BMW Reliability Ranks at the Bottom

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Apr 2, 2013 | 01:55 PM

Nospinzone

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From: MA

BMW Reliability Ranks at the Bottom

Well, at least their motorcycles. The May issue of Consumer Reports did their first motorcycle reliability survey of their subscribers. Here are the results –

Percentage of bikes with problems

Yamaha…..11%
Kawasaki……13%
Honda………...14%
Harley……………………………..24%
BMW…………………………………………30%

Suzuki and Triumph didn’t have enough responses to rate (and they didn’t even mention Moto Guzzi

). There were 4680 reviews submitted. They found that touring models were the most problematic (27%) while cruisers (16%) were the least.

Not surprisingly to me was that both Harley and BMW owners were the most satisfied with their bikes. That has been my experience in talking to riders over the years.

Apr 2, 2013 | 02:00 PM

Hoovey689

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Ducatti didn't get a mention either huh.

That's ok, Yamaha is my favorite. Go R6!!

Apr 2, 2013 | 07:06 PM

cino

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Glad Kawasaki is doing pretty good. Their new models look pretty nice. New ZX6R is a beast, it almost has the same power as old generation 1000cc. Maybe Honda and Yamaha should take notes.

Apr 2, 2013 | 07:57 PM

IBJanky

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This report is pretty accurate, based on my personal experience.

I have two sport touring bikes: 07' Yamaha FJR 1300 and a '07 BMW R1200RT that I use at work.

The Yamaha has never had any problems and has never been back to the dealer for any repairs. It has 20k miles now and I just do the basic maintenance items at home.

The BMW is a completely different story. Stuff is always breaking or acting up. It is always going to the dealer for issues or repairs. Thank god my job pays for its bills because I sure as hell wouldn't be able to afford it.

I would never, ever, in a million years buy any BMW product (car or motorcycle).

Apr 2, 2013 | 09:09 PM

Aron9000

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From: TN

Kind of a lame report if they didn't include Suzuki. They do sell a good number of bikes here in the US.

Apr 2, 2013 | 11:08 PM

I8ABMR

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I wonder if it has anything to do with Suzukii leaving the country. Not sure if its just the cars or the bikes as well. I dont follow motorcycles so Im not sure

Apr 3, 2013 | 07:11 AM

PhilipMSPT

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From: In rehab...

Quote:

Originally Posted by I8ABMR

I wonder if it has anything to do with Suzukii leaving the country. Not sure if its just the cars or the bikes as well. I dont follow motorcycles so Im not sure

Suzuki motorcycles are staying. They're pretty staple in the powersport community.

Too bad they didn't include Suzuki and Ducati.

But considering that Ducati sells as many bikes in a year (44k bikes worldwide) as Honda does in a day (15.6 million powersport units a year)

, it would be difficult to have an accurate and large pool of reviewers to note a gross reliability of Ducati.

Apr 3, 2013 | 08:47 AM

IBJanky

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I would never buy a Ducati either.

Expensive maintenance/repairs just like a BMW.

I'll stick with my Japanese bikes. The only American brand I'd consider owning is a Victory, but even that may be pushing it.