You could very well be right, Motorhobo. A couple years ago I came across an article or something(could have been a Chris Harris Rant) that basically said that all BMW wanted to do was sell grossly complicated, short lifespan motorcycles to high earning mid-life crisis victims who would buy the bike, have the dealer service it a couple times for huge money, and then take it in the ass on a trade for the next new model.
The last thing this new business model needs is some fool with a thirty year old machine that won't die taking up the parts dept. guy's time ordering odd bits from the factory. If you aren't a successful executive or trial lawyer who can afford to throw away $15K in depreciation/service every couple years you sure as hell aren't their target demographic.
I wish I lived in Germany and/or speak German. It looks like there are some nice opportunities opening up in the spares manufacturing business.