From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 18 01:43:04 1997 From: "Sitarz, Bruce BH" To: "Todd M. McGuinness" , "'ibmwc'" Subject: BMW: RE: Total Newbie ??? Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 15:06:15 +1000 Reply-To: "Sitarz, Bruce BH" Well Todd; Welcome aboard. I am sure you will get lots of suggestions as to which bike to buy, and why one bike is better than another. But the best advice I can give is for you to first determine what type of riding you are looking to do. Speed demon, love the twisties, touring, commuting etc. From that you should be able to determine the features you need in a bike. Add to that list the features you would like. This should help you narrow your choice of bike. then this is the most important part go and test ride every type of bike (BMW) that you can. this will A) confirm your requirements B) validate the features C) change your mind. Once you have done this. select the bike that best suits your needs and enjoy. Regards Bruce Sitarz >---------- >From: Todd M. McGuinness[SMTP:toddmNoSpam@NoSpampcidirect.com] >Sent: Wednesday, 18 June 1997 08:18 >To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com >Subject: BMW: Total Newbie ??? > > >ok, here goes... i am 28 years old, have always loved bmw bikes but have >never >had the $$ to be able to buy one. new time and age, and i do now!!! this >will also >be my first moto... > >so here's the big question??? which bike should i buy... > >these are what i am considering: > >R850R - don't want more bike than i can handle and seems to be well written >up. >anyone have anything to say about it? > >F650 - also get's good write-ups, and would be good for my City, Chicago, >but what about travel ??? > >I am very excited, but am interested in keeping this bike a while, so i >don't want to buy the wrong one. any help would be appreciated! > >tia, > >tm > From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 18 08:20:32 1997 To: toddmNoSpam@NoSpampcidirect.com Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Total Newbie ??? X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0-2,4,6-9,16-17,23-28,30-33 From: rwmundayNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com (Robert W Munday) Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 07:59:21 EDT Reply-To: rwmundayNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com (Robert W Munday) Todd, On Tue, 17 Jun 1997 17:18:44 -0500 "Todd M. McGuinness" writes: <<< I am 28 years old... have never had the $$ to be able to buy one... I do now!!! >>> At least you did not have to wait until you were 40 (as I did). Consider this... is this your first motorcycle or first BMW? As a first motorcycle, I would consider something in the way of a pre-owned bike... one that is big enough to suit your present needs without the huge initial investment and depreciation. You also have a larger selection from which to choose, such as the K-75 or the R100 airhead, both no longer in production. A three to five year old bike with low mileage will not be hard to find and will be just as much fun. If you have the bucks and desire to buy new, the R850 or R1100 would each be a good choice. Unless you are small or short and want to primarily ride short distances, avoid the F650 (especially in Chicago). The size and power of the R-bikes would, in this example, be a better fit for longer distances. You would also have that extra power needed to mingle with the idiots on the Edens or the Kennedy. Let us know what you decide to do, and welcome to the list. Robert `89 K100LT(A on the fritz) K-Whiner #47 Village Idiot Rolling Broccoli Rider `94 CB250R Nighthawk Montgomery, Alabama We say "SHOOOOOOOOT! Shop And Compare!" From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jun 19 00:40:47 1997 Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 15:12:32 -0500 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: Cal Swallow Subject: Re: BMW: Total Newbie ??? Reply-To: Cal Swallow At 05:18 P 6/17/97 -0500, you wrote: > >ok, here goes... i am 28 years old, have always loved bmw bikes but have >never had the $$ to be able to buy one. > >so here's the big question??? which bike should i buy... > >-------------------------------------snip---------------------------------- ------------ > >tia, > >tm > Hi Todd, Welcome to the world of motorcycles!!!! My advice is based on time spent as a salesperson at a Kawasaki/BSA/Hodaka shop (yes over 2 decades ago). We used to do lots of repair biz on bent bikes bought by new riders. Usually the bent ones were too big/fast for the abilities/judgement of the "newbies". My happiest customers were the ones that I managed to convince to buy a used Japanese trail bike. (from 125cc to 250cc) Some resisted this as they were concerned with their "image". Screw the image. I was more concerned with their learning the dynamics of the machine. A rider ought to know how it feels to have a rear wheel skid and step out to the side. Certain balance changes become instinctive eventually, but confuse the learner. I saw an accident one evening involving a Honda Silver Wing rider. I was about 200' behind him on a wide 4 lane surface street. The traffic was v-light. No cages in our lanes. As the Honda rider approached a red light he suddenly appeared to do one or two tank-slappers, "jump off" his bike and throw it down. He landed on his right shoulder and rolled to the curb. His bike ended up in the intersection. Luckily no cages pancaked it. I parked my scoot and helped him to his feet. He was in a little pain, but mostly in working order. Lucky. His bike was still driveable: scratched w/broken t signal, bent bars, shortened brake lever, re-curved brake pedal, gouged engine guard, small tank dent and torn seat. This could easily have exceeded $2,000 if it had been a BMW. I pushed it up on the sidewalk for him and we talked briefly. I instinctively looked at the street for oil/antifreeze/grease etc. None. What had happened is that he over-applied the rear brake and caused a sudden low speed skid. The rear was now locked and off to one side and he thought he would not stop in time. His next step was to grab a handful of front brake. Viola. High side at 15mph. Turned out he had just bought it that day. His first bike. Had this guy learned on some used tiddler. He could have learned how to skid to a stop crossed up. Put a tiddler in some mud or on wet grass and you can learn an awful lot about changing mc dynamics in a short time. Try a front wheel skid. =8^O A doughnut or two. In a month or two, after wanderlust or boredom sets in, sell the little one (if it is still rideable) and buy a Beemer. The bottom line is; You will probably save money by not buying new German body parts as you learn. Just ask your local parts dept the prices on farings, mirrors, mufflers, turn signals, saddles, tanks, yadda yadda yadda........ If you bought the tiddler from a BMW dealer in the first place, you may get a fair deal when you trade it back in. Talk to the salesperson about doing this before you buy. There surely are small, used mc's he would like to sell you so you can learn, survive and be a greatful, life-long customer. Just remember; You don't want to be on I94 in heavy traffic and have to "learn" something new. I will leave it to the others here on the list to give BMW model specific advice. You will learn so much about what type of rider you are in your first few weeks that your choice of model will be more informed. YES, DO MSF, HELMET, GLOVES, BOOTS ETC. . Oh yes, have a great time!! Cal Swallow NOTICE: Due to inflation, my $.02 worth is now Quincy, IL now going for $.03. BMWMOA # 65821 1985 K100 LT Grey Primer (don't ask) 1994 R1100 RSL (so I'm fickle) Turkisgrun Met. (fastest color) From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 15:14:41 1997 Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 13:30:09 -0500 (CDT) From: Rand Z Rasmussen To: Alex Jomarron Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com, CFACTORNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Subject: Re: BMW: Why I love my Kbike Reply-To: Rand Z Rasmussen Why I love my R bike 1) no radiator hoses to burst 2) no fuel pump to burn out 3) an engine design proven over 75 years 4) easily maintained and repaired 5) pleasant deep throaty sound 6) no cooling fluid to change, radiator to rust nor fan to quit\ 7) simple and elegant in form and function After reading this I like my 'R' bike even better! :-) On Wed, 11 Jun 1997, Alex Jomarron wrote: > > Chas, > > After riding an Airhead for 10 years I was hesitant to move to a K. Now that I have, I'm kicking myself > for not doing it sooner. Let me count the ways....... > > 1. The bike will take a beating (read many miles/some neglect) and keep on running.....very well. > > 2. Much lower maintenance...no frequent valve adjustments, carb/timing adjustments > > 3. A real charging system > > 4. A relatively flex free frame > > 5. Tubeless tires > > 6. Better acceleration (exemptions to Dr. Curve's twins!!) > > 7. A pedigree that has seen motors goiing to 400k with only a valve job. > > Wow, after reading this, I like it even more!!!!!!!!! > > Alex Jomarron > Oak Park, IL > > From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 14:11:29 1997 Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 12:46:50 +0000 From: Alex Jomarron To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Cc: CFACTORNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Subject: BMW: Why I love my Kbike Reply-To: Alex Jomarron Chas, After riding an Airhead for 10 years I was hesitant to move to a K. Now that I have, I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Let me count the ways....... 1. The bike will take a beating (read many miles/some neglect) and keep on running.....very well. 2. Much lower maintenance...no frequent valve adjustments, carb/timing adjustments 3. A real charging system 4. A relatively flex free frame 5. Tubeless tires 6. Better acceleration (exemptions to Dr. Curve's twins!!) 7. A pedigree that has seen motors goiing to 400k with only a valve job. Wow, after reading this, I like it even more!!!!!!!!! Alex Jomarron Oak Park, IL From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jul 16 17:43:18 1997 From: Clarence Dold Subject: Re: BMW: K1100 Torque and Cornering To: nancygNoSpam@NoSpamsgi.com Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 14:05:50 -0700 (PDT) Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com (BMW Mailing List) Reply-To: Clarence Dold > Do most K owners do heavy amounts of shifting when riding on > winding roads like the rice rockets do? On a particular stretch of road, I usually stay in fourth gear, with road speeds around 45-60+. If I'm in a hurry, I might drop to third, and if I am in a hurry, I might stay in third, even at higher road speeds than what I normally do in fourth. I happened to follow my Brother-in-law through this area, he riding a Suzuki GS750. I noticed that he was shifting, downshifting, accelerating, braking... but we both seemed to be travelling the same speed. By comparison to my own Honda riding, I find that I shift a lot less, and I go faster. The Honda didn't seem to do much of anything until the revs were high, and at that point, it was noisy and vibrated, so that I only rode hard when I really wanted to. The BMW is easier to ride at an elevated speed more of the time. -- --- Clarence A Dold - doldNoSpam@NoSpamnetwork.rahul.net - Pope Valley & Napa CA. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sat Jul 26 17:13:15 1997 Date: Sat, 26 Jul 1997 17:04:13 -0400 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: Don Eilenberger Subject: BMW: RE:K100RT or LT vs. K75RT:which is better? Cc: RONALD ROHNER Reply-To: Don Eilenberger Ron, a potential Kxx owner asks: >Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 19:04:24 -0500 >From: RONALD ROHNER >Subject: BMW: K100RT or LT vs. K75RT:which is better? > >Fellow Presidents, >I got a great response from many of you in regards to what >to look for in purchasing a K100. I believe that I thanked >each one of you personally. It has now come to my attention >that some of you prefer the K75 over K100. I am interested in >the touring model and I would be interested in hearing from >anyone who has a definite preference of one versus the other >and your reasons. I am a conservative rider in his late 40's, >6'2", 225 lbs., if any of that makes a difference in model se- >lection. Thanks in advance for your opinions. Respectfully, >Ron Rohner, Quakertown, Pa. The quick answer is - they all are. Depends on what you want to do. My feelings on the models mentioned (and I'll throw a few more in) are: K100RT or K1000/1100LT - basically the same bike, engine changed over the years from an 8 valve to a 16 valve. Early ones had reputation for some teething problems - butt - the vibration CAN be cured (BTDT) to the point that they are as smooth as the later 16 valve engines. The earliest ones ('83-'85 - only the '85 in the US) are probably the fastest. (Lightest weight - 90HP, later - starting in '86 the engines were downrated a bit in attempts to cure the vibes, the 16 valve brought the power back up, but the weight also came up with the LT..) This is a bike for covering long distances at high speeds with lots of stuff with you and maximum weather protection. Does this VERY well. With a Russell seat, and a windshield the right height - it is an all day bike. Probably the slowest handling of all the K bikes - but it isn't a sloch in the handling department. LT is heavier than the RT and both are the heaviest of the K bikes. K100RS/K11RS - the 'sport' touring 1000/1100cc version of the above. Another all day bike if you like it. Riding position is more sport-like than the RT (not as upright), weight is a bit less, weather protection is less. Put a Russell seat on it - and in good weather (and for diehards even bad weather) - you'll cover a lot of miles in a day on it. Handling is lighter than the RT/LT due to the lower weight. K75RT - never came as an LT that I know of - basically exactly the same bike as the K100RT but minus some HP and one cylinder. Has the same excellent weather protection, a bit lighter handling due to the 60lbs or so in weight reduction. The K75 is noted for being the smoothest thing BMW ever made until the current K1200RS. If you don't need the high-end power of the K100 - the K75RT is a great alternative. Lots of people here on the list have gone LOTS of miles on them. Downside to RT/LT vs RS: Heat. The wonderful weather protection the RT/LT fairing offers the rider has one bad tradeoff - heat. ALL the K bikes are 'hot' bikes, but the RT/LT can seem almost intolerable in stop-and-go traffic when the temps > 90F. A big help is an Aerostich full suit - the pants help a lot in keeping the heat off you. There are no REAL cures for this problem (although they seem to have fixed it in the K1200RS).. there are ways to help it, but if you're stopped, you'll slowly cook. When the bike is moving (mine is a K100RT) it isn't really a big problem. Reliability - ALL of them have outstanding reliability - especially the engines. Many people have reported over 300k miles on the engines and never had them open. Weak points are: centerstands - like to break dumping the bike; splines - probably not as big a problem as it seems, but an expensive one - and widely talked about - if it happens to you. Possible avoidance of this by using other than the BMW recommended grease on the splines; exhaust rattles on early K100's - fixable; seat of early K100's was designed by the devil; a few other little nit picking things, but basically - given the milage they tend to accumulate - they are all very reliable bikes. I would suggest - given your size/weight - perhaps the K100RT may be the bike for you. It has 'adaquate' power, and you'll fit it fairly well (make sure your knees don't hit the fairing too hard. This can be fixed by Mr. Russell when you have the seat made - tell him to move your butt back a bit). HTH, ======================================= Don Eilenberger Spring Lk Hts, NJ, USA deilenbergerNoSpam@NoSpammonmouth.com ======================================= From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Jul 28 11:09:46 1997 X-Authentication-Warning: arctic.st.usm.edu: fglamser owned process doing -bs Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 09:51:49 -0500 (CDT) From: Frank Glamser To: RONALD ROHNER Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: K100RT or LT vs. K75RT:which is better? Reply-To: Frank Glamser Hi Ron, The prezzes have done an excellent job of outlining your choice: power vs. lighter weight and smoothness. Let me just add that I am totally enamored with the K75RT. The lack of vibration at legal speeds combined with total wind protection makes it a super long distance tourer. For a number of reasons frequently noted on this list, no current BMW model interests me. OTOH a 3 cylinder K900RT would precipitate some serious lust. The gap between a 650cc chain driven single and a 1200cc crotch rocket seems awfully large to me. Frank Glamser Hattiesburg, Mississippi '92 K75RT BMW RoM On Fri, 25 Jul 1997, RONALD ROHNER wrote: > > Fellow Presidents, > I got a great response from many of you in regards to what > to look for in purchasing a K100. I believe that I thanked > each one of you personally. It has now come to my attention > that some of you prefer the K75 over K100. I am interested in > the touring model and I would be interested in hearing from > anyone who has a definite preference of one versus the other > and your reasons. I am a conservative rider in his late 40's, > 6'2", 225 lbs., if any of that makes a difference in model se- > lection. Thanks in advance for your opinions. Respectfully, > Ron Rohner, Quakertown, Pa. > a > From Cal Swallow Date: Mon, 01 Sep 1997 13:32:50 -0500 Subject: Re: BMW: GS vs. RSL At 11:35 A 9/1/97 -0500, Todd McGuinness wrote: > >Ok gang... here's another surefire flame starter... > >Other than the obvious differences between these 2 bikes, what are the >major riding differences and characteristics. > >BTW: NO My bike is better than your bike posts please!!! They are >both great bikes, although I have heard people say the RSL is a >difficult bike to ride? is it? > >thanks for the time, > >I am in love with a Black RSL that may be mine and I want more rider >opinions on what they like/dislike about the RS. > > >tm > IMHO disclaimer for all that follows. - -NO, THE RS IS NOT DIFFICULT TO RIDE!!!! Pure bunk. - -The GS is more versatile. Can go on rough roads more easily. In Colorado this summer, it would have been better to have a GS to do some forest service roads. I did do some on my RSL. Would have been better to not have to worry about the rims and have some high/wide bars and lower gearing. I never got stuck or fell off. Close doesn't count. Went up Smuggler Mtn. in Aspen two-up. Slowly. - -The RS is faster on pavement, with the exception of REAL tight twisties where it is simply easier to toss the GS from left to right in tight switchbacks. Once you spend lots of time on the RS and learn to deal with the narrow bars, you will be able to toss it around pretty well though. - -The GS is, er, ah, hmmm, ah, tsk, "functional looking". Some say "butt ugly". I'd rather be kind and just say that it is similar to a LR Defender 90 or Jeep Wrangler. Is a Grand Cherokee as good looking as a Ferrari? Certainly not, but who wants to go on fire roads in a Ferrari? The GS doesn't have a pretty face but it does have a heart-o-gold. You have to appreciate it for what it can do, not how it looks. I know some think it looks beautiful. OK, I ain't knocking it, but BEAUTIFUL.......please. - -The RS is simply BEAUTIFUL. No comparison to the GS. Place it in a row of the world's most beautiful bikes and you need to make NO APOLOGIES. I can't tell you how many unsolicited comments I get on the looks of mine. Almost every time I ride it. At the TOR rally, other riders came up to me to complement me on the look of the color-matched bags w/pads and the way it all tied in together. Every time I walk up to it to ride, I'm impressed. While I ride, sometimes I look down at the bike. I'm still impressed. - -I have never ridden a GS over a long distance. I CAN say that the RS is a true "mile eater". Did 1,100+ in 20.5 hours. - -If you think you are getting a true "crotch rocket" with the RS: Think again!! A good rider on a lightweight (Suzuki/Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha) 600cc (low 11's in quarter & 145 to 150 top end) sport bike will display his tail light to you. Compare the BMW to the same cc rocket and it gets a little silly. The Beemer is a sporty touring bike. - -If you think you are getting a true dirt bike with the GS: Think again!! Thinking about trying real dirt riding?? Just call 911 before you start. You will have a stroke or heart failure trying to get the GS through tight trails, pushing up hills, over lots of jumps, footing it through rocky sections and slogging through river-bottom mud. Just how many times do you want to pick it up. Any GS riders who say you shouldn't fall so often, are not pushing the envelope enough. If you are on a trail ride that doesn't require occasional pushing and up righting, then it ain't a tough trail. We have trails around here that could not be completed on a GS. Buy a sub 250lb. 2 stroke for the real nitty gritty. Buy a GS for fire roads and easier trails (Adventure Touring??) and then ride the 200 miles of highway home, smiling. - -My bottom line. I'd like to own BOTH. I can't, so right now I'll keep the RSL. It does what I want it to 99% of the time. It ALWAYS looks and handles great and will do around 140. Possibly I can pick up a used GS in a couple of years. If I lived in Colorado, I'd probably have a GS and be looking for a used RS. Either way you choose, you will probably be happy. 8-)))) - - Cal Swallow NOTICE: Due to inflation, my $.02 worth is now Quincy, IL now going for $.03. BMWMOA # 65821 1985 K100 LT Grey Primer (don't ask) 1994 R1100 RSL (so I'm fickle) Turkisgrun Met. (fastest color) From Zaheer Bhyat Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 16:47:04 -0000 Subject: RE: BMW: RT or GS the Verdict - (A touch long) I convinced a dealer to give a couple of friends and I 3 bikes to try = last Saturday morning. K1100 RS R1100 RT K1200RS The three of us all agreed on the following. The RT was a superb bike for what it was, but just not heart stopping = enough for us guys who like to feel a little wind. A little too heavy on = the narrow winding country roads we were riding, but very comfortable. The K12RS was superb in every respect. I felt the petrol tank could have = been a larger, we only got about 300 km (190 ml) out of it. Beautiful = acceleration and handling, nice wind protection (not too bad for the = pillion rider either) Now the point of this all - While the 11RS was not as fast, didn't offer = as much wind protection and was not as sophisticated as the K12, I found = it to be the most exilerating (sp) ride. It just worked for me! As you know by now I've decide to buy a new GS cos I think it's a = bitchin' combination of a tourer that I can use wonderfully in Africa = and the old K is gone and will be sorely missed, but I must agree with = Pedro, don't forget the K11's they are awesome. Cheers Zaheer Bhyat Johannesburg, South Africa - -----Original Message----- From: PRoloNoSpam@NoSpamsibs.mailcom.pt [SMTP:PRoloNoSpam@NoSpamsibs.mailcom.pt] Sent: Wednesday, 10 September, 1997 1:30 PM To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: RE: BMW: RT or GS the Verdict - (A touch long) << File: ATT00001.txt >> << File: ATT00002.att >>=20 Couldn't help noticing how everyone seems to have forgotten the K-bikes when considering a new one. Last March, I decided it was time to trade in my faithful '86 K100 RS for a new model. BMW it was going to be. I just didn't know which model. I use the bike mostly for commuting (everyday in fact, and in all kinds of weather), but I like to travel and do it whenever I can. My first =20 obvious choices were one of the following: K1100 RS, K1100 LT, R1100 RS, R1100 RT But since weather protection and comfort were the worst problems I had with the old K100, it all boiled down to the LT or the RT. The RT wins hands down when it comes to looks, but the LT looks like the kind of cruiser capable of taking you around the world. I then requested to go for a test drive in each of those bikes. The RT is comfortable when you sit on it. The finish is beautiful and =20 everything seems to have been well thought. The bike itself seems light, which is = surprising when you consider its size and weight. The worst comes when you start it. The vibration is a disappointment. = But =20 when you get it on the road, no matter which setting the screen is on, you =20 either get the wind on your face or on your back. By the time I got back, I was =20 certain I wouldn't like to buy the RT, and would prefer to keep the K100. Even =20 though the bike handles beautifully, it has none of the rush you get from riding = the =20 K100 hard. To me, 4 cylinders are still much better than 2. One other point, I = don't =20 have big feet but when I started riding the bike from a stop I would always hit = the feet on the fairing before being able to insert them in the right place. = Awkward, =20 I thought... After leaving the RT, I jumped onto the LT (this was the Special = Edition) =20 and although big and heavy (but so is the K100), as soon as I started it, I = =20 felt completely at home. Spacious, luxurious, a much bigger screen than the = RT has. But the big surprise came when I went for the ride. The LT is much smoother than the K100 (and is light years away from the RT). Handling = is =20 probably not as efficient as on the RT, but again much, much better than = =20 the K100. The seat is great (LT-SE) and the riding position is very =20 comfortable. Then you have the 4 speaker stereo and the top case with the special =20 backrest. I mean, what else do you want from life? Needless to say, I went straight for the LT-SE. Now, after several = months =20 of commuting and some travelling these are my conclusions. 1. The bike IS heavy, and if you can't set your feet fully on the = ground, =20 as is my case, you really need to be careful and plan your stops. 2. Handling is much better than I expected. The combination of Metzelers = =20 and Paralever really do make it stick to the ground. I find myself being =20 careful not to scrape the footpegs in the faster streets of the city. 3. Music does make a big difference in every occasion. You tend to be =20 more relaxed while driving. 4. The riding position (more upright) gives you more control and rests = your back. 5. I can now drive much longer, non-stop than I used to. The seat is = good =20 but silk underwear is another trick ;-) 6. The top case is great for those little extras that never fit the two = =20 bags of the K100. 7. ABS is not as good as I thought. It has worked mostly in those =20 situations of little speed where you don't appreciate the bike jumping forward as the ABS is = =20 activated. 8. The engine is the big star. Although the 8 valve engine of the K100 = had a quicker response, this engine has a powerful strength that goes almost unnoticed = =20 until you really need it. Then you find yourself at much higher speeds than on the = =20 K100. The screen is to blame here also. 9. A sixth speed would be great. Let's wait for the new LT... The bike now has 11000 km (6900 miles) and the only problem it had was a = =20 faulty ABS, replaced at 600 km (375 miles), under guarantee. In conclusion, the LT is my perfect bike. Great for commuting and then = excels when travelling. If I used my bike just for commuting, I would probably have = =20 stuck with the K1100 RS. As it stands, I think I have made the best choice. Pedro Rolo 1997 K1100 LT The Committee for the Rehabilitation of the LTs - Member #1 (of 1) From Dana Priesing Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 13:16:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: BMW: RE: EL TEEs RULE!! I guess I can pipe in here.... As a former owner of a K100LT, I can attest to the fact that LTs are (at least for now) closer to RSs than they are to Goldwings. You'll likely enjoy the bike. Think of it as a sportbike with upright seating and a bit larger fairing. Now if only BMW would put radials on the LT.... That would be something. Dana Priesing Arlington VA 94 K11RS From Dana Priesing Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 05:44:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: BMW: RE: which BMW for LD riding ? >John Johnson asks: > >> FWIW, I'm 6'2", 200lbs. Going to ride coast to coast next fall >>with camping gear, etc. >> 1) R or K ? I like the look of the boxer and their reputation for >> reliability, but I'm open to comments either way. John, what matters chiefly is whether or not you're more comfy touring slightly leaned forward, in which case buy a BMW with an S or RS designation (e.g., R1100RS, K75S, K1100RS, etc.), or more comfy in an upright seating posture, in which case buy a BMW with a T or RT or LT designation (e.g., R1100RT, K100LT, etc.). You can tour on any modern BMW. It's what they do best, after all - -- fast sweepy touring. Dana Priesing Arlington VA 94 K11RS From CDTyler1NoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 01:27:56 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: BMW: R-80rt Opinions In a message dated 97-09-18 19:21:08 EDT, J C Wood writes: << I have found an R80rt that I am considering for my first BWM cycle. I have 30+ years on other brands. I had thought I wanted nothing smaller than 1000 cc. I would be very interested in first hand opinions about this bike, especially in regard to its ability to cruise one up all day and occasionally two up. I am very much interested in the bikes torque, and smoothness. Does anyone know the specs. like dry weight, HP, etc. Thanks in advance for any help. >> I love that little bike. I have an '86 with 105 thousand miles. If times ever got tight, and I had to give up one of my bikes, I think the R80RT would stay. Cruising one-up: 70 to 75 mph, no problem. Torque: 42.8 ft lbs (not much, but you get used to it). Smoothness: as smooth as they come for an airhead, less than my R11 however. Dry weight: 456 lbs. HP: 50. Runs on regular gas. Fuel mileage: mid-40's. This bike runs well in all conditions. I take it down to Death Valley regularly, and spent two weeks in Baja this summer. It's cheap to run and fix. Good bike. Carl Tyler '86 R80Rt, '96 R11RT Millbrae, CA Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 08:58:09 -0400 From: Rick Leasure Subject: Re: BMW: R1100RS At 04:56 PM 9/29/97 -0700, Greg Gagliano wrote: > >I sold my '88 R100RS 4 years ago when my first child was born (I had to >learn how to do the "Dad thing" and kids don't come with owner's >manuals). Now I'm ready to get back into riding and would like to get >informed opinions and experiences (good and bad) about the R1100RS. >Here's what I discovered so far after my 4 year hiatus from >motorcycling, but feel free to correct anything here: > >1) The new flat twin is no longer called a "Super Boxer" but rather an >"Oilhead". Fascinating. Oil cooled heads.... > >2) The RS1100RS is no longer available with full lowers (R1100RSL). >Does anyone know why? The lowers certainly give a cleaner look to the >bike. > Speculation is fire. Seems the lowers would overheat during loooonng idling periods and catch fire. >3) The RS and RT wheels are soft and prone to bending and Papa BMW >isn't covering them under warranty or redesigning them. This isn't very >encouraging. Seems I heard the same thing about the R65LS wheels some >years ago. > Yup, keep em filled to max pressure. >4) There was a clutch problem that has been fixed since last year. > Haven't heard this one, expect on the very early 94's (which, of course, I have. ) >5) The EFI throttle body sychronizing seems to be a bit of nightmare >(though no worse then setting the bias on a tube amplifier). Still, the >procedures I've seen on the Internet don't seem to be "factory methods" >though they appear to work well... are the dealer service techs doing >this the "right" way? > Haven't seen the Internet procedures, but I have had three different mechanics synch my 'bodies and none of them have gotten it right every time. When it is done right there is very little surge, when done wrong......well you take it back and get it done right! >6) I test rode a '94 R1100RS in Avon, Colorado and it performed very >well, but... that was just a short test drive. Two things I noticed >during that ride were the clunky transmission and the "lean" surge at >around 3500 rpm or so. > If it's got the clunky tranny it's an early 94, maybe even the so called "beta" bike. Like I said, I have one of these bikes, I love it to death, but it does have, shall we say, some serious "character". >That's about all I know so far. > >Thanks in advance for your assistance! > >Regards, > >Greg Gagliano >Contributing Editor >20th Century Guitar Magazine > >(yes, guitars and motorcycles go together quite well) > > Rick Leasure, CNE Sprint Paranet 800-739-0917 (Pager) ********************************************************** On-site at Cigna Dental in Plantation, FL Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 13:11:40 -0400 From: William Safford <73760.3533NoSpam@NoSpamcompuserve.com> Subject: Re: BMW:R1100RS Greg Gagliano: > Now I'm ready to get back into riding and would like to get > informed opinions and experiences (good and bad) about the R1100RS. It's a great bike. I love mine, even though it's had teething pains. The following is excerpted, with minor edits, from a message I posted to the Motorcycle Forum of Compuserve a while back: ----------- I have a '94 R1100RS-A. It's a great bike. Whether it is for you depends on what you're looking for in a bike. What have you ridden in the past? What sort of bikes are you used to? I've put over 38,000 miles on my bike in the last two years, including a cross-country trip from New York to California and back three summers ago, and trips to South Carolina and Wisconsin two summers ago. It's a great machine. BMW bikes generally have a reputation for excellent reliability. My bike is from late in the first model year. It has had several problems, including a replaced transmission, which the dealer has taken care of expeditiously and cheerfully under warranty. However, since then the bike has worked very well. Pluses: it handles and brakes very well; it gets decent gas mileage (between 39 and 53 MPG, usually around 43); it has lots of power, especially above 4,000 RPM (albeit not as much as a crotch rocket); it's pretty comfortable; the ABS is a great asset; the adjustable seat and handlebars help one to dial in a comfortable riding position; the adjustable windscreen is useful for tailoring airflow to your tastes as well as to changing weather conditions; the hard bags are convenient to use; the gauges are clear and easy to read; it has a decent though not stellar cruising range; it's easy to change the oil and filter; if you drop it, you will do little or no damage to the fairing because the bike will fall onto the cylinder head (or one of the head protectors, if you have the foresight to have them installed--I did); the heads will also help protect your legs in case of a lowside accident. Minuses: the stock seat isn't quite comfortable enough for very long hauls of over 200 miles per tankful or 500 miles per day (a Russell fixed this for me), although it's perfectly fine for medium-length trips; the bars are a bit too low and far forward for comfortable long-distance touring at legal speeds, although aftermarket bar backs can fix this too; the transmission is clunky; the fairing protection isn't as good as on the venerable R100RS (but what sport-tourer bike's fairing is?), and the airflow is turbulant and loud; airflow doesn't effectively take the pressure off of your wrists until you're traveling pretty rapidly, say above about 75 MPH; the engine exhibits an annoying surge around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM; the engine vibrates a bit at 4,000 RPM, which blurs the mirrors; throttle modulation is a bit abrupt at low speeds, although I've heard that this problem is being addressed in the new model year; filling the last half-gallon into the gas tank is a slow and tedious process; and my knees become a bit cramped at the end of a 1,000-mile day. I've had a few mods done to mine. I had Russell rebuild my seat pan, which has increased the comfort level a *lot*. I put bar back on the handlebars. I had the rear rack for the RT top box installed, and I recently bought a used RT box. I've added a second accessory socket for my passenger. I'm about to have aftermarket shocks put on it, front and rear. Etc. Overall, it's a great bike with a few quirks. The strengths more than outweigh the weaknesses, IMHO. But only you can decide whether or not it's worth buying. Also take the R1100GS and R1100RT for test spins--one of the may be more to your taste. The GS is a fine bike, although you have to have long legs to feel comfortable on it. It costs less too. The RT is the best choice if you want to do long-distance touring, or want to travel regularly with a passenger. It costs little more than the RS and comes with more features, so, right now, it's the better bike for the money. Finally, also take a look at the K1200RS. ---------- Now, here are a few answers to your specific questions: > 2) The RS1100RS is no longer available with full lowers (R1100RSL). > Does anyone know why? The lowers certainly give a cleaner look to the > bike. A dealer told me that the RSL was discontinued because it was priced about the same as the RT, and offered less standard equipment (no electric windscreen, no panniers, etc.). > 3) The RS and RT wheels are soft and prone to bending and Papa BMW > isn't covering them under warranty or redesigning them. This isn't very > encouraging. Seems I heard the same thing about the R65LS wheels some > years ago. I bent my front wheel. :-( It's about to be replaced by insurance. > 4) There was a clutch problem that has been fixed since last year. I haven't had that one, after it was adjusted to the updated specification. > 5) The EFI throttle body sychronizing seems to be a bit of nightmare > (though no worse then setting the bias on a tube amplifier). Still, the > procedures I've seen on the Internet don't seem to be "factory methods" > though they appear to work well... are the dealer service techs doing > this the "right" way? As I said above, my bike surges. The warranty replacement cable helped a bit, as do fresh synchs. I haven't had the 0=0 job done yet; I'm going to wait until the bike goes off of warranty before doing so. > 6) I test rode a '94 R1100RS in Avon, Colorado and it performed very > well, but... that was just a short test drive. Two things I noticed > during that ride were the clunky transmission and the "lean" surge at > around 3500 rpm or so. Was it an early '94? Those had noisy transmissions, but I've heard that they work well otherwise. Mine is a late '94. Its transmission was replaced at 7K miles because it wouldn't stay in 1st or 2nd gear. The replacement has worked fine ever since, once the dealer got the clutch adjustment right. Hope this helps. - --Will Safford Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 15:25:42 -0700 From: James Gaston Subject: BMW: Are K's more popular in Europe? I enjoyed Duner's thoughts on the perception of motorbikes in Europe vs the States, a topic also touched on in a book I'm currently reading, which I believe has been mentioned in this space, M. Pierson's 'A Perfect Vehicle.' My partner and I just returned from a trip to Holland and France, where we travelled largely by their marvelous train system; something we miss, now that we are back home in traffic-clogged silicon valley. What struck us repeatedly in Paris and Holland, and what was a source of much kidding because Paul has a K11 and a R11 while I only have a R11, was the popularity of K bikes, specifically K-LTs, as opposed to R bikes. In our admittedly-unscientific sampling the ratio seemed something like 100:1 wherever we were. Can anyone explain this? We saw a couple of R1100RS's (my favorite), a dozen or so R1100RTs, a couple of GS's, one K12, and zillions of Ks of all flavors but primarily LTs. This doesn't count the K's ridden by the police in Paris and Den Haag. We also stumbled on a red-carpet rollout for a visiting dignitary at the government center in Den Haag. The entourage included an escort of about 20 white/striped KLTs, a single white Honda, and, interestingly, a bright yellow R11RT ambulance/EMS bike ridden by a driver with a matching yellow helmet. - - James Gaston Redwood City, CA 96 R1100RS marakeesh red, now with hyper lights Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997 14:37:03 -0500 From: Brent Jass Subject: Re: BMW: Advice and opinions wanted on RvsK Michael Lipke wrote: > Prezzes: I need advice. I know that the ultimate decision has to be mine, > but others must have been here and can give me opinions of value. > Has anyone ever sold a toaster for a K and been lovelorn over the loss of > the toaster? > > Or, does the love afair with the new hussy K overwhelm the nostalgia. I think this might describe my situation pretty well. I put 90,000 miles on my R75/6 and figured I'd probably never buy another bike. Demoed a K75S at the Paonia Rally (in '92?), and decided that IF I ever bought another bike, that'd be the one. Then six weeks ago, got a hankerin' to look for another bike. Found just what I wanted at my dealer's: a red K75S, good shape. A couple of days ago I needed to run an errand, and thought I'd ride the R-bike. Started wheeling it out of the shed, and I thought, How can I ride this thing when the K-bike's sitting right there? Riding the K-bike into town, I thought for the first time about selling the R. Like someone's sig line says, If you're not going to ride it, sell it to someone who will. I just might. K-bikes are great. By the way, I get a more drooling admirers now than I did when I rode the R75/6, and I'm not used to it. Not even sure I like it. I always left the key in my old bike, now I take it out sometimes. Brent '88 K75S '75 R75/6 Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 20:57:23 +0700 (ICT) From: "Graham K. Rogers" Subject: BMW: New bike and a ride Oh my *word*!! I picked up my *new* K100RS on Monday and, apart from a ride round the lanes on the outskirts of Bangkok, I had not had a proper chance to use it all week. I do not call riding through the mess that is Bangok *proper*. A friend arrived from the Northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima late Saturday night and we chatted for quite a while, so I did not get up particularly early. Nevertheless, with early morning sunshine, dry roads and a strong desire to ride, I excused myself for a couple of hours (I said) and hit the road. I notice immediately that the K100 has much more power than the K75. This may sound like stating the obvious, but the extra cylinder and 250cc or so makes such a difference that the bikes are not really alike: the character of the K100 makes it far more of a gutsy machine. I have not managed to run out of power in the gears as I did occasionally with the K75. After taking on fuel, I took to the highway that leads west and south out of Bangkok. At Nakhon Chaisri it links with the Petchakasem highway--five lanes both sides. Invariably the outside lanes are full with the inside lanes empty. At Nakhon Pathom (Nakhon is a Thai word for city) the road reduces to two lanes either side although there are roadworks for seveal kilomotres where the road is being widened. As usual I slide up the empty inside lane while the cars trip over each other in the outside. One thing I have noticed is the amount of heat coming out of the fairing. I appreciate that riding conditions are hot here anyway (31 deg C today), but this will take some getting used to. The fan comes on occasionally in the city, so it does not seem to be a big problem for the bike. I take the turning for Kanchanaburi and ride over the bridge. I pass one bus going up the ramp but wait for the second to negotiate the bend on the far side before overtaking--big vehicles like lots of room. I like this road. It is dual carriageway all the way to Kanchanaburi but with sufficient in the way of bends, intersections and other motorists to make it interesting. I have got into the habit of running with the headlamp on main beam these days. Dipped beam was not enough. With the higher speed that the K100 brings, the extra is a good investment. Approaching the outskirts of the city of Kanchanaburi, I drop the speed a bit in deference to the different nature of urban traffic. After going through the town, I pick up the pace a bit trying to decide which route to take. As I get to the intersection at the top of the hill, the lights are at red for traffic to the north, so I take the feed to the left, for the border with Myanmar. The first couple of kilometres along here has heavy traffic and I pick the cars off one by one. Then the road, recently widened, is open and I turn on the power. The roads out here are fairly smooth, with some good straights. Bends are usually long and wide: the K100 seems to respond well to these and sits on the road better than the K75 had. Negotiating these roads, therefore seems safer, although I am still having to make myself aware of the higher velocity. With no speedometer, this is a process of guesstimation. About 20 kms out of Kancahanaburi, there are more roadworks with evidence of much offroad traffic coloring the road surface ochre. I was glad that the raods were dry as this type of detritus is nasty and slippery. The construction means that I lose a bit of progress. While in a line of traffic, I could see a truck on the offside of the construction site, coming towards us. The huge cloud of dust was spreading everywhere and I moved over to my left to escape the worst of it. Once the dust had cleared I took a gear and passed the remaining cars and made my way to Saiyoke Noi--the waterfall--just near where the railway line ends. I stopped and did the British thing: I had a cup of tea, although the tea made in Thailand is not the same as the dark Indian tea and is heavily laced with sweetened milk. Ten minutes later, I retraced the road for about 5kms and then turned off to the left--a cross-country route that would join up with the road to Sisawat, way up in the mountains. Parts of this road have been resurfaced in the last few months. This being Thailand where the object of the exercise is not to improve the road but to sell bitumen, the resurfacing is more akin to spreading jam than tar. Huge potholes are already appearing in a road that was newly covered less than three months ago. It was at this time that the first fle light started flashing under acceleration. As there had been some correspondence on this point in the morning e-mail, I was going to have to (a) learn how much was left when the lights shone, and (b) put up with the annoayance of the intermittent lights. A year ago, I saw the organic evidence of elephants at the other end of ths road, and round a bend the elephants themselves. This is actually the site of an elephant school and the area has been cleared: the school itself now clearly visible from the road. And of course, the pachyderms. Left at the end of this road brings me back onto the main road from Kanchanaburi. A bus coming from the direction of the town sounds a warning as I approach the intersection and I decide to go. Gone. Up the hill, over the crest, gently right then left then up another small hill with a sharper left bend at the top. Here, I know that the road splits. To the left goes down to a small dam. To the right is one of my favourite stretches with a lake to the left and a gouged cliff face, where the road was carved out of the hill to the right. This section, of only about ten kilometres, demands concentration with its roller-coaster style. At the end of a sinuous stretch there is a sharp right, then short straight, followed by a left with a decreasing radius. For the first time, entering slower than I think I have before, I got this bend right. Then up the hill, right, sharp left, downhill briefly then a steep rise as the road goes right opening out to a really fast section of about 40kms. All immensely satisfying, and in beautiful surroundings. Instead of the road to Sisawat (which I took a month ago: the last ride on the K75), I took a left fork into a park controlled by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). In this park is the beautiful Erawan Waterfall, and the Srinakarind Dam. The road to the dam crest has been rebuilt in the last year and the first part of the approach is much easier. When the road was re-opened, I was pleased to find that the final section--to the crst itself--was untouched, with its two hairpin bends, steep hills and several tight bends to the left and right. While I might have done some parts in 3rd gear in the past, the K100 demanded 2nd gear once or twice. I reached the top and loked out across the serene blue of the lake behind the dam. The effect was spoiled a little by crowds of people at the restaurants here. Last time I came up here I was the only person visiting. Without stopping I turned round and made my way back down the hill. It was now that the 7-litre fuel light remained on and steady, while the 4 litre light flashed more persistently. Down the hill, out of the park and back towards Kanchanaburi, through that wonderful switchback section, passing the turning for the elephant school, and along the tree-lined route. I noticed a couple of westerners on small bikes. They were undoubtedly tourists who had hired the bikes cheaply from their hotels or the hire shops that abound in this area. The first couple had no helmets and I smiled wryly thinking of the sunburn they would have this evening. A little further on there were three bikes stopped, with four westerners standing around. One of the bikes seemed to have a mechanical problem. I stopped for fuel about a kilometer away and then turned round in case there were something I could help with: I have tools, speak Thai and could fetch and carry. Too late. The bike was already loaded onto a truck. The couple left--putting their helmets on--were slightly puzzled by the appearance of westerner on local BMW. Back at Kanchanaburi I took the bypass and felt--as I had all morning--how the K100 just eats the miles (and the kilometres): a speck in the distance is suddenly caught and passed by a twist of the throttle. Back on the main Bangkok road, I made an error. I had, thus far, missed all the major potholes and other raad hazards but came upon a piece of tarmac that had been raised by the actions of heavy trucks and I hit that dead centre. I was taken aback by the brake warning light coming on. I slowed and gingerly felt the front brake action and thenm the rear. It seemed ok, but, brakes is brakes so I stopped and had a closer look. There were no obvious problems with the hydraulic lines, and the rear stop lamp was working (how *do* you test the front by yourself in bright sunlight?), so I pulled off and tried to cancel the light by the occasional squeeze (or press) of the brake levers. No dice. After about 10 minutes, for no apparent reason, the light went out. The road back to Bangkok from Kanchanaburi, and then from Nakhon Pathom is like a racetrack on Sundays. With heavy trucks, coaches, agricultural trucks piled high with sugar cane and the majority of cars insisting on the outside lane, my progress is a series of jumps up the inside. As a contrast, last month I rode up to the province of Suphan Buri. All along the highway are signs in Thai and English telling motorists to use the left pane. They do. Today, the *jumps* were effected much more swiftly than ever before and, in consequence, more safely. I am warming more and more to the K100. Most of the morning I had been followed by clouds--a few raindrops had fallen. As I got back to the outskirts of Bangkok, the clouds congealed into one steel-grey mass right above my home. I turned off the Petchakasem Highway, up the link road (avoiding the potholes) and then onto my road. As I crossed the second of four intersections, the road was damp. By the fourth and final junction, the rain was falling. One kilometer from home it was a tropical deluge. Heigh ho. Nearly there. As the rains fell, the sun started to shine. I put the bike into the driveway and wiped it down. Graham K. Rogers October 1997 Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 09:33:02 -0400 (EDT) From: BMWgsRiderNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Subject: BMW: Re: Is K75RT a touring bike In a message dated 10/10/97 10:30:25 PM, Geoff Adams wrote: <<... Is the k75rt a two up touring bike?. We are lo...>> There's two couples in our club who have K75RT's and ride them long distances, two up towing trailers. They love the bikes because they're comfortable, reliable and have enough power. I think one of the bikes has covered more than 150,000 miles; with only normal maintenance. Ira Haskell Lake Forest, CA R1100gsa - -----Original Message----- From: Duane Schriever To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Date: Monday, October 13, 1997 12:25 PM Subject: BMW: GS: perfect getaway ...mono/paralever? Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 12:08:31 -0500 From: dgsNoSpam@NoSpamaretha.jax.org Subject: BMW: 200K >Tony brags: >==== > >Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 16:10:23 -0700 (MST) >From: TBLACKNoSpam@NoSpamcc.colorado.edu >Subject: BMW: 200K >Well it's brag time folks. My K100RT turned over 200,000 miles this >weekend. >So far it continues to run the same as always. That is all. Ciao Tony >Tony Black tblackNoSpam@NoSpamcc.colorado.edu >Colorado Springs K100RT R75/6 Honda CBX Yamaha RZ350 > K1200RS (on order) > >TBLACKNoSpam@NoSpamcc.colorado.edu > >==== > >Just a normal brick, Tony! :))) > >Frank Stevens told to shut up until my K75 had 300K+. I couldn't wait that >long! > >;-) > >Seriously, nice going!!! > >Rob Lentini >'94 R1100RS >Tucson AZ >H 520-790-8865 W 520-295-6411 >AMA, ARCC, BMWRA, IOC, MSF >Director, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America >I WILL RIDE MORE AND POLITIC LESS I met a gentleman from Boston once, on vacation in Maine. I saw his bike on the street and decided to hang around, wanting to meet the owner of a bike that looked as this one did. I think it was a '71 R60/? that he bought with 15-20K on the clock in the early 70's. He said the bike had around 450K on it at the time (summer '94) but that the odometer didn't always work and he had to use gas receipts, he saved them all. Sure was an interesting man, wouldn't mind running into him again someday. Said that he had never had any major work done to the bottom end and rode year round in Boston. As he fired his bike up, idling at what he said was 200 RPM, and running very smoothly thank you, he wished me luck with my "infant" '94 R100. Gunter Schroeder Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 07:57:12 -0600 From: Steve Aikens Subject: Re: BMW: What's so bad about R65s? Austin, Jeffrey L wrote: > > I'm looking around for a new scooter. Thought I wanted a /5, but all > I've lookd at are overpriced. > > I mentioned to a couple /5 riders that I was going to look at an extra > clean '79 R65 fro $2,200 (26k mi) and one reacted like "well, if it's in > excellent shape, could be a good bike for the price." The other was like > "aannhh, I really never like R65s, very different kind of bike, never > liked R80s either." Obviously, these guys never rode the R65 or R80 any distance (probably not at all). Ask Voni Glaves about her R80 (that she's riding while her R11 is being worked on - the same one she rode before she got the R11) and how many miles she's put on it (p_vglavesNoSpam@NoSpamcjnetworks.com). She loves it. It's not in the same class as her R11, a different kinda ride, but just as capable as the R11 for fun, comfortable riding, you just have to understand and ride within their limitations. Unfortunately, it's sometimes hard to muddle through what's fact and what's personal opinion, personal preference, and a is what I have, so it's the best, attitude. I'd have to say your /5 buddies are a little too uninformed about models of BMW's, other than what they own and ride, to offer an opinion you should use as a basis of a purchase for yourself. > So, what is it about /5s, other than durability, that makes them so much > more desirable than the above later models? Personal opinions, mostly. > I weigh about 210, and one rider said, Don't get anything under 750 cc. Hmmm. If he's suggesting a /5 and nothing under a 750 - he's telling you to buy an R75. Is he trying to sell his? > But, from what I've read, a late eighties R65 produced about the same > horsepower as a early 70sw R75/5, and weighs less, plus it has 5 speeds > and a disk front brake. Correct. > Am I just hearing the effects of cultism, or are there really > engineering reasons why the /5s are so desirable? You are mostly hearing the effects of cultism. The R65 is a very capable, small displacement bike. As long as you remember it *is* a small displacement bike. You'll need to do some shifting on steep grades, don't overload it with two people and a lot of gear and expect too much from it, and you'll enjoy the bike. Although I personally don't own one, I have friends that like theirs and put a lot of miles on them. I have ridden a friends R65 (1981 model year) some miles (he was "test riding" my R11) and found it a little underpowered for my tastes (I'm a hot-rod kinda guy), but reeeeeal smooth. He had something like 70,000 miles or so on it. Little red and black thing - looked pretty sharp. All that being said, $2,200 is a little high for that year R65. Should be a little closer to $17-1800. Hope you find a nice bike *you* like, at a reasonable price. - -- I don't suffer from insanity.....I enjoy every minute of it! Steve Aikens, Clovis, New Mexico steve.aikensNoSpam@NoSpam3lefties.com Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 11:30:01 -0400 From: beemerriderNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com Subject: Re: BMW: What's so bad about R65s? (my opinions) >So, what is it about /5s, other than durability, that makes them so >much >more desirable than the above later models? > >I weigh about 210, and one rider said, Don't get anything under 750 >cc. >But, from what I've read, a late eighties R65 produced about the same >horsepower as a early 70sw R75/5, and weighs less, plus it has 5 >speeds >and a disk front brake. > >Am I just hearing the effects of cultism, or are there really >engineering reasons why the /5s are so desirable? > If you're trying to compare the /5 to the post '84 R65, I'll have to vote for the R65. A quick summary of my opinions: **R75/5** PRO Funky/cool style and sound (particularly transmission gear whine) Heavy flywheel = smooth Kickstarter, if you need it. No worries about finding someone to cut a new ignition key :-) CON An old bike. Second generation rubber parts probably need replacing More maintenance intensive - specifically, ignition system Early seventies' brake performance (a little scary) Marginal battery/charging system. Handling somewhat affected by frame flex, steering geometry **monolever R65** PRO Electronic ignition = reliable starts, long spark plug life Light flywheel = quick throttle response, a bit more vibration Modern brakes; can be converted easily to dual front disks, if desired Reliable starter - smaller battery can be replaced with full-sized easily. Very quiet boxer (if you like that) Quick, light handling (more rigid rear end, shorter wheelbase, big forks, with integral brace. Stainless steel mufflers - last forever Monolever rear end makes tire changes easy. Tubeless tires Can be fitted with BMW Touring (old style) or BMW Integral (K style) luggage CON Some find muffler tone too subdued A somewhat tall bike. Less personality than a /5 Bear in mind that these are the thoughts of a former owner of an '86 R65. Some of my /5 observations may be inaccurate. Chris Stoddard Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 20:23:44 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Wasserman Subject: BMW: Nothing's wrong with R65 R65s are the unloved stepchildren of the post-70 twins. Having owned a '79 R65 for a few years and had the use of a '82 R65LS for a year or so I have to say that despite the lack of power and buzz at 3500 rpm they were very easy bikes to ride and develop a strong affection for. The '79 carburators didn't idle well and were hard to get dialed in. With contemporary tires and upgraded (Progressive) fork springs the bike handled suprisingly well. The brakes were wimpy (single disk ATE setup was standard) but easy, if expensive, to upgrade to dual disk ATE or Brembos. The narrow bars and sporty cafe fairing on the LS were to my liking (not to everyone's apparently). I also liked the slightly peppier performance and much better dual disk brakes. With contemporary brake pads that bike could really stop! Both bikes were a challenge to ride fast requiring that the revs be kept up around 6K to make any power. Both were reasonably comfortable and had relatively soft suspensions. My 79 and 82 R65s got about 50mpg. The R65s (pre-85?) had a bit more of the classic BMW twin exhaust note and "feel". My '91 GS never made the pleasing beemer burble that the twin exhaust R65s made. I kinda missed that. I recall paying around 2 grand for the '79 in 1988. It was a cherry specimen with about 9K on the clock and it had been properly setup for storage and kept carefully for many years. Looked like it just rolled out of the showroom. The bike is probably worth around 1800 or so today if you could pry it from the gent who bought it from me in 1990. He still rides it off and on today. If you like the R65 and it's in good shape go for it. ================================================ Gary Wasserman Portland, OR Date: Mon, 20 Oct 1997 10:08:23 -0500 (CDT) From: Geoff Adams Subject: Re: BMW: What's so bad about R65s? On Sun, 19 Oct 1997, Austin, Jeffrey L wrote: > I'm looking around for a new scooter. Thought I wanted a /5, but all > I've lookd at are overpriced. > So, what is it about /5s, other than durability, that makes them so much > more desirable than the above later models? > > I weigh about 210, and one rider said, Don't get anything under 750 cc. > But, from what I've read, a late eighties R65 produced about the same > horsepower as a early 70sw R75/5, and weighs less, plus it has 5 speeds > and a disk front brake. > > Am I just hearing the effects of cultism, or are there really > engineering reasons why the /5s are so desirable? IMNSHO, the engineering reasons are in favor of the newer bikes. The /5s have bushed rocker arms that need upgrading to needle bearings and non-halogen headlights that need to be upgraded to H-4. The handlebar switches are not so durable and you only have 4 speeds. Also the toaster-tank models that seem to be in such fashion now, only hold 4.5 gallons. Also most the /5s could use a larger battery, but only the '73 1/2 series with the long swing arm have room to bolt-in the larger battery box. The front drum brake, if well serviced, is much stronger than many realise and not a real disadvantage. The early single disc bikes were scarcely better, if at all. That said, I would be happy to own one with the upgrades mentioned, but with the 6 gal. tank. A /5 without fairing is a delightfully light, agile, and simple machine that you could ride anywhere. But, you will probably learn to use a kickstarter. Although an R75/5 is clearly stonger than an R60/5, the 600cc motor is probably the smoothest post '70 twin I ever owned. I had an R60/6 with an R/RS fairing on it and it would run 100mph and never felt buzzy. Just took a while to get up there. Geoff Adams, Arlington, TX tbcNoSpam@NoSpamdfw.net TBC NTCOF NTS K100RS MOA22753 IBMWR BMWDFW LSBMWR Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 08:11:20 -0800 (PST) From: Dana Priesing Subject: Re: BMW: 75 v. 1100 At 09:14 AM 12/2/97 -0600, Frank Glamser wrote: >> Uh oh, here's that buzziness bugaboo again. A cruel thrust, and >> undeserved. If you're thinking of the K11, borrow one with 30,000 or more >> miles on the clock, take it out for an hour to completely warm up the mill, >> and run it up to where you *should* be running the engine when you're >> cruising on it (i.e., 4,250 rpm and up). You'll likely find that once's the >> engine's broken in, and not lugged, it ain't buzzy. >> >> Dana Priesing >> (who's ridden a coupla buzzy loaner K75's now and then) > >Check out the road test in this month's Motorcycle Consumer News. The >vibration is a problem, at least on a new bike. Like I said above, ride one that's broken in, and don't lug it at 3,875 rpm. The so-called buzz won't be a problem. MCN tested a new one, which, of course, ain't broken in. Dana Date: 8 Dec 1997 12:05:30 U From: "Diaz Jon" Subject: BMW: RE: K75S vs. R1100RS John Dendy asked: >Having said something complimentary, I'll regress to my normal pessimistic, >negative state by guestioning you further. I've had several guys respond >that they really liked the K75 they owned but the oilheads seem to have >many technical problems and repair problems. And repairs, (if out of >warranty) cost BIG BUCKS. I think, early on, the Oilheads needed a little fine tuning due to poor set-up at the factory and a (generally) clueless dealer knowledge base. The flow of information from factory to national service body to dealer to owner was terrible, which led to owners fiddling on their own (with a few anonymous mechanics) to make things better. It took a LOT of time to get the word out, especially in print, and only in the last year or so would I say that everyone's got access to the same info. That's a long time, but maybe for an all-new model it isn't too bad. I don't know. My '94 RS needed fiddling with the throttle position sensor, and a few little parts at the beginning (anyone remember having their fuel injector covers fly off?), and a new input shaft for the transmission (I rode with it for about 20K before getting it fixed), but other than that has required no attention and minimal $$. My '96 RT has been virtually troublefree, needing only a new RID when the old one kept resetting its clock randomly. These two bikes collectively have over 100,000 miles on them. Yes, they could be expensive to fix someday, but by that time I suspect I'll be balancing the cost to scrap vs. the cost to fix _instead_ of lamenting that the bike died too soon, if that makes sense. I know that I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Oilhead right now. Or a K. This is why I suggested you buy the one that fits you, talks to you, and makes you look back at it when you leave it parked somewhere. That's the bike you should buy. Jon Diaz Date: Mon, 08 Dec 1997 11:22:53 -0700 From: Steve Aikens Subject: Re: BMW: short vs. long wheelbase toasters Gernot Huber wrote: > > I am thinking of purchasing one of these bikes, and was wondering what > the conventional wisdom is about the relative merits of the two > wheelbases. I want to use this bike mostly for shorter rides (including > rides within San Francisco) to complement my R11RS which I use for > everything right now (commuting, touring, going out). > > Thanks for any advice, > > Gernot Huber > 94 R11RS > San Francisco This is an easy one. Look for a long wheelbase bike '73 /5 LWB (be aware there are both LWB and SWB bikes in '73)or newer. If you're not sure how to tell the difference between SWB and LWB, at a glance: look at the driveshaft housing of the bike - in '73 there were two - one that was a smooth housing from the output shaft end to the rear end, and one that has a weld around it 2 1/4 inches from the rear end flange, where it looks like a piece was added - it was. In '74, the driveshaft housing was properly lengthened and does not show the added piece. Although the short wheelbase bike is a good bike, the longer wheelbase adds significant stability to an already excellent design. The short wheelbase bike is a little nimbler and has a slightly shorter turning radius. But the downside to that is more affected by wind, cracks in pavement etc, and the only practical use for the shorter turning radius is in parking lots - which is fairly infrequently needed. Good luck on finding the right bike for you......... - -- I don't suffer from insanity.....I enjoy every minute of it! Steve Aikens, Clovis, New Mexico steve.aikensNoSpam@NoSpam3lefties.com Date: Mon, 08 Dec 1997 12:59:17 -0500 From: Sean Reid Subject: BMW: RE: K75S vs. R1100RS OK, I've gotta jump in now. In my experience, the new R11's are superior to the K75 in terms of power, suspension, handling and center of gravity (all K's are top-heavy). The R11s are wonderful bikes and I'm planning on buying one next spring. However...based on my own experience and the experience of people we've had on tour, the K75 is definitely more hassle-free. Post 91' (someone please correct me if I'm wrong on the year) K75s have improved spline materials and a goretex vent in the instrument cluster to prevent the moisture problems the older versions deal with. Otherwise, the K75 is incredibly reliable. ABS I, fitted to some K75s, does not have the surface voltage sensitivity that can plague ABS II bikes when their batteries age, yet it still works very well. If you are looking for a Sportster antidote, a K75 may be your bike. Comments on my own K75 are at http://www.motorcycletours.com/mctours/k75rs.htm Have fun with whatever you get, Sean Reid sreidNoSpam@NoSpamsover.net Northeastern Motorcycle Tours New England, the Adirondacks and the Canadian Maritimes http://www.motorcycletours.com Date: Mon, 08 Dec 1997 19:16:40 -0800 From: George Basinet Subject: Re: BMW: The perfect city bike? drbob27 wrote: > > > I have just moved to San Francisco and would like to get a beemer for > > local use so I don't have to park my nice R11RS in bad neighborhoods at > > night and to get a little more agility in trafffic. ... If you have non-beemer > >favorites, let me know as well. > > A 650 single. F650 if you'll pay for a beemer, Kawasaki > KLR650 if you won't. You'll have a hard time finding either used, > for _good_ reasons. > > bob K75RT, KLR650, more I'll second the idea of a KLR 650. The Kawasaki is so much more "flickable" city traffic than my K100RS. And really cheap to own and operate. George Basinet ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 15:59:40 -0800 From: pliesenbNoSpam@NoSpamcisco.com Subject: Re: BMW: Advice needed re: '95 R1100R At 10:45 AM -0800 12/10/97, Jeffrey Harth wrote: >Hi folks, > >My internet-challenged roommate is looking at a 1995 R1100R. He would like >advice from you who have experience with this bike. I have a '96 R1100 R. >Are there any chronic problems with it? Haven't had one single problem. Have had mine for over a year, and in 10,000 quite hard-ridden miles it's always made an impression od total solidness and reliablity. That said, I knock on wood, for every time you praise your bike too much it's gonna take the liberty to act up And I haven't heard of any problems with this bike. Soem German mag did a long term test and the bike came through with flying colors and tons'o'praise. >How about accessories (BMW or other). Not many. BMW simply makes a butt-ugly 60s Vespa glass screen that must have the aerodynamic value of the Chinese Great Wall for wind-protection, and the luggage cases. Some shops have afftermarket exhaust pipes and other stuff. It seems in Germany there's plenty of stuff available - I am in the process of finding out. >How does it handle in general or re: K75S (his current bike)? Awesome. I've never ridden a K75S, but the R11 R is a great handler, and this comes from someone who's last bike was a Duc 900SS. It's a great backroad bike - a bit porky, but the low center of gravity makes it a joy. Maybe my 6'1 and weight-trained 200lbs make the bike seem flickable, I don't know, but I have a great time with it. Only the back end is a bit harsh - great handling, but the highway long-range comfort is a bit compromised. >Is there a cafe fairing available? Plenty of them. In my opinion, none of them are any good - they're too damn big. I want a small cafe racer min-fairing, whereas the desginers go for full wind-protection, which I don't care for - I'd bought a friggin' RS or RT if that was what I wanted. >Anything else he should be aware of? It invites you to ride faster than what your actual perception is. I've sometimes been simply doing a steady pace on a backroad, and then, on a stop, have had people ask me "Are you friggin' crazy? Your pace was too damn fast!". Some people complain about engine surging and say it doesn't handle well at low speeds - I can't say I've been bothered by either. I know initially I was bothered by something at about 3000 rpm, but now either I have internalized it and adjusted to avoid it or it's disappeared? I don't know. I know it took me about 1,500 to 2,000 miles to get used to it. The first miles were very frustrating, as new and out of the box it was one rough critter - the first gear was awful to find and would jump out under acceleration (the gearbox *is* a weak spot, though, it's clunky to beat), the engine was a b*tch when cold until the first tune-up at 600 miles (I experienced some *wild* surging, as if the engine would go on and off, and it died off very often at idle)... but the bike then gradually grows on you and eventually behaves when run in properly. Now, I love it, and it's *very* smooth. And it's not because I've bend over backwards to adapt to the bikes quirks - the bike just runs far smoother these days. So it's a bike to put miles on it, and ride the heck out of. ...paul PS: Mine even wheelies, which at times is good fun. I've got two friends with R1100 RS that would claim that's impossible, but mine wheelies in very controllable fashion in first and second gear despite my 200lbs (or because of them). Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 18:26:30 -0700 From: "Tom Deaver" Subject: BMW: Re: To you K1100LT owners - looking for info Jeff, Engine heat will cook your lower body in summer. Put on Air Wings from Baker Products. Totally solves problem plus help w/ warmth in winter. Peanut sized fuel tank have Randoff in Lubbock enlarge to 8 gal. wear thick sole boot if inseam is less than 32 inches. everything else for me is absolutely wonderful, definitely a "keeper". Tom D. High in the Rockies - -----Original Message----- From: Jeffrey Harth To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Date: Tuesday, December 16, 1997 5:02 PM Subject: BMW: To you K1100LT owners - looking for info > > >Alright, > >My internet-challenged roommate has decided against the Gold-Wing and >prolly the R1100R. He is considering the K1100LT. Anything you KLT >drivers think he should be aware of? His current ride is a K75S. >Problems? > >TIA > >Jeff Harth >Philly > Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 19:10:25 +1100 From: David John Barker Subject: BMW: Re: K1100 LT - Sorry to bust your bubble > On Tue, 16 Dec 1997 16:50:08 -0500 "Jeffrey Harth" wrote: > Subject: BMW: To you K1100LT owners - looking for info > > Alright, > > My internet-challenged roommate has decided against the Gold-Wing and > prolly the R1100R. He is considering the K1100LT. Anything you KLT > drivers think he should be aware of? His current ride is a K75S. > Problems? > > TIA > > Jeff Harth > Philly > Sorry Jeff, I am an ex- '94 K1100LT/SE owner who moved across to a Gold Wing and couldn't be happier. Fritz was OK and we had a great 5,000 km ride from Sydney to Cairns and back last year. However I found it to be a "hot' (like heaaat). The centre of gravity is much higher then the Wing which I find to be much better balanced. As far as comfort for the pillion is concerned, well there is no bike that can compare with the Wing comfort factor. The Wing is one class tourer machine. On the other hand, no problem with the K1100LT fuel capacity or power. The electric screen was great around town when you could drop it to increase the breeze factor. Only mechanical problem was a faulty oil light sensor which gave me a few heart palpitations out in the mulga!!! However, when I feel the need for a quick blat, the thrill of racking into a few quick corners, the taste of bugs in the teeth, then I take the R1100R "Darcy". Great all round bike. My two bobs worth. Dave Barker "Snow" '97 GL1500 SE "Darcy" '96 R1100R Parramatta, New South Wales ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 23:33:00 -0800 From: Mark Gensman Subject: Re: BMW: To you K1100LT owners - looking for info Jeffrey Harth wrote: > Alright, > > My internet-challenged roommate has decided against the Gold-Wing and > prolly the R1100R. He is considering the K1100LT. Anything you KLT > drivers think he should be aware of? His current ride is a K75S. > Problems? > > TIA > > Jeff Harth > Philly The only problem I've had with mine is that nobody believes how fast it is...and it eats V rated rear tires. Other than that I would highly recommend it (and I do frequently) to anybody looking for a bike between a Goldwing and a crotch rocket. - -- Mark Gensman MgensmanNoSpam@NoSpamix.netcom.com 95 K1100LT "You're never too old to rock and roll" K-Whiner #51 "The Green Hornet" Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 21:41:21 -0500 From: Wayne Dowers Subject: Re: BMW: German Engineering? Suzy VX vs. Beemer - ---------- > From: Frank Glamser > To: FakeTree > Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com > Subject: Re: BMW: German Engineering? Phooey > Date: Monday, December 29, 1997 5:57 PM > > > Servicing my battery is a PITA, too, compared to other bikes. > > Frank Glamser ...when a man knows he is to be hanged in a > Hattiesburg, Mississippi fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully. > > i winterized my baby (R850R) last weekend, and i was disappointed to learn > > that getting the battery out of there is such a pain in the arse. maybe it > > took longer because it was my first time removing the battery, but how many > > other bikes require the gas tank to be moved around? on my suzuki vx800, i > > could get the battery out in about 30 seconds. this bmw task took about 30 > > minutes. (i also removed the battery from my wife's f650st, which wasn't too > > too bad). > > > > anyone have an opinion? > > happy new year. > > I can offer an opinion having owned a VX800 as well. I find the removal of the BMW battery a pain but not one that needs to be done all that often. Figure that while on the VX800 it was necessary to remove the tank just to replace the front cylinder air filter (recommended every 4 or 6K miles), which, when I had my VX cost about $40 (x2 for front and rear filters=$80, no aftermarkets available) but you failed to mention that. On my R850R it takes about 30 seconds for the $16 air filter to be replaced (a good trade off for limited access to the battery IMO). Additionally, adjusting the valves on the VX required hands the size of a 3 year old's and a special tool. The BMW cylinders are much easier to get at and everything but the feeler gage is in the toolkit, which is much better than the one on my Suzuki. Also, compare the rear wheel removal time between the BMW and almost any other bike. In short, while the BMW has its quirks, overall servicing and accessibility on the bike seems to be at least on par, and in most cases, better than every other make I have owned. FWIW Regards Wayne Dowers 96 R850R Panzer Green Metallic Date: Tue, 6 Jan 1998 20:35:25 -0500 (EST) From: Larry Fears Subject: BMW: F650gs... Baby GS(long) I just picked up my new F650 this past Saturday and I thought I would share with you guys my first impressions. First as I have already posted, I bought this bike to fill a perceived niche I felt lacking in my life. Up to this point I have never seen the need for a second bike but I've just signed another years consulting contract that has me commuting into the combat zone known as our nation's capital everyday. With less time for trips I want to do more commuting so I was looking for a smaller, lighter bike to do some combat commuting. Little did I know I was going to have so much fun once I got outside of the city. But I get ahead of the story. Thanks to Bill Shaw we had quite a few people show up at Morton's on Saturday morning to see me pick up this little beauty. I would like to attribute this to my shining personality, legendary reputation and good looks but I suspect most of these guys just wanted to see if the suspension would really hold my almost 300 lb frame. :-) Jeff and Steve decided that the response from folks coming down for this send off was so good that they would change their original plans and open the shop for the day. Little did they know that these are my friends, which means they drank a lot of coffee, ate a lot of donuts but didn't buy much. :-) Oh well, don't fret Steve I see that look in Graling's eyes. He'll come around soon. Just keep a line on a red R11RT for him. ;-) Anyhoo, as I was riding the LT down to Morton's I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive. Do I really need 2 bikes? Was this going to be too small? Did I really need to spend this much cake for a 650 just so it has a roundel on the tank? Problem was that I had already committed to buy it. No I hadn't signed anything, and I even forgot to send my deposit before I left for vacation but I had given my word. And on that word Steve and Jeff painted the bike blue for me and had installed heated grips, hand guards, an accessory socket and jesse panniers. These guys are first rate and I intended to live up to it. As it turned out as I swung into the parking lot all of my apprehensions melted away and was replaced with anticipation. First thing I did was to pull my LT around back by the shop as I haven't broken the news of the new bike to her just yet. I think she suspects though as the speedo failed on the way down there as a way of getting back at me. How to tell her that she is only in for a much needed service and to have the behemoth 8.5 gallon tank painted? Well, that is another post. Soon there after I signed all of the paperwork and it was time for the new ride tech talk from Steve. It was very similar to THE talk dads are supposed to administer to all teenagers. At least as I imagined it must be as the extent of my father's sex talk to me and my brothers was, "If ya get her pregnant don't bring her home." Anyway I half listened to every thing Steve was telling me and excitedly jumped on to ride over with the crew for the congratulatory lunch. The guys in the shop at Mortons had really outdone themselves detailing my new bike. The prettiest shade of blue you ever want to see and everything shining in the sun. Of course I couldn't resist that huge puddle on the way out of the lot so I christened her with the first mud before I even got her clear of the lot. I was feeling so good I bought everyone lunch. Sorry if you missed that because you know my frugal soul is only going to do that once a decade. :-) After lunch all the old married guys were close to their curfew and had to get back so I set off by myself to get to know this little gs. My first impressions had me grinning ear to ear. I just got back from a 3100 mile Christmas/Reindeer Ride and was actually used to the bulk of my LT so my first sensation was like I was riding a moped. But no Moped I know of has this amount of pep even keeping her below the 5k break in RPM limit. This is one of the most "flickable" bikes I have ever owned. As I think about it I have ridden/owned nothing smaller than 1000cc since I got and rebuilt my Kawasaki Z-1 900 (which I bored out to 1050cc) when I was 19. Man, little did I know what I have been missing. The rest of the day was pretty tame as I spent most of the day riding to various friends houses showing her off. Sunday dawned early and beautiful and the weather man was predicting high 60s and I was ecstatic. I awoke before the alarm and set off to the mountains of West VA that are but a 45 minute ride from my front door. Now I was really having fun. I started to explore roads I would never even think of going down on my LT. It had snowed in the middle of the week and most of the roads were only semi paved so the bike was covered in mud in short order. I didn't get her stuck but managed to bog her down a little in one particularly soupy section of this back road I had found. I have got to find a way to mount my GPS III to this thing as it would be perfect. My mother believed(s)that motorcycles are death machines and as such I missed out on the dirt bike scene when I was a kid but seeing how as I am too fat and out of shape for stump jumping now I think this little gs will do just fine. I know that when many think of enduro type riding and BMW the first bike mentioned is the R11GS. But personally I think it would be psychotic to take a behemoth like the R11GS and zip it down the roads I was going on. I considered the R11GS but it was to heavy, I couldn't flat foot it, and I couldn't see me thrashing down a fire road on a $12k motorcycle. On the other hand my mini gs is light and nimble and I can easily flat foot her. And with a curb weight of 400 lbs I should be able to pull her out of anything I am dumb enough to get her into. Ride, fit and finish? I am very pleased with the looks and think the Jesse bags look trick on this bike. Of course I love the blue color, at least what I can see under all of the mud. :-) The heated grips are better than the ones on my LT which was surprising. I am glad I decided on the accessory plug as I have gotten spoiled sitting behind the barn door fairing of the LT. I nearly froze my petunias off until I stopped and put on my heated jacket. Not much wind protection from that little fairing. Also I own a DuoTech and now I know what all you guys were talking about when you said it was a noisy helmet. But as long as I make sure that my ear plugs "seat" correctly before riding off it really isn't that bad. This bike doesn't like being lugged. You must keep her above 3k rpm or she really complains. Trying to keep her under the 5k break in limit is a bit of a challenge but something I won't have to worry about for to long as I am at about 400 miles after my first 2 rides. My chief complaint is with the "a" typical crappy BMW saddle. I'm a 3rd generation German- American but my butt must not be like the ones grown in the father land as I was squirming after 75 miles. I don't plan to change it right now as this isn't going to be a bike that I Iron Butt on so I'll spend that money else where. Also I think the gas capacity is pathetic. I had to go to reserve at 154 miles and then was only able to squeeze 3.4 gallons in. I'm going to try to remove the flapper like I did on my LT and see if that helps. It vibrates a bit but nothing more than I expected from a big single and I suspect some of that will go away after break in. I think the braking is adequate but I am spoiled by the ABS, twin rotors on my LT. Still I think the single disk should perform a bit better. My only other nitpick is the same as all other BMW's I have ever owned. You would think the bean counters could figure a way to work into the price some better lighting, both front and rear. I wonder if they make priority lights for this little gs. Oh yeah, the switches are placed very well with the trigger like high beam flash switch being my favorite. The turn signals are reminiscent of my Jap bikes and I can see where it might get a bit confusing switching back and forth but nothing I can't live with. All in all I love this bike and am planning on having lots of fun exploring. My LT will always be my first choice for piling on the thousand mile days but I think this baby gs is going to give me lots of grins for years to come. BTW, I have left out any discussion of the chain as I am too new to say what the maintenance is going to be. BMW is very vague in this area saying only to oil it regularly. Once I start commuting regularly I will be putting about 350 miles a week on it so I figure I'll just spray it once a week. Hope this helps someone decide on buying one of these little beauties and please forgive me for the length of this diatribe. Should anyone be interested in seeing some pics from Saturday go to http:\\www.cap1000.org\larry. Happy trails..... Larry Fears lgfcoNoSpam@NoSpamerols.com '93 K1100LTA "Blue Max"- My first choice for piling on the miles. '97 F650gs - Hmmm... I wonder if I can take it into those mud bogs? '92 Mazda Miata "Half Cage" - Most fun I've ever had on 4 wheels Gaithersburg, MD AMA, MOA, BMWBMW, SOD #5, Reindeer Rider BMWBMW Rides Chairman, Rolling Broccoli Rider Entrant in 1999 Iron Butt *** "This whole working thing really gets in the way of my riding."- Me*** ************ Rallymaster for the Capitol 1000 ****************** A premier 24 hour endurance rally run June 6-7, 1998. http://www.cap1000.org **************************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 10:06:59 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger Subject: BMW: What would you do?? K-service Mick.. I'm copying this to the IBMWR list, 'cause I think it's an interesting topic - and one that other people can add to.. I'm sure I'll miss a number of things.. At 06:25 PM 1/9/98 +1100, Michael Furchert wrote: >I have a favour to ask, mate, what would you deem >important things to do on a high mileage K. I plan to >go to Cairns fot the Ulysses meeting next year, it is >about a 6000 kms round trip. > >What I would like is a list of to dos to drop on my >mechanics table, or I will do some of the easy ones >myself. Don't go into great details of how to dos, just >points, if I don't understand I will say Huh! Well - since you're gonna be a ways from home.. and given that you've got a 12 year old bike: 1. Rubber stuff: a. Check for leaks - seals and such. Look under the bike for the clutch housing weep hole. Any drips? If so - good time to get a spline lube and replace the seals. I haven't heard of any K's having a catastrophic seal failure, but since I was going to recommend a spline lube later on, if you've got any - this is the time to do it. b. Fuel-injection rubber stuff - if you still have the original fuel-lines - it's time to replace them. These are not something you want to go tits-up on you on the road. These are a 'special' fuel line (high-pressure rated) and there are a few of them with special shapes in'em (curves and such). I figure 10 years is a good lifetime for these.. you'll sleep better knowing they're in good shape. While you're at it - replace the vacuum line to the fuel-pressure regulator - comes off the rear throttle body. c. More fuel-injection rubber stuff - the intake mounts for the throttle bodies. These are the rubber mounts between the throttle bodies and the head. Since your bike is more than 10 years old, I'd at least check them.. to do this: 1. Remove everything in the way so you can see the throttle bodies and injectors 2. Get a can of flammable carb cleaner 3. Move bike outside, and have a GOOD fire extinguisher handy 4. Warm up bike 5. While idling - do SMALL spritz's of the carb cleaner around each injector, and around the base of each rubber mount. Do NOT get carried away with the carb-cleaner - there is a HOT exhaust right below where you're working. 6. ANY change in idle (and it will usually be UP) indicates that there are leaks. Time to replace'em all. If one is leaking, the other ones are thinking about it. On my '85 - I did this about 18 months ago - and 3 out of 4 had leaks. Good time also to have the fuel-injectors cleaned (find a truck fuel-injection place.. they - at least around me - usually have the machine to do this) d. Rear-drive-splines. The buggaboo of K's.. I would remove the rear drive and clean spline and female spline in the driveshaft up REAL GOOD - then examine it closely for wear. If it looks OK, use a moly based grease and reassemble. If wear is evident - I'd suggest consulting with your wrench.. loosing these splines could make a long trip an adventure. e. Clutch splines - mentioned it above. If it hasn't been lubed in a few years - good time to do it and examine the splines. My feeling is moly is the way to go.. f. Fluid change - all the oils (engine, tranny, rear-drive) and a brake flush. g. Brakes - check disk thickness, and pads. Check for any signs of impending failure of either master cylinder (misting around the end of the cylinder means you've got one on it's way out..) h. Steering head bearings.. check as per manual. Regrease? Dunno.. I think if you're going that far into the bike, may as well replace them. Labor will be the same and the parts are a minor part of the expense. i. Electrical - not much except how's the battery? And how does the hi-low-beam switch feel. If it's stiff - or if you have a dead spot between hi/lo - it's thinking about going bad. I took mine apart and cleaned the contacts and lubed it - not something I'd necessarily recommend.. it's a twidly job (lots of small parts that like to spring out and fly across the garage..) These seem to be a ~40k mile item (at least the US one). Mine started feeling stiff and had a dead spot at about 42k miles. Seems ok now.. j. Tires (or tyres), wheels, wheel bearings etc.. look'm over, give the front wheel a spin. Haven't heard of any wheel bearing failures - my guess is they're way oversized (or in my way of thinking - given the application - right sized). That's about all I can think of now.. if all the above is done, as someone said - if they built a bridge to the moon with a few gas stations, I'd have no hesitation in taking it.. >What is your theory on fuel filter change, I change mine >every 10,000 kms, I may be wasting money this way, >but i have seen quite a few problems with Ks just >with a fuel filter that is dirty. I don't usuallt carry a spare with >me, but I got in the habit from last trip, carrying a used filter >just in case. What do you recomend is a fair milage to >change filters, remember we work in Kilometers not Miles. I've changed mine every 12k miles (dunno what that is in km..) and I don't think it needs it - but it is good piece of mind. They're small enough, and easy enough to change that if I was headed somewhere that I thought I couldn't find an auto store (any FI pressure rated one that would fit should work), I'd carry a spare. An old one should do fine as a spare. The quality of the fuel you buy will have a direct effect on the lifetime of the filter.. if it's outback sorta riding where you're likely to get fuel which is sitting in rusty tanks.. I'd definately carry a spare! >I have been told a BMW car filter is interchangeble with the >Ks, I think it is a 318?series any ideas. Dunno.. all the BMW cages I've owned have had a LARGE external filter - about 6x the size of the K bike one. >The K is running well, but I believe prevention is better >than the cure. thanks for your help. No problem. I'll be really interested to see what other people can add, and then we can hand it off to T-Cora as another FAQ! >CHEERS, MICK >OZ Best, ================================== Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ deilenbergerNoSpam@NoSpammonmouth.com Date: Thu, 02 Apr 1998 08:02:15 -0800 From: Mark Gensman Organization: Business Resource Group, Inc. X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.02 [en]C-DIAL (Win95; U) To: BMWMC mailing list Subject: BMW: A new traitor Sender: ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Reply-To: Mark Gensman X-No-Archive: yes X-Bmw-List: Majordomo 1.94.3 X-Web-Page: http://www.ibmwr.org/ X-Copyright: (c) IBMWR and the original author(s). After riding a 1975 R90/6 since new my older brother has changed camps. He just put a deposit down on a new Harley Road King Classic. $21,500 and it includes a fork mounted windshield and leather covered plastic bags. 56 horsepower and a chip limited top speed of 118. He plans on putting 3,000 miles on it and then installing a turbo that supposedly brings it up to 95 horsepower. When I asked him why he would spend at least $7,000 more for a bike that is 50% less in every catagory than my K1100, he simply said "your bike doesn't get chicks". Go figger..... -- Mark Gensman MgensmanNoSpam@NoSpamix.netcom.com 95 K1100LT "You're never too old to rock and roll" K-Whiner #51 "The Green Hornet"