Honda BF 2 and 2.3 - a few observations from a long term owner

[steve66]

Well done , A response along the lines as you would expect, But a reply non the less

 

[sailorman]

Ok, here is the response so far:

"Thank you for contacting Honda UK.

After carefully considering the comments shared in the forum, to which you kindly provided us with a link, we agree that they are worth further attention. Please be assured that this will be passed on to all the relevant departments within Honda for their reference.

However, we can confidently state that Honda spends a lot of time, effort and expenses to guaranty the quality and reliability of our products.

Our warranty periods are proof of the confidence we have in our outboard engines when the maintenance procedures are followed as per Honda standards and recommendations. We are not questioning the devotion, passion or competence of Honda owners, or the members and users of Yachting and Boating World - only stating that many things can affect the quality of our products and they need to be taken into consideration.

We were sorry to learn that some of the forum members were left with the impression that only minor improvements are offered in latest Honda outboard engine models. Please be assured that this is definitely not the case and that the BF series have been gradually improved and that we are always aiming for perfection. Especially on such a competitive market.

Our Research and Development department is focused on improving all aspects of our engines, including performance, design and reliability. We are also focused on their purpose of use.

The development and spread of rust is something that can be avoided and/or resolved if identified on time. There are situations when the reoccurrence of an issue can require more. For that reason, Honda technicians, based within our dealerships, execute more than repairs and maintenance. It is their experience and carefully kept records that helps our Engineering and Production departments identify issues that require further investigation and may lead to product development.

If you are currently facing any issue with a Honda outboard engine, we would really appreciate it if you can provide us with all the details so that we may accurately advise you further and assist you in the process.

Thank you for contacting Honda. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Honda Customer Service

_____________________

Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

Honda UK"

In my view this is predictably defensive, but perhaps also acknowledging that there are concerns they ought to be listening too.

Of course this is a response from Europe, not Japan where the bosses are.

SO WTF have they been doing these past 15 years to improve their product after my mate got a refund due to rust

 

[chewi]

they are worthy of attention... but they have been for years.. it has made no difference
focus of use... SEAWATER!!
Honda can confidently state.. but we are not so confidently convinced
all aspects of our products... except the mild steel bits
please be assured.. but we are not

rust is avoidable..maybe that's why we mostly use stainless, aluminium and plastic outside on boats.
if service agents were picking up the tab for replacing rusty fixings they'd be fixed in the design by now.

does any other make of carburettor have an aftermarket in replacement bowls?

 

[jsl]

they are worthy of attention... but they have been for years.. it has made no difference
focus of use... SEAWATER!!
Honda can confidently state.. but we are not so confidently convinced
all aspects of our products... except the mild steel bits
please be assured.. but we are not

rust is avoidable..maybe that's why we mostly use stainless, aluminium and plastic outside on boats.
if service agents were picking up the tab for replacing rusty fixings they'd be fixed in the design by now.

does any other make of carburettor have an aftermarket in replacement bowls?

It's the debased and inaccurate language of the deliberately long-winded reply that gives the clue... 'Smokescreen' would be a polite description.