabulous to ride and in my opinion, looks great.
Great post! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ford do the same with the new 2 litre diesel transit cambelt issues 👍👍
Well said, congratulations for making a stand, it’s the only rational way that the manufacturers are going to take notice and do something about!!
To be fair to BMW they have responded positively
I‘m owning an 2021-RT since 4000km and I have not one single problem (besides the slow connectivity betwen my iPhone12 and the RT). It‘s my 4th BMW (all in all about 100.000BMW- km) and I also had not any technical problem with them. 4 of my bike-buddies ride BMW‘s (one GS is more than 12 years old) and all say the same: Very reliable, no technical problems. We all ride 10.000 to 20000km/year.
And no, we all are not BMW-employees...
Hi. I think you have been one of the luck ones but there are more that have suffered issue and these need to be addressed by BMW. I would ask what is your suggestion to those of us that have suffered. I’ve owned three RT all having the flappy valve replaced due to this know fault.
@@grahamjackson5273 Yes Graham, I would maybe go the same way as you.
What I wanted to tell is, that according to my experience modern BMW´s are running normally without problems - but it seems, that your experience sadly is very different
Hi. It is wonderful that you have not experienced any problems. The pace of the connectivity is the same on all bikes and everyone I talk to does the same thing, turn the bike on while you put on helmet and gloves while all the items of tech talk to each other. If you have no drop outs you are the first person I have communicated to who has full mapping, music and directions all of the time, so I am encouraged that there is a solution out there. I also know lots of BMW owners who are happy, and overall I am happy and love the bike, but when BMW employees tell you how frustrated they are with the problem and taking the brunt of upset customers, when there are two customers in a showroom where one has the problem being fixed and the other has two bikes with the same problem, when above you can see a comment from Graham Jackson has had three RT's, all suffering the same problem, would you and your friends as non-BMW employees, say that is acceptable?
@@moppedbuaontour Not all bikes are affected and although I have owned three previous BMW's I did not know about this problem, and no sales person thought it relevant to say so before I handed over my hard earned cash. What has shocked me isn't that I suffered a fault, but that it is so common, which is the reason I made the video.
@@HighlandRider First of all, I didn´t want you to get angry. Yes, I would maybe go the same way as you.
What I wanted to tell is, that according to my experience modern BMW´s are running normally without problems - but it seems, that your experience sadly is very different
Triumph no better had a complete new wiring harness with 1200 miles on clock.Curiously my mates Rs would not start last Sunday now in North Oxford garage awaiting their findings .
Having had Harleys that fall apart, and suspect that the gear selector is on its way out on my Triumph Thruxton, I know problems are not exclusive to BMW. North Oxford can be great, but they can also be tardy and when I was a customer for them I sold my GS and swore I would never go back. I had to go back when my exhaust flap went, and they were good in diagnosing the problem, but rubbish in actually doing something about it.
In USA all we need to do is a complaint to NHTSA about Flap problem, they will force BMW to recall the part with a solution. I just bought 2021 R 1250 RT and paid 28,000 quids. I am wondering did i made the msitake? My bike is already at the dealer for front-wheel wobbling issues the day I drove off the dealership when go at 65 to 75 mph.
Hi. Interesting as I have seen a few comments from US based people who have complained to NHTSA but still the problem persists. I am also sorry to hear of the problem you have suffered and it is worrying. As to have you made a mistake, I hope not. I love the bike and I really enjoy every ride I do on it so although I have had the exhaust flap issue and TFT problems I am happy with the choice I made.
In guess like others my response is to never buy another BMW. Mine failed under warranty they replaced it then less than a year later the new one failed. My dealer said - the bike is out of warranty - they could try BMW and see if as a "goodwill gesture" they might contribute towards my "repair". IMHO it's a design fault - why put a moving part in a hot exhaust? I assume it is to pass emissions and in which case is this not the same as VW got caught out for and owners were compensated - perhaps we should start an action against BMW... Probably just easier to abandon them as a supplier. I know blood bikes would like to but since no other manufacturer seems interested (since Yamaha and Honda pulled out of this sector) BMW have a monopoly... Shame because I like the bike and it's combination of comfort, luggage and tank range are excellent for touring.
Hello Steve. It seems with BMW you either get a great bike or a shonker. Mine, and the other three I have had have all been shonkers. I am just unlucky that way but I so want the bikes to be as reliable as they are fun and practical. I have enjoyed riding each one, but each one has been sold early because of quality issues. I have also found BMW customer service mediocre at best, all flash glass and coffee designed to get money out of you, but when it comes to problems then they don't really want to know. BMW quality is a myth that perpetuates despite a mass of evidence showing that the bikes can be rubbish. I now have a Goldwing, and with that I just enjoy the ride with no thoughts of what is not going to work, what will fail next.
Just had my 1250RT exhaust replaced under warranty at 13000 miles. Started squeaking , lubricated by BMW but problem returned within 200 miles. Back to dealer - replaced.
I think once they are gone they are gone, and the while header system has to be replaced. First time I have heard of an attempted repair but if it was only squeaking I suppose that was reasonable
Great videos, I own a new rt and having similar connection issues, can I ask you if you are using a android or apple iPhone? They tell me android is seemingly free of faults.?
Hi Steve. I use a Samsung S10, and it is dedicated to the bike.
Damn I was getting ready to buy this bike
Still a good bike, but maybe worth waiting
It seems most manufacturers in our current upside-down world are doing things like this. GM, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota, BMW, Triumph, etc...
I design automation equipment and it is astonishing how much the quality of component parts has fallen in the past 30 years.
Hi Brad, it isn't just motorcycle manufacturers, I think the quality and longevity of most stuff is inferior to what it used to be. Take phones, rarely are they the final product when launched, but early adopters become the beta testers. I am not sure what can first, consumers always wanting an upgrade or manufacturers creating that demand.
What phone would you recommend to use With the bike? And did I see a video of you saying you had a link to set up the phone to stop it dropping out? Cheers
Hi Steve. From what I can gather the Android based phones seem to do better than the iPhone, but I have not tested both so I have no evidence. I have two phones, a Samsung S10 for the bike, then my personal phone. I found that the app would suck in any GPX file I loaded, fine for riding the bike but not for a walking route intended for my watch. One of my subscribers, David McKane suggested it and I have found that the best set up. The link for the phone settings is here. dontkillmyapp.com
Hi....
I do think you being a bit harsh. I currently own a new RT, 5000km and no issues, only riding pleasure. I came from a Honda Goldwing (2018 model), and I had my share of problems with that bike. Go and have a look at connectivity issues, for example, folks are having on a Goldwing, you will be surprised.
You say that this is a well known worldwide problem, but when I asked my salesman and the workshop manager about the flap, they never any complaints about flap issues. we get a full 5 year warranty on bmw bikes, so even if there is an issue, they simply put a new part, exhaust, etc. For me 5 years is a good enough time for peace of mind motoring. There is not one Japanese manufacturer that offers 5 years warranty.
Hi Zunaid. As I considered a Goldwing you reinforce my choice was the right one. Firstly, I am happy you have no problems, not everyone does, but in my view, based on feedback on the channel and two conversations with different dealers, many others do suffer from this problem and if you read the other comments on here you will see others suffer the same issue and other issues as well. In Europe the warranty is three years, not five, so count yourself very lucky that BMW have decided to take greater care of you than customers in Europe. Am I being harsh? Quite possibly, and I can see if you have no problems you would view what I have said as being unfair but I would ask how many problems have to happen before customers ask for something to be done. You point out the problems with Honda and connectivity, did the problems you suffered help you in your choice to change to BMW? For perspective, the response from BMW to my email to the CEO has been very good, the two dealers have been honest and it was from them that I learned the scale of the problem, and finally, the bike itself is brilliant and I am happy with it.
Look at the forum s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@HighlandRider I am glad you decided to keep the bike, as I do think once they take care of your problems, the bike will bring you pleasure. BTW initially I also had connectivity issues (iPhone only, not android), but apples update of 14.6 seemed to have fixed that. On a personal side, I have never been a fan of the boxer motor, but my dealer was kind enough to lend me a 2020 model for a week, which convinced me to buy one. I just find, for me, this bike strikes a good balance especially for 2 up riding with a top case. It's LCG makes it easy to ride at walking speed, and I welcome all the new tech. Also we are fortunate in South Africa with the warranty being 5 years. keep safe buddy.
@@zunaidkajee4540 I think that's the problem, with the Rt you have no other manufacturer to go to, other than yamaha with the FJR which is not the same bike. Problems aside the RT runs rings around other out of manufacture tourers.
Just to let you know, I emailed herr Marcus and actually got a reply (surprised!). Asking for my bike details and the dealers I had used. The pessimistic me holds little confidence, however, I will try and keep you posted.
Great news Bob, keep on him.
Hi. What’s the latest on the exhaust flap issue? I’ve now had two new exhaust header systems fitted under warranty as the flap valve has stuck twice! I don’t want to carry on fro the life of the bike having to take it into BMW to be fixed every 6 months! Is there a solution to this? How can we persuade BMW to redesign the system? Or is the solution to fir an after market system without a cat and flap valve?
A chap called Reman Reman commented yesterday on my original post that BMW redesigned the header system in April and he has had this new system fitted. I asked my dealer, who consistently for BMW knew nothing. Can we persuade BMW? Possibly but what I have learned is that this is an ongoing issue for all manufacturers going back to the Exup valve on Yamaha’s in the 80’s, to current Ducati models. Talking to motorcycles industry people it appears that no one knows how to get this process to work, but for some reason everyone persists, mainly now because of emissions legislation. The best solutions appear to be aftermarket exhaust systems or chopping out the valve, but depending where you live, this is illegal and or cancels out the warranty.
@@HighlandRider Thanks for your response. I'm based in London so removing the cat and flap valve wouldn't be illegal. The cost would be around £500 for a set of Remus header pipes and a servo light fault eliminator. I'll need to check with my local dealer if this affects the warranty. What's worrying is that BMW have this attitude that they can keep on replacing the exhausts when the flap valve fails and not resolving the problem by updating the design and carrying out a recall. I was concerned that once the warranty runs out, I could be faced with having to pay the cost of replacing the exhaust myself. I was told that I should extend the warranty, but I've read that the extended warranty doesn't cover the cost of an exhaust replacement?
My local BMW dealer has managed to strip the thread off the lambda sensor whilst replacing the exhaust this time around. Sensor only available from Germany on a 7 day turnaround! Bike now in the garage awaiting delivery of the part. If your correspondent Reman Reman is reading this, perhaps he can shed some light on the new redesigned header system he had fitted by BMW?
I agree Brian and share your worries
thanks for the info and sorry to hear that you meet so much problems. I have ordered mine one month ago... should I cancel it ? LMAO
Hi Lucas, I have just been out on a 40 mile ride and come back with the biggest grin. I love this bike despite the problems. BMW are sorting the TFT issues and the exhaust was replaced under warranty. TFT is the way forward for all manufacturers and while I have no evidence of problems for the likes of KTM, no doubt there are some. I would keep your order and enjoy what is a fabulous motorcycle.
I say......it will not hurt to hold ! Let BMW get to the bottom of its issues. Why dealing with all the recalls and loaners.
What about if this flap fault causes a fatality?
It would need a coroner to identify the fault as the cause before blame could be directly attributed. The flap controls exhaust gasses and the fault is the flap seizing in the open position, so you don't really notice any change in performance, just the orange light and error code.
@@HighlandRider Whilst riding it could never stick in the closed position and therefore cause the engine to stop? I'm just curious
@@mfpix I don't think so, but I don't have the technical knowledge to say for sure. If you left the bike standing for a while, likely weeks or months, then it could stick in the closed, but all the cases I know about it has stuck in the open
As I said above, the older hex and cam head boxers have issue with throttle body pulleys breaking and there's silence. I got stranded. Imagine if it broke at speed and one loses throttle control. Could be a problem. Dead silence from BMW and there are many complaints to the NHTSA.
I am preparing to purchase 4 NEW 21 BMW's. That is over $120 THOUSAND dollars. If BMW takes this tact , and ignore their customers, I'll look elsewhere. This reminds me of the GSA issue with Paniers that took them several years to fix. GSA, RT, K-GT and a K-Bagger. I can afford to go elsewhere and ride something different.
If you are buying for the Tech then I would go elsewhere. I am just not convinced they have the knowledge to solve the problems without a significant redesign. The tech uses both Wireless and Bluetooth, and it is the wireless that is most unstable, but then the Bluetooth is also prone to dropping of. The exhaust flap issue has demonstrated to me that BME are happy to live with the problems and fix as they arrive, without being concerned for the inconvenience of customers. The issue is random so you could buy 4 bikes and none have a problem, or any combination
Could you provide the contact details for Herr Schumer pls.
My TFT nav is now totally inaccessible as it won’t connect the WiFi either through the App or the the TFT command it’s just greyed out. I’ve had to rely on a 15 year old Zumo 550 during a tour to Scotland after the TFT failed to reconnect on the M6 on my way up North.
My local BMW dealer is quoting 2 Nov before they will even look at it. Last time I took it to them the damn thing started working. I’ve contacted BMW customer service and other than wasting my time for an hour offered no help.
markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com not sure he gets them anymore but worth sending
@@HighlandRider result, customer service got back to me the next day and offered a free sat nav holder and apparently a Nav 6. Not ideal but a good start.
@@paulwong2221 At least you got something, and hopefully it is just a start and the problems will get resolved
Had the same problem on my 2109 GS1250
a problem that has been around for a while and affects lots of bikes, not just BMW. No one seems to know how to have an exhaust valve that doesn't seize
so where is the link to this guy Marcus 'Schrum' ???
Markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com
I’ve had similar problems with BMW and it got so bad I’ve decided I will never buy another BMW. Once they’ve got your money they just don’t care.
I understand that Steve. After my last GS I swore I wouldn't do it again, but here I am, the eternal mug. This time though, I decided to do something, hence all the videos and regular calls with BMW
The bikes are fantastic but the way the business is managed at the top level is all wrong. It’s as if we are just a walking credit card and not a customer with legitimate concerns that need to be addressed and not swept to one side.
You may have done this, but you need to document every visit, communication etc, advise them you will take legal action and if no movement, take legal action. Easier said than done, as I hate upsetting anyone.
I had to do that with my GS to get a new engine, following rust problems. BMW just denied everything, then said it was my fault for how I rode it. I got a solicitor to write a letter saying I would sue as the bike was not as described, i.e. do anything and go anywhere, and requesting them to clarify what conditions the bike was not suitable for. They caved very quickly. It is a shame but they continue to only respond positively when threatened.
Hi I emailed Marcus no reply I’m guessing that email address has been shut down?
No one gets a direct reply, so this is not unusual. The emails get passed along to the Head of Customer Care (surely an oxymoron!) and then back to the dealers. The Connectivity Team present to Markus each week their progress in the fixes and testing they do, so each email sent applies a bit more pressure.
I swear man,I told my good friend....hold tight, don't order one yet. Wait...wait......wait longer till you hear all the issues.
That is why I sold my a year old K1600 GA. All the issues I had with a new engine, only 12k miles. Moreover, the wind wobble at high speed, the steering pulling to the left slightly. I HAD ENOUGH !!!! Too much headache vs to the pleasure of riding. It's a shame cause I loved that bike. I will not touch a BMW again, sadly. I moved to a new GOLDWING DCT TOUR. Good luck to you.
At the moment, waiting is a good plan. Everything will come good, but how often, with both cars and bikes, do brand new models need time to settle down? Before this bike I have always waited to the second generation.
Nothing new about BMW's business model of not addressing issues. The older RTs have issues with throttle body pulleys. They crack from heat and age as they are plastic and can leave one stranded. Classic crappy BMW plastic. It's happened to me and many others and we've put in complaints to the NHTSA. When contacting BMW, oh, that's the first we've heard of it. BS. It's one of the reasons I won't buy another one. The other is they don't make anything I really like, but their contempt for their customers did it. It's all about $$$.
It certainly seems that way, across the entire company as the car division has a very similar approach
@@HighlandRider Update: Some of the people I know that filed reports with the NHTSA recently have gotten calls from them investigating it.
Prospective RT owners, hold onto your cash! Weirdly Benelli, after Triumph (Trophy) and Yamaha (FJR) drop out of it, are entering the big tourer market with the 1200GT. Chinese it may be but it can't be any worse than a BMW can it?
From what I have seen of the CF Moto, looks a good bike
Was going to buy RT LE.. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
If you watch more of my vidieos you will come to the end of my relationship with my RT as I sold it in May and bought a Goldwing Bagger. Having said that, the RT is a fabulous bike and from what I hear the 2022 bikes are well sorted. I just always seem to buy rubbish BMW's but that is just me, plenty of good bikes out there
My RT1250 is totally unreliable, I can’t trust it. BMW bikes are not reliable and their dealer network is imho not very good. It’s a shame, I love their bikes but 20 years on them and have always had repeated issue
I have said in one of my videos that I bought my bike knowing I would get problems and it has delivered problems. There is so much I love about the bike, but BMW are living in the past.
This is exactly why I won't purchase a BMW R1250GS Adventure!
BMW's customer service sucks!
There are some great alternatives out there and hopefully you have found one
BMW has done this for decades. They aren’t going to stop now.
and maybe it is starting to catch up. A host of motorcycle publications are doing their 'bike of the year' polls, and BMW don't feature in any of them. The RT does feature in the best tourer category, though it is a category of one.
@@HighlandRider Why do you say a category of one? There are a number of decent touring bikes, especially for solo riders. I agree that the number of what used to be called luxury tourers is now basically zero since the Gold Wing became a solo touring bike.
@@LTVoyager Yamaha have dropped the FJ which was the last dedicated tourer from a manufacturer other than BMW. Now it is a choice of the various Adventure bikes and the odd Sports Tourer. There are the tourers from Harley and Indian if you like the cruiser type but what magazine could now do a group Tourer test with anything but an RT or K16
@@HighlandRider I think the FJR is only being dropped in Europe. You still have the Gold Wing which is now more of a sport touring bike and the new NT1100. There is the Yamaha Intercontinental although I consider that a cruiser bike along the lines of HD and Indian. And what about the Kawasaki C14? I don’t consider it a long distance touring bike given the lack of cruise control, but it is basically similar to the FJR otherwise.
@@LTVoyager That may be true for the Yam, and in Europe we don't have the Intercontinental or the C14. The Wing I have always thought of as being in a class of one. The description was a UK magazine classification that from what you say may not be true globally, but is true in Uk and Europe
This problem has been shared to the point of exhaustion on BMW R1200RT forums THEY DON'T CARE !!!!............. No matter how loud you shout.
Hi Bob, this is why I have posted outside the forums, I want to get this into the wider public domain
Shouting loud makes it worse. There was a guy that had a defective engine block on an out of warranty GS. They fixed a seal problem in warranty once and he paid for it once and it turned out to be a defective engine block. They offered 3k towards a replacement BMW. Because he got public and customer bitched, they cut it back to 1200 and said if it didn't stop they would rescind that. I could make a whole analogy about WWII, but it wouldn't be popular.
Reality is the only way BMW will pay attention to this is if people don’t buy their bikes. Their 1600,s have a transmission issue that’s been going on for years and not been sorted. Good luck with this 🐿
Agree Mark. We all need to keep emailing Herr Schrum if we as buyers are going to keep on buying.
I am not sur what to do exactly….share to who BMW dealers…I am an owner of a 2021 Rt
Hello Richard. I am assuming you have the same TFT issues as the rest of us. There is a major software update coming out in September which will address many of the problems, but I would advise writing to Markus so that you get o your dealers radar. The email is markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com
Thanks for your response. I don’t have a communication system installed in my helmet yet. My phone connection problem have been resolved at my last visit to my dealer . By the way I am Canadian leaving in Montreal area in Quebec. I drives 4872 km since new. The Motorrad software is installed on my old Motorola G6 was running strange asking me to make sure the wifi is activated but nothing on the mobile data or the Bluetooth. The mechanic at my dealer was confused by the software message showing {MAKE SURE YOUR WIFI IS ACTIVATED} he used the Bluetooth and everything when well after. Since everything is ok except the delay for connection is same as others. My last bike was a Fatboy 2018 and I have mechanical problems every years. On my 1250 RT I have an engine noise interrogation when shifting low rpm in gear 1,2,3 climbing road mountains it’s like empty steel bottles attached together. Nobody knows what it is. A case has been raised to BMW. I don’t think there is a perfect machine even Japanese..
@@richardtremblay7646 Hello Richard. I agree. The only bike I have not had problems with was my Ducati Supersport S but I am sure if I declared that the perfect bike someone would disagree. As for TFT and the app, that is the direction of travel for the industry and all manufacturers are heading down the same route, many with problems. Having owned three Harleys, I can say their quality is questionable, service costs outrageous and customer service non-existent.
Why doesn't BMW transfer the expertise from their car side to sort it? Vorsprung durch technic .
I think like many organisations it is full of silos no one crosses. certainly to my knowledge no car TFT uses both Bluetooth and wireless to connect because the tech is too complex and unreliable
Just to educate people on what this valve actually does. Its there to serve two purposes 1 being to lower noise emissions at low revs and 2 It varies its position at different revs/speeds/throttle positions to increase back pressure which serves two purposes and that's to lower emissions and to increase midrange on the bike. You can disconnect them and the servo motor and also get a plug in devise to make the bike think its there doing its job. But why should it not be working eh! Also some of you may remember the days of the FZR1000 EXUP the they had the flappy valve and it was called an EXUP valve and they had problems with the seizing too.
Thanks Stuart. Now you mention it I remember the EXUP valve and Yamaha quietly dropping it.
@@HighlandRider They never dropped the EXUP valve a lot of bikes had them fitted R1's R6's etc my mate had a 2008 R6 which had one fitted which also started to play up and I managed to free it up and get it working properly. We later removed it and unplugged the servo motor and removed the cables as on these it didn't bring an engine light on. Kawasaki also have them fitted to some bikes too and they have their problems too. I think this is a widespread issue but to fail like yours did with so little mileage is just not on. The problem you have is any grease will be burnt off by the exhaust temperature and also washed away when ridden in the rain. But surely someone should be able to design a better system.
@@stuartmarritt5409 You would think so. Bike engineering has come on so much but this seems to be a problem that no one wants to solve.
@@HighlandRider it's as if it's all an afterthought just to get the bikes out!
Need a competent lawyer to raise a class action
Write to Markus, he is keen to hear from you; markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com
Give us his email address.
markus.schramm@bmw-motorrad.com