Quick Trip to Sturgis

[F6Dave]

I needed to go to NE Wyoming last week, so why not ride and make a quick trip over to Sturgis?  I got there on Saturday around noon and it was by FAR more crowded than I've ever seen in 4 previous visits. This could easily be the largest crowd ever.

On the East end of Main Street BMW had a very large display with a few dozen R18s, and nothing else. They were offering test rides but with the traffic gridlock I passed. I didn't realize they're building both a bagger and full dress model.

The full dresser comes standard with a great sound system from the UK company Marshall, with 2 available upgrades. The top of the line stage 2 system has multiple speakers, subwoofers, and an 180 watt amp. It was absolutely stunning.

[..]

Helllloooooooo Honda.

See what you missed with the 1800 Valkyrie!!!

[ridingron]

Honda has missed the boat so many times, I don't think they remember where the harbor is.

[F6Dave]

How true, Honda has given up on more great bikes than anyone. In some ways the R18 reminded me of the Rune. Except BMW will try to make the R18 a success. And they might pull it off as the pricing is reasonable. The dresser sells for about $25,000.

[luftkoph]

Good lord I never thought someone would find it necessary to mount a television screen on a motorcycle

[vanavyman]

I'd test drive one of the big bagger's.  Looks great.

[Foozle]

How true, Honda has given up on more great bikes than anyone. In some ways the R18 reminded me of the Rune. Except BMW will try to make the R18 a success. And they might pull it off as the pricing is reasonable. The dresser sells for about $25,000.

I agree.  Frankly, I would have expected this to go for significantly more $$.  I guess the dealers will make it up on the routine maintenance. 

IMHO, this is the first bike I've seen in a while that's legitimately worth a closer look.

Terry

[F6Dave]

When Mr. Honda was alive his company built motorcycles that made a statement, but weren't necessarily practical.  The CBX and GL1000 were two examples.  Even though he died shortly before the Valkyrie was built, I'm sure he would have approved.  Today Honda is so risk-averse that it's unimaginable for them to build anything like their flagships of the past.  I'm glad to see that other companies will still build impractical motorcycles.

[F6Dave]

Here's another picture of the 'Transcontinental'.

[F6Dave]

I'd test drive one of the big bagger's.  Looks great.

What attracted me to the Valkyrie is the massive engine that leaves no doubt it's not another V-twin. It also has all those great retro styling touches. The R18 has all of that. If I were in the market this would be at the top of my list. BMW's boxer twins are wonderful engines.

[Valkorado]

How true, Honda has given up on more great bikes than anyone. In some ways the R18 reminded me of the Rune. Except BMW will try to make the R18 a success. And they might pull it off as the pricing is reasonable. The dresser sells for about $25,000.

I agree.  Frankly, I would have expected this to go for significantly more $$.  I guess the dealers will make it up on the routine maintenance.  

IMHO, this is the first bike I've seen in a while that's legitimately worth a closer look.

Terry

They are cool, always liked the looks of that Beemer engine configuration, and it looks even better on that bike.  Ya still see lotsa those old bikes running around.  Curious, what are the routine maintenance procedures?  Are they really maintenance pigs?

It's not like our bikes are maintenance free.  Digging into splines and alternators on our dinosaurs isn't much fun (for me anyway), and that damn octopus! And Ruby's starter is acting like it may be on a last leg.  

I'd like to find a bike that is so rock solid it has like a 1000 to 1 riding vs. maintenance hours ratio.  I still think the newest fuel injected wings look pretty good that way, and like the maintenance free forks, single sided swingarm, etc..

[Beardo]

How true, Honda has given up on more great bikes than anyone. In some ways the R18 reminded me of the Rune. Except BMW will try to make the R18 a success. And they might pull it off as the pricing is reasonable. The dresser sells for about $25,000.

I agree.  Frankly, I would have expected this to go for significantly more $$.  I guess the dealers will make it up on the routine maintenance.  

IMHO, this is the first bike I've seen in a while that's legitimately worth a closer look.

Terry

They are cool, always liked the looks of that Beemer engine configuration, and it looks even better on that bike.  Ya still see lotsa those old bikes running around.  Curious, what are the routine maintenance procedures?  Are they really maintenance pigs?

It's not like our bikes are maintenance free.  Digging into splines and alternators on our dinosaurs isn't much fun (for me anyway), and that damn octopus! And Ruby's starter is acting like it may be on a last leg.  

I'd like to find a bike that is so rock solid it has like a 1000 to 1 riding vs. maintenance hours ratio.  I still think the newest fuel injected wings look pretty good that way, and like the maintenance free forks, single sided swingarm, etc..

Yeah the new Wing is relatively maintenance free…but when it’s needed, it’s expensive or a PITA to do. I haven’t done mine yet but I’m guessing the air filter will be a $500 job. I won’t even try that myself.

The Beemer looks interesting. It’s different and different is good.

One thing I wouldn’t like about it is the fixed fairing/windshield. On our recent trip, it was very hot and I regularly ride with the electric windshield on my Wing (short, non tour shield) all the way down to get more airflow. Nice to get some to the helmet and through the helmet vents and some through the jacket vents.  The fairing still keeps the majority of the pressure off your chest but it allows some good airflow, and it’s clean air, no buffeting whatsoever.  No way would I want to ride with no airflow.

[Jess from VA]

I thought new(er) Beemers were hard to work on and real expensive to get dealer service (if you have one nearby).

And there was some wicked fuel injection surge a few years ago, that BMW wouldn't acknowledge.

I do like the look of those big dressers.

[DIGGER]

How many forward gears?  Never understood why our Valks only have 5 forward gears.   The motor woulda pulled 6.

[F6Dave]

How true, Honda has given up on more great bikes than anyone. In some ways the R18 reminded me of the Rune. Except BMW will try to make the R18 a success. And they might pull it off as the pricing is reasonable. The dresser sells for about $25,000.

I agree.  Frankly, I would have expected this to go for significantly more $$.  I guess the dealers will make it up on the routine maintenance.  

IMHO, this is the first bike I've seen in a while that's legitimately worth a closer look.

Terry

They are cool, always liked the looks of that Beemer engine configuration, and it looks even better on that bike.  Ya still see lotsa those old bikes running around.  Curious, what are the routine maintenance procedures?  Are they really maintenance pigs?

It's not like our bikes are maintenance free.  Digging into splines and alternators on our dinosaurs isn't much fun (for me anyway), and that damn octopus! And Ruby's starter is acting like it may be on a last leg.  

I'd like to find a bike that is so rock solid it has like a 1000 to 1 riding vs. maintenance hours ratio.  I still think the newest fuel injected wings look pretty good that way, and like the maintenance free forks, single sided swingarm, etc..

I still have my 1988 R100GS 'airhead', and those old opposed twins are very easy to work on. The cylinder location makes most of the parts very accessible. I'm sure the R18 isn't that easy, but it is air cooled so there's no cooling system to deal with. It's a simple pushrod valve train so adjustments should not be difficult. And with the cylinders out in the wind it shouldn't run as hot as a Harley does, especially that rear cylinder that shuts down when idling.

It doesn't appear to have a single sided swingarm. But I do like the look of that exposed driveshaft and U-joint.

[F6Dave]

How many forward gears?  Never understood why our Valks only have 5 forward gears.   The motor woulda pulled 6.

It has 6. I read it has reverse as an option.

[CajunRider]

I thought new(er) Beemers were hard to work on and real expensive to get dealer service (if you have one nearby).

And there was some wicked fuel injection surge a few years ago, that BMW wouldn't acknowledge.

I do like the look of those big dressers.

Like the Valkyrie, some things on the BMW Boxer are easy to work on. 
- Valve checks can be done in minutes if you don't have engine guards blocking the valve cover removal.

Like the Valkyrie, some things on the BMW Boxer are not so easy to work on.
- You basically have to take the entire rear end apart to change the clutch. 
- Even the clutch slave cylinder requires removal of the swing-arm. 

However, the whole bike (at least the 1100-1200 series) was made to come apart quite easily... so there's that. 
- Changing the battery requires removing the seat & gas tank... which takes about 10 minutes, tops.

I REALLY want to test ride the bagger... but I'm scared to cause I know I can't afford it right now. 
It would make an AWESOME stablemate to this guy: