Mod10
US Veteran
Anybody own one or ridden one? Just wondering if they are any better quality or performance than what you find from the Japanese manufacturers.
BMW Motorcycles
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beemerphile
Member
I have ridden BMW motorcycles for over 33 years and many hundreds of thousands of miles. Until recently, just about any Japanese bike would out-run them. Not necessarily so these days. The BMW's are more durable than the Japanese bikes over long ownership, but not necessarily more reliable (probably not). However, for personal data, I have never had a BMW let me down on the road but I did have to have my Honda ST1100 towed once. While BMW's have their peculiarities and faults, the things that keep me riding them are that they are the safest and most comfortable long distance bikes available and the riders are a group that I enjoy being around. If I wasn't into long distance rides, I'd get something else. That is where they excel.
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sipowicz
Member
I have a BMW F650CSA...great around town bike...never had a problem in 5 years...but as bikes go, I think they are all pretty reliable. Although the Italian bikes, like their women, require a bit more maintenance.
labworm
US Veteran
Harleys definitely have the looks and the following, but for riding comfort nothing comes close to the old BMW.
All you owners know
All you owners know
Beemer-mark
Member
My first BMW was a '72/5 back in '73. I don't know how many I've owned but I think I've probably had about every model up until my '05. BMW used to be unique, over build, great for touring and, even at the high price, economical. No more. Dealers are few and far apart. BMW is now building Japanese clones and there isn't much to tell them apart. They are a nice, good bike, but so is Triumph, Honda, Harley, etc,etc. Biggest problem is you can no longer do most of the maintenance yourself and dealers are so few. You can't do the most of the maintenance on a Harley or Japanese bike either but at least any town over 500 people has a dealer.
Frank237
Absent Comrade
I've had four of them, still have a 2004 R1200GS and a 1983 R-65 Airhead. I like them. Have owned a mess of Jap bikes as well as HD's.
OP...Go and drive one. Or to get educated...visit one of the BMW bike sites. I visit AdventureRider.com .
Very smooth long distance bikes, hi-tech almost to a fault, high initial ca$h outlay. BUT....they still have a heck of a following.
FN in MT
OP...Go and drive one. Or to get educated...visit one of the BMW bike sites. I visit AdventureRider.com .
Very smooth long distance bikes, hi-tech almost to a fault, high initial ca$h outlay. BUT....they still have a heck of a following.
FN in MT
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Indiana George
US Veteran
~Deep Sigh~
Only one; a 1969 R50/2 similar to this one.
Why, oh why did I let it go?
Only one; a 1969 R50/2 similar to this one.
Why, oh why did I let it go?
jrm53
Member
I got my first one in 1982 after a old man turned left in front of my 650 Yahama twin, I bought a 1975 R75/6 with 2900 miles on it with the insurance settlement and have never regretted it I now have 4 with the 1975 being the newest. If you want a super fast one try the S1000RR it puts out 192 hp to the rear wheel, way to fast for an old dude like me they are great bikes, but then all bikes are great. Jeff
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mkk41
US Veteran
It's nowhere near the fastes , but if ya maintain it properly , change the oil often and ride it right , a BMW opposed twin is probably the most reliable bike ever made. I've known several riders whose BMWs have gone well over 100,000mi without serious issues. I know of 1 Boxer that went over 200k with just a valve & ring job. No boring , just a honing in the early 100ks.
mkk41
US Veteran
Ya know why Brits drink warm beer & ale? Lucas made their refridgerators.
Ya know why the Brits don't make televisions? Can't figure a way to make 'em leak oil!
nmsu
Member
Having owned both Japanese and BMW bikes my preference is more dependent on the model than the brand or origin. For one up long distance riding I would pick a BMW R1150RT or 1200RT over any other bike, and for 2 up I like the Goldwing 1800. For me the Honda and BMW have a higher level of quality in the hardware, but my Suzuki's and Kawasaki's have been as reliable as my BMWs. The BMWs do tend to be more expensive but I think it really comes down to riding the model that fits your needs. And the new Triumphs are really nice also. Ride them all, pick the one that you like best.
ridewv
Member
I bought my first BMW over 30 years ago, a 1976 R75/6, and have been riding BMW's (other makes too) ever since. My current BMW's are a 2007 K1200GT, 2005 R1200GS, and a 1993 R100R. Better quality and performance than say Honda? No for most part. But they've been very innovative and are now offering quite a wide variety of motorcycles now. BMW's R1200GS is their best selling motorcycle, and IMO one of the best all around motorcycles being sold today.
5 years ago BMW wasn't even competitive in the super performance motorcycles. But things have changed now with their 2010 S1000rr, a 450# bike putting 178 HP down at the rear wheel which surpasses any of the big three Japanese. And it is competitively priced.
labworm
US Veteran
~Deep Sigh~
Only one; a 1969 R50/2 similar to this one.
Why, oh why did I let it go?
You committed a mortal sin, but haven't we all somewhere in life.
That thing was simply gorgeous in my eyes.
m657
Member
The only BMW I ever rode I didn't lust after owning, was an antique 250 upright cylinder model (don't recall the model) that a buddy had snagged on some trade deal.
In the Salmon River country running up the slight grade from Wisdom Montana to Lost Trail Pass against a head wind I wasn't able to get it over 40mph.
It was heavy with that old Earles front end, and way underpowered. It also remains a rare bird that probably now is worth a Registered Magnum.
There is no way to translate the experience of what one model does in comparison to another, without riding it.
The last big ride (4000 miles) I went on with buddies 20 years ago included a 750 BMW/6 or whatever the model was then, a 1100 Kawasaki, a Honda Magna 65. Each had sterling qualities that surpassed certain features of the other brands. We all traded off at various times for comparison.
(sigh) go ride 'em all. You'll know when you feel it between your knees.
In the Salmon River country running up the slight grade from Wisdom Montana to Lost Trail Pass against a head wind I wasn't able to get it over 40mph.
It was heavy with that old Earles front end, and way underpowered. It also remains a rare bird that probably now is worth a Registered Magnum.
There is no way to translate the experience of what one model does in comparison to another, without riding it.
The last big ride (4000 miles) I went on with buddies 20 years ago included a 750 BMW/6 or whatever the model was then, a 1100 Kawasaki, a Honda Magna 65. Each had sterling qualities that surpassed certain features of the other brands. We all traded off at various times for comparison.
(sigh) go ride 'em all. You'll know when you feel it between your knees.
649 Bodyguard
Member
I have never had one, but I always wanted one. Even when I owned my Brand New 1984 Honda Magna V65.
borntoraisehogs
US Veteran
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An automobile analogy can probably be more accurate today than ever . Harleys in correct Electra Glide form and not the instant fake "I'm a chopper man custom" non-customs , are like 60's Caddies with updated fuel delivery and electronics . Japanese bikes are very like Japanese Cars . Very good . Disposable . BMWs are like the BMW automobile , if there were no Mercedes-Benz or Porsche . I don't have to put down any other bike to say BMW are in a class of their own . Every one is a collector item , and built with a quality that every aviator would recognize . Great power to weight , brilliant engineering throughout that with proper maintenance , will last several lifetimes . I ride Harley , BMW , and Ducati for some of the same reasons my handguns are Smiths , Kimbers , and Colts .
Smith357
US Veteran
I have ridden BMW airheads for many years, the best thing about them is that they are just about bulletproof. It's not uncommon to see them running strong with over 100K on the odo. Another good thing about them is the excellent parts supply chain. BMW is slow to change designs, the engine on my 30 year old R100 was in production for almost 40 years, when I needed a part the local shop always had it in stock. The only part I ever had to wait for came from another 50 miles away and was there the next day. Try finding a part for your 1970s Honda.
mr.croom
Member
5 years ago BMW wasn't even competitive in the super performance motorcycles. But things have changed now with their 2010 S1000rr, a 450# bike putting 178 HP down at the rear wheel which surpasses any of the big three Japanese. And it is competitively priced.
I am amazed everytime I see a dyno charts comparing rear wheel numbers from back to back runs against other manufacturers. The S1000RR has a 20 rwhp (at peak) advantage over the next most powerful production liter bike on the market. I've ridden quite a few 1k's, and cant imagine riding something that has a 20 more horsepower hit up top than a ZX-10R, or GSX-R 1000. Man, thats insane!
Then, add the fact that you can add full blown traction control, ABS, and a quick shifter from the factory as options, for less than the cost of a base Ducati 1198S.......... Now that really is INSANE.
When BMW gets that rascal tamed, they will be a force to be reckoned with in WSBK.
absolutevil
Member
That 69 R50 is SWEET !!!
