I suspect the fundamental problem is the use of a shaft driver boxer engine. This is great for on-road touring and has been the company's trademark since the 1930s. But it's inherently heavy, in the drivetrain and in the impossibility of building a more compact engine. So they look for weight savings elsewhere, and that's where the problems start.

one of the weight saving ideas is single side swing arm - very stupid idea, against laws of physics. No wonder so many cases of broken literally in half GS bikes.

Actually the SSSA was shown by Honda (who hold the patents) in racing during the 80s to be slightly heavier than the twin sided version due to its need for increased torsional stiffness. The advantages are functional, ease of wheel changing in particular. Using it as a shaft drive housing also has an aesthetic value. A further disadvantages is that in order to make the complex shapes it needs to be cast, and cast aluminium isn't as strong as extruded section.

you're right, but while in racing it makes some sense then for adventure bikes not really.
Such swing arm should be strong enough but bmw disagrees obviously.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S...45_ohYkh-L.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...keshaft-BB.jpg