BMW K vs HD
Tourer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
You sound extremely confused. There are several K models (4 and 6 cyl) and the R models are usually the 1200 boxer twins both oil and now twin cool. Fortunately BMW dealers are usually good about test rides like Harley dealers. Do your homework and then test a few.
If you see more BMW motorcycles than HD, you are in the only place in America where that is true, and I suspect it isn't.
If you see more BMW motorcycles than HD, you are in the only place in America where that is true, and I suspect it isn't.
I believe he was saying he see's more high mileage BMW's then Harley's......not just more of one then the other.
Have rode both.......the BMW rides and handles better, costs less per mile.....the only bad thing I can say about it, it's not a Harley. The only good thing I can say about the Harley in comparison is that it sounds and looks better.
Have rode both.......the BMW rides and handles better, costs less per mile.....the only bad thing I can say about it, it's not a Harley. The only good thing I can say about the Harley in comparison is that it sounds and looks better.
Last edited by 2PawsRiver; Aug 30, 2014 at 12:12 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
Comparing a BMW to a Harley is like comparing a Briggs&Straton to a V8 engine. I've had a BMW K100LT because I had a Harley that loved eating drive belts. 3 in 66k miles and another one needed. Guess what, the BMW didn't eat drive belts. DUH! Really! However, I never had a major problem with the K. Before you jump, the Harley never left me stranded either. I would not hesitate going back to a BMW except I can't. Their foot position I can no longer tolerate after getting a pylon fracture on my right leg. I can tell you this. You will miss the Harley rumble if you go BMW K. You won't miss it as much with the older R's. I don't know anything about the new R's. I will try one some day just to know but I suspect they are nothing like the old R's. I have to go Harley because "so far" they are the only bike that fits me. I will soon be looking at both Victory and Indian though. Personally, I think BMW is like Harley. You have to try one. Now that didn't help a bit, did it?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
I would really look at the Kawi Concours 14 before I looked at a BMW
Lots of my friends on the ZRXOA board have them and love them. I've considered them in the past but have not pulled the trigger yet.
My gripe with BMW is they have had some real quality and design issues over the last few years, and I am not letting the MoCo get away unscathed either because thay have had some issues, but nothing compared to the BMW.
when comparing the BMW and HD and tossing in the C14 it is comparing apples to oranges to peaches.
The C14 is going to be 10K cheaper than a HD, all it really needs is a PC5 and it is happy. If you buy an Ivans TRE kit to fool the bike into thinking it is in 6th gear and the really hot FI map you will have even more power, and pulling the butterflies will let the bike make full power in all gears... but that is not for the faint of heart.
I do like my bagger for long rides, there is nothing like it for touring IMHO
Lots of my friends on the ZRXOA board have them and love them. I've considered them in the past but have not pulled the trigger yet.
My gripe with BMW is they have had some real quality and design issues over the last few years, and I am not letting the MoCo get away unscathed either because thay have had some issues, but nothing compared to the BMW.
when comparing the BMW and HD and tossing in the C14 it is comparing apples to oranges to peaches.
The C14 is going to be 10K cheaper than a HD, all it really needs is a PC5 and it is happy. If you buy an Ivans TRE kit to fool the bike into thinking it is in 6th gear and the really hot FI map you will have even more power, and pulling the butterflies will let the bike make full power in all gears... but that is not for the faint of heart.
I do like my bagger for long rides, there is nothing like it for touring IMHO
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 7
From: Washington
Have had several Rs and one 1200K. Performance, unmodified, was better than my Limited. For me the biggest issue was rider position. The BMW is designed to pretty much be riden in one position with the pegs placing your legs at about 90 degrees. 10-20 years ago that may have been OK for me on a long haul but not now. The 1200's CG is higher than HD and, to me, felt top heavy. Some of the guys I know that stayed with the BMW line have complained that the quality control has suffered in the last couple of years. Another gripe is that the American market suggestions on things they would like to see have been pretty much ignored, giving preference to the European touring community (one of the reasons given for discontinueing the K1200 LT). With the HDs weight I do miss the BMW's reverse.
Last edited by Dobe66; Aug 31, 2014 at 12:41 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I own both; 2012 HD Ultra Limited and a 2014 BMW K1600 GTL. These are two completely different bikes and I love them both for different reasons. Both bikes are customized to fit me perfectly and both bikes have Russell custom seats. The BMW is the most technologically advanced touring bike on the market and has an engine that provides incredible power in any gear virtually anywhere in the RPM range. I prefer this bike for really long trips but no issue taking the HD either. Both are excellent touring platforms so you will have to make your own comparison and determine what characteristics are important to you.
Except for tires, the BMW has been less expensive to maintain. However, every 18K the service involves a valve check which puts that interval between $800 - $1200 depending on whether the valves require adjustment. Average tire life is about 6K. The stock Metzler tires were toast at 4800 miles.
Except for tires, the BMW has been less expensive to maintain. However, every 18K the service involves a valve check which puts that interval between $800 - $1200 depending on whether the valves require adjustment. Average tire life is about 6K. The stock Metzler tires were toast at 4800 miles.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 11
From: Arizona
Got all of my attention; it was quite the slap fest for about an eighth of a mile.
Got me thinking...
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Florida
My '10 GSA, purchased new in June '11, has 45K on it and it's been idle the last two summers. At 565 lbs, I referred to her as "The Beast." I still have it, can't imagine not having a boxer engine. I've never been stranded, never paid for anything other than maintenace and tires, the fuel strip has been coverd by BMW twice. Recently, I bought a '14 HD RK, and at 815 lbs, the GSA seems light on her feet! As mentioned before, entirely different bikes, love the GSA, still dating the RK, getting familiar with her quirks while logging some miles on her before deciding on creature comfort upgrades. The seat will be first! Its better than the stock BMW seat I replaced, but still not a long distance touring seat.
I purchased the RK after riding a friends '13 model for an hour. My initial impression was, wow, this is the opposite of what I currently ride. So, after planning on buying a new '14 RT, I decided the '10 GSA was keeper and went outside my 'box" and bought a '14 HD, first HD for me.
I purchased the RK after riding a friends '13 model for an hour. My initial impression was, wow, this is the opposite of what I currently ride. So, after planning on buying a new '14 RT, I decided the '10 GSA was keeper and went outside my 'box" and bought a '14 HD, first HD for me.
Last edited by PanhandleChuck; Aug 31, 2014 at 10:05 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Believe the biggest difference between HD and BMW is the riding experience. Nobody but Harley offers that same experience.
The BMW may be technologically superior (some would say the Harley also has high technology, but it is hidden) but the riding experience is lacking for most Harley riders.
A miata offers many of the items that BMW rider claim to be benefits, but again lacks the Harley feel.
The BMW may be technologically superior (some would say the Harley also has high technology, but it is hidden) but the riding experience is lacking for most Harley riders.
A miata offers many of the items that BMW rider claim to be benefits, but again lacks the Harley feel.