Do BMW riders still care about designing for ease of maintenance?
It was an important purchase consideration 30 years ago, but maybe not so much anymore.
Many modern cars, even inexpensive economy models, are designed to run 100k between brake and coolant flushes, spark plug, belt and air filter changes. About the only maintenance required is an occasional oil change and tire rotation, and they still run 200k. This is viewed as a good selling point for cars, anyway.
So why should any modern motorcycle require a $400 service every 6,000 miles?
For those that prefer to do much of their own maintenance, why does the design require a $300 gs911 (or a trip to the dealer) just to reset the service reminder? Or special tools to remove the front wheel or change spark plugs? Why are 3 wrenches of 2 types required to remove the skid plate on some GS's every oil change?
I'm curious about forum opinion.
Do you think the current BMW maintenance design philosophy is unavoidable given the technology, or perhaps intentional to keep service $$$ rolling in after the initial sale, or is it simply a non-issue because BMW purchasers today aren't as concerned about the maintenance aspect of the designs like they were 30 years ago?
Comments?
It was an important purchase consideration 30 years ago, but maybe not so much anymore.
Many modern cars, even inexpensive economy models, are designed to run 100k between brake and coolant flushes, spark plug, belt and air filter changes. About the only maintenance required is an occasional oil change and tire rotation, and they still run 200k. This is viewed as a good selling point for cars, anyway.
So why should any modern motorcycle require a $400 service every 6,000 miles?
For those that prefer to do much of their own maintenance, why does the design require a $300 gs911 (or a trip to the dealer) just to reset the service reminder? Or special tools to remove the front wheel or change spark plugs? Why are 3 wrenches of 2 types required to remove the skid plate on some GS's every oil change?
I'm curious about forum opinion.
Do you think the current BMW maintenance design philosophy is unavoidable given the technology, or perhaps intentional to keep service $$$ rolling in after the initial sale, or is it simply a non-issue because BMW purchasers today aren't as concerned about the maintenance aspect of the designs like they were 30 years ago?
Comments?