Second best bike on the road

[jdp]

Have you seen the new BMW 1800 tour models ? Looks like our old Valkyrie alittle, I hope this sells like hot cakes and maybe Honda will follow , I wish I could put a picture of it but it’s too complicated on this website for some reason

[Valkorado]

They're purty.

[Jess from VA]

There is some appeal there.

But I would never jump on the first two years of a model anything.  

Let others be the test owners and see how things go.

The nice thing about big touring bikes has always been that lots of older gentlemen (like us) end up selling them in minty shape used with low miles.  That's how I got both my Valks.

[Valkorado]

I like the ergonomics, seating position looks similar to our girls.

Decent but mixed reviews coming in.

https://www.bike-urious.com/first-ride-review-2021-bmw-r18/

https://riders.drivemag.com/reviews/bmw-r18-first-ride-review/

[jdp]

I went to checkout these new bikes and for the interstate model it’s $33 grand ,tour model was $30 add $2000 for custom paint, looks like my old girl will be on the road for a long time

[_Sheffjs_]

Don’t toss stones but, it does not do it for me.   

[Valkorado]

I went to checkout these new bikes and for the interstate model it’s $33 grand ,tour model was $30 add $2000 for custom paint, looks like my old girl will be on the road for a long time

 

[98valk]

https://www.thethings.com/ranking-the-most-reliable-motorcycle-brands-of-2020-and-the-least-reliable/

BMW is another motorcycle brand that ranks extremely low in reliability.  They have an impressive model line, but are known to be temperamental, and repairs can be costly.  They have a comfortable to ride, are superbly engineered, however, reliability is not among their strengths. Parts are also extremely expensive.

Slightly behind Yamaha in motorcycle brand reliability is Honda. In fact, the two brands are so close in reliability, that other factors come into play such as maintenance costs and engineering. Hondas are known for their superb reliability and slightly higher than average maintenance costs when the need arises.  For the money, they are still a great choice.

[jdp]

Yeah man can’t beat good ole Honda’s, I own 13 bikes of all brands and my Honda’s always start right up and never left me stranded, I paid alittle over $2000 for my interstate with 5000 miles and now has 90 land can’t tell you how many Coast to Coast trips I’ve taken on it and always got me home never had a break down , a few flat tires but that’s all, sure wish Honda would make a Valkyrie that looks like ours would be nice to have fuel injection and a 1800

[LTD]

I like it but the jugs sticking way out how do you have room for any hiway pegs a must on a long distance ride.

[Jess from VA]

I like it but the jugs sticking way out how do you have room for any hiway pegs a must on a long distance ride.

Ordinarily, I'm in favor of jugs sticking way out.  

But on the BMWs they're only OK.  But if you think about it, they are a flat twin, only missing four more flat cylinders to match our flat 6 Honda's; but because all that displacement has to fit in only two jugs, they have to be extra large and stick way out.  Which ordinarily, I really like.  But I'm repeating myself.  

Our 1520s have apx 250cc cylinders X6, the Beemer has 900cc cylinders X2.

I looked, and the only way to get any is to stick some traditional engine guards up front, and then hang some pegs on them.  (these look more like reverse floorboards) (I wonder if your feet cook after a while?) (but these smaller guards are better than the big ones below)


And this makes it look like if you slid your boots forward and rested your calves on them, you'd hit the bodywork with your boots.


Or even a larger engine guard with pegs.  But this looks like you will cook your inside calves on the valve covers.  And this air cooled bike with no water means they will be hotter than our valve covers.


This guard is huge, and looks like part of a convoluted exhaust setup.






None of this looks very good to me for highway pegs.  I have short legs and the stock location would be OK, but taller guys might not like it very much.

[Rams]

sure wish Honda would make a Valkyrie that looks like ours would be nice to have fuel injection and a 1800

If Mother Honda would be so kind, I'll be first in line at the bank to borrow money to get one.   Those that know me know I'm so tight with money I squeak when I walk, I don't buy squat I have to borrow money for that I don't absolutely need but, a new retro version of our Valkyrie would be good for my soul.   Yeah, in a heartbeat.  Of course, then my wife might have to go look for me, that assumes she would. 

Rams

[jdp]

Yes sir if Honda came out with a retro Valkyrie can you imagine the great deals we could get on the older ones, please Mr Honda do it

[Patrick]

I like the Beemer boxers and before that it was the Triumphs.  The Valk is the first 'Japanese' bike I've had.

[DIGGER]

I rode beemers for many yrs dating back to 1971 I had a BMW R75/5.   Rode it all over the US.   Then got a R1000 in the 80s rode it all over.   Last I had was a 1985 K100 3 cylinder in line.  Awesome bike.   Then bought the1999 Valkyrie.   I had great luck with the beemers.   What issues are you guys referring to on the modern beemers?

[AwesomeDad]

I’m on my first Beemer so far so good, but I would jump on a new updated Valk with the 1800 and cruiser styling…..

JJ

[Rams]

https://www.thethings.com/ranking-the-most-reliable-motorcycle-brands-of-2020-and-the-least-reliable/

BMW is another motorcycle brand that ranks extremely low in reliability.  They have an impressive model line, but are known to be temperamental, and repairs can be costly.  They have a comfortable to ride, are superbly engineered, however, reliability is not among their strengths. Parts are also extremely expensive.

They also don't have a lot of dealerships spread out around the country.   I was on a ride with some military friends once somewhere in Arkansas, another rider was on a BMW (under warranty).   Of course, he was  the one that had an issue.  Closest dealer was about a hundred miles away.
He had to rent a UHaul truck, we hoisted it up into the truck (no ramp) and off he went.   Didn't see him again until after the trip was over.   He was in the process of trading for a Honda GW.

Rams

[Oss]

Does not do it for me but YMMV

for commuting I have been happy with my 04  1150 rtp  At 81000 miles now.

Only downside is tupperware removal to change headlight bulb/battery etc

But the abs works great and the pilot road 4 GT tires hold the road very well  best I ever had on a bike

[..]

Have you seen the new BMW 1800 tour models ? Looks like our old Valkyrie alittle, I hope this sells like hot cakes and maybe Honda will follow , I wish I could put a picture of it but it’s too complicated on this website for some reason

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[six2go #152]

"What issues are you guys referring to on the modern beemers?"

I too would like to know the answer to this. I had a BMW K75S for many yrs & miles and never had a hiccup with it. I think the problems with many modern bikes are electronics related and not mechanical. Most BMW's you see for sale have many miles on them.

[98valk]

I rode beemers for many yrs dating back to 1971 I had a BMW R75/5.   Rode it all over the US.   Then got a R1000 in the 80s rode it all over.   Last I had was a 1985 K100 3 cylinder in line.  Awesome bike.   Then bought the1999 Valkyrie.   I had great luck with the beemers.   What issues are you guys referring to on the modern beemers?

u had/have the older great BMWs.
the airheads last yrs of production stopped using C-clips on the transmission gear shafts which requires rebuilds after 50k miles. many sites talk about this.
K75 and K100 known to need a rebuild of engine around 150k miles. otherwise bulletproof, except for some had injector/computer problems.
later BMWs have/had problems with the final drives.
clutch replacement requires back end of motorcycle to basically be removed to replace, new models are even worst.
These are all things I read a few yrs ago when I was looking to add one to the stable which I decided against doing.