[Striker]

Hi All,

Maybe I should not have viewed this forum....

After 16 years of GS ownership I was looking for something with better build quality.

The Honda looked like the one to go to, they are reliable and the build quality has alway been good, but reading about the spokes and gearbox problems and heated grips I'm starting to have second thoughts.

Also the lack of response you guys are having from Honda does not bode well.

I've put a deposit down on a second hand AF. It's having new wheels fitted, but the dealer said that they would be like for like! So how long are they going to last?

Do I loose my deposit or take a gamble on the AF?

 

[Wouter V.]

Hi Striker


I've had a few falls neutrals and clunckiness the first 500 - 1000 km's, but now everything shifts smooth as butter. And even in those first km's it wasn't worrying.
I can't say anything about the spokes, mine still look like new, even with the bike sitting outside al the time.
Really, I can't find anything to fault it at the moment.


I thing a lot of the service has to do with the dealer.
I've worked in service and warranty for a VW dealership for a few years, and if the person at the desk is willing, a lot is possible.

 

[doug]

Spokes will be sorted, heated grips are sorted, my gearbox after years of Bmw GS is like knife thru butter.
I've had warranty claims on everyone of my 7 BMWs and seen many people at dealership getting new engines,wheels, clutches, switches, gearboxes and chains.

 

[Mudslinger]

Hi All,

Maybe I should not have viewed this forum....

After 16 years of GS ownership I was looking for something with better build quality.

The Honda looked like the one to go to, they are reliable and the build quality has alway been good, but reading about the spokes and gearbox problems and heated grips I'm starting to have second thoughts.

Also the lack of response you guys are having from Honda does not bode well.

I've put a deposit down on a second hand AF. It's having new wheels fitted, but the dealer said that they would be like for like! So how long are they going to last?

Do I loose my deposit or take a gamble on the AF?

Most people only post when they are having a problem. Those like me who aren't having any problems are too busy out riding this awesome machine. So you are getting a lopsided view of the bike. I have had no problems whatsoever (unless you count a sore butt from riding too much). I have had the bike for 2 weeks and I did my first oil change 2 days ago. Tightened/clean and lubed the chain and adjusted the clutch cable, kicked the tires and back out riding. Now having said that, if your are one of those people that HAVE to have a heated hand-grip then you should stick with a BMW or other luxury cruiser.

 

[eltel62]

Mine has been fine from day 1, spokes fine, no more false neutrals than any other bike I have owned and that is just down to the odd lazy gearchange on my part, it has really not been an issue. As mentioned above, most people highlight problems. I myself have highlighted what I believe to be oversoft rear suspension but this is still the best bike I have ever owned and I can do something about that. I had the opportunity not to buy the bike after a test rides so I can live with the tubed tyres, without the cruise control and all the other things it doesn't have compared to alternatives. As long as you can then thats all OK. There are very few DOG bikes these days and the AT is certainly not one of them.

 

[Fireballcollett]

I have done 1400 miles on mine and no issues to report so far. I had the front suspension firmed up a couple of clicks at the first service as I found it was diving a little too much for me under hard braking, but that's probably just taste and riding style. Clutch cable needed a bit of slack taking out after a bit of initial stretch.


Great buke love it, would like another 10% power ideally but probably my only gripe.

 

[Derek Dust]

I haven't had any problems.

 

[Striker]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I'll be picking it up on Friday.

 

[richgilb]

Mine's not ready until the middle of October. I'll be going into negotiate me relacing the spokes independently with the dealer picking up the bill before I sign the PCP agreement, though.

 

[doug]

Mine's not ready until the middle of October. I'll be going into negotiate me relacing the spokes independently with the dealer picking up the bill before I sign the PCP agreement, though.

I tried to get dealer/Honda UK to agree to that but was told Honda wouldn't do that.
BMW have in the past with a chain for the F800GS.

 

[helisuppp]

This is my first post so please be patient with me, just joined the forum after reading posts for months.

I have had the AT (DCT) now for 5 months and 1400 miles and have used it in the salty weather and rain, the spokes are like new and I have no problems whatsoever, it is superb (with the new trail attack 2 tyres)

Having had 4 BMW 1200GS models, the last LC one purchased new a few months ago I was always choosing the AT to ride, plus having the waterpump (common) go at 700 miles just p....d me off, so sold it back to dealer last week.

My garage now consists on a Yamaha MT10 and the AT, the AT is superb and is my favourite bike . This was day of delivery at dealers with 9 others waiting to go.

 

[richgilb]

I wonder which colour is more popular in UK? I was expecting to see more white ones in that pic.

 

[frostbitevinnie]

Mine has been good all around cept lean condition that I don't care for. AFA BWM GS all of my riding buddies were BMW addicts until they discovered KTM. BMW had to buy back my main riding buddies 2014 GS1200 cuz the motor was defective. It took 2 years and tons of dealer visits and communication with BMW to get anything done. He was die hard BMW, not anymore. KTM has its issues as well.

 

[Snowbubble]

Spokes will be sorted, heated grips are sorted, my gearbox after years of Bmw GS is like knife thru butter.
I've had warranty claims on everyone of my 7 BMWs and seen many people at dealership getting new engines,wheels, clutches, switches, gearboxes and chains.

Have Honda repaired or replaced your heated grips?

 

[doug]

Have Honda repaired or replaced your heated grips?

I never got heated grips but dealer said fix is now available.
Two parts depending on fault. One part 30 mins (Honda allowed time) and the other part one hour's work.

 

[JasonWD]

Mine now has 17000km on it and is solid as a rock.

The machine is an instant classic that can do some incredible things.

I just rode all the way across Canada on it, back from riding off road across the states and it still rides like it just came out of the crate.

BMW and Honda are fantastic marques with build quality matching each other but if you fancy an AT then you won't be disappointed.

 

[mike5100]

I never got heated grips but dealer said fix is now available.
Two parts depending on fault. One part 30 mins (Honda allowed time) and the other part one hour's work.

That's interesting - are we sure on this? because apparently people wanting new NC750 bikes are being told the accessory heated grips are not available - which is ironic because although they look identical to those fitted to the AT, no NC owners have had similar problems AFAIK
Mike

 

[doug]

That's interesting - are we sure on this? because apparently people wanting new NC750 bikes are being told the accessory heated grips are not available - which is ironic because although they look identical to those fitted to the AT, no NC owners have had similar problems AFAIK
Mike

I went in dealer yesterday to ask about spokes, as I was passing, no news, but he said we have got fix and authorisation to sort your heated grips and explained the allowed time and the fix from Honda. I didn't take much notice as I don't have heated grips on mine.

 

[abj]

Also very happy with my AT. I also did ride several GS and really happy with the AT.

 

[Striker]

I picked up my AT yesterday. Two new wheels replaced under warranty. But on getting it home I also found corrosion on the engine case. I've already reported it to the dealer who have been very good and said it will be replaced under warranty.

The ride home was very enjoyable as you would expect.
Today's jobs is to fit a GPS. The fairing takes some thought to remove it but it's off now.
Do a good clean of the engine and apply ACF50.

After that I just want to ride it.