Switch block failures

[garr2]

Three weeks ago the blinker switch on the LH switch block failed when I was 50 km from home. Replaced under warranty - no big deal
Last week the start/kill switch on the RH switch block failed. This time my wife & I were 800 km from home and loaded up. Nearest BMW dealer is 200 km away. Now this is looking more like a big deal.

Because the bike is still under warranty it is covered by the BMW roadside assistance program. Within an hour of ringing the BMW roadside assistance number a generic serviceman was there. When he couldn't fix the problem he organised for the bike to be transported 200 km to the nearest BMW dealer. I then rang the magic BMW number again and they organised the use of a hire car for 5 days, and asked if I needed help with accommodation - which I didn't. I imposed on my sister instead. The dealer informed me that there were no RH switch blocks in the country (Australia) and it would be 10 - 14 days before they could get one. Once I found out the part was on back order, I once again rang the magic number and they OKed me to drive the hire car 800 km home and drop it off at a branch near where I live. They also undertook to 'relocate' the bike to my house when it is repaired.

Moral of the story: BMW make lousy switches but they run a great roadside assistance program.

Ian

[deilenberger]

Ian,

This is on an R1200R? I've never heard of switch failure on them - even the new ones still use the "classic" BMW switchgear with turnsignal buttons on either side. I have heard of numerous failures on other models that now use the Brit/Japanese standard sort of layout.

[garr2]

This is on an R1200R?

Well spotted Don.
It's not an R, it's an RT.
All you R riders can breathe easy.
RT riders on the other hand .....

Ian