GS story .... BMW story

[850 Combat]

I went on a multi day central California tour a couple years ago. Most were on 'Busa's and ZX14 Rs and Concours 14s. There was one fellow on a Victory, and one on a 6 cylinder BMW tourer. I was on my '81 GS1000G. The BMW was remarkably compact, and quite handsome and tidy looking. I'm sure that it is very densely packaged between those spars on the frame. Nice looking, too.

I've never had a truly fast bike. Only stuff that you would have to lay gown on to reach 135 MPH, like a '79 CBX. Even that was done pulling hard at about 95. I suspect that a bike that is electronically limited to 186 still pulls pretty hard at 130.

For me, when the speedometer stops swinging, and it is more creeping up, holding the throttle open on the highway isn't that fun any more.

I'm pretty sure that I don't have the correct level of self restraint for a truly fast bike. I would be fun to try it sometime though.

[Nessism]

Those big 1600 BMW's are a marvel in engineering excellence. The engine performance is nothing short of remarkable in that they are both powerful and civilized. So under stressed too. I wonder how many miles they can cover before wearing out parts?

Oddly, the opposed twin BMW's have had quite a lot of drivetrain issues over the years. From rear ends that blow up to stripped splines on output shafts or what have you. I don't know all the particulars but every time I see a nice BMW on craigslist and lust after it I double take and think about all the issues and how expensive they are to fix.

[Guest]

I've ridden Trevor's bike, it really is a whole other level. The smoothness, the acceleration. And it doesn't matter if you're at 30 or 130 the acceleration is neck snapping...instant!

[bobgroger]

Bet he won't let you ride it now

[gustovh]

I will stick to my 919, anything else might get me in trouble. Very quick and capable, but one of the worst seats that I have ever set my butt to.750L 014.jpg

[GS1150Pilot]

Gustav, have you looked at the saddle Sargent does for the 919?

[trevor]

Bet he won't let you ride it now

I would let Rob ride any bike in my garage. He could take them anywhere he wanted. He has helped me so much with my bikes. I have rode with him so many miles that I literally trust him with my life. Plus how good is it to have a riding partner that is a nurse?! Lol

[gustovh]

Gustav, have you looked at the saddle Sargent does for the 919?

Can't say as I have, will though.

V

[lurch12_2000]

I thought this thread might be a K75 vs GS850G or K100 vs GS1000G bake off, since I've ridden many miles on all of them. If it's of any interest I would recommend the GS models.

[Jedz123]

Quarter-mile time is the standard for quickness. And the quickest bike that Cycle World has ever tested is the Kaw ZX14R (March 2012).

The time is 9.47 seconds at 153 mph, but that is corrected for altitude and humidity. Uncorrected was 9.64 @149.

Correct!

The ZX-14 and 1ZX-4R lumps are heavenly... I know, I have one hauling my A$$ around!


My Buddy just bought a 14 BMW R1200RT... Gorgeous machine, I love how it looks.


Very light between the legs, he said all day comfort, I like it but not for $18K used.

[850 Combat]

If I get another BMW, it will be an Airhead. I know they are not bullet proof. I used to ride with a bunch of guys who rode them, and they had all manner of problems. Not a high number of problems, but every type of problem. They liked to make fun of the Triumph Hurricane I was using mostly at the time. That was the only leak free old bike I ever owned, and the only completely trouble free Brit bike I ever had. A number of the BMW guys spent a lot of money on go-faster parts. I hated the fairing package on my old airhead, because of noise and maintenance problems it caused. The bike carrying the fairing had lots of good about it.

What the heck:

Here is the Triumph



And here is my ancient RT

[850 Combat]

I keep going back to the photo of the R1200RT. What a beautiful shot. I'm not getting one, but man, that photo makes me want to be there on it; it really does.

[Ggee22]

My GS bikes are fast but my BMW is on a whole other level!!

That's nice

[Cipher]

1300s is expen sive to maintain. I need money for spark plugs and oil.
golly gee worth it though.

Theres a youtube vide in Italian of a complete teardown of a 300 000 km 1300
I can understand the language but it seems to me that there is not a lot of wear on the parts in the engine.

[GS1150Pilot]

If I get another BMW, it will be an Airhead. I know they are not bullet proof. I used to ride with a bunch of guys who rode them, and they had all manner of problems. Not a high number of problems, but every type of problem. They liked to make fun of the Triumph Hurricane I was using mostly at the time. That was the only leak free old bike I ever owned, and the only completely trouble free Brit bike I ever had. A number of the BMW guys spent a lot of money on go-faster parts. I hated the fairing package on my old airhead, because of noise and maintenance problems it caused. The bike carrying the fairing had lots of good about it.

What the heck:

Here is the Triumph



And here is my ancient RT

What he said! I love Airheads!