BMW tourers....opinions?

**sunhuntin** · 14th January 2007, 15:17

cheers peter...good luck selling. im not in the market to buy yet, just looking. it sounds like the older ones are just as reliable and the new...is this fact?

**Ixion** · 14th January 2007, 19:46

There are many who argue (sometimes vehemently) that the older ones were MORE reliable than the later ones. I'm not entirely sure they are wrong.

**Bonez** · 16th January 2007, 16:36

Originally Posted by Titanium

The new K bikes have a very low COG due to the fact the cylinders lean forward at 55 degrees.

I would have tought the old Ks had a lower COG considering the engines on its side ralitive to other triples and fours.

**Ixion** · 16th January 2007, 16:47

The naked ones, the CoG is quite low. But the RT and LT models it comes way up cos of the weight of all those great big high fairings.

**Mystic13** · 18th January 2007, 10:25

You can't beat the F800 series.... dial up "F800riders.org" on the web and have a look around. Or check out this video http://www.bmw-motorrad.jp/event_cam...fer/video.html and enjoy. When you buy a bmw join bmwor and take advantage of the group insurance scheme. Insurance is a little over $600 for full cover for a new F800ST. BMW Finance provide finance at one of the cheapest rates around so I'd use this. Lastly talk to anyone that has one of these, they're fast, handle incredibly well, they're light and torquey, will handle two up touring all day long, you can throw them around at speed and I'm getting around 67mpg.

These bikes just leave you with a big grin after riding. You need to ring around the country to buy one because BMW worldwide can't meet the demand for these bikes and the wait can be long. Oh and did I mention the ABS in the wet. This thing stops like the road was dry.

There are a lot more videos on f800riders.... hope this helps. Of course if the budget is way lower I'd still go bmw, bmwor group insurance and BMW finance. The other thing you need to decide is what sort of touring if you're going back of beyond then you wouldn't want the road bikes. There is an F800GS coming which is expected to be a seriously big seller.

**TLDV8** · 18th January 2007, 11:02

I like the look of the F650 GS/Dakar after reading Silk Riders.

I thought a single would struggle a bit but it seems they have no trouble at highway speeds,are robust with excellent mileage and open up new adventures as far as getting off the main roads.
Not a BMW tourer in the mould of the Twin's but ........

**Eddieb** · 19th January 2007, 12:06

Originally Posted by Ixion

One Bear in mind that BMWs can run up very high mileages without problems, 100000k is nothing on a BMW.
splines.

Have a look at these mileages on advrider. 265,000km on a Honda Africa Twin, 400,000 miles on a mid 90's bmw GS, etc etc.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178077

**Pogo2** · 19th January 2007, 18:01

Used to own a K100RS. Like alot of people said quite heavy but once over 5-10 kph ,just fantastic. Loved the shaft drive, and just put petrol in it - not much else to do. Never many hassles, although parts were expensive - $150 for genuine BMW battery.

Would have another one tomorrow - always fancied at R850R. Odd shape but it grew on me.

Read somewhere that over 50% of BMW bikes ever produced are still on the road. Don't know if it is true but I wouldn't be surprised.

**pritch** · 20th January 2007, 08:36

Originally Posted by Ixion

There are many who argue (sometimes vehemently) that the older ones were MORE reliable than the later ones. I'm not entirely sure they are wrong.

Nor me.

A gentleman of my aquaintance has a gently aging BMW that he has owned since new, he says it was one of the last of the good ones... He is of course just slightly biased.

Not too many years ago BMW bikes were assembled in Bavaria by tradesmen,
the engines were assembled by mechanics, and the painters were all craftsmen.

The ads used to talk about how BMW pinstriping was all applied by hand by skilled tradesmen. (For the benefit of any feminists offended by my use of "tradesmen", I do not recall seeing a woman in any of the ads.)

It was probably as a consequence of that level of expertise in the factory that BMW bikes gained the reputation they held as the most reliable bikes in the world.

More recently BMW opened a factory in Berlin and hired assembly workers off the street just like everyone else does. Gone are the mechanics and the craftsmen, and sadly, also gone is the level of quality and reliability they brought with them.

All of which goes some way to explain why Honda are now considered to make the most reliable bikes money can buy and not BMW.

**kevfromcoro** · 20th January 2007, 18:41

just got my dooks on a BM 800...full fairings and bags on the back,,,,at high speed its good,,,, great tourer,,,.pulls well from 60mph..to the ton....just one thing..keep dropping it at low speed,,,,,done a u turn on the hway..and dumpped it in the middle of the road.dumped it my familes driveway...this thing is a handfull going slow,,,,i have over 40 yrs of bike ridding..and never done this......mayebe its getting youst to the shaft drive.....other than that its a great bike.....reliable...starts evertime.the fairing provides ecxell protection....and i can fit a box of piss in each bag,,,would like to ride a later model..probably a lot more user friendly......Ride Safe KEV

**Edbear** · 20th January 2007, 20:08

Originally Posted by kevfromcoro

i have over 40 yrs of bike ridding..and never done this......KEV

There's yer answer, Kev! Stop and have a sleep, mate!

I's been ridin' fer 36 years and boy is I tired...!

**Wolf** · 25th January 2007, 12:08

I'm still planning on getting a 1980s BMW R100CS one of these years when I find one at the right price. I found the one I rode was like an extension of my body - it just went where I wanted it to go. I'm a short-arse and I was quite light back then but I had no issues with the bike's weight - I manoeuvred it with no more drama than my far lighter RD350 and it felt more manageable than my brother-in-law's old GT550.

It just felt so damned easy to ride and it turned out I was going a lot faster than I realised - handled at 50mph like I was only doing 50km/h. Very confidence -inspiring machine.

**shafty** · 25th January 2007, 16:48

Originally Posted by Titanium

K 1200 S is the ultimate sports tourer from BMW.

I have one for sale ...... have had 9,000 kms of fun and comfort.

There is not much more in a motorcycle that you could want.

Cheers

Peter

Why are ya selling such an awesome bike Pete?

**shafty** · 25th January 2007, 17:04

I've had 3 BM's - a K100RT, with the big fairing, bags etc, a retro 1990 (?)
R100R - a naked Boxer, and until last year a R1150R - see pic below. I would buy a K or R model anytime, infact if my budget was a few thousand, a good K or R would be n awesome bike for the money. These bikes are mostly owned by mature, fussy owners, so getting one in excellent condition isn't hard. Shaft Drive Rules (hence my KB name). The R100R was a favourite, it handled so well, it made me look good as a rider. The paralever and telelever suspension on the 1150 is amazing also. I have a write up on that model if interested. Theres a BMW for all price ranges now, meaning good older models.

Don't be too quick to put-down Jap bikes. They are fantastically engineered, and exceptionally clever. The HD choice on the other hand.............personal I know, but I wouldn't have one, unless it had a radiator (V Rod). Have fun looking at bikes, - test ride heaps!