Former BMW Riders
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
RE: Former BMW Riders
I haven't even bought my first ride yet and I'm planning my second. I think you really NEED to have two bikes. 
I eventually want to get a dual bike, thought about the BMW GS but also like the new Buells. I don't need anything that can take off for the moon - just enough suspension and horsepower to run off the pavement onto the dirt when a trail beckons! And my feet need to be able to touch the ground - one of the new BMWs has a 37.5 seat height - I don't THINK so!!
CHECK OUT the sweepstakes on BMW's website - grand prize is a R 1200 GS and first prize is an Edelweiss 2,500 mile tour of South Africa on a BMW motorcycle!!
BMW Sweepstakes
I eventually want to get a dual bike, thought about the BMW GS but also like the new Buells. I don't need anything that can take off for the moon - just enough suspension and horsepower to run off the pavement onto the dirt when a trail beckons! And my feet need to be able to touch the ground - one of the new BMWs has a 37.5 seat height - I don't THINK so!!
CHECK OUT the sweepstakes on BMW's website - grand prize is a R 1200 GS and first prize is an Edelweiss 2,500 mile tour of South Africa on a BMW motorcycle!!
BMW Sweepstakes
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Former BMW Riders
I owned a BMW R100RT for about 4 years, the bike worked well for me. I live in the mountains of Colorado and wanted a bike that handled the turns. I have worked in the motorcycle service industry for about 30 years so I have ridden about everything out there. I bought a 2006 Road King Classic and love it. It handles well in the turns, is Farley smooth and the other Harley riders are about as friendly as anyone could be. I enjoy other riders waving to me and me waving back. That doesnât happen with metric bikes. Nothing sounds like a Harley. I was looking for a bike with an upright seating position and the look of an old bike, the RKC fit the bill. Thanks George
[IMG]local://upfiles/9350/4F1312A7848E43DC8EAEB37C197AF041.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/9350/4F1312A7848E43DC8EAEB37C197AF041.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Former BMW Riders
I was a Beemer guy for many years until I switched to Harleys... Great bikes, dependable and they have character which I never found in the Japanese stuff.
But the last one I had ('95 R1100R) had the worst seat ever made for a motorcycle and was good for about 50 miles before my butt was hamburger. I like the things, and if money were no object, I'd have one (probably the GS), but nothing compares to riding the Harley. I know you guys understand that, but the people that haven't ever ridden one probably don't get it.
And our local dealer is now defunct (it's my second BMW dealer to close shop on me), so what everyone else said about the dealer network seems to be getting even worse in this part of the country... Sold my last BMW in '02 and looks like that was good timing.
But the last one I had ('95 R1100R) had the worst seat ever made for a motorcycle and was good for about 50 miles before my butt was hamburger. I like the things, and if money were no object, I'd have one (probably the GS), but nothing compares to riding the Harley. I know you guys understand that, but the people that haven't ever ridden one probably don't get it.
And our local dealer is now defunct (it's my second BMW dealer to close shop on me), so what everyone else said about the dealer network seems to be getting even worse in this part of the country... Sold my last BMW in '02 and looks like that was good timing.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
RE: Former BMW Riders
I love my R1150GS and with several modifications I have
made it comfortable. Like the BMW riding community because to
a rider they like to ride and pile up miles. If I could
have two bikes I would keep my GS and get a HD touring
model also. Can't do that so I'm heading to a HD.
Mentioned before the dealer network issue. Had a buddy
riding a K1200LT somewhere in Oregon. Had a flat that
somehow impacted his rim. Ended up renting a U-haul to get it
to a dealer in Washington for repair. 5 days later (afer the initial
flat) he was back on the road. My BMW riding partners tell me
the dealer situation is not an issue due to the reliability
of the bikes but it is to me. Recent dealer closings in Rock Island,
St. Louis, Lincoln, White Plains, Cincinnati, and Lubbock.
The good news is that BMW's hold their values. Not as good as
a HD but much better than Japanese bikes.
I'm getting a RK!
made it comfortable. Like the BMW riding community because to
a rider they like to ride and pile up miles. If I could
have two bikes I would keep my GS and get a HD touring
model also. Can't do that so I'm heading to a HD.
Mentioned before the dealer network issue. Had a buddy
riding a K1200LT somewhere in Oregon. Had a flat that
somehow impacted his rim. Ended up renting a U-haul to get it
to a dealer in Washington for repair. 5 days later (afer the initial
flat) he was back on the road. My BMW riding partners tell me
the dealer situation is not an issue due to the reliability
of the bikes but it is to me. Recent dealer closings in Rock Island,
St. Louis, Lincoln, White Plains, Cincinnati, and Lubbock.
The good news is that BMW's hold their values. Not as good as
a HD but much better than Japanese bikes.
I'm getting a RK!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Former BMW Riders
I've got a R1150RT and a Dyna. Like folks have said before they are vastly different rides , but I love the contrast.
The BMW has wind and weather protection, is great on the twisties and the slab. I think it has plenty of "soul", you just have to know how to ride it.
The Harley is a "feel good" ride that is fantastic on the back roads, out smelling the orange blossoms and looking at stuff.
If the ride is going to be mostly under 55, I take the Harley, over 60, the Beemer. I ride the BMW on trips but take the Harley more often , so I put about equal mileage on them.
If I could keep only one , it would be the Beemer as it's the most versatile.
The BMW has wind and weather protection, is great on the twisties and the slab. I think it has plenty of "soul", you just have to know how to ride it.
The Harley is a "feel good" ride that is fantastic on the back roads, out smelling the orange blossoms and looking at stuff.
If the ride is going to be mostly under 55, I take the Harley, over 60, the Beemer. I ride the BMW on trips but take the Harley more often , so I put about equal mileage on them.
If I could keep only one , it would be the Beemer as it's the most versatile.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Former BMW Riders
I've owned two BMWs - an '04 K1200RS (inline-4 sport tourer) and more recently, an R1200RT. The 1200RS is a very smooth and quick bike but too porky and top heavy for me. On the other hand, the 1200RT is by far and away the most comfortable, best handling street bike I've ever owned. Yes, the exhaust sounds like a wet fart but nothing compares when it comes to weather protection, flickability (for a touring bike) and all-around comfort. But despite all of that, the BMW dealer network in the US is relatively weak, maintenance is expensive (unless you do your own wrenching) and the boxer engine lacks that low-end torque that makes Harley's so much fun to ride.
I will give BMW credit - the 1200GS is probably the best "all rounder" on the market. I still may end up with one in my garage at some point.
I will give BMW credit - the 1200GS is probably the best "all rounder" on the market. I still may end up with one in my garage at some point.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
RE: Former BMW Riders
My last bike was a BMW R75/5. Put about 100K on that sucker and loved it. Touring Nirvana back in those days. Picked up my 06 Ultra about 6 months ago and love it. I looked at the new Beemers but my wife liked the look and feel of the Harley better. Boy am I glad I married her!
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
RE: Former BMW Riders
I rode R100S for 6yrs and a succession of GS's R80/R100 and R1150 for a few years after that. Walked into a Harley dealer by chance and after a test ride I was hooked. I almost bought a R1200GS, but there is way too much technology in that thing - servo brakes/ABS too Germanic techie...just like the sales guy. Nice bike, but the FXD35 I bought has delivered more smiles and ownership satisfaction.
The only problem is ground clearance :-) 'coz it certainely handles well enough. That was a nice surprise.
The only problem is ground clearance :-) 'coz it certainely handles well enough. That was a nice surprise.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 1
From: East Tennessee
RE: Former BMW Riders
I owned one in the late '70s. It was the most dependable piece of transportation I had at the time. I put 40000 miles on it without a hint of trouble. Also, it was simple to work on and maintain. Harleys had a well deserved reputation for being unreliable pieces of junk in those days and I needed to get back and forth to work which was 60 miles from home. Bought into H-D in '98 with a Superglide. Now I have a '04 RKC and will never own anything but H-D again.