[AussieDave]

Gentlemen, for the benefit of those contemplating a purchase ,which bike has the most issues on average? c5 ,g5 ,or b5?

[hocko]

Hi , I've had my G5 4 years this month, done 19000kms. Use it for daily transport (50ks), I have toured Far North Qld on it, the only issue I had was the chain , ditched it at 6,400 kms completely shagged, and I replaced the tyres at 12000 kms, I could have got more I think from them. 3.3 litres per 100 kms average fuel consumption and very happy to cruise at and indicated 120 kph. I have done  800 km in one day while on the last trip in awful bloody weather, the bike handled it all in it's stride. Very comfortable bike to ride, I just added a screen and leather bags and it's always been good to go. No major issues at all. Hope this helps. 

[Ducati Scotty]

I don't think any model is better or worse than any others as far as issues go.  The older C5s could have stability issues if not set up correctly, but the new C5s have a different front fork and larger front wheel so it should no longer be an issue.  This would only matter if you were buying an older model C5.

Scott

[mattsz]

Define "issues"?

They all have the same unit construction engine/gearbox, so it's a crap shoot there, I guess.

The B5 and C5 require fork removal to change the fork oil.  The G5 doesn't, so buy the G5.  Or at least it didn't used to - do I recall a G5 owner recently finding they had to remove their forks to refill the oil?  Ok, forget the G5...

They all seem to come with a bad chain.  If you want to change it to a good quality o-ring chain, you'll have to change the drive sprocket on the B5 and G5, which requires removing the right-side engine cover; the C5 comes with a larger size sprocket (due to the smaller wheel size - do I have this right?), so it's a much easier job.  So buy the C5.  But as Scott said, a few of the early versions of this model had some stability problems, so better forget the C5...

I have heard many claim that because the B5 is the old bullet frame, there are many more accessories available for that model, so buy the B5.  But wait, I just have not found that to be the case - at least through nField Gear and Hitchcocks.  There may be more available through the Indian suppliers, but I've never had much luck communicating with them.  Forget the B5...

Umm... shoot.

They all look different - buy the one that makes you happy! 

[Ice]

Gentlemen, for the benefit of those contemplating a purchase ,which bike has the most issues on average? c5 ,g5 ,or b5?

 Iron Barrel especially if the DSPO tried to "fix" what wasn't broke 

[crush02342002]

my 2012 c5 has an o-ring chain on it...idk if they all come with 0-ring chains now or if my dealer did this before selling but I got mine new.

[Arizoni]

I'm happy with my 2011 G5 after two + years and 11200 miles.

I have heard the C5 single seat can be a real PITA, literately.  Some folks say they have a sore butt after only 1/2 hour of riding.

The dual seat on the G5 is very comfortable and I've ridden it on 200 mile trips without a sore butt.  Yes, I did stop for fuel and a smoke break now and then to look at the views but my butt was never hurting at all.

[Craig McClure]

I agree with ARIZONI on the G5, it also has the 19" wheels (longer legs like original Brits). I Have a 2010 G5 Deluxe, & it appeals to my appreciation of Vintage British Motorcycles.  After making several Personal Preference Improvements to the basic stock machine, it is totally perfect for me, & MUCH BETTER than any British Single I have ever owned. My fork oil was very easy to change, But the Shop Manual is Incorrect on the oil levels-read the threads here first.

[hillntx]

If you are purchasing a 2012 and newer model, the issues have been pretty much corrected.  All models will have the periodic loose electrical connection and fastenings that need tightened, most would agree that the factory chains and batteries should be changed at your earliest convenience, and there is a continuing discussion on the tires for the B5 and G5.  Overall, mechanically the bikes are sound and the real issues have been resolved.

Some 2009 models had a bad sprag clutch that was replaced under recall.
The 2009 C5 was not available with kick start.
C5 models with the 18" front wheel are prone to handling issues if not setup correctly.

[wildbill]

B5 - my opinion a lot better bike than i once thought.

[gremlin]

B5 - my opinion a lot better bike than i once thought.

+1

[gremlin]

..............They all look different - buy the one that makes you happy! 

+1

[Chuck D]

Gentlemen, for the benefit of those contemplating a purchase ,which bike has the most issues on average? c5 ,g5 ,or b5?

If it's "issues" you want, get an Iron Barrel. It's what we live for.