I can't stand it anymore!!!

[XLR8]

I wouldn't touch a BMW with a ten foot pole. I think they are over engineered, overpriced and overhyped. But I wouldn't get your knickers in a wad about it.

-r

 

[panthercity]

OK, I'm gonna chime back in here. Endurance roadraced an R65 airhead for a couple of years (Butler & Smith backdoor) and took two WERA/CMRA middleweight(!?!) Superbike Endurance titles with it but could have cared less about their street bikes.

In `93 our sponsor/dealer called me about test riding an oilhead. Took an R1100RSA for the weekeend and bought it on Monday. Put a little over 90k miles on it split between two-up touring, commuting and track days then bought an `02 R1150RSA and gave the `94 to my son who has well over 100k mile son it. Expenses to date? Oil, filters, tires and a clutch.

We do our own maintenance, which on an oilhead is so simple as to shame even our old vintage Honda Hawk NT650 racer.

Bought the FJR for the motor. Still like the Feejer, butt, overall, riding by myself on twisty roads, the RS has more soul.

The really neat things about bikes nowadays is, they're, mostly, ALL good. As my daddy used to say, "That's why they build Fords and Chevrolets!"

 

[dcarver]

I say give the FNG a break. He just stated his opinon... From where I come from, ain't nuttin' wrong wid dat!

Check out the KTM first service prices for the Adventurer.. close to 800 bucks if not more.. my Harley, in 1991, was freakin' ridiculous too.

Just sold my favorite ride, a R100T. Simple, reliable, never broke down.. and still have 2 older /2's in the stable. I admit though I haven't not ridden nor owned newer Bmw iron.

I'm negotiating the first 5 services with my local dealer on my 06 FJR. Oooops, forgot I don't even have the final price yet.

 

[fjrchik]

Wait a minute....  Iggy, check that IP - is it the same as downn2's?  

Really does sound the same, doesn't he?

ummm, i'm thinkin he's not downn2. this thread is already on page 2 and he hasn't said anything about raping women in mexico and getting away with it. downn2 woulda been high as a kite by now.

 

[Bounce]

I put of 40k miles on each of my BMW's, riding mostly like I would ride a sport bike(Yes, I had a Y2K R1 so I know.)

Was there a reason you only kept each one for a year?

 

[SkooterG]

Wait a minute....  Iggy, check that IP - is it the same as downn2's?  

Really does sound the same, doesn't he?

ummm, i'm thinkin he's not downn2. this thread is already on page 2 and he hasn't said anything about raping women in mexico and getting away with it. downn2 woulda been high as a kite by now.

:rolf:

So I take it that particular habit of Mr. downn2 annoyed the hell out of you too?

What was with that guy?

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I had a 1976 BMW R100RS and I loved it. I love my FJR, but I came very close to popping for a R1200RT when I got the FJR and if I wasn't into 2up riding I would have probably bought the 2005 K1200GT.

I have spoken of my reasons why on this board. I have spoken of expensive service at a local dealer that has a monopoly in the region (a big region), but I never claimed $800+ per service. More like $400 though! Really! They wanted $380 to tune a 1976 carbed boxer!!!! I could tune it myself in less than 30 minutes.

Anyway, To the new guy, welcome back to Yamaha and I am sure you will love your new FJR. I love mine and I am VERY glad that I ventured out and went with Yamaha instead of BMW. The FJR is my first Yamaha and will NOT be my last. I'm gonna pop for the new R6 this summer Frankly, I wouldn't mind a Star either. (sacriledge, I know...but I really just like things with two wheels...most things that is)

I have to say, my dealership experience has been so much better with Yamaha that I can't believe the way the BMW dealership thought their shit didn't stink. My local Yamaha dealership provides excellent service, is friendly and they love to ride. The only recommendation I would make to them is to always have French Roast coffee in the showroom for me to drink while I'm waiting for my bike to be completed with servicing ;-)

I guess I'm verbose tonight. Just call me FJRBombastic. Scotch does wonders.

 

[bikerskier]

Don B

Lighten up a little and save the blood boiling stuff for real issues like the idiot Judge in Vermont giving a child rapist 60 days! Focus, Man!

 

[rocketdoc]

DonB welcome aboard. I rode an old BMW 500 in the springs and summers when I was in university. It wasn't my bike, but my friend knew I loved to ride on those spring days when the dry roads were just calling me. I put more miles on that bike than my friend did the rest of the whole year. It was my first experience on a 'shafty'. The bike got no maintenance year in year out, except for plugs every second year and oil changes in the spring and fall. It was this kind of reliability that the BMW name was built on. Unfortunately that has not been the case over the past decade or so. Guys I ride with on BMWs have had all sort of 'issues' with their bikes. I loved every test ride I ever had on a BMW, but I seriously couldn't roll out of the driveway to start a transnorthamerican today with any greater confidence than I do on the FJR. This bike is awesome. It is incredibly reliable, and be warned you should be prepared to hang on brother when you roll up the throttle to 5,000 rpm in third gear, then crack it open. This is what the love affair is all about. Guys bitch about vibes, the tick, and heat, but this bike is a very reliable beast no matter how you slice it. So stay active on the board man, it will help you through the bloody wait period. And while you are at it, head over to FJRtech.com and check out how you can farkle your beast to your own liking at a fraction of the cost of a BMW.

 

[Defiant]

All that ranting about how wonderful BMW is and he is buying an FJR. What a bout product loyalty? Mmmmm....this posts smells like yesterdays diapers.

 

[designeraccd]

Having had 4 beemers over the years('94 R1100RS, '82R650LS-?-'02 R1150GS and my still owned '74 R75/6) I must say I really enjoyed 2 of the 4: the RS and the ol /6.

However, I'm certainly looking forward (will March ever get here???) to getting my new '06 "A" that was ordered back on 28 Sept. Most of the many (75?) bikes I've had were pretty good with several notable exceptions. OTOH, several, including the R1100RS were simply outstanding for my tastes. Only reason I finally traded the RS after 6 years was the lack of a dealer with 120 miles or so in any direction. She sure was a fun bike and definately would comfortably sustain high speeds: 90-100+.

Now where is that new FJR???! DFO

 

[Don B]

I can take the heat. No problem there.

I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a new bike every 3 years. I usually changed bikes when the warranty expired(3 yrs on a BMW).

Some of you guys missed it...I have already ordered an 06 FJR. One shortcoming of the BMWs that I had was the motor. Hopefully that won't be a problem on the FJR. BMW appears to be working on the motor these days, even the the new 1200S (twin) will have nearly as much hp as the FJR.

The dealer I go to carries Yammies as well. Been going to that dealer for over 20 years. I live 130 miles from the place.

I look forward to the FJR gatherings and look forward to seeing you on the road.

Don

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I agree with 'rocketdoc' that BMW made their reputation back in the day -- when the competiton was primarily chain-drive, showy-er, claimed more performance, but (usually) lacked the reliability of those old low-powered Beemers. Some of their newer designs are, to me, attempts at "heroic" engineering -- ie. do whatever possible/necessary to keep an air-cooled opposed twin on the market.

Don B  Posted on Jan 25 2006, 08:14 AM<snip>BMW appears to be working on the motor these days, even the the new 1200S (twin) will have nearly as much hp as the FJR.

It'll be interesting, I think, to read the comparison tests (soon to come). IME, the more power produced from fewer cylinders -- the more difficult the engine gets to live with (see early hi-hp Buells -- where one tester said, "Why do I need to downshift to accelerate when I have a big V-twin?). One of the beautys of the FJR is it's (flexability) great engine power while still being able to run smoothly and accelerate at low revs in higher gears if the rider's just relaxed, or lazy, or whatever? More cylinders would improve this function -- but, not everyone's cup-o-tea? Getting high power from two big cyinders with ride-ability and reliability may be a difficult task -- I guess we'll see?

 

[bikemonster]

I had a 1976 BMW R100RS and I loved it. I love my FJR, but I came very close to popping for a R1200RT when I got the FJR and if I wasn't into 2up riding I would have probably bought the 2005 K1200GT.
I have spoken of my reasons why on this board. I have spoken of expensive service at a local dealer that has a monopoly in the region (a big region), but I never claimed $800+ per service. More like $400 though! Really! They wanted $380 to tune a 1976 carbed boxer!!!! I could tune it myself in less than 30 minutes.

Anyway, To the new guy, welcome back to Yamaha and I am sure you will love your new FJR. I love mine and I am VERY glad that I ventured out and went with Yamaha instead of BMW. The FJR is my first Yamaha and will NOT be my last. I'm gonna pop for the new R6 this summer Frankly, I wouldn't mind a Star either. (sacriledge, I know...but I really just like things with two wheels...most things that is)

I have to say, my dealership experience has been so much better with Yamaha that I can't believe the way the BMW dealership thought their shit didn't stink. My local Yamaha dealership provides excellent service, is friendly and they love to ride. The only recommendation I would make to them is to always have French Roast coffee in the showroom for me to drink while I'm waiting for my bike to be completed with servicing ;-)

I guess I'm verbose tonight. Just call me FJRBombastic. Scotch does wonders.

Orangevale, I can read A & S in your post. Which Yamaha dealer here in Sacramento do you use. You seem happy with them. I have an 06 AE ordered and am selling the 1200 RS. Thanks

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Orangevale, I can read A & S in your post. Which Yamaha dealer here in Sacramento do you use. You seem happy with them. I have an 06 AE ordered and am selling the 1200 RS. Thanks

I go to Roseville Yamaha; talk to Zac. The fact that the service manager owns an FJR is probably a good thing.

Roseville Yamaha Contact Page

Tell him Ovale sent you.

Honestly, I also have been to Capitol Yamaha on Auburn and had no problems there either. However, I just like the throttle synch I get in Roseville. Spot on.

 

[st ryder]

So, Don B. You're a long time BMW owner who feels they are reliable and easy and affordable to service. Is it safe to say you've never owned a K model?

 

[FriscoJim]

Hello,Whoever paid $800 for service got hosed or does not have a clue. Don B

I remembered seeing the $800 figure and went back to check - it was referring to a service on a Ducatti (which makes more sense to me - German engineering is typically expensive but those I-talians) not the BMW but it was in a BMW post. Just trying to calm the waters.

 

[Don B]

St Ryder,

You are correct, I never had a K. I really wanted to, but every one I tried had funny vibes. The first one that was smooth was the K12RS, but I don't have a clue what BMW was thinking on the ergos. I really wanted a GT, but the high exhaust killed that bag capacity. I rode the new S thinking that was for me, but it felt down on power and had a funny "falling in" sensation. I always ened up back on a twin.

 

[jrd14]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, The BMW's are good bikes, but pound for pound, dollar for dollar, the FJR has the Beemers beat, considering price vs. performance. That's my opinion.

Jay

 

[st ryder]

St Ryder,You are correct, I never had a K.

Then really Don, what you are saying is, you don't understand why people who have never owned your BMW R bikes, would complain about how expensive they are to repair and own, when you had no problems with your R bikes.

Usually people, like me, who describe BMWs as the crap they are, have not owned your bikes, we have owned our bikes, and most often, those over priced, over engineered, underperforming bikes have burst our impression bubble of what a BMW is, by giving us unwarranted grief for the most basic components which should be taken for granted as reliable, and most often we own K bikes.

Of course I won't get into the whole stripped spline/drive line failures, frt disc pad wear, leaking tele-levers, EFI surging, servo-brake fiascos, collapsing wheels etc issues, nor the corporate attitude that major design flaws like these re in fact "features" of the bike, when customers who have shelled out large have the gall to complain.

I understand you have had good luck with BMW, and I understand that you would gladly buy another one based on your experience, but, can you understand why people like me, who have spent exorbitant amounts of money, and inordinate amounts of time to fix their BMWs, (1200.00 cdn to find out the bike needed and then replace the coils and the bike was 10 weeks in the shop; yearly drive shaft lubes etc) would complain about them?

BTW, I still own my BMW because I like it, but I will not defend the roundell because I know it can be a total POS. I accept that as a part of the BMW ownership experience, because I believe that certain bikes have certain character, and that motorcycling ownership is, at least for me, an emotional not rational experience. (I've also owned HD and currently Ducati)

If some former or current BMW owners want to complain about them, power to them, because in the world of the internet, any bike's major flaws can no longer be dismissed as rumour, or speculation etc. by a dealer. The '06 FJR you have on order has been improved in many ways, based on owner complaints posted on the WWW.

Congrats on the FJR. You're going to love the power and balance and versatility. Did I mention power?