I'm not going to dis BMWs, I've been looking a them myself. BUT, I ride with a lot of Beemer riders and each have had their issues. In fact, my buddies front shock blew on his GS while I was riding it. My other buddy's RT was recalled. These are expensive issues. And if you don't believe me, get on a Beemer forum and asked them. There are several discussions on the cost of owning a Beemer, not cheap. But the typical beemer rider considers the cost as part of owning their bikes.

If someone wants to try out something different, the FJR is cheaper and has very good reliability. I only sold my because my knees can't handle being tucked under my hips. Even with the taller seat and lower pegs, the position was very painful after a couple hours ride. But, it is a great bike equipped about the same as the BMW.

Beary

 

There is no reason to diss a great MC.. so you are correct.
HD could learn a few things and the next few years they will be forced to learn quality.They could look at BMW or Honda.
They both make fine a MC.

 

You are correct. A riding bud, (who is an Irish dwarf) just got a '17 and is getting a lowering kit for it.

 

No Gunny, you avoided the issue. You did not solve anything.

 

Does anyone know what the percentage is of Harley's that are sumping? I thought I had seen somewhere that it was <1% but I cannot find it.

 

So, counting your 47 Harleys, you've had 52 bikes in 32 years? That's gotta be some kinda record or something...

I hope the BMW give you months and months of happiness (before you trade it in on the next shiny something that catches your eye).

 

He said he solved the issue, and he did. You might not like the way he solved it for himself, but he solved/eliminated it. You still have your problem. He doesn't. So I'd say he solved it too. LOL!

 

That report has been posted here before. The problem I have with these reports is that they don't list what they are judging to be problems/issues. For instance, a locked up transmission is completely different than turn signal malfunctioning. On the turn signal, you stand still use hand signals. On the tranny, you're dead in the water, but both are counted as equal. And I would contest strongly that Yamaha has a more than 10% failure rate(11% as stated). I'm sorry but I just don't believe that.

 

buddy had a choice between the Kawi Concours and 18 Goldwing, he bought the wing, how does the 18 GW compare to the BMW?

he swears he is gonna kill me this weekend, (doing a long trip together), he says my ragged old M8 107 will be outmuscled....and I believe him

 

I agree. I've owned and rode along with riders of many brands, and Japanize bikes are by far the most reliable. If I were buying purely from my observation and experience of reliability, I would be looking a Honda, Yamahas and Kawasaki's. As it is, three Harleys occupy space in my garage.

Beary