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Any thoughts on BMW.

11793 Views 36 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Kenneth_Moore, Feb 2, 2008

newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · Jan 29, 2008

I was looking for any opinions or thoughts on BMWs 650 singles. I really like the look of the Xcountry but I really don't know anything about them. They do seem pricey, but are they worth the extra money?

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acecycleins

· #2 · Jan 29, 2008

The motor is a spin-off of a Rotax design. Bullet-proof. It's going to be a fine bike. Worth the money? Depends- if you're looking for dependable low cost, low re-sale go KLR. If you're looking long-term and expect decent resale value the BMW will work fine for you. If you buy every other year- KLR. IF you keep what you buy- BMW. See where this is going. Some people don't like BMW because they think they are expensive to maintain. BS- really. OEM parts do cost slightly more than other OEMs but all in all the bike should last longer than the competition- life's a trade off. Long term or short term should be at the top of the list for things to consider. BTW- look for a demo model. You'll get the factory warranty and get the bike for $1500 less in some cases.
Kirk

seruzawa

· #3 · Jan 29, 2008

If the new 650s are using the centralized data bus like the bigger bikes are I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole.

longride

· #4 · Jan 29, 2008

newagetwotone said:
They do seem pricey, but are they worth the extra money?

Ummmmmmmmm......NO!

sarnali2

· #5 · Jan 29, 2008

They're nice enough bikes. I've owned a few older ones which were a lot of fun and reliable, the newer ones seem to have some issues I'd rather not contend with. BMW sells a lot of bikes and most owners are pretty rabid about them so I'd buy one if I was in the market and just get the extended warranty, then trade in when that was up..

newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 29, 2008

seruzawa said:
If the new 650s are using the centralized data bus like the bigger bikes are I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole.

Could you explain that one to me? sorry, im not sure i understand what you mean.

acecycleins

· #7 · Jan 29, 2008

newagetwotone said:
Could you explain that one to me? sorry, im not sure i understand what you mean.

He's not a technology geek. Fear of machines taking over the world or some horsesh*t like that.
Computers and bikes are here to stay. Will you encounter a problem because of it? Unlikely- but possible.
Just like modern automobiles the CPU is here to keep an eye on you. Some people don't mind. Others believe it's just something else to fry your bike. You decide which century you want to live in. Me, I have no issues with better biking through electronics. But that's just me.

seruzawa

· #8 · Jan 29, 2008

BMW's new electronic system while good in theory has left a lot of people stranded with their fuel pumps shut off. It's to be seen is they are solved for 2008.

newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 29, 2008

ah well it wont come till summer (heres to hoping) so hopefully there wont be problems like that... i thought about buying in the winter but money and all that... not to mention my little one way road is all a sheet of ice.

mscuddy

· #10 · Jan 29, 2008

A buddy of mine has an old one, it's like riding a big heavy, slow Honda 100.

Those Rotax motors aren't too good on the street, if the bike doesn't have a cush rear hub btw. My buddy Turbo Al just blew up the transmission (bent a shift fork) on his '92 ATK Enduro. The Rotax mechanic said it was from too much street riding, it's case split time. Ick.

12er

· #11 · Jan 30, 2008

Well I love my 02 k12rs and them gadgets were the reason for buying. At the time ABS, cruise control, FI, Heated grips, luggage, DC port and adjustability were only BMW mainstays. Granted you could get abs and bags on some bikes but the entire line of BMWs offered them. You could also add all these accessories to any other bike but I liked having them covered under warrentee. That and however delusional I am I trust the factory over the vast majority Mechanics and myself.

You will pay the pinwheel tax, but I havent heard many negatives on the chain drive beemers. Now the new rear hubs on the last couple years shaft beemers are subject to review... Or Sarnali's boxer surging uncontrollably... My only issues over 40k miles was a tight throttle cable from the factory and the stock seat cover coming lose a little. Both taken care of at my first 6k service. The rest has been gas, oil and tires. While they are not perfect or cheap, I do believe you get value for the money.

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newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 30, 2008

hm, I'm trying to find i REALLY like thats not something like a Ducati Hypermotard which i really love but with its engine I'm a little afraid it will be too big powerwise.

seruzawa

· #13 · Jan 30, 2008

newagetwotone said:
hm, I'm trying to find i REALLY like thats not something like a Ducati Hypermotard which i really love but with its engine I'm a little afraid it will be too big powerwise.

Take a look at the Triumph Street Triple. One really really sweet ride.

acecycleins

· #14 · Jan 30, 2008

newagetwotone said:
hm, I'm trying to find i REALLY like thats not something like a Ducati Hypermotard which i really love but with its engine I'm a little afraid it will be too big powerwise.

I've ridden it. 92 hp at the crank sounds like a lot, but in reality it's pretty docile in power delivery. I like the "dirt bike" riding position and the thing handles great (even for my large frame). All in all, I believe that this is a prefectly acceptable ride. The Xcountry will probably be more comfortable if you want to use it for commuting, but if it's a second bike you're looking for the Ducati would be a great add.

pplassm

· #15 · Jan 30, 2008

Personally, I think the reliability of BMWs is very overhyped. BMW owners tend to treat their machines much better than owners of Japanese bikes, that would last just as long with similar attention.

So, my opinion is the Rotax powered 650s are overpriced. Lots of better deals out there, unless you must have the (admitedly) nicely styled looks of the XCountry.

newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jan 30, 2008

That street Triple does look like a really awesome ride. i was honestly afraid of how cramped it would be (like the little Monster.) I'm about 6'2 220 and was worried about leg room.

Hm, as for the Hypermotard and commuting. I have a job prospect (upstart company, so heres hoping) that is about 80 or so miles from my current apartment. Most days a bike won't be an option because of moving photo equipment down near the job but there will be times that i can. Considering the guy opening the company has been riding (and racing) for years and owns a 'Busa. he'd understand.

How is the Hypermotard going to be for that long? i rode my cousins CR2XX for about an hour or so and i was pretty sore but that was also totally off road bouncing over rocks and roots.

acecycleins

· #17 · Jan 30, 2008

newagetwotone said:
That street Triple does look like a really awesome ride. i was honestly afraid of how cramped it would be (like the little Monster.) I'm about 6'2 220 and was worried about leg room.

Hm, as for the Hypermotard and commuting. I have a job prospect (upstart company, so heres hoping) that is about 80 or so miles from my current apartment. Most days a bike won't be an option because of moving photo equipment down near the job but there will be times that i can. Considering the guy opening the company has been riding (and racing) for years and owns a 'Busa. he'd understand.

How is the Hypermotard going to be for that long? i rode my cousins CR2XX for about an hour or so and i was pretty sore but that was also totally off road bouncing over rocks and roots.

The seat is pretty comfortable for the type of bike. It's the position that might drain you. Check a used MultiStrada out. Very similar in stance, but the ergos are better for the long haul. You can also get bags for it. For about $8k you can find 04-05 models. The unsung hero in my future is the first generation FZ1. I like the old tube frame bike and you can find them for $4k or so all day and night. But for the entirely strange the Buell Uly will cover long distance, take you down fire roads and get great mileage. Not a bad option for a guy looking to spend $8k on a BMW. You'll be suprised if you go take a test ride on one.

pushrod

· #18 · Jan 30, 2008

Triumph Tiger!

Especially the new ones! Goes anywhere, bags are available and the bike provides somewhere to put your legs.

bbtowns

· #19 · Jan 30, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

My experience is that BMW's are probably comparable to the Japanese bikes for reliability, but their riders do more of their own maintenance and are more creative about fixes. I ran the Alcan 5000 in 06, and three KTM's broke down and didn't finish, several BMW's were down for a day or less but their owner's managed a road side or hotel repair (one guy cut a new engine cover gasket out of a beer box and went on to finish). None of the KLR's or V-Stroms were out of service to my knowledge.
As far as resale value, BMW is going to be much stronger, but that's what you're paying for up front. The X-country is a cool looking bike and probably will get great mileage for commuting. It's not a street bike and you might miss some of those amenities though.

newagetwotone

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jan 31, 2008

Does anyone know if you can get bags a top box for a Hypermotard? I honestly think a tank bag would be fine for anything i would need but just in case.... And to be honest a friend of mine wants to go coast to coast so if i can get bags and a top box... though i'd prefer if it was something easy to remove that doesn't leave god awful brackets behind. Am i asking for the impossible?

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