So, what's the word on the current generation of engines?

[yjleesvrr]

BMW continued to cement its reputation as a builder of reliable, durable motorcycles up through the R259 boxer (R1150R motor) and the "flying brick" previous-gen 4 cylinder engines.

Now that the hexhead motor has been out for a few years and the new transverse-mount 4 cylinders have been propelling bikes for a couple years, what's the word on reliability and durability?

BMW has upped the ante on comfort features on their motorcycles with their current bikes. When the Germans (BMW and Mercedes) did that with their cars in the past decade, their reliability began to suffer compared to their historic track record (although this applies more for Mercedes than for BMW autos). I hope that BMW has not traded its traditional values in order to appeal to a broader audience.

[MikeCam]

The early oilheads (roughly '94-97; some 97-01) were often derided and I am not certain what part was Ludditism and what part was documented engine/design weaknesses. The number still in service and achieving good resale values tends to indicate it was an okay evolution of the Boxer.

Even as late as 2003 the 'brick' was accused of having inherent design flaws, esp. the weeping/seeping of the front valve cover area (no gasket, simply sealant). But after early K75 and K1 hiccups, it seems the brick is noted as nearly bullet-proof for reliability and durability.

For the Hexheads the only undercurrent of design/engineering complaint that I am hearing anecdotally is about the rear swingarm, rear differential, driveshaft assemblies. Not enough to create fear and panic, just enough to get attention. Just can't recall hearing anything about cylinders, valves, cams, etc

For the 55 deg. inline 4 I have picked up only the various software, throttle response chatter. Again, not enough information to derive a conclusion about reliability or durability. Just enough to generate Beemer buzz.

Finally, it seems that 25-30% of BMW users complain about transmissions, particularly the shifting 'clunk'. They find that unacceptable. Nothing to indicate a design or engineering flaw, mind you, just a user preference for smoother, quieter, less feel, more mush as the Japenses manufacturers seem to achieve. (Although my Kawasaki's always 'clunk' also. Must be user failure to engage the human-machine interface appropriately.)

Not a complete answer, but there you are.