Why BMW. - Page 3

BulkandSkull · 04-02-2010, 08:16 PM

I don't really have a "because I knew they were so much better" story, but I have discovered that they are. I bought my 72 R60 on craigslist about a month ago. I don't have a lot of money, and it was just over a grand, so that worked out. I've redone all the wiring and some other maintenance, and it's been a lot of fun. In all honesty, I loved it when I saw it, because its cool to have something different like that. I can't really identify with the whole heated grips and fifty saddlebags thing, but I guess that's cool too if that's what you're into. Also, it's cool to have a ratty old bike that isn't a rigid Harley. Living in LA, I think those are getting a bit played out. And like I said, I didn't have fifteen grand plus to spend. I'm glad it happened the way it did, because people really like the bike. And I do, too.

CapnSlow · 04-27-2010, 01:19 PM

I've heard great things about BMW bikes and the readers/writers on this forum are no exception. But nobody is talking about the cost of maintenance. I've heard terrible things about the cost of maintaining your BMW. Are the rumors true?

QuantumMechanic · 04-27-2010, 04:05 PM

NO,

The regular maintenace on my Honda was just as expensive as the Beemer. Both are expensive; I let the dealers do the maintenace for the warranty period and then they only see the bike if I CAN'T fix it. I will let them do things like adjust the valves and harmonic balancers; things that take specialized skills or tools. In my experience the Beemer is not MORE expensive just because its a Beemer.

-QM-

David 1 · 04-27-2010, 08:48 PM

I say no as well.
Many of them just need normal maintenance. Change oil, etc. There can be expensive repairs on any bike. Maybe there are not as many BMW owners/riders what work on their own bike, so that adds cost. But I know many who do all their own work.
That will lower the cost on any bike. And I enjoy working on bikes or cars.
dc

wonderings · 04-28-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuantumMechanic

NO,

The regular maintenace on my Honda was just as expensive as the Beemer. Both are expensive; I let the dealers do the maintenace for the warranty period and then they only see the bike if I CAN'T fix it. I will let them do things like adjust the valves and harmonic balancers; things that take specialized skills or tools. In my experience the Beemer is not MORE expensive just because its a Beemer.

-QM-

I found the same. My BMW is only slightly more, not enough to really raise an eyebrow at. I do everything I can, but like Quantum, I leave the more technical things to my dealer. My 1200GS is actually the easiest bike I have had to do an oil change on, really well thought out design compared to my CB919.

shuszczo · 05-03-2010, 09:37 AM

great logo... haha

cdn_red_dawg · 05-08-2010, 01:56 PM

Just traded my 1980 Shovelhead FXE for a 1998 BMW R1200C with a trailer for touring. Got sick and tired of working on the leaking HD all week so I could go riding on the weekend. You don't even notice the trailer even riding 2-up. Also love the fact that it's way more reliable.

embflieger · 05-17-2010, 07:21 PM

Every time I see a bike in a parking lot that looks nice, I'll go look at the odometer. There are lots of Hondas with 12,000 miles, Harleys with 30k, etc. However, it seems like only BMWs routinely hit 6 figures. Sometimes twice. Once in Munich I stopped at the BMW museum. They had a motorcycle on display that had been driven all over the world. I think it had a quarter million miles on it. If you consider amortizing the acquisition cost over that many miles, and having one bike for 20 years instead of 3, it makes sense. Plus they're gorgeous, but that's just me.

ears · 05-18-2010, 12:40 AM

Well I guess I have a bit of a unique reason that I'm a fan. I didn't choose bmw. Bmw in a way chose me.

My dad bought a brand new right off the line 1000rs in 1981. And I remember growing up taking this bike on trips through canada and cross the country... he had it apart several times replacing rods and pistons here and there. A carb once. But none the less he put his heart and soul into that bike and it ran like it was a day old all the way up to when he died in 2000. So he left it to me the only other gear head in the family. And its been sitting. A while but soon shell be back up on her feet again. And by god I love the hell out of that bike.... and I'm lookin to buy a newer more modern beamer here before long too....... I'm thinkin. R1200c maybe. Well see.

BikeCycleMan · 05-18-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ears

Well I guess I have a bit of a unique reason that I'm a fan. I didn't choose bmw. Bmw in a way chose me.

My dad bought a brand new right off the line 1000rs in 1981. ...he left it to me .... and I'm lookin to buy a newer more modern beamer here before long too....... I'm thinkin. R1200c maybe. Well see.

Technically speaking a 1981 R100RS IS a pretty modern bike. Only difference today might be FI.

ears · 05-18-2010, 10:02 AM

Yea I agree. I was very impressed with the technology that it has. Especially being carbeurated. The entire design seems to be very advanced. But I have to say the r1200c seems to be just as advanced for its time. The more I look into it the more impressed I am.

RocketMan · 05-18-2010, 02:52 PM

German Engineering.

inthewind08 · 05-25-2010, 08:09 PM

Do you know about any good dealerships on the east coast?

joncallihan · 06-28-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibmrbeemer

Because Porsche doesn't make motorcycles...

At least not complete ones. They did, however, have a lot to do with the latest Harley thing.

Jon

Otter · 07-07-2010, 02:09 PM

I fell in love with the BMW in my teens. I appreciate other bikes, but there's something about the look that none can compare with (except the 1200C and the 1200LT - don't like those).

I rode a 1150RT for about 25 000km, and loved every second. That bike just purrs on the open road - even when you start getting tired, it just seems to want you to carry on. Apart from the usual maintenance, the only thing I had to replace was a leaky seal on the driveshaft, which was less than $100. I even had a fall, and the damage was minor because of those big airheads. Switched to a 1200GS 11000km ago just so I could cover rougher roads, and the only problem I've had was with the spotlights, which were fitted independently, and which my local BMW adjusted for free.

Why BMW? I'm not going to say it's the best bike, but it has to be pretty close...

krisc · 07-10-2010, 01:24 AM

there is no better looking motorcycle than a 60's or 70's Bmw

krisc · 07-10-2010, 01:26 AM

I found an R 75/5 for so cheap, I was a fool not to buy it!

sir_real4127 · 07-17-2010, 05:05 AM

The things are built to last forever. Every Harly owner I know that has anything built before 1995 is always have off and on issues. My '85 K100 has 45k miles on it and it's just getting broken in.

akumulatori · 07-31-2010, 10:22 AM

...to me like a little old BMW , ....fall under the retro bikes

bryan_woods · 08-04-2010, 09:27 AM

I have 2 BMW's currently an R80 and a R1150GS ADV. I have found the GS to be a tractor in the City and the engine gets really hot in summer. I really hate the hydraulic clutch lever. I dont know what was wrong with the cable system, works fine on the R80. I have also found the servicing really expensive (Melbourne, Australia). I have lost faith in the new BM's with their high tec solution (Price a ABS system replacement). I was in NZ 2 years ago when my mates R1200 GS seized the gearbox. The bike had only 6000k on it that left me with a bad impression . So the GS Im selling. Sadly the R80 is up to 150000 ks and its a constant battle to keep her going so perhaps relaibilty up to a point. I have had a few bikes and have decent stable currently . The bike I regretted most selling was the 1997 XJ900 an unstoppable all-rounder. The Harley Sportster was also very reliable. Love the belt system. Cheap to service too.

erickmeier · 08-04-2010, 03:52 PM

I have two one 800GS and a G450X
the reason is simple:

they are BMW

webmost · 08-06-2010, 03:25 PM

Mostly rode used Hondas all my life. Best bang for the buck ever. Pick them up cheap, ride them 2-3 years, sell them and not lose a dime. Wife and I decided to go for a touring bike in 2003. Bought a GoldWing up in CT and rode it home. Got off and never rode it again. **** awkward two wheeled Oldsmobile. Got to looking for a new tourer. Wanted it to be as naked as possible. A new Wing was like $22k at the time, all lit up like a Christmas tree. A new HD was like $28k complete with 1947 technology and zero features. A Victory Tourer (the Vision wasn't out yet) came in at $17,500 with new engine technology but zero features. Test rides unobtainable on any of the above. Went to a BMW dealer to see the very odd looking R1200CLC. Salesman hands me a key and says: "Go fall in love. We close at five." Got off all kinds of impressed about an hour and a half later. Salesman told me they wanted $14,500, that BMW carried the paper at nine tenths of a percent, that BMW made the first three payments, and then deferred the next three. I said I'd think it over. As I held the door open for the RedHead to exit, she said: "Get your dumb ass back in here and buy this thing! Where the hell you think you're going to get a better deal?"

And that's how I wound up on a beemer. 75 thousand miles later, we still love her. And bear in mind, I usually have three bikes in the garage and put plenty miles on all of them. Right now, for instance, I have the the R1200CLC, a Kawasaki KLR650 I've put 15k on in a year and a half, just got rid of a Honda 919 last month I brought back to life after someone wrecked it, and just a week ago I bought a K75 someone parked for too many years. I like to have a project bike. I'll probably keep the CLC until I die. The others will come and go.

Here is the thing: It has a hypnotic cadence. Just purrs down the highway. At 70mph on the speedo in sixth, this mill is turning just 3k, all relaxed as can be, and full of torque. It's zen, is what it is. May and many a time we have fetched up at our destination at the end of a ten hour ride and wished we had more road to go.

chrome mane padme um

TeamHaps · 08-13-2010, 10:33 AM

We choose to sell BMW because even thou they are a little pricey as people say. BMWs have many innovative features and when you look at some brands so focused on old technology and not far away in price and in some cases more than BMW. well..

snowymountainsmick · 08-15-2010, 04:27 AM

As a young guy I had a few motorcycles but was always too hopeless to be able to afford a decent ride. As a young boy the son of the produce store rode a smick Earles forked BMW. He used to park it in the lane beside the shop and I used to just stare at it, it was lovely.

As a young adult I really fancied a Triumph 650 and then when the R80G/S came out, that was the bike I always wanted. I always likeed the idea of a bike that I could work on myself and one that I could keep on the road indefinetly. To me that spelt BMW.

I was determined to buy a BMW in the late 80s when I came back for my second stint as a bike owner. I only had $1000 and needed to do a 60Km/36mile commute through Sydney traffic. He talked me into a Suzuki GS650G Katana which was an excellent bike for the task. and rode it for several years with nothing other than very rigourous oil changes, new tyres, a battery and several sets of brake pads. I finished riding it in 1989 and didn't get back onto the saddle of a bike until Nov 2006 and as I wasn't sure of my riding ability due to old age, arthritus, bad back, etc, etc, etc so I bought a cheap 1983 R80ST. I didn't find it a particularly comfortable bike, but I liked it. After swapping through a few Jap bikes I wanted a good road bike with excellent luggage capacity for me and the newly acquired wife. I ended up with the R80G/S which I had always wanted and went to see a second hand 2004 Bonneyville with Hepco and Becker panniers and top bag that was advertised. I ended up coming home with a R1150GS. The plans of mice and men.

All of a sudden the R80G/S that I had always wanted was suddenly excess to requirements. I sold everything else off and ended up with one Swiss Army Knife of a bike which pretty much did everything I wanted. An awesome bike! Fast, (wellllll it doesn't have the exhillirating rush that the Jap 1200s I owned, but enough to get into serious trouble with), smooth, and able to whisk the two of us across the state with heaps of luggage and a minimum of fuss.

I have also bought a R100RT because I miss the airhead and it seems a lot more comfortable than the ST.

I will get my tinkering jollies and as the bike is 30 years old it will only cost me around $25 for club plates so that I can attend rides, etc. When it is a camping ride, I will use the GS pulling my wee trailer and when it is a hotel ride, I will used the old RT.

The quality, especially of the older BMs is awesome, but them again, the Jap bikes are pretty impressive as well. The concept of keeping older BMs on the road is strong and the ranger of spares is good and reasonably priced. BM spares compare favourably with spares from other countries.

The current approach by BMW Dealers is to just replace systems rather that repair individual parts is an approach shared by other manafacturers. Their approach makes sense (as far as they are concerned) when you consider, if you went there with a problem with your ABS and they isolate it to a small part and repaired it only to have another small part malfunction a short time later and then have the owner complain that they should have fixed it properly in the first place. Replace it all and you will probably not have any problems for another long period.

All of the major brands are pretty good nowadays, but BMWs have the luggage, the ergonomics and gobble up highway miles so well. I'm happy!

As my Chinese wife says "Bo-Mar (what they call Beemers) Number 1!"

snowymountainsmick · 08-17-2010, 05:03 AM

The R1150GS

The R100RT (poor quality picture, copied from advertisment).

webmost · 08-17-2010, 07:13 AM

Mick, you seem like a sharp guy. Maybe you can explain: What's with that silly beak on the GS?

35years17bikes · 08-18-2010, 01:04 AM

BMW does build hi tech, well engineered bikes with great asthetics, reliability and great features that handle extremly well. There bikes from the mid 70s Never seemed to wear out! I dont think their bikes from the 80's where as good but they came back strong in the mid late 90's and have been producing some really nice bikes ever since then. I can't wait to see the new 1600's with the inline 6! I have always loved the K1200LT because it is such a great looking bike!! As is the GT's and RT's and GS's The F650GS I had was the best dual sport I ever owned! (And I had many!) I could ride that bike all day! I think theres are allot of baby boomers who want to be in the BMW group and yes allot in the Harley crowd and now Truimph is comming back strong. These companies are all fighting for their disposable income! I have allways enjoy talking with BMW riders because they seem quite intellegent and are pure motorcyclists, with a real adventurous spirit that have been everywhere and have the photos and storries to prove it!

67fire · 08-18-2010, 02:26 AM

And, they build some REALLY FAST Bikes!!!!

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/20...nd-expres.html

Eric

beemerboy60 · 08-21-2010, 06:27 PM

I bouthr my first BMW (1972R75/5) because it was reliable and not common. I learned that it was fun to ride and easy to maintain. Bourht my 2nd R100/7 in 1978 and still own it as well as my 3rd a 1999 R1100RS. the are all fun to ride, handel great and easy to find replacement parts for.
beemerboy60

snowymountainsmick · 08-22-2010, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webmost

Mick, you seem like a sharp guy. Maybe you can explain: What's with that silly beak on the GS?

The beak on a bike that is going to see some dirt makes perfect sense to me. It is the tyre hugging lower guard that is silly as far as I'm concerned. It would clog up with mud and stop the wheel really quickly. I quiet like the beak, the beakless road bikes of the same vintage look like bird's that have had their beak cut off. With the odd shaped headlights, beak and silver light/instrument cover it looks like they have tried to give it an 'expression' and make it look like a sort of robot.

robj6767 · 08-22-2010, 11:11 PM

Love BMW cars, so when I got interested in bikes, I figured BMW made them great. I love the looks of them as well. Just bought 2006 r1200rt and I totally predicted right.

sptnclays · 08-23-2010, 10:09 AM

Looking at a first time BMW buy.
Any opinions on a 1999 BMW K-Series K1200RS?

snowymountainsmick · 08-23-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowymountainsmick

The beak on a bike that is going to see some dirt makes perfect sense to me. It is the tyre hugging lower guard that is silly as far as I'm concerned. It would clog up with mud and stop the wheel really quickly. I quiet like the beak, the beakless road bikes of the same vintage look like bird's that have had their beak cut off. With the odd shaped headlights, beak and silver light/instrument cover it looks like they have tried to give it an 'expression' and make it look like a sort of robot.

I forgot to add, my friend calls it "No.5" as in the robot movie "No.5 Alive!!!"

That little brunette in that movie was one of the most desirable women I have ever seen! (A bit off topic, but I just couldn't resist, sorry

).

berniematic · 08-27-2010, 12:17 AM

Amiable dealers - at mine, no test rides are allowed unless escorted by a trusted employee, Spinning prop badges - I believe its really just a depiction of the blue and white checkered Bavarian flag, and Robot movies - I'm going to try to find that. Oh and drive shaft "lift". I did experience that on a test ride in about 1978 but never on 6 or 8 newer bikes I've been on since then.

Innyway - for me, good German stuff seems to be made to run for a long time at speed without superfluous stuff (including loud noise). Oriental bikes run long and go fast, and I love how quiet goldwings are but there seems to be no regard for weight. I had 2 goldwings and when I slid into a ditch 'cuz I couldn't get it around a corner, I promptly took it and a sportster in for a trade on an '82 RT. Very unlike the honda, the faster the BMW went the more stable the fairing made it feel. So not nearly as scary either straight or twisty.

All is not perfect. I thought I'd try a K bike. The 1200GT was so fast and smooth but for me, widely spread legs, dinky windshield, tortuous radiator heat and bent over posture made the latter part of the phrase "sport tourer" out of the question. One can have the same great motor in an LT, but that too has become heavy. All matters of taste but for me boxers have been the most enjoyable cycle I've found.

67fire · 08-27-2010, 12:31 AM

Apparently, there are several reasons to chose BMW.
Including...

2010 BIKE OF THE YEAR!!!

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...rds-89890.html

Eric

beemerboy60 · 08-27-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sptnclays

Looking at a first time BMW buy.
Any opinions on a 1999 BMW K-Series K1200RS?

Reliable, very fast, handles great, My friend has 150K on his and it is still going strong. If the price is right but it.

tosh61 · 08-28-2010, 11:53 AM

I own a 2009 X-country and have had a host of problems: needs to be repeatedly restarted during cold starts, hesitation when giving gas after downshifting, and rough idle. I am need of some advice in getting my bike to run properly. My service guy and I do not get along. He pulls my chain by saying it is the way I am riding my bike. I currently have over 5000 miles on the bike and needed to take it in 6 times for service. Any help out there to find a good mechanic in the chicagoland area? Love the bike but it is not trustworthy for extended rides.

snowymountainsmick · 08-28-2010, 07:25 PM

Number 1 priority, give the service guy the flick. You are paying him not the other way around.

tosh61 · 08-28-2010, 09:10 PM

I agree with giving my service guy the flick! The problem is there isn't many service guys in the chicagoland area. Any suggestions??

gulfsurfing · 10-01-2010, 05:51 PM

I watched Long Way Round. Had to have an R. I have had an R100r for three years and drive it everyday. That show showed me just how reliable and well made these bikes are.

07-17-2010, 05:05 AM	#98
sir_real4127 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Maumee, OH Posts: 5	Reliability The things are built to last forever. Every Harly owner I know that has anything built before 1995 is always have off and on issues. My '85 K100 has 45k miles on it and it's just getting broken in.

08-06-2010, 03:25 PM	#102
webmost Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3	why BMW Mostly rode used Hondas all my life. Best bang for the buck ever. Pick them up cheap, ride them 2-3 years, sell them and not lose a dime. Wife and I decided to go for a touring bike in 2003. Bought a GoldWing up in CT and rode it home. Got off and never rode it again. **** awkward two wheeled Oldsmobile. Got to looking for a new tourer. Wanted it to be as naked as possible. A new Wing was like $22k at the time, all lit up like a Christmas tree. A new HD was like $28k complete with 1947 technology and zero features. A Victory Tourer (the Vision wasn't out yet) came in at $17,500 with new engine technology but zero features. Test rides unobtainable on any of the above. Went to a BMW dealer to see the very odd looking R1200CLC. Salesman hands me a key and says: "Go fall in love. We close at five." Got off all kinds of impressed about an hour and a half later. Salesman told me they wanted $14,500, that BMW carried the paper at nine tenths of a percent, that BMW made the first three payments, and then deferred the next three. I said I'd think it over. As I held the door open for the RedHead to exit, she said: "Get your dumb ass back in here and buy this thing! Where the hell you think you're going to get a better deal?" And that's how I wound up on a beemer. 75 thousand miles later, we still love her. And bear in mind, I usually have three bikes in the garage and put plenty miles on all of them. Right now, for instance, I have the the R1200CLC, a Kawasaki KLR650 I've put 15k on in a year and a half, just got rid of a Honda 919 last month I brought back to life after someone wrecked it, and just a week ago I bought a K75 someone parked for too many years. I like to have a project bike. I'll probably keep the CLC until I die. The others will come and go. Here is the thing: It has a hypnotic cadence. Just purrs down the highway. At 70mph on the speedo in sixth, this mill is turning just 3k, all relaxed as can be, and full of torque. It's zen, is what it is. May and many a time we have fetched up at our destination at the end of a ten hour ride and wished we had more road to go. chrome mane padme um

08-17-2010, 07:13 AM	#106
webmost Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3	why beak? Mick, you seem like a sharp guy. Maybe you can explain: What's with that silly beak on the GS?

08-18-2010, 01:04 AM	#107
35years17bikes Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Albany NY Posts: 11	Allot to admire BMW does build hi tech, well engineered bikes with great asthetics, reliability and great features that handle extremly well. There bikes from the mid 70s Never seemed to wear out! I dont think their bikes from the 80's where as good but they came back strong in the mid late 90's and have been producing some really nice bikes ever since then. I can't wait to see the new 1600's with the inline 6! I have always loved the K1200LT because it is such a great looking bike!! As is the GT's and RT's and GS's The F650GS I had was the best dual sport I ever owned! (And I had many!) I could ride that bike all day! I think theres are allot of baby boomers who want to be in the BMW group and yes allot in the Harley crowd and now Truimph is comming back strong. These companies are all fighting for their disposable income! I have allways enjoy talking with BMW riders because they seem quite intellegent and are pure motorcyclists, with a real adventurous spirit that have been everywhere and have the photos and storries to prove it!

08-21-2010, 06:27 PM	#109
beemerboy60 Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 7	Why BMW I bouthr my first BMW (1972R75/5) because it was reliable and not common. I learned that it was fun to ride and easy to maintain. Bourht my 2nd R100/7 in 1978 and still own it as well as my 3rd a 1999 R1100RS. the are all fun to ride, handel great and easy to find replacement parts for. beemerboy60

04-02-2010, 08:16 PM	#81
BulkandSkull Newbie Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: LA. We love it. Posts: 6	I don't really have a "because I knew they were so much better" story, but I have discovered that they are. I bought my 72 R60 on craigslist about a month ago. I don't have a lot of money, and it was just over a grand, so that worked out. I've redone all the wiring and some other maintenance, and it's been a lot of fun. In all honesty, I loved it when I saw it, because its cool to have something different like that. I can't really identify with the whole heated grips and fifty saddlebags thing, but I guess that's cool too if that's what you're into. Also, it's cool to have a ratty old bike that isn't a rigid Harley. Living in LA, I think those are getting a bit played out. And like I said, I didn't have fifteen grand plus to spend. I'm glad it happened the way it did, because people really like the bike. And I do, too.

04-27-2010, 01:19 PM	#82
CapnSlow Registered Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1	I've heard great things about BMW bikes and the readers/writers on this forum are no exception. But nobody is talking about the cost of maintenance. I've heard terrible things about the cost of maintaining your BMW. Are the rumors true?

04-27-2010, 04:05 PM	#83
QuantumMechanic Verified Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 26	NO, The regular maintenace on my Honda was just as expensive as the Beemer. Both are expensive; I let the dealers do the maintenace for the warranty period and then they only see the bike if I CAN'T fix it. I will let them do things like adjust the valves and harmonic balancers; things that take specialized skills or tools. In my experience the Beemer is not MORE expensive just because its a Beemer. -QM-

04-27-2010, 08:48 PM	#84
David 1 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,460	I say no as well. Many of them just need normal maintenance. Change oil, etc. There can be expensive repairs on any bike. Maybe there are not as many BMW owners/riders what work on their own bike, so that adds cost. But I know many who do all their own work. That will lower the cost on any bike. And I enjoy working on bikes or cars. dc

05-03-2010, 09:37 AM	#86
shuszczo Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1	great logo... haha

05-08-2010, 01:56 PM	#87
cdn_red_dawg Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 4	Just traded my 1980 Shovelhead FXE for a 1998 BMW R1200C with a trailer for touring. Got sick and tired of working on the leaking HD all week so I could go riding on the weekend. You don't even notice the trailer even riding 2-up. Also love the fact that it's way more reliable.

05-17-2010, 07:21 PM	#88
embflieger Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 6	Every time I see a bike in a parking lot that looks nice, I'll go look at the odometer. There are lots of Hondas with 12,000 miles, Harleys with 30k, etc. However, it seems like only BMWs routinely hit 6 figures. Sometimes twice. Once in Munich I stopped at the BMW museum. They had a motorcycle on display that had been driven all over the world. I think it had a quarter million miles on it. If you consider amortizing the acquisition cost over that many miles, and having one bike for 20 years instead of 3, it makes sense. Plus they're gorgeous, but that's just me.

05-18-2010, 12:40 AM	#89
ears Verified Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 16	Well I guess I have a bit of a unique reason that I'm a fan. I didn't choose bmw. Bmw in a way chose me. My dad bought a brand new right off the line 1000rs in 1981. And I remember growing up taking this bike on trips through canada and cross the country... he had it apart several times replacing rods and pistons here and there. A carb once. But none the less he put his heart and soul into that bike and it ran like it was a day old all the way up to when he died in 2000. So he left it to me the only other gear head in the family. And its been sitting. A while but soon shell be back up on her feet again. And by god I love the hell out of that bike.... and I'm lookin to buy a newer more modern beamer here before long too....... I'm thinkin. R1200c maybe. Well see.

05-18-2010, 10:02 AM	#91
ears Verified Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 16	Yea I agree. I was very impressed with the technology that it has. Especially being carbeurated. The entire design seems to be very advanced. But I have to say the r1200c seems to be just as advanced for its time. The more I look into it the more impressed I am.

05-18-2010, 02:52 PM	#92
RocketMan Verified Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southeast Posts: 24	German Engineering.

05-25-2010, 08:09 PM	#93
inthewind08 Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4	Do you know about any good dealerships on the east coast?

07-07-2010, 02:09 PM	#95
Otter Newbie Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 6	I fell in love with the BMW in my teens. I appreciate other bikes, but there's something about the look that none can compare with (except the 1200C and the 1200LT - don't like those). I rode a 1150RT for about 25 000km, and loved every second. That bike just purrs on the open road - even when you start getting tired, it just seems to want you to carry on. Apart from the usual maintenance, the only thing I had to replace was a leaky seal on the driveshaft, which was less than $100. I even had a fall, and the damage was minor because of those big airheads. Switched to a 1200GS 11000km ago just so I could cover rougher roads, and the only problem I've had was with the spotlights, which were fitted independently, and which my local BMW adjusted for free. Why BMW? I'm not going to say it's the best bike, but it has to be pretty close...

07-10-2010, 01:24 AM	#96
krisc Newbie Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 4	there is no better looking motorcycle than a 60's or 70's Bmw

07-10-2010, 01:26 AM	#97
krisc Newbie Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 4	I found an R 75/5 for so cheap, I was a fool not to buy it!

07-31-2010, 10:22 AM	#99
akumulatori Registered Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1	...to me like a little old BMW , ....fall under the retro bikes

08-04-2010, 09:27 AM	#100
bryan_woods Registered Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1	I have 2 BMW's currently an R80 and a R1150GS ADV. I have found the GS to be a tractor in the City and the engine gets really hot in summer. I really hate the hydraulic clutch lever. I dont know what was wrong with the cable system, works fine on the R80. I have also found the servicing really expensive (Melbourne, Australia). I have lost faith in the new BM's with their high tec solution (Price a ABS system replacement). I was in NZ 2 years ago when my mates R1200 GS seized the gearbox. The bike had only 6000k on it that left me with a bad impression . So the GS Im selling. Sadly the R80 is up to 150000 ks and its a constant battle to keep her going so perhaps relaibilty up to a point. I have had a few bikes and have decent stable currently . The bike I regretted most selling was the 1997 XJ900 an unstoppable all-rounder. The Harley Sportster was also very reliable. Love the belt system. Cheap to service too.

08-04-2010, 03:52 PM	#101
erickmeier Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 6	I have two one 800GS and a G450X the reason is simple: they are BMW

08-13-2010, 10:33 AM	#103
TeamHaps Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sarasota, Florida (Just south of Tampa) Posts: 4	We choose to sell BMW because even thou they are a little pricey as people say. BMWs have many innovative features and when you look at some brands so focused on old technology and not far away in price and in some cases more than BMW. well..

08-15-2010, 04:27 AM	#104
snowymountainsmick Verified Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 36	As a young guy I had a few motorcycles but was always too hopeless to be able to afford a decent ride. As a young boy the son of the produce store rode a smick Earles forked BMW. He used to park it in the lane beside the shop and I used to just stare at it, it was lovely. As a young adult I really fancied a Triumph 650 and then when the R80G/S came out, that was the bike I always wanted. I always likeed the idea of a bike that I could work on myself and one that I could keep on the road indefinetly. To me that spelt BMW. I was determined to buy a BMW in the late 80s when I came back for my second stint as a bike owner. I only had $1000 and needed to do a 60Km/36mile commute through Sydney traffic. He talked me into a Suzuki GS650G Katana which was an excellent bike for the task. and rode it for several years with nothing other than very rigourous oil changes, new tyres, a battery and several sets of brake pads. I finished riding it in 1989 and didn't get back onto the saddle of a bike until Nov 2006 and as I wasn't sure of my riding ability due to old age, arthritus, bad back, etc, etc, etc so I bought a cheap 1983 R80ST. I didn't find it a particularly comfortable bike, but I liked it. After swapping through a few Jap bikes I wanted a good road bike with excellent luggage capacity for me and the newly acquired wife. I ended up with the R80G/S which I had always wanted and went to see a second hand 2004 Bonneyville with Hepco and Becker panniers and top bag that was advertised. I ended up coming home with a R1150GS. The plans of mice and men. All of a sudden the R80G/S that I had always wanted was suddenly excess to requirements. I sold everything else off and ended up with one Swiss Army Knife of a bike which pretty much did everything I wanted. An awesome bike! Fast, (wellllll it doesn't have the exhillirating rush that the Jap 1200s I owned, but enough to get into serious trouble with), smooth, and able to whisk the two of us across the state with heaps of luggage and a minimum of fuss. I have also bought a R100RT because I miss the airhead and it seems a lot more comfortable than the ST. I will get my tinkering jollies and as the bike is 30 years old it will only cost me around $25 for club plates so that I can attend rides, etc. When it is a camping ride, I will use the GS pulling my wee trailer and when it is a hotel ride, I will used the old RT. The quality, especially of the older BMs is awesome, but them again, the Jap bikes are pretty impressive as well. The concept of keeping older BMs on the road is strong and the ranger of spares is good and reasonably priced. BM spares compare favourably with spares from other countries. The current approach by BMW Dealers is to just replace systems rather that repair individual parts is an approach shared by other manafacturers. Their approach makes sense (as far as they are concerned) when you consider, if you went there with a problem with your ABS and they isolate it to a small part and repaired it only to have another small part malfunction a short time later and then have the owner complain that they should have fixed it properly in the first place. Replace it all and you will probably not have any problems for another long period. All of the major brands are pretty good nowadays, but BMWs have the luggage, the ergonomics and gobble up highway miles so well. I'm happy! As my Chinese wife says "Bo-Mar (what they call Beemers) Number 1!"

08-17-2010, 05:03 AM	#105
snowymountainsmick Verified Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 36	The R1150GS The R100RT (poor quality picture, copied from advertisment).

08-18-2010, 02:26 AM	#108
67fire Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 4,417	And, they build some REALLY FAST Bikes!!!! http://hellforleathermagazine.com/20...nd-expres.html Eric

08-22-2010, 11:11 PM	#111
robj6767 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 3	Love BMW cars, so when I got interested in bikes, I figured BMW made them great. I love the looks of them as well. Just bought 2006 r1200rt and I totally predicted right.

08-23-2010, 10:09 AM	#112
sptnclays Registered Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2	Looking at a first time BMW buy. Any opinions on a 1999 BMW K-Series K1200RS?

08-27-2010, 12:17 AM	#114
berniematic Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 10	interesting stuff Amiable dealers - at mine, no test rides are allowed unless escorted by a trusted employee, Spinning prop badges - I believe its really just a depiction of the blue and white checkered Bavarian flag, and Robot movies - I'm going to try to find that. Oh and drive shaft "lift". I did experience that on a test ride in about 1978 but never on 6 or 8 newer bikes I've been on since then. Innyway - for me, good German stuff seems to be made to run for a long time at speed without superfluous stuff (including loud noise). Oriental bikes run long and go fast, and I love how quiet goldwings are but there seems to be no regard for weight. I had 2 goldwings and when I slid into a ditch 'cuz I couldn't get it around a corner, I promptly took it and a sportster in for a trade on an '82 RT. Very unlike the honda, the faster the BMW went the more stable the fairing made it feel. So not nearly as scary either straight or twisty. All is not perfect. I thought I'd try a K bike. The 1200GT was so fast and smooth but for me, widely spread legs, dinky windshield, tortuous radiator heat and bent over posture made the latter part of the phrase "sport tourer" out of the question. One can have the same great motor in an LT, but that too has become heavy. All matters of taste but for me boxers have been the most enjoyable cycle I've found.

08-27-2010, 12:31 AM	#115
67fire Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 4,417	Apparently, there are several reasons to chose BMW. Including... 2010 BIKE OF THE YEAR!!! http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...rds-89890.html Eric

08-28-2010, 11:53 AM	#117
tosh61 Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Western suburb of Chicago, Il Posts: 7	I own a 2009 X-country and have had a host of problems: needs to be repeatedly restarted during cold starts, hesitation when giving gas after downshifting, and rough idle. I am need of some advice in getting my bike to run properly. My service guy and I do not get along. He pulls my chain by saying it is the way I am riding my bike. I currently have over 5000 miles on the bike and needed to take it in 6 times for service. Any help out there to find a good mechanic in the chicagoland area? Love the bike but it is not trustworthy for extended rides.

08-28-2010, 07:25 PM	#118
snowymountainsmick Verified Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 36	Number 1 priority, give the service guy the flick. You are paying him not the other way around.

08-28-2010, 09:10 PM	#119
tosh61 Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Western suburb of Chicago, Il Posts: 7	I agree with giving my service guy the flick! The problem is there isn't many service guys in the chicagoland area. Any suggestions??

10-01-2010, 05:51 PM	#120
gulfsurfing Motorcyclist Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 4	I watched Long Way Round. Had to have an R. I have had an R100r for three years and drive it everyday. That show showed me just how reliable and well made these bikes are.

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