Harley experience at BMW during Biketoberfest.

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Nov 10, 2018 | 07:44 AM

#111

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,805

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From: PNW

Quote:

Originally Posted by RK4ME

I'm due for a new Touring bike but I don't like the fat 6 gallon gas tank on the newer FLs, and I'm not 100% sold on the R1200GS, although they have a $2K incentive now. Maybe I'll go to an 800cc - 1,000cc bike w/hard bags.

Take a look at the Moto Guzzi California touring. Think lighter, faster, smoother riding Road King. That will be our next touring bike.

Nov 10, 2018 | 09:20 AM

#112

gus4440

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 546

Likes: 63

From: Columbia SC

I've done many a demo ride at many a shop multiple brands. They generally separate the demo and display bikes from customers bikes to avoid confusion which leads to accidents and bike damage. BMW of Daytona has free bike parking but they do block off an area around he service entrance for bikes in line or in for service. The Demo area is small to start with. Everyone thinks they are special, and you are. But there is order at a crowded event for a reason. And it can be empty one minute and then fill up quick. At any event put on by a shop, manufacturer, or club park in the wrong place and you will be asked to move.

Nov 10, 2018 | 05:01 PM

#113

Ridewva

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 3,834

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From: Northern WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada72

Take a look at the Moto Guzzi California touring. Think lighter, faster, smoother riding Road King. That will be our next touring bike.

True, also heavier and slower than an RT however I do like the MG's looks over an RT. Just reading rear tire change procedure on a MG Cali and while it might not be a dealbreaker it's something to be aware of.

BMW GS or RT.
1. Put on center stand.
2. Remove 5 lug bolts and remove wheel.

Moto Guzzi California
1. Remove saddlebags. I also removed the guards. Remove the mufflers.
2. With the front of the bike stabilized, jack the rear of the bike up, just enough to take the tension off of the rear wheel
3. Remove left shock. If yours has a reservoir, you'll have to remove one shock bolt and slide it away from the brake assembly.
4. Tape top of left swingarm to prevent scratching it with the brake assembly.
5. Remove 32mm axle NUT only. Pull axle out just enough to slide the brake assembly up and out of the way.
6. Slide a cloth under the brake caliper assembly and use a couple of cable ties to tie that brake assembly out of the way.
7. Slide axle a little further - just enough - and - remove the wheel spacer - then slide axle all the way back in.
8. Get a rubber hammer n tap the wheel assembly lightly toward the nut (left) side until it separates and clears the hub.
9. Remove axle, then raise jack until you can remove the rear wheel.

Nov 11, 2018 | 07:42 AM

#114

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,805

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From: PNW

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridewva

Yeah, didn't know about that. Like you said, not necessarily a deal breaker. I do a lot of that stuff for various reasons on my bikes anyway, shock cleaning and so on, and it really doesn't add all that much time to a job. Unless you're on the side of the road. But even there I would just do a plug and fill anyway.

And yeah, BMWs are the model of tire changing simplicity. The old ones are even easier in some regards - Remove the big nut, loosen the little one, rotate the axle (with integral spacer) out and the wheel is off.

To me the MG Cali is like the love child of a Road King and RT - somewhere in the middle on weight and speed. Two air cooled (yes I know about the new RTs) jugs somewhere between V-twin and boxer. And the more relaxed, feet forward seating. I just couldn't do the new RT (as much as I want one - especially teh 1250 coming out) for what it was designed to do. I would be good for a couple hours and then my knees would be screaming. I wish the new ones had the old ergos. My 83 RT is all day comfortable.

Last edited by nevada72; Nov 11, 2018 at 07:45 AM.

Nov 11, 2018 | 08:37 AM

#115

Ridewva

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 3,834

Likes: 496

From: Northern WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada72

...... I wish the new ones had the old ergos. My 83 RT is all day comfortable.

I agree.

Nov 11, 2018 | 01:57 PM

#116

RK4ME

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 9,239

Likes: 3,261

From: west Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada72

I wish the new ones had the old ergos. My 83 RT is all day comfortable.

So were my '77 R100S and my '89 R100RT. IMO, the single-shock Airheads were the nicest bikes that BMW ever built. The K bikes and Oilheads were and are Designed For Manufacture bikes.

Last edited by RK4ME; Nov 11, 2018 at 01:58 PM.