Considering something European

[roeme]

Since there is talk of Guzzi:

Their parts are expensive as f!$k as well; but to be honest my experience with parts from other brands is limited to my old bikes.

Love my V7 to bits; it's fun, torquey no-frills motorcycling.

[Guest]

The biggest mark again Moto Guzzi is the distance to the nearest dealership.


Gave serious consideration to getting an R1200C a while back. For a boxer they go for reasonable $$$. Its a way to stick you toe in the water without too much downside.

[GS1150Pilot]

The biggest mark again Moto Guzzi is the distance to the nearest dealership.


Gave serious consideration to getting an R1200C a while back. For a boxer they go for reasonable $$$. Its a way to stick you toe in the water without too much downside.

I've thought along the same lines, jabcb, but usually I end up gravitating toward an R1100RS, or some such shortly thereafter. But the elemental aspect of an Airhead still has an appeal that no other Beemer quite does for me. Same as a Guzzi 850t.

[GS1150Pilot]

I love the R's. I was close to buying a little one (65) a couple years ago that was pristine. We just couldn't quite meet on the price.

Here is a nice one: https://westernmass.craigslist.org/m...449753998.html

The 65 is a sweet little machine. Not sure I'd want to do long trips on one, but they are really lovely.

[Baatfam]

I had a '95 K1100RS for several years, (well I actually had a second, a '96, but it didn't last long). I still consider it to be my all time favorite bike, especially for two up and long distance work. Long wheelbase, so you work a little harder on tighter roads, but it will do it. On the highway it would want to cruise at 80-85 all day long. Never got to ride a K75, but heard very good things about them while hanging with the brick riders.

And, the Bricks are still garage mechanic friendly, unlike newer models. The used part market is strong, and new parts are still out there.

Also had an R1100S for a short while. Maybe a '99? Didn't like it much, didn't like the R motor, didn't like the telelever suspension, but it looked great!

[storm 64]

When I had my BMW, I've always liked the story I'd tell on why I bought a BMW... "My Harley friends told me I needed a BIG TWIN, so I got one!" Haha😀

[dorkburger]

Nice! I'm sure that tweaked them a bit.

[GS1150Pilot]

The R80 I looked at was punched out to a 1000.

Guzzi folks make fun of them as VTwins that sag.

[storm 64]

The R80 I looked at was punched out to a 1000.

Guzzi folks make fun of them as VTwins that sag.

Haha, I think the Guzzi guys are right. It's always better to have two perky jugs than two saggy ones. 😀

[GS1150Pilot]

You'll laugh there, because I also looked at a Buell this week. I've ridden a few and always liked them. Two big American jugs, very perky.

[Jedz123]

Nothing against Buells...
I love my XR-12 and that thing is more Buell then it is Harley... Seriously I just bought a re-gear for it and the only parts that fit are XB12R bits.

[Gorminrider]

never had one but watching my friends trials with interest it seems to me and him it's best to Get an old airhead with points. ...Seems there were bad times when BMW was figuring out electronic ignition in the '80s. Also, it seems that the speedometers were a weak point too-that is, worse than our JapBikes. VERY expensive replacing stuff.

Lot's of ODD things I've learned unnecessarily about beemers.. like brake reservoirs hidden under the tank? or was it the seat-oh well. BUT the charging system has a regulated field like a car and I would guess it's waaay more reliable than ours...

look here at Snowbum's stuff. Enough to make you sick
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techni...icles-list.htm

[GS1150Pilot]

Last time I looked at BMWs, I found myself gravitating to the K75, and now it's happening again ...

[Jedz123]

The K75 makers a great foundation for builds...
I love this one:

[roeme]

The K75 makers a great foundation for builds...
I love this one:

Woah, well done, and even more so considering the starting point. Making a mental note.