Invincible order of the Korg and honorary BMW members,
That little badge (roundel) says alot in the engineering societies.
Having acquired mega/millon miles on beemers over the years, I offer the
following. Since BMW switched to EFI absolutely no problems with any of
the Bosch units that I have owned. Some of my R models had some inherent
surging but no complete meltdowns. Interesting that BMW motorcycles
bring low salvage prices for EFI units because they hardly ever go south
unless you shock them somehow. (supply and demand) contrary to ABS unit
brains especially the ABS I unit.
At this years BMW/RA rally, I attended a seminar presented by Grant
Johnson
http://www.horzionsunlimited.com on global touring. Again
interesting that they did not carry a massive spare parts inventory,even
in the most remote parts of the planet. Reliability and longevity are
BMW's trademark. Dealer support is so good they get basically can ship
any part in under a week. Granted a broken carb be easier to fix on the
fly but a CDI unit ? or the dreaded balancer chain ? Kawi dealer support
is much to be desired according to some members on this list. Apples to
apples Kawi would lose on dealer support (Big Time)
http://www.cyclebins.com in London, U.K. has a massive BMW inventory
with the most knowledgeable staff in the world. The Fred Hink of the AG
european community.
Personal experiences with new Dakar. A little more street oriented than
the KLR sound familiar ? Exceptional strong pulling motor,real stock
brakes and the stock seat sucked. Chain guard and the inner plastic rear
fender were broken off the first time off road. No biggie needs to be
reworked in design. Balance wise superior to the KLR hands down.In one
word "smooth" like all german machines. We managed to put 38k on the
clock before it was recalled due to a gas tank fire internal wiring
problem.
Latest addition is a 98 Strada,we only had this this one for 2 weeks,
but it's getting a workout with the snow here in Pa. This time we
removed the rear plastic fender and chain guard from the get go,
replaced with a Honda XR650l guard. So far so good even with a minor
drop "never say crash" on a ice patch.
The only thing cheap about BMW is the rider. You can always convert to
the black and orange moped club if you want to spend some "bring more
wampum". Or find a job where you get "paid to ride" Better yet get out
on the road/off road and "just ride it." For what it's worth,I meet a
woman 75 years old who proudly rode her 98 Strada to the BMW/MOA rally
in Rhinebeck N.Y. from L.A. in 4 days. Great ladies bike for the better
half and a beemer to boot.
put your wheels in motion-not your mouth, BMWzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing
Keystone Thrashers
BMW "Rulers of the Road"/Team Prozac
Jung Riders
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Message: 23
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 21:18:01 -0000
From: "Bill E Goat"
Subject: Re: F650GS experiences
Or are you just paying for that
> little badge saying BMW?
> Please give us some feed back. I am interested in what everyone
has to say.
> I am in the buying stage after selling my KLR for a newer bike.
> Thanks for any info everyone!
I rode (mostly way ahead) with one of the first released F650GS
Dakars in Idaho this summer, all together we had a route of about 550
miles of varying dirt roads. The brand new beemer shed numerous
plastic parts (rear tire hugger, and I don't recall what else) and
the owner expressed some dissatisfaction with that aspect of it. I
think the KLR is a better adventure machine, given the fuel capacity
and industrially-based design (as opposed to seeking "sleek"
and "flowing". I am not impressed with the underseat tank and filler
arrangement. F650 motors are definitely strong, and produce smooth
power/torque.
I am not putting down beemers; I am on my eleventh one (R1100RS)
which I think is an outstanding piece of roadworthy machinery.
Hope I don't offend any overly sensitive types out there with my
posts. Take your Zoloft!
Backroad Bill
at work in Rainy Californy
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