[ST] Re: More comments on the BMW

["J. Westcott" <westcott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Eric and Pete:

I think Eric and I have discussed the pros and cons of the BMW before and he
makes some valid points but I want to give a response to his comments (with
regards to the R1100S).

From: "Erik Miner" <axeis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

> Pete I've owned two BMW oil heads. . . the
> shaft is nice and the over all fit and finish is excellent. BUT the fuel
> injection surges  . . .

This has not been a issue with the R1100S.  I have never experienced a fuel
injection surge on my R1100S nor have I seen or heard of this on the R1100S
list.

and the boxer twin.. man you can keep that thing.. think
> of a German Harley.. it is not smooth and it really hasn't much grunt.
> Basically it's power band is from about 3k to 7k  it makes about 15 less
HP
> at the rear wheel 85 vs 100  and it really is rough above about 4500 rpm .

To my "particular, and maybe peculiar taste" I like the feel/engine
pulses/vibrations of the BMW boxer flat twin.  I like to feel how hard my
motorcycle engine is working without looking at a tach.  I have never cared
for the smoothnest of a Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki four multi (which is why I
like the Triumph triple enigne . . .it has just enough smoothnest of a multi
four, the torque of a twin and that wonderful triple sound).  There are
thousands of BMW owners who love the feel and sound of the BMW flat twin and
would not ride anything else as evidenced by the almost fanatical allegence
to the flat twin you encounter at BMW ralleys.  I owned a Honda ST1100
before the BMW R1100S.  The Honda ST1100 is probably the smoothest, most
vibration free engine made in a motorcycle.  Frankly, it was the most boring
engine/motorycle I've ever owned.  Thinking of the BMW flat twin as a German
Harley is a good analogy.  The Harley engine has its fans and I, for one,
can see why.  It is an attractive engine to look at and the particular
vibrations/sounds emitted from the Harley engine are pleasing to many.  I
think the same could be said for the BMW boxer flat twin.

> Also they are expensive to maintain, they need  valve adjustments every 6K
> miles and they seem to have more problems than a 15K motorcycle should,
> although the "s" hasn't been as bad as some of the others.

I have 15,000+ miles on my '99 R1100S and have absolute no problems.  None.
I just had a full annual/12,000 service and the total bill for adjusting
valves, new fuel and air filters, new oil and filter, changing all of the
fluids (brake, clutch, drive shaft), spark plugs, everything was $373.90

 If you really
> need to find out if a BMW id for you try a BMW dealer they are very
> accommodating on test rides. And PLEASE try and ride a K1200RS while
you're
> there.. if you want a Beemer that is the one to own, IMO.. I owned one of
> them too :-)

The K1200RS is a wonderful bike, fast, ton of power and bulletproof.  But,
in my humble opinion, it's big, heavy and a long stretch to the handlebars.
I'm about your size Pete.  I would rather give up power if it means less
weight.

John Westcott




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