View Full Version : Any of you ride a BMW?
I've been looking at BMW motorcycles for awhile. If any of you have experience with them, I'm interested in your thoughts on performance, maintenance, etc..
milwaukeeshaker
04-27-2016, 19:54
All of them are Fugly. but supposed to be bullet proof.
Which one are you looking at
Looking at either a K1300gt, or F800gs (different ends of the spectrum)
A co-worker has the 800 and loves it. He's been riding almost 10 years, moved from the Suzuki GXR.
ChadAmberg
04-27-2016, 21:10
I've got a C650GT.
Great-Kazoo
04-27-2016, 21:20
Use to. Great motorcycles. There isn't anything you cannot do on the side of the road with the tool provided, except split the cases. The only down side (IMO) is support network. Break down in bumfuk artic circle, chances are within 24 hours your KLR or Honda are up and running , beemers not so much.
Perhaps a lot has changed in the last 6 years. However if you're a serious rider but not too mechanical, look for beemer shops around the country, then Kawi & honda.
The question is what type riding you looking to do? There's a bit of a spread between the 2 bikes you inquired about.
BushMasterBoy
04-27-2016, 21:37
I like the old airheads with carburetors. I hate it when a computer dies and then it won't run.
I think they were a bit easier to live with 10 years or so ago. As said previously, best tool kit on a bike, ever. Before the internet I was a member of bmw owners club. They had a book of member around the country that you could call and get help or just say hello. Parts are a bit expensive, but if you're close to a good dealer, everything is available. If I get into another bike soon, I'd look at an oil head GS.
colorider
04-27-2016, 22:28
The 800gs is a great colorado bike!!!!!! Tfog here is the one you should talk to about the maintenance, etc.
Bailey Guns
04-28-2016, 06:26
I had an F650GS. Like an 03...I think. I bought it to replace a KLR650 that was just too tall for me. The BMW was really similar in performance and such to the KLR but was much more rider friendly for a short guy (I'm a whopping 5' 8"). I owned it for a couple of years. No complaints, no issues. Bulletproof bike in my experience.
Martinjmpr
04-28-2016, 07:25
Yes, I have a 2002 R1150R, an oilhead boxer. Great power, fast bike. Weighs a ton but feels very solid when riding. Reliability is crazy good - mine has over 60k and it still runs like a Swiss watch.
The only downside to mine is that it is a little "high tech" with servo-assisted brakes (i.e. power brakes) and ABS. From what I've heard, if the computer-controlled ABS goes out its like a $2500 repair (on a bike I paid $3700 for.) There is a pretty good support network worldwide, certainly better than there is for Triumph (my other bike is a Bonneville.)
Great-Kazoo
04-28-2016, 07:48
Yes, I have a 2002 R1150R, an oilhead boxer. Great power, fast bike. Weighs a ton but feels very solid when riding. Reliability is crazy good - mine has over 60k and it still runs like a Swiss watch.
The only downside to mine is that it is a little "high tech" with servo-assisted brakes (i.e. power brakes) and ABS. From what I've heard, if the computer-controlled ABS goes out its like a $2500 repair (on a bike I paid $3700 for.) There is a pretty good support network worldwide, certainly better than there is for Triumph (my other bike is a Bonneville.)
I had an 02 also. You do a spline lube on it yet? If not i have a dvd of a spline lube tech days i held a few years back.
Martinjmpr
04-28-2016, 08:53
I had an 02 also. You do a spline lube on it yet? If not i have a dvd of a spline lube tech days i held a few years back.
Not sure. I mean, I haven't done one but I bought the bike in 2013 with just over 50k on it. I did get new tires a couple of years ago, so is spline lubing part of the regular maintenance involved in putting the back wheel back on? I had mine done by Bavarian Motorcycles West off of Broadway and Evans, my understanding is that guy knows his stuff.
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I'll probably keep the Beemer for another year or so and then sell it. I'm saving my $$, would like to get a Triumph Tiger 800 XR. Those are awesome bikes, but right now too pricey for me even used.
Great-Kazoo
04-28-2016, 09:03
Not sure. I mean, I haven't done one but I bought the bike in 2013 with just over 50k on it. I did get new tires a couple of years ago, so is spline lubing part of the regular maintenance involved in putting the back wheel back on? I had mine done by Bavarian Motorcycles West off of Broadway and Evans, my understanding is that guy knows his stuff.
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I'll probably keep the Beemer for another year or so and then sell it. I'm saving my $$, would like to get a Triumph Tiger 800 XR. Those are awesome bikes, but right now too pricey for me even used.
It's fairly easy to do. The biggest thing is keeping track of everything during disassembly. The one we did here ran 3-4 hours. not including the usual bs'ing
http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/R11Manual/r11drivesha.htm
http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/airheads/r100gspline.shtml
http://www.pokiespages.com/pokie/spline.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/spline/
NFATrustGuy
04-28-2016, 12:58
Not sure. I mean, I haven't done one but I bought the bike in 2013 with just over 50k on it. I did get new tires a couple of years ago, so is spline lubing part of the regular maintenance involved in putting the back wheel back on? I had mine done by Bavarian Motorcycles West off of Broadway and Evans, my understanding is that guy knows his stuff.
.
I'll probably keep the Beemer for another year or so and then sell it. I'm saving my $$, would like to get a Triumph Tiger 800 XR. Those are awesome bikes, but right now too pricey for me even used.
You'd probably remember the bill if you've paid someone to do a spline lube. I've heard it described as $400 worth of labor to apply about 50ยข worth of grease... And if you don't do it, the lack of lube will do $2500 in damage to your final drive.
I owned a 1995 K1100LT for a few years. Fantastic motorcycle, but not appropriate for my mission. Too top heavy for the type of in-town riding I do. It was, however, surprisingly fast and turbine smooth.
Sorry, had to post it!
65124
milwaukeeshaker
04-28-2016, 18:06
Dang! I ride an M roadster, but they never showed me that video. I guess I'm doing it wrong.[LOL]
I don't own one, but I work on them. A little quirky compared to most other brands, but generally solid. I have the data tool to do things like reset the service reminder, and bleed the ABS brake systems properly, so there's very little that I haven't been into on one.
Great info, thanks! I like the F800gs for an around town bike, the K1300gt for long trips.
I have a 2014 GSA and before that I had a 2007 GSA and 96 GS.
I have had noting but good luck with them and am very happy. I put 8-12K miles a year on them, about a 50-50 split between dirt and pavement. Not much single track, but lots of two track fire roads just getting off the beaten path. The GSA is a really big bike for single track where a 800 GS is perfect.
I do a lot of my own service/maint but I leave the major stuff to dealers. Major as in things I don't have the tools, time, or know-how to accomplish. Parts are a bit expensive, but thats just the way it is.
The new engines are crazy better than the older ones. Going from a 2007 to a 14 was like going from a 800cc to a 1200cc in power.
I always laugh when I see a dude on a BMW/Harley/Victory/ect wearing that brand jacket, helmet, glasses, boots, t-shirt ect.
Looking at either a K1300gt, or F800gs (different ends of the spectrum)
Yes........ complete opposite ends of the spectrum within the BMW motorcycle range. What is your riding experience and what type of riding are you looking to do?
I am on my third Beemer. Had a 77 R100RS that I restored. A 2002 GS and now a 2012 GS, both purchased new.
The K bike will be a great down the road/touring bike. Powerful inline 4 cylinder engine, all day riding.
The GS800 has a Rotax twin that is not very strong. Not a great road bike but will shine in the adventure touring mode. Mild off road capabilities, stock suspension not great.
Neither has the " classic boxer" style power plant.
To me the GS melds both worlds. Good comfort, commuting, great down the road/ touring and can do very light duty off road.
Maintenance and parts are expensive compared with the Asian bikes but will be on par with the stuff coming out of Europe. All of mine have been very trouble free.
Awesome after market support for all three from Touratech, Wunderlich etc....
My advise would be to get some test rides. Foothills BMW always seems to have a good selection of used bikes to demo and they even have rentals.
The new engines are crazy better than the older ones. Going from a 2007 to a 14 was like going from a 800cc to a 1200cc in power..
With the camhead engine 2010 to late 2012 some where in between.
With the camhead engine 2010 to late 2012 some where in between.
So you're saying post 2010 is the way to go?
I've ridden the K1200gt, it's pretty sweet. The R1200GS are nice, but they stand a bit too tall for my liking.
No not really, just my opinion on current ownership. And to be sure we are comparing like bikes.
The K series BMW will have a liquid cooled inline 4cylinder engine. The R series will be the "classic Boxer" 2cylinder engine with the heads sticking out the sides. Each engine design will have a plus/minus ratio but the boxer engine will have better lower end torque, lower center of gravity and easier to work on.
My GS has a air/oil cooled engine while the GS Hoser owns will have their newest liquid cooled series boxer power plant. His bike does make better power but also adds radiators, water pump, hoses etc.
Everyone likes something different. But for me the camhead GS BMW produced right before they could no longer meet the new EU emission standers is just about perfect for the type of riding I do.
As for heights the std GS1200 is no taller than the F800GS you are looking at. The GSA1200 Hoser was will be a bit taller due to his increased suspension travel. I am only 5'8" but still can get both feet down comfortably. The bikes always look taller on their center stands and BMW does sell lowered height seats.
No bad choices here. Shopping for a new bike is great fun !!
Good luck !
wctriumph
04-30-2016, 22:55
I-25 and Prospect. Stop in and say hello. I am the service manager.
1303 SW Frontage Road. Can't miss it.
I would test ride any that you are thinking of first. I was very disappointed with how the f800gs rode and fit me. I would have gotten a KLR 650 if I wanted a tractor and saved a bunch of cash. Got a Tiger 800xc instead and am very satisfied. Would also look at the big KTM's if you don't mind the maintainance.
No experiance with the big touring bikes.
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