It's not just KTM. I have a BMW R1200GS and as most know that bike had a recall due to the front forks randomly falling apart. To fix this issue BMW put a metal cap over the affected side of the fork and I assume they use some kind of press to get it on because it can't be removed by anyone but a BMW dealership.
So my bike started leaking small amounts of oil out of the forks just weeks after this recall fix was done and after much fighting and swearing on my part they refused to fix it because the fork seals are a service item and it cost me R2000 to fix it. So I have a very bitter attitude towards BMW now but after reading your story I think it's again just typical South African bad customer service.
Was your R1200GS still under warranty?
I wouldn't be able to complain about the warranty on the rear shock if it was out of warranty(obviously) but it still had 6+ months left. It wasn't just a leaking shock, it was complete shock failure, It's juices were all over my rear tyre and back of the engine.
I've since traded it in for a BMW S1000R. I've had the S1000R for going onto my third week now.
I'm a little bit bitter about my decision though, the KTM is a much better bike. It really is. The build quality is better, the fueling is amazing and obviously the power and usability of the power, It had traction control,wheelie control and all that. It still let you have a little bit of fun. Would lift the front wheel slightly before dropping it and though you could feel the traction control cutting power to the engine it isn't nearly as bad as the S1000R. This S1000R is poop in it's current state, ABS cuts in way too early(KTM's brakes are beastly), Traction control feels as if it turns off the power completely and then on.. then off and then on, a really jerky experience.
I have read online and quite a few owners went through "Teething" problems on 2017-Current BMW S1000Rs. The initial break in period apparently makes the bike feel kak. After that they enable Dynamic pro and thats where you fix all the problems yourself. Configure the level of ABS, traction control,wheelie control, suspension, throttle response and then it's apparently just as good as the KTM if not better. which I'll do.
A few things I like about the BMW is the gearing is a bit longer in the first few gears. I can set it in 2nd and if I don't hit any red lights I don't ever need to change. The KTM's first few gears are soo short that you usually sit in 3rd and have to change down to 2nd if you slow down too much.
The styling looks more like a streetfighter since it is based on the S1000RR I suppose it would look meaner. I still like the crazy look of the KTM though but the BMW does look good, especially in person.
I don't miss the orange wheels of the KTM. They got dirty way too easily, after 3 days they looked shit.
KTM did sound and feel better at idle, You know it's got a 120kw engine while it just idles. the BMW on the other hand.... yea. sounds very unimpressive at idle and if you were not looking at it you wouldn't know its got a 120kw engine.
BMW crackles on downshifts, which sounds good and obviously at higher RPM the BMW sounds better than the KTM. But at commuting speeds and just plodding around the KTM takes the cake in the sound department with it's deep thump thump.
Just imagine sitting in your Civic Type R and you feel your car start shaking, then a Lumina SS stops besides you. That's what the KTM does.
Anywho, I'm going to miss the KTM. I may buy one again in the future but I doubt it.