Just logging in as a new member to say Hi.

[John-g]

I couldn't go back to chain drive now after 5 bikes with Shaft. One problem I felt was there on the manual CT that I owned was what seemed to be a big difference when changing down from second to first, is this noticeable on the DCT?

[Hound]

Not to me, it seems almost seamless most of the time. But maybe I'm easily pleased. 😀

[fa57pjc]

I'd agree the DCT seems to be very good in all changes - clearly there is a slightly more noticeable change from 2nd to 1st although that seems to be the way of all DCT gearboxes in cars too. It's only noticeable if you're looking for it though and doesn't unbalance the bike in any way at all.

[Hound]

Originally Posted by fa57pjc

I cannot believe that all the manufacturers offer a version of the DCT.

Don't believe it, cos they don't! 

Originally Posted by fa57pjc

...the build quality is at least as good as BMW if not better, certainly compared to my most recent BMW - a 2017 R1200RT.

That's interesting - I was considering replacing my ST1300 with a 2018 R1200RT, but I'd heard that BMW's build quality had slipped and you've confirmed it's not what it used to be.

[t15dja]

A few years back, I took possession of a used but extremely low mileage BMW R1200GS.  Before it even had 1000 miles on the clock it had a corroded front shock absorber body, early signs of the corrosion "worm" on parts of the engine, corroded drive shaft cover and a few of the alloy wheel "spokes" looked like they were starting to bubble.....and I am obsessive about looking after my cars and bikes, as my family will testify.
 I've also had BMW cars that have suffered from early corrosion, especially around the wheel hubs.
My personal opinion is that they are great vehicles, but let down by inferior components made from materials that are not up to coping with the British climate, which is surprising given where they originate from.
I will think very, very carefully before I  consider purchasing a BMW again.

[John-g]

Originally Posted by t15dja

A few years back, I took possession of a used but extremely low mileage BMW R1200GS.  Before it even had 1000 miles on the clock it had a corroded front shock absorber body, early signs of the corrosion "worm" on parts of the engine, corroded drive shaft cover and a few of the alloy wheel "spokes" looked like they were starting to bubble.....and I am obsessive about looking after my cars and bikes, as my family will testify.
 I've also had BMW cars that have suffered from early corrosion, especially around the wheel hubs.
My personal opinion is that they are great vehicles, but let down by inferior components made from materials that are not up to coping with the British climate, which is surprising given where they originate from.
I will think very, very carefully before I  consider purchasing a BMW again.

Yes I have to agree about some GS Bikes suffering from corrosion and many engines etc have been replaced under warranty due to this though mostly these were pre 2016 examples.

Maybe I've been lucky though as I haven't had this problem myself on any of the three GS's that I've owned, but do keep a close eye out for it. I do ride all year so use a fair bit of ACF50 especially at the machined edges of black painted components where the paint could have lifted due to being machined after painting. Also after every winter ride washing the Bike down to remove any salt or other crud.

To be fair I have previously had quite severe corrosion on transmission parts of a Yamaha XJR1300 and also on a couple of early VFR750's (bought new) especially to their front Rocker Covers. No problems on the previous 2013 CT but the engine etc of my 2002 Blackbird was pretty ropey when the Fairings were removed for general maintenance.