Post by: atldinan3 on June 11, 2017, 10:10:35 AM
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[/color]Initially, I was planning to purchase a late-model K75 w/ ABS. That was the last bike I had (sold about 5 yrs ago), and it fit me very well - low, lightweight(ish), maneuverable(ish), very reliable, and even though it is 20+yrs old, it had innovative tech for its time. I particularly liked the fact that it has ABS. And they are very LOW MAINT. The bricks seem to go forever. And at a great price point these days. (Preaching to the choir here, I suppose!)[/size]
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[/color]Along the lines of innovative tech, however, my attention has been drawn to newer Beemers. I’m considering spending a bit more and going the new bike route, specifically for the advances in tech. Most specifically, for the ASC. So I’m currently negotiating on a 2016 F800R.[/size]
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[/color]Here is the concern: When I was talking to the folks at the dealership, they indicated that modern Beemers can be finicky if they aren’t ridden enough. I think someone said “BMW wants owners to put at least 100 miles per week on the bike.” Thats a problem, and it will likely never happen. I live in a small town, and my office is only 5 miles away from my house, so I sometimes don’t put 100 miles per week on my cage. In fact, I only log about 12k yearly on my primary driver. Again, my intent for having a bike is to take an occasional zip around town for an errand, or an infrequent loop through the country backroads on a nice Sunday afternoon. [/size]
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[/color]Realistically, I will put maybe 100 miles per month on the bike in nice weather. In the wintertime, I doubt I’ll log 100 miles in an entire quarter. The bike will spend most of its life sitting safely in the garage. I kept my 1994 K75 on a trickle charger, cranked it regularly, and once a month or so in the winter rode it up and down the cul-de-sac. Never had a problem. I’m becoming concerned, however, that this is a sub-optimal environment for a new Beemer.[/size]
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[/color]The nice folks at the dealership somewhat dismissed the concern, stating “Oh don’t worry, once you have a bike again then you’ll probably ride it a lot more than you think!” Incorrect. Its not realistic (or appropriate) to ask someone to change their lifestyle to meet the needs of the bike. Rather, I need to pick the right bike that meets the needs of my lifestyle. [/size]
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[/color]So my question is: Is mine an appropriate application for a new Beemer? A new bike with the latest tech sounds like a good idea from a safety perspective, especially for someone who doesn't keep their skills honed through regular riding. However, it makes less sense if it results in a decrease in reliability. Especially considering the fact that the closest dealer is almost 50 miles away, so purchasing a bike that will require regular tweaks at the dealer will quickly become very cumbersome.[/size]
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[/color]Thoughts?[/size]
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[/color](Note: Please forgive my question indicating interest in a non-brick Beemer. I trust that this is an ok question for this generally helpful and friendly community.)[/size]
Post by: Blue on June 11, 2017, 10:19:43 AM
Four of my friends bought the R1200GT months before the shock recall. BMW bought all four back and gave them $4000 credit towards the R1200GS.
More modern BMW's on flatbed wreckers than Harley Davidson. That is pathetic.
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on June 11, 2017, 07:24:18 PM
Many years ago when I was a service engineer for a technology company we had a saying:
"If it works it must be obsolete."
Post by: kris on June 12, 2017, 08:12:55 AM
my two deutschmarks.....
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on June 12, 2017, 11:37:29 AM
I would get a Japanese trail bike, about 250cc. Buy it used and with the money you save get a set of tragkorbs to mount on it. I would even go so far as to suggest that you look at tragkorbs first, and when you find a set that you like, buy a bike they will work on.
Then put a set of bright LED driving lights on it and some good street tires. A light dual purpose bike is easier to handle in close quarters, 250cc will get you arrested in most speed zones, and parts and service will be less expensive for a small bike. If safety is a concern, a small bike will allow your budget to go for the best riding gear available as well.
As much as we would like to see you on a Beemer, these machines are designed to cover in less than one day the miles you might put on in a year. The lack of use will probably only saddle you with maintenance issues.
Post by: Chaos on June 12, 2017, 12:22:28 PM
Post by: Laitch on June 13, 2017, 02:23:57 AM
Suzuki TU250X.png (158.85 kB . 533x329 - viewed 535 times)Otherwise, a Piaggio MP3 would be a good scooter choice.
Piaggio MP3.png (342.65 kB . 466x507 - viewed 534 times)Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on June 13, 2017, 07:16:55 AM
Post by: milq on June 13, 2017, 10:34:03 AM
If you like the dual sport thing, the Yamaha WR250R is very reliable, fuel injected, etc. but is tall. Honda has the CRF250 in the same market and is cheaper, but not as zippy.
The Yamaha SR400 has that retro look to it and is reasonably priced new, I'm sure lightly used ones are out there as well.