Funny enough, I came from VFRs too - maybe set the expectation bar too high? You may not have to push the bike to the dealer, but factor in the fact that you may have to make regular visits thanks to some of the minor niggles that others find acceptable. My dealer was 10 miles away, and I got fed up with the time I had to spend travelling, dropping off, showing docs for loan bike, getting to work late, etc etc. As you pointed out yourself, you're paying premium-bike prices for budget bike reliability. Your choice...
I commuted on my 749 Nero for 8 years, in all sorts of weather. Apart from the flaking paint it never missed a beat, and made every commute a ride rather than a chore. At the end of year 8 a bit of corrosion in the loom happened but that was soon fixed.
I sold my Honda crosstourer DCT and bought a multistrada abs. I cant comment on the reliability as so far with 3200 miles there have been no issues. But I found that it had to be a perfect day before I took the Honda out, due to its excessive weight. Not so noticeable when on the move; until you try a Gs or a multistrada . Its chalk and cheese to the Honda. The Ducati is addictive and I want to take it out at every opportunity
I take the Crosstourer out any weather any time of year ( apart from snow and ice of course ) But I n 40 degree heat in the Black Forrest the weight did start to become a pain, but it didn't use any oil in a 2000 mile trip, never missed a beat and that is what I'd expect from a bike costing 16.5k. I really want to buy one but the thought of it being like the British bikes of yesteryear! I'd rather hold on to me brass and enjoy the Honda.
No. But equating wanting "a vehicle with absolutely no niggles whatever" with "expecting it to work" is a sign of having lost touch with reality.
Pete1950, thanks for the reply but without wanting to pee you off its attitudes such as yours that caused the down fall of the "British" car and motorcycle industry. Of course I expect it to work I also expect a quality product with know rusting or flaking of paint within the first 3years. We put with cars that leaked broke down and took a day to prepare before a trip to the coast. Bikes which leaked oil every where, no brakes etc etc. I remember when the first Jap bikes came over and people said they were just "piss and wind" They started they never leaked oil were used and abused as bad as anything before and they still ran. Yes at 16.5k I expect quality,
