Anyone have a BMW motorcycle?

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
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81
I have had cruisers, but the BMW's have some unique looking hybrids.

Anyone here own one or know someone? Wondering about reliability and service, etc.

JC
 

Triumph

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,031
14
81
Personally I think they're overpriced. People talk about their longevity, but I think that's overblown. They are shaft drive, which is great because you never have to lube and clean a chain. But it needs serviced at regular intervals, usually when you do an oil change (not sure what is all included in the shaft maintenance). The Japanese bikes are built like Japanese cars - stuff doesn't really go wrong with them. BMW bikes are designed well for the touring/sport touring style of rider, but then again so are plenty of Japanese bikes at half the cost. Popular sport touring bikes are the VFR 800, Triumph Sprint ST, Kawasaki Concours, Kawasaki ZZR 1200, Hayabusa (yup), Yamaha FZ1, and Yamaha FJR1300.

But it all depends on what you want to do with your bike.
 

CVSiN

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2004
9,289
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Originally posted by: Triumph
Personally I think they're overpriced. People talk about their longevity, but I think that's overblown. They are shaft drive, which is great because you never have to lube and clean a chain. But it needs serviced at regular intervals, usually when you do an oil change (not sure what is all included in the shaft maintenance). The Japanese bikes are built like Japanese cars - stuff doesn't really go wrong with them. BMW bikes are designed well for the touring/sport touring style of rider, but then again so are plenty of Japanese bikes at half the cost. Popular sport touring bikes are the VFR 800, Triumph Sprint ST, Kawasaki Concours, Kawasaki ZZR 1200, Hayabusa (yup), Yamaha FZ1, and Yamaha FJR1300.

But it all depends on what you want to do with your bike.

they cant stand up to the Japanese bikes..
more features better reliability and better engine design...

stay with Japanese if you want a bike unless you have money to burn.
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
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One of the 14 bikes I've owned was an R100 80' vintage.

I would never buy one again, parts are too expensive, dealerships are rare & they want to think they're a Jag/Mercedes type dealership, the hybrids are too heavy for use offroad, if you want to spend 2X the money to get your ass kicked by a 16 year old on a generic 600cc sport bike, and get your ass kicked off-road by every other dual purpose bike made, go ahead.

For my $, I'd suggest 2 bikes, a large dual purpose and a street bike. Trust me, you'll be worlds happier.
 

Triumph

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,031
14
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Ohhh, ok. I think the OP is looking for a dual sport. Well, that's a bit different. I don't know alot about the dual sports, but I can't think of what the Japanese have that competes with the GS. The GS has lots of luggage capacity. I don't know too much about them. But I do know one thing: the GS is DAMN ugly!
 

KingPhil

Golden Member
Apr 27, 2000
1,154
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Friend had one........... thats one FUGLY bike! YUCK!

But he liked it I guess............ god knows why.........ewewew