What are BMW bikes like?
Discussion
volvod5_dude said:
I'm looking to buy a used BMW R1150 RT tourer for next year, hopefully with loads of extras i.e radio/intercom heated grips etc. Anyone had any experience with BM's what to look out for etc?
Is ABS any good on bikes?
Cheers
VD5D
I haven't ridden the latest generation Beemers, but in general BMW bikes are:
Well made
Ultra-reliable
Comfy
Practical
Staid
Dull
Unexciting
I've ridden a couple of bikes with ABS and don't rate it. I think a good rider can get nearer to full braking potential without it.
>> Edited by Mon Ami Mate on Wednesday 13th October 12:08
After getting advice from this forum, I bought a s/h BMW F650GS-ABS, to take my test on last year and kept it for a few months.
It wasn't fast but it was reliable and comfortable in the main. Not as much fun at motorway speeds but a cracking novice bike.
May buy another BMW soon as the new 1200 GS Enduro thingy has rave reviews and I quite like the look of the Montaulk too.
Must slow down etc......
>> Edited by Davel on Wednesday 13th October 14:57
It wasn't fast but it was reliable and comfortable in the main. Not as much fun at motorway speeds but a cracking novice bike.
May buy another BMW soon as the new 1200 GS Enduro thingy has rave reviews and I quite like the look of the Montaulk too.
Must slow down etc......
>> Edited by Davel on Wednesday 13th October 14:57
I'm having a test ride on a demo R1150RT on Saturday so I'll let you know how I rate them.
Take the point about them being unexiting and dull etc but I am a Volvo driver!
Anybody want to buy a Silver Yamaha Bulldog? 54 reg 600 miles, service will be done next week. Really good fun but it's doing my back in.
>> Edited by volvod5_dude on Wednesday 13th October 15:26
Take the point about them being unexiting and dull etc but I am a Volvo driver!
Anybody want to buy a Silver Yamaha Bulldog? 54 reg 600 miles, service will be done next week. Really good fun but it's doing my back in.
>> Edited by volvod5_dude on Wednesday 13th October 15:26
I'm at the stage where, with my next bike, it doesn't have to be the fastest sports bike type thingy to be fun.
And with the government so keen to relinquish us of our licences and hard earned cash, a less sporty type bike is probably the best way forward.
At least bikes put the fun back into motoring when it's oh so easy to lose your licence these days.
Look forward to your review.
And with the government so keen to relinquish us of our licences and hard earned cash, a less sporty type bike is probably the best way forward.
At least bikes put the fun back into motoring when it's oh so easy to lose your licence these days.
Look forward to your review.
I test rode an 1150 Adventure on Monday...
It felt like a top bike and will certainly do the journey I'm planning - Reading - Sydney... But it wasn't the most exciting bike ever and it was flippin expensive. I was really impressed at how well it hid it's weight and by and large it was pretty easy to move about. It cruised at 90 easily and would do it all day. Downsides, it was not very exciting and it was very wide. I'm not sure how confident I would be filtering with or without the big luggage boxes on the back. Also, whilst the weight was hidden if it did start to go down there is no way I would be able to get it back and as for lifting it...
I'm looking at other bikes as well which could be worth a look. The 650 Dakar was good fun but gutless. I've got a test planned on a 1000 Varadero on Saturday. That bike is ugly but does look better in the flesh, also every review is positive. I'm also going to look at a Honda Africa Twin.
Overall I was impressed by BMW and their aftersales etc is meant to be top notch but I did not come away feeling that I had to have the bike or feeling especially excited.
It felt like a top bike and will certainly do the journey I'm planning - Reading - Sydney... But it wasn't the most exciting bike ever and it was flippin expensive. I was really impressed at how well it hid it's weight and by and large it was pretty easy to move about. It cruised at 90 easily and would do it all day. Downsides, it was not very exciting and it was very wide. I'm not sure how confident I would be filtering with or without the big luggage boxes on the back. Also, whilst the weight was hidden if it did start to go down there is no way I would be able to get it back and as for lifting it...
I'm looking at other bikes as well which could be worth a look. The 650 Dakar was good fun but gutless. I've got a test planned on a 1000 Varadero on Saturday. That bike is ugly but does look better in the flesh, also every review is positive. I'm also going to look at a Honda Africa Twin.
Overall I was impressed by BMW and their aftersales etc is meant to be top notch but I did not come away feeling that I had to have the bike or feeling especially excited.
That's not really fair to tractors!
My history on Beemers
Owned
K100RT - just got better and better
K100RS 16v - bit rough, got better as it ran in, but head gasket went at only 15,000miles
K1200RS - nice! Heavy but quick, especially in third out of a bend! Gearbox (six speed) not the best - sometimes didn't want to go past fourth!
F65 - seemed like fun at first - gave me a bad back
Tried out
K75 - amazingly smooth motor
R1100SS - a hoot but a bit floaty
R100GS - a hoot, only rivaled by a Triumph Tiger - shaft wins over chain in my book, though
Older Boxers -
not really for bikers - more like a "motorcyclist perambulator for the purpose of bimbling aimlessly"
I'd have a 1200RS again
My history on Beemers
Owned
K100RT - just got better and better
K100RS 16v - bit rough, got better as it ran in, but head gasket went at only 15,000miles
K1200RS - nice! Heavy but quick, especially in third out of a bend! Gearbox (six speed) not the best - sometimes didn't want to go past fourth!
F65 - seemed like fun at first - gave me a bad back
Tried out
K75 - amazingly smooth motor
R1100SS - a hoot but a bit floaty
R100GS - a hoot, only rivaled by a Triumph Tiger - shaft wins over chain in my book, though
Older Boxers -
not really for bikers - more like a "motorcyclist perambulator for the purpose of bimbling aimlessly" I'd have a 1200RS again
I bought a new K75S during the '90s and put 150,000km almost trouble free kilometres on it. It was a great bike that was running perfectly, using no oil and would return 60 mpg with, um, fairly spirited riding.
I traded it on a R1100S which I love. This bike has an amazing feeling on the road. I recently road a new R1150RS which was nice but no match for the S for feel but I do prefer the sporty side of riding. I was actually looking at a 'Busa or the just released GSXR1000 before I bought the BM after thinking; "Do I really want to come out of a second gear corner and mono down the road past 160kmph before selecting third?". I have been riding for over 30 years and I would like continue for at least another 30 so I get my kicks in windy roads in the 80 to 140 km range. Oh, and the bike sounds great with the Remus IMHO, but they are taking the piss with the price of it.
ABS. Get it. I chose to have my 1100S without it but will probably have it on my next bike. (Waiting to see the 1200S if/when it is released.)
The newer ABS is very good and while mon ami is probably right it doesn't look like you want a track day bike and in the real world (wet roads, sand, uneven surfaces etc) you will win the braking duels every time over non ABS bikes. I saw a test somewhere that was done by a professional top racer that had him significantly outbraked on wet roads by a bike equiped with ABS.
BMW and gearboxes. Something they are improving but still not up with the best oriental offerings. But the bike mr maggit road must have had a problem because a feature of the BM's I have ridden is that they go into first with no noise or clunking at all,(though sometimes you may need to rock the bike forward or back to get it to select).
Finally; Shaft drive. I hate the mess a chain leaves, you end up spending time cleaning the bike which would be better used riding it.
And since it is a lovely spring day here in Perth I think that a nice gallop through the hills is in order for later this morning.
I traded it on a R1100S which I love. This bike has an amazing feeling on the road. I recently road a new R1150RS which was nice but no match for the S for feel but I do prefer the sporty side of riding. I was actually looking at a 'Busa or the just released GSXR1000 before I bought the BM after thinking; "Do I really want to come out of a second gear corner and mono down the road past 160kmph before selecting third?". I have been riding for over 30 years and I would like continue for at least another 30 so I get my kicks in windy roads in the 80 to 140 km range. Oh, and the bike sounds great with the Remus IMHO, but they are taking the piss with the price of it.
ABS. Get it. I chose to have my 1100S without it but will probably have it on my next bike. (Waiting to see the 1200S if/when it is released.)
The newer ABS is very good and while mon ami is probably right it doesn't look like you want a track day bike and in the real world (wet roads, sand, uneven surfaces etc) you will win the braking duels every time over non ABS bikes. I saw a test somewhere that was done by a professional top racer that had him significantly outbraked on wet roads by a bike equiped with ABS.
BMW and gearboxes. Something they are improving but still not up with the best oriental offerings. But the bike mr maggit road must have had a problem because a feature of the BM's I have ridden is that they go into first with no noise or clunking at all,(though sometimes you may need to rock the bike forward or back to get it to select).
Finally; Shaft drive
. I hate the mess a chain leaves, you end up spending time cleaning the bike which would be better used riding it. And since it is a lovely spring day here in Perth I think that a nice gallop through the hills is in order for later this morning.
I have ab 1150 GS from new. Engine is the same. Burned a little oil at first, not the fastest on the planet but very reliable. The RT more comfortable for the miles than mine.
As for filtering (every day to the Strand) - no problem. The cylinders are only 2" wider than your legs, and less than the bars. If you are filtering at any speed and want to get that close I 'aint following through! In reality for most touers the mirrors are what will stop you, not the cylinders.
Very reliable, but there is a stupid, annoying problem. Watch out for dirt getting into the spline of the gear shift - stops it returning to centre so one cog up or down and you have to use your foot to re-centre the stick. Stripping it and cleaning will solve, but the 8mm hex nut on the back of the spline is a sod to shift.
Once cleaned up, I use a smear of grease over the joint then after cleaning, re-apply.
As for filtering (every day to the Strand) - no problem. The cylinders are only 2" wider than your legs, and less than the bars. If you are filtering at any speed and want to get that close I 'aint following through! In reality for most touers the mirrors are what will stop you, not the cylinders.
Very reliable, but there is a stupid, annoying problem. Watch out for dirt getting into the spline of the gear shift - stops it returning to centre so one cog up or down and you have to use your foot to re-centre the stick. Stripping it and cleaning will solve, but the 8mm hex nut on the back of the spline is a sod to shift.
Once cleaned up, I use a smear of grease over the joint then after cleaning, re-apply.
I am on my third GS and personally I love them. It's really about what you want from your bike. As an all rounder they are great bikes, sure they're not quick but for touring they are ideal, quite happy to cruise at 90mph. Currently I have a GS Adventure with the ABS and servo linked brakes. They are not as good as the older ABS system as they lack feel compared to the non-ABS model. They do the job though and you can switch the ABS off if you want to ride off road.
They handle very well indeed and can surprise sports bikes (not with me on board though!). The new 1200GS is much lighter and it is noticeable when you ride it. An excellent bike and BMW service is generally pretty good.
They handle very well indeed and can surprise sports bikes (not with me on board though!). The new 1200GS is much lighter and it is noticeable when you ride it. An excellent bike and BMW service is generally pretty good.
Cheers Guys
Interesting discussion.
I did try an R1150RT at the weekend. Once I got used to riding a bike with a fairing on I started to enjoy myself. The M5 on Saturday was 'orrible, rain & wind but the RT was rock steady up to 80 - 90 mph. I was suprised at how good the weather protection is. The rear visibility is excellent which is important on motorways.
On the twisties I was also impressed, held a good line, suspension well set up. Also the panniers are easy to take off when not required.
In fact it was so good it was a bit boring all in all. I would be interested to try the R1150R and compare it against the Yamaha Bulldog I have at the moment.
I'm trying a K1200RS next - may be a bit more exciting!
What puzzles me is the insurance is a lot cheaper on the BM's than on the Yammy, weird. EG I was quoted £324 for a K1200 RS (130bhp)the Bulldog (65bhp) cost £400????
Cheers
VD5D.
Interesting discussion.
I did try an R1150RT at the weekend. Once I got used to riding a bike with a fairing on I started to enjoy myself. The M5 on Saturday was 'orrible, rain & wind but the RT was rock steady up to 80 - 90 mph. I was suprised at how good the weather protection is. The rear visibility is excellent which is important on motorways.
On the twisties I was also impressed, held a good line, suspension well set up. Also the panniers are easy to take off when not required.
In fact it was so good it was a bit boring all in all. I would be interested to try the R1150R and compare it against the Yamaha Bulldog I have at the moment.
I'm trying a K1200RS next - may be a bit more exciting!
What puzzles me is the insurance is a lot cheaper on the BM's than on the Yammy, weird. EG I was quoted £324 for a K1200 RS (130bhp)the Bulldog (65bhp) cost £400????
Cheers
VD5D.
volvod5_dude said:
Cheers Guys
Interesting discussion.
I did try an R1150RT at the weekend. Once I got used to riding a bike with a fairing on I started to enjoy myself. The M5 on Saturday was 'orrible, rain & wind but the RT was rock steady up to 80 - 90 mph. I was suprised at how good the weather protection is. The rear visibility is excellent which is important on motorways.
On the twisties I was also impressed, held a good line, suspension well set up. Also the panniers are easy to take off when not required.
In fact it was so good it was a bit boring all in all. I would be interested to try the R1150R and compare it against the Yamaha Bulldog I have at the moment.
I'm trying a K1200RS next - may be a bit more exciting!
What puzzles me is the insurance is a lot cheaper on the BM's than on the Yammy, weird. EG I was quoted £324 for a K1200 RS (130bhp)the Bulldog (65bhp) cost £400????
Cheers
VD5D.
They tend to be ridden by mature riders and aren't targets for thieves, so insurance has always been low.
One of the most pleasant experience in life is riding a "slow" Beemer and pissing all over rice-burners! I've owned a K100RS, K1100RS and currently a K1200RS. I've toured, commuted and done track days as well as the Nurburgring in comfort, frequently showing so-called superbike riders how to do it, they may be faster in a straight line, but unless you can read bends and maintain momentum what's the point? It's not what you've got it's how you use it: on a recent track-day 5 instructors were on R1100RS's, a R1100RT and a R1150GS and no-one in the A group could get near them!
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