BMWs are the best bike?

[webhustler]

Is the BMW the best motorcycle in your opinion? Please tell me why. I do not want you to go on a rant about how other bikes are no good, but would like to know what sets a BMW above the rest of the pack. I have to admit that I like the look of the BMW, just because it looks different than the other bikes out there, but know little else about the bikes or the company. I might be getting another bike soon, for local street use and occasional travel. Do you think that the BMW would be the right bike for YOU in this situation? Thank you and please reply.

[chromekid01]

BMW's are not "the best" but they are a high end motorcycle brand such as Ducati, MV Agusta and such of the like and with that they are more expensive to own as better quality parts are typically used, for instance ohlins on Ducati's are common but you would be hard pressed to find that on a jap bike.

BMW has had a very long standing reputation for having good reliability and German engineering, though not as flashy as Ducati, is very high quality from my experience.

If you read and do your homework you will find that BMW in recent years has had a rash of Final drive failures and the likes so they are not exempt of problems but what vehicle is?

My .02 I am sure others will have lots more to add...me Personally I own and ride a Ducati and my bike is every bit if not more reliable than a BMW :) my air cooled 2V twin will go the distance and then some!

[Bullzaye]

BMW definitely builds a quality bike. I own one, and my buddy owns one that I've ridden multiple times. I like them, but I don't believe I'd ever buy a brand new one. I think they're just plain too expensive, and given their relatively high depreciation rate, if I were to buy another one I'd definitely look for a nice used one.

The upside to BMWs? They run forever. They're generally very high-tech. Most owners of BMWs ride...a lot.

The downside? High initial cost. High maintenance costs. Parts & accessories are expensive. I believe they suffer a high theft rate too...although I suppose that's a statement on their desirability. I think HDs are high theft too.

Bottom line? I love mine, but I got an excellent deal on a used bike. By and large, I'd say you're paying a lot for a name, kinda like HD (no offense to hardcore BMW/HD riders). If you want to ride a bike that has a "brotherhood" and a semi-elite status, then BMW (or HD) is a good choice. If you really just want the most "bang-for-your-buck", there are probably better choices...Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, et al.

Tim

[Robert]

That’s an awful subjective question. Best bike in terms of what?

Honda is the best in terms of quality.

The nod would go to any of the Japanese bikes if you think in terms of bang for the buck.

Harley has the best support and availability of aftermarket parts.

I guess it depends on what you’re looking for…

[chromekid01]

That’s an awful subjective question. Best bike in terms of what?

Honda is the best in terms of quality.

The nod would go to any of the Japanese bikes if you think in terms of bang for the buck.

Harley has the best support and availability of aftermarket parts.

I guess it depends on what you’re looking for…

your statements are all opinions not known truths though "best at what" is very subjective you are correct there and I know it would be easier if we could narrow it down a bit:D

[Robert]

your statements are all opinions not known truths though "best at what" is very subjective you are correct there and I know it would be easier if we could narrow it down a bit:D

Well.... let me see here. My opinions are based on research, or years of reading the reviews that do comparisons of like bikes which are ultimately... opinion of the reviewer and therefore subjective. So yeah, I guess you're right.:eek:

[chromekid01]

Well.... let me see here. My opinions are based on research, or years of reading the reviews that do comparisons of like bikes which are ultimately... opinion of the reviewer and therefore subjective. So yeah, I guess you're right.:eek:

you do know that magazines are not impartial right?
They do get paid by their sponsors to say certain things....My knowledge base though augmented by what I read comes primarily from working in motorcycle dealerships and riding everywhere and talking with owners of the brands on their own turf, I am a member of hundreds of other forums some model specifi and some not, this really helps me to say what I do.

I have worked in Ducati,MV Agusta,Triumph,Husqvarna,BMW,Yamaha,Suzuki,Kawasak i,Buell,and Honda dealerships and believe me Honda's and the rest all have their problems the thing is that the upscale lower production models tend to use better quality parts and that equals more expensive BMW isn't the only one out there but they do have a good quality control platform and try to get a Honda shop to warranty a broken part when the bike is out of warranty good luck but BMW,Ducati and MV Agusta all have and not many times has there been any hassle from them about it either but this is just my experience that helps me for a different opinion LOL

[Robert]

I'm sure magazines are not impartial, but since owners seems to hold similar opinions, then I have to believe there is a lot of truth there.

So again I ask... Best in terms of what?

I keep up with Touring and Sporting Touring bikes and BMW is always at or near the top of the ratings. The engineering is solid, the technology up to date, and there is no shortage of accessories for the touring and sport touring bikes.

One of the comments I've seen from bmw owners is that there are fewer dealers in the US then Honda or Kawasaki, so that if the bike breaks down on the road, then parts are often harder to come by.

I'm considering a K1200LT or a K1200GT for my next bike, but I'll also consider a Goldwing or Concours 14.

[chromekid01]

I'm sure magazines are not impartial, but since owners seems to hold similar opinions, then I have to believe there is a lot of truth there.

So again I ask... Best in terms of what?

I keep up with Touring and Sporting Touring bikes and BMW is always at or near the top of the ratings. The engineering is solid, the technology up to date, and there is no shortage of accessories for the touring and sport touring bikes.

One of the comments I've seen from bmw owners is that there are fewer dealers in the US then Honda or Kawasaki, so that if the bike breaks down on the road, then parts are often harder to come by.

I'm considering a K1200LT or a K1200GT for my next bike, but I'll also consider a Goldwing or Concours 14.

Well said:) I like and have ridden the LT and the new c-14 and to be honest the LT was more comfy but the c-14 was waaaaay faster:)

[Robert]

Well said:) I like and have ridden the LT and the new c-14 and to be honest the LT was more comfy but the c-14 was waaaaay faster:)

It's a hard choice. It's nearly impossible to choose between the Lt and the Goldwing. I suppose if I decide to get a camper then I'll want the Goldwing for the bigger engine.

A choice between the GT and the C-14 is a little easier because of the 5k difference in price. The only drawback with the C-14 is the heat issue that I keep reading about.

[chromekid01]

It's a hard choice. It's nearly impossible to choose between the Lt and the Goldwing. I suppose if I decide to get a camper then I'll want the Goldwing for the bigger engine.

A choice between the GT and the C-14 is a little easier because of the 5k difference in price. The only drawback with the C-14 is the heat issue that I keep reading about.


I too have read about the heat issue but after logging many a mile on the new c-14 I am not unimpressed with its ability to handle the long haul with great ease:D Heat didn't really seem to be an issue for me but then again I wear all olympia gear while riding and maybe if I wore simpy jeans it might be.

[Robert]

I too have read about the heat issue but after logging many a mile on the new c-14 I am not unimpressed with its ability to handle the long haul with great ease:D Heat didn't really seem to be an issue for me but then again I wear all olympia gear while riding and maybe if I wore simpy jeans it might be.

Some owners say that adjustment or repair of the insulation fixes the problem. I can't help wondering if some of those that have experienced the problem are some of the same riders that wear shorts while riding.

What do think about that new drive shaft?

[chromekid01]

Some owners say that adjustment or repair of the insulation fixes the problem. I can't help wondering if some of those that have experienced the problem are some of the same riders that wear shorts while riding.

What do think about that new drive shaft?

It is one of the very few bikes I have ridden that never lets ya know its a shaft drive and I love that:D

for the heat issue I am bettin it is the shorts and sandals riders that notice but I never did and I put about 1500 miles on one, took it for a weekend ride:cool: