Why did you sell your BMW?

[2006FJR]

I am one of those guys who has always wanted a BMW. The RT and the GS1200ADV are the two that speak to me. I just wanted to hear from the guys that owned BMWs but jumped ship to another brand and why? I am doing more long distance rides now and I might be looking for a new bike in 2009 when thye come out. Just wondering.  

[stk0308]

The Triumph Sprint Executive came with fairing and bags a few thousand dollars cheaper than a simmilarly equiped R1100RS, or even R1100R, did that year(1998).

[Tar Snake]

I kept mine because I like it, but it's not my primary bike anymore. I tried:

A Concours; too big, too hot
A Nighthawk 750, basically Honda's K75, so I sold it as it was redundant to me.
A Triumph Daytona 1200; fun, fast, tourable, but too big like the Concours.
A Triumph Sprint RS; Just right.

Basically BMW never updated the K75 and then dropped it. I like BMW's but I've never liked the boxer or the big fours enough to buy another one. Of course the cost is a factor too. For me I could pay $15k for a bike but I would really have to like it, as it would be a hardship. The F800 really interests me though and is more in my price range. Maybe a nice used one someday?

I like fairly light mid size bikes and love triples so for now Triumph.

[atypical1]

I left BMW and then came back again. I had an RT but it was way too big for my needs. Essentially I go with whatever brand has a bike out that fits my needs. In this case (R12S) it's perfect. In the case of the RT it wasn't.

Why have you always wanted a BMW?

james

[2006FJR]

I left BMW and then came back again. I had an RT but it was way too big for my needs. Essentially I go with whatever brand has a bike out that fits my needs. In this case (R12S) it's perfect. In the case of the RT it wasn't.

Why have you always wanted a BMW?

james

I own a BMW 335i car and I really like the technology and fit and finish. I guess I am under the impression that they will build their bikes the same way. I love the GS1200ADV for it huge gas take and twin with great gas mileage and total miles driven before you fill up. I also like that about the RT as well. They seem like great touring bikes that would allow me to go great distances. Reliability was always a concern for me and I have seen that they have had many issues with their shaft drive. I love the fact that I could change the suspenion on the fly while I am riding. I guess I have kind of put them up higher than other bikes and wodered if they really are as good as I think they might be?

[andmoon2]

She surged and surged. 98 r1100

I tried all the fixes and they lasted no more than 500 miles.

[Albie]

Wanted something lighter, better handling, less maintenance. Goodbye GS1150 Hello Vstrom.

[ejh]

I am sure MisterSmooth will chime in eventually.  

His is a reason i whole heartedly believe in.   >  

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,27354.0.html

[miles]

My bike had over 170,000 miles on it, so it was time for something else.

[Oilhed]

Cuz I got a Ducati.  Woulda got another BMW but R1200ST = $14,500, Ducati ST3 = $10,500

[bobnflorida]

My BMW dealer's service dept. thinks that a $1000 is chump change

[Lon]

I haven't.  However, I may sell it if I can't get up the nerves to work on it.

(edit: someone gave me a VFR750 which I have been wrenching on and is now running, so... the two bikes are effectively filling a similar role)

[Global Rider]

I just wanted to hear from the guys that owned BMWs but jumped ship to another brand and why?

I might jump ship IF the big-four would make a motorcycle like the BMW I own.

[Hodge Podge]

Rode a K75S for three years, taking trips all over the north east U.S. and Canada. No serious maintenance trouble, especially for a 12-15 year-old bike. Loved it, but thoughts of more performance and better handling got the best of me. Test rode an '07 Sprint ST and '04 R1100S, roughly equivalent prices. Bought the BMW for two reasons: I trust the local BMW service department and do not trust several other local dealers (expensive services, yes, but what price is worth knowing a job was done correctly...or at all?), and I liked the intangibles (feel, overall impression) of the R1100S more.

[STArnie13]

I had my first BMW an R90/6 for 114,000 miles and it was due for a lot of major work.  The dealer at the time looked to be about to give up on BMW's so I went with Yamaha.  A few months later the BMW's were gone and were gone for several years.

My current BMW K1200LT has done 47,000 miles just fine.  Now that the local dealer gave up on BMW I have certainly had it with BMW as there is again none in this state.  Even if BMW got a new dealer in town I wouldn't buy another one.  It would help me to keep the one that I have.  If BMW doesn't get a dealer in the area before too long I will likely get rid of mine-for what I don't know.

[blueridgerider]

I had my first BMW an R90/6 for 114,000 miles and it was due for a lot of major work.  The dealer at the time looked to be about to give up on BMW's so I went with Yamaha.  A few months later the BMW's were gone and were gone for several years.

My current BMW K1200LT has done 47,000 miles just fine.  Now that the local dealer gave up on BMW I have certainly had it with BMW as there is again none in this state.  Even if BMW got a new dealer in town I wouldn't buy another one.  It would help me to keep the one that I have.  If BMW doesn't get a dealer in the area before too long I will likely get rid of mine-for what I don't know.

You know that is certainly a consideration (lack of dealers).  But in a counterpoint - in 20+ years of riding I have never encounterd another group of motorcyclists that have such a high precentage of ones that can wrench their bikes (beyond just service).  I suspect Moto Guzzi is up there as well.

[miles]

You know that is certainly a consideration (lack of dealers).  But in a counterpoint - in 20+ years of riding I have never encounterd another group of motorcyclists that have such a high precentage of ones that can wrench their bikes (beyond just service).  I suspect Moto Guzzi is up there as well.

Honda Trail 90 and Trail 110 users can all completely overhaul their bikes- as long as they remembered to pack a screwdriver (or good pocket knife) and a pair of pliers!



I kinda miss those days- my new K12R has almost nothing on it that I can service.  I hope that means there's almost nothing on it that'll need service...

[Geoff]

I sold this 2003 K1200RS in order to buy a new Harley Electra Glide. I missed riding a sport tourer, so I later added a '94 K1100RS to my stable.

[burnergold2B]

 Traded one in for a race-bike, to race, as the SV650s were killing me.

The K100RS developed gearbox problems @ 34K miles.

The ABS used from '02-06 is life threatening.

Just changed out the battery in our 650GS and found a set of hairline cracks in the top of the fuel sending unit area, in a puddle of gas. Checked Chain Gang website to find an official BMW recall on the fuel tanks, for that issue, after 3 visits to BMW shops with it the last 5 years; 3 different shops failed to fix the recall while the bike was already in their possession for service!

How many more reasons do you need? Since selling off some BMWs we've bought an FJR, Ducati 900SS/SP, a Buell S3T, and an ST1300. No problems except for tires! We couldn't be happier away from the roundel bikes. Buy an airhead if you want a BMW something, reliable that YOU can fix.    

[2006FJR]

 Traded one in for a race-bike, to race, as the SV650s were killing me.

The K100RS developed gearbox problems @ 34K miles.

The ABS used from '02-06 is life threatening.

Just changed out the battery in our 650GS and found a set of hairline cracks in the top of the fuel sending unit area, in a puddle of gas. Checked Chain Gang website to find an official BMW recall on the fuel tanks, for that issue, after 3 visits to BMW shops with it the last 5 years; 3 different shops failed to fix the recall while the bike was already in their possession for service!

How many more reasons do you need? Since selling off some BMWs we've bought an FJR, Ducati 900SS/SP, a Buell S3T, and an ST1300. No problems except for tires! We couldn't be happier away from the roundel bikes. Buy an airhead if you want a BMW something, reliable that YOU can fix.    

Wow, that is quite a mess. Out of the 4 bikes you own which one do you like best for sport touring?

[WBill]

My Beemers, and R90/6 and K75, were nice bikes, but there was always a problem of having dealers and maintenance where I lived and where I rode.  

The R90 was a casualty of divorce, but not having a place to take it for parts, repair or maintenance in Richmond, Va., was irritating.  I sold the K-bike in parts because it would have cost more than it was worth to rebuild it after the drive train blew.  Not only that, but the local indie shop owner in Flagstaff, Az., kept threatening to close up all the time I had the BMW.  He actually did close for a couple of years, and even getting tires changed was a problem during that time.

My Yammie does everything I want and has excellent dealer support right here in my home town, as well as across the coutryside.  If BMW ever gets their dealer network up to that kind of par, I'll reconsider.

A little game I like to play is to check the yellow pages in each town I visit, imagining I have a breakdown.  What if the broken bike were a Beemer?  A Guzzi?  A Honda, etc?   The winners in almost every case are the Big Four and HD.

[2006 800SS]

How about the BMW annoymous book that comes with every BMWMOA membership? There are countless stories of the BMW camadarie helping others when and if they break down in any given area all over the USA (and possibly beyond). Alway's carry the book when you travel, most likely there will be somebody near by to help you. I can't think of any other brands with this kind of program.

The BMW boxers are easy to work on for most riders on the road and at home. If you learn to do your own maintanence, keep up with things (BMW's or any bikes for that matter), recognize problems and fixxing them before you travel you shouldn't have much if any trouble on the road.

I won't be selling mine anytime soon, I have put more miles on BMW's than any other brands I have owned combind. In the last 6 years I thought I would try another brand (lated a short time), got rid of it and got another BMW. Im will add that they are all boxers.

[2006FJR]

How about the BMW annoymous book that comes with every BMWMOA membership? There are countless stories of the BMW camadarie helping others when and if they break down in any given area all over the USA (and possibly beyond). Alway's carry the book when you travel, most likely there will be somebody near by to help you. I can't think of any other brands with this kind of program.

The BMW boxers are easy to work on for most riders on the road and at home. If you learn to do your own maintanence, keep up with things (BMW's or any bikes for that matter), recognize problems and fixxing them before you travel you shouldn't have much if any trouble on the road.

I won't be selling mine anytime soon, I have put more miles on BMW's than any other brands I have owned combind. In the last 6 years I thought I would try another brand (lated a short time), got rid of it and got another BMW. Im will add that they are all boxers.

What was the other bike you tried and sold?

[bluepoof]

How about the BMW annoymous book that comes with every BMWMOA membership? There are countless stories of the BMW camadarie helping others when and if they break down in any given area all over the USA (and possibly beyond). Alway's carry the book when you travel, most likely there will be somebody near by to help you. I can't think of any other brands with this kind of program.

That's because no other brand breaks down like Beemers!

(I'm a happy BMW owner, but I am realistic about my bike's reliability, or relative lack thereof)

[burnergold2B]

Wow, that is quite a mess. Out of the 4 bikes you own which one do you like best for sport touring?

 It was quite a mess, but we own about 12 bikes as result of needing spares to replace the BMWs. The best for sport-touring has hands down been the FJR, no holds barred, all comers are shot down. For hot weather it's the Buell S3T. (The BMWs have been trailered back to stealerships more than the Buell!!)

  Here's the worst part of the conundrum; We don't want to take the two BMWs we have left back to the stealerships for repair, AND we have a conscience about selling lemons, so we're stuck with them as gigantic garage paper weights.

  If your picking an S-T bike take the FJR and the ST1300 for demo rides. Whichever one's ergos fit you the best is the one to purchase. We love em both and picked them both up, one was a used '04 mind you, but we got them both for less than a new R1200RT or GS.    

[2006FJR]

I have a 2006 FJR and I love it. I guess I kept wonding if I should move over to an RT for better fuel, larger tank and longer miles? My FJR gets gas mileage in the low to mid 30's when i ride hard and my buddy on the RT has me by 10-15 MPG.   I did not know the RT also broke down that much but the shaft drive issues have me concerned.

[burnergold2B]

 Looking at your listed stable I'm guessing you do your own wrench work? Mileage in the 30s is indicative of needing a little tune up, or your using a fuel with ethanol in it which is evaporating.

  Clean your air filter, pull/ clean/re-gap your spark plugs, synch. the throttle bodies. Should put you back into the mid 40s even with a heavy hand.

[ripdaddy]

     Mainly mine was one of the classic surgers ('95 R1100RS).  BMW would never own up to a problem.  A friend had a new Suzuki TL 1000 that had the same problem and Suzuki had it fixed the next model year and a retro-fix for his.  I finally said screw it and had my dealer sell it on consignment.  
    My biggest regret?  When they sold it and I went to pick up the check the dealer had a new Triumph Sprint Executive on the floor which the check would have exactly covered.  I was so burned out by the costly disappointments of my BMW experience I hesitated but ended up walking on out.  Wish I had bought that Triumph.

[2006 800SS]

What was the other bike you tried and sold?

Since owning BMW's for the last 6 years the other bike you ask about during that time was a Ducati. Over the years though I have owned a few Honda's that were all good bikes. Before buying the last BMW I was thinking seriously about buying the new 08 CBR 1000RR as I used to have and 87 Hurricaine 1000 for 18 years. 32,000 miles with nothing more than routine maintanence, and replacement of normal wear items. The honda dealer never got back to me and meanwhile I found the 05 BCR.

I have also owned a Yamaha (dirt bike and a good bike), a few Kawasaki's (1 dirt, 2 road bike, all good bikes), 1 Suzuki (dirt bike, not a good bike). Of the brands I have owned I will most likely never own another Suzuki or Ducati. The Suzuki was used when I bought it and had clutch and other problems, the Ducati was new and was nothing but problem after problem, major at that.

First choice for me at this point in my life is BMW, with Honda coming in a very close 2nd, Yamaha coming in a very close 3rd, and then Kawasaki. This is from the experiences I have had with these brands. I do not question the reliability on any of my BMW's, I just ride and maintain them.

[jsanford]

I sold it because I didn't need two sport-tourers who essentially fulfilled the same role...and got a Ducati.

Still miss it sometimes, though--especially when both fuel-injected bikes were in the shop at the same time for something I could adjust with a screwdriver on the F650ST.

I take comfort knowing the bike went to a good home and will probably turn over 50k by yearend.

[Lon]

the shaft drive issues have me concerned.

Not to say they don't occur - but they're rather rare.  If it's a big deal, have the paralever arm and final drive taken apart and new seals put in.

My final drive issue wasn't a seal and was caused by the dealer who didn't tighten a bolt.  It had naught to do with BMW's quality control.  (For their error, they rebuilt my paralever + final drive for free - and I am very happy about that )

[burnergold2B]

http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Photos/MiscPhotos/1600200-Recall-Fuel-tank-replacement-F650GS.pdf



There's the Recall that BMW won't honor on their own machines. Why buy one?  

[DrD]

 I sold my BWM to buy another BMW.     I guess I'm just a stupid son-of-a-bitch.    

Oh, well....  

[bikerfish1100]

http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Photos/MiscPhotos/1600200-Recall-Fuel-tank-replacement-F650GS.pdf



There's the Recall that BMW won't honor on their own machines. Why buy one?  

so if your DEALER(s) won't honor the recall without asking, how is that a problem with BMW as a brand? sounds like you got ass for dealers in your area.

[burnergold2B]

so if your DEALER(s) won't honor the recall without asking, how is that a problem with BMW as a brand? sounds like you got ass for dealers in your area.

  It isn't the dealers, it's BMW NA. I call em like I see em, no bullshit. If some wanna sugar coat their overpriced PsOS, and protect one of the most overrated bikes in magazineland, that's their choice(s).

  Duty to Warn isn't just an idea that exists in criminal justice; It can be applied elsewhere to help your fellow motorcyclists who might pay heed to the warning of shit service and procedures. If not, well, it's a free country eh? Buy what you like, sell what you like, don't kill the messenger.  

[bikerfish1100]

  It isn't the dealers, it's BMW NA. I call em like I see em, no bullshit. If some wanna sugar coat their overpriced PsOS, and protect one of the most overrated bikes in magazineland, that's their choice(s).

  Duty to Warn isn't just an idea that exists in criminal justice; It can be applied elsewhere to help your fellow motorcyclists who might pay heed to the warning of shit service and procedures. If not, well, it's a free country eh? Buy what you like, sell what you like, don't kill the messenger.  

so BMW NA issues a recall, and then refuses to pay for the work? That's what happened? That's the WHOLE ENTIRE story, just like that?  

[SprintSTboy]

Had 87 and 92 K100RS and a 00' K1200RS over the span of fifteen years.  I really enjoyed the bikes and suffice to say I am a sport touring rider.  When I was ready to replace my K12, the R1200ST was the only real sport tourer in the BMW line.  I fell in love with the looks of the Triumph Sprint ST and a test ride closed the deal.  (I have since test ridden the R1200ST and do not regret my decision.  K1200GT out of my price range.)

I have really enjoyed my Sprint but still lurk in the BMW sites.  

[burnergold2B]

so BMW NA issues a recall, and then refuses to pay for the work? That's what happened? That's the WHOLE ENTIRE story, just like that?  

  Yeah, that's the entire story. Just like that. Thank God you have an R11S that doesn't have the killing ABS linked brakes. Does it have a large amount of miles on it? 50K +? If so, keep it, if it has been trouble free.

[bikerfish1100]

turned 70,000 while riding CO 92 along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Memorable place to clik a 10thou marker.

my g/f's '99 has 77K on it. neaither has had much at all in the way of non-maintenance repairs- 3 sets of pivot bearings for 2 bikes, and a shaft on hers.

[burnergold2B]

turned 70,000 while riding CO 92 along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Memorable place to clik a 10thou marker.

my g/f's '99 has 77K on it. neaither has had much at all in the way of non-maintenance repairs- 3 sets of pivot bearings for 2 bikes, and a shaft on hers.

Mmmm, beautiful shot. How was Paonia? Good band and beer?

[atadaskew]

my g/f's '99 has 77K on it. neaither has had much at all in the way of non-maintenance repairs- 3 sets of pivot bearings for 2 bikes, and a shaft on hers.

I dunno, I consider replacing the shaft to be a pretty major non-maintenance repair.

[TheGoose]

I sold my '04 R1150GS because I ended up feeling it was too big, too heavy, and I ended up not caring for the character of the motor. (yeah yeah yeah, I ride '32 year old Guzzi now but Guzzi twin works better for me than the BMW flat twin, and it definitely sounds better).

I also found the bike to simply be too expensive for what it was ('character' is worth extra $$$ to me, but I don't care for BMW character).

[bikerfish1100]

I dunno, I consider replacing the shaft to be a pretty major non-maintenance repair.

was just the shaft internals (the u-joint was shot), not the housing. i considered it to be the equivalent of a chain and sprockets change (price was a bit more than a top end set). but having to be done at 65K miles would be = to a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) chain/sprocket combo. not a bad deal, imo.