Having now read the MCN article and watched the video it would appear the BMW:-
1. Broke down and needed repairing by a dealer on the first day
2. Overheated and would not start on the Second Day
3. Had developed an oil leak on the third day
But despite 3 breakdowns MCN will still rave about the "legendary BMW reliability" and moan because the Yamaha got damaged, but it did not break down and I would be fairly confident with the optional Yamaha bash plate or one of the numerous third party offerings fitted this would not have happened.
If the Yamaha or KTM had broken down on day one and developed an oil leak during the test they would have made a lot more of it, the triumph probably comes under "MCN Protection" through being British and the BMW due to the huge advertising revenues, , I can't see any other reason why every test over-rates the GS.
Having owned one I know they are great bikes, and to be honest I prefer the twin cam GS to the Tenere in stock trim, but the difference is marginal in the real world and none of the bikes out there are anything less than pretty decent.
If you add in servcing costs and reliability I would say the GS would slip from best adventure bike by a gnats whisker to worst by a mile, I would rather have a KTM or even a Guzzi over the BMW for "ownership experience" - in fact I quite liked the Stelvio which was missing from the test and is a fair competitor to the GS / Tenere.
