BMW MotorCycles

[RustyGT]

GDay Motor Cycling Folks.

Been looking lately, at the classifieds in our local paper.

For a motorbicycle.

Today I've found, a '89 BMW R 80 Boxer Twin.
Vital specs: 90K kms, 3rd [and dedicated] owner, has all the books and receipts.

Metzelers F+R, 5 Mths rego.
$3.5K Aud.

Looks like me.

Opinions on old BM Twins. Welcome.

Brrmm brrmm. Rusty.

[desmocat]

I just had ta bite on this un, mate..
By and large here in the st8s, BMW owners are usually very fastidious about maintaining their bikes, and tend to be a bit older and not as likely to abuse their bikes like the younger crowd.

I guess part of the reason is that the BMWs aren't aimed at the bleeding edge of performance like the Japanese supersports, but can still be very fun in the twisties.
At a trackday last week, we had a rider with a BMW 1150GS trailie that by the end of the day, he was grindin' the cylinder head crash guards on the deck, and leaving some of the duke riders in the dust.(and sparks!)


The problem here is sometimes with older bikes, parts availability can be a problem, in that the dealers can usually get parts for older models, but will likely have to order them instead of having them in stock.
Ask around the shops if they have various bits for the model you are looking into and their availability as far as how long it would be to order and get the parts in, etc.
As far as reliability, I personaly don't think you can beat the BMW boxer engine, those things seem to last forever.
In the handling dept, kinda goes without saying that they do well there also, as long as the shocks/ forks have been taken care of.
On the mileage(or kilometerage? ) doesn't seem out of line at all to me, only works out to about 6900 Km's /yr.

[RustyGT]

Had been frightened by the price.

Here as everywhere.
BM Twins are mile munchers.
Expected 250K+ on the clock.
Not so.
Shall see.

Need a commuter.
Our work is 500 Km round trip.
To the mines.
And back to the coast.

A BM would do fine.
ChrsR.

[Knothead]

Hey, Rusty, you couldn't ask for a better line of bikes for that kind of riding. Long distance touring is what BMW bikes were MADE for ("mile munchers"...hehehe...that's right! )

My best buddy Paul has a K75RT. Rides it everywhere and has for YEARS. Named it "Lockheed" (after a little dragon character he created for the X-Men comic). The bike is WAY too tall for me (I'm 5'4", can't reach the pedals, ) but I HAVE ridden on the back, and can tell you, it's not a flashy "canyon carver", crotch rocket, or anything other than a sure, powerful and dependable TOURER.

He's such a bike fiend that while he CAN drive a car, he complains about the handlebars being ROUND, the two extra wheels, etc. That is to say, he SWEARS by that BMW.

Tip: lay a piece of sheepskin over the saddle for those long rides. Works like a charm!

[bhess]

I wouldn't sweat finding parts either. There are always swap meets and don't forget the internet.
Go for it.

Knothead, I remember that dragon from when I was a kid. Still have that issue in a box somewhere.

Parts shouldn't be a problem in Australia, even in Queensland. BMW's are pretty common here. You'll obviously pay more for parts and stuff than you would for a cheap Jap bike, but the Bemmers are definitely worth the cost, IMO anyway! Much better touring bikes than those US Hogs!

Cheers
Mick

[RustyGT]

Well the story continues,

Went and had a look at it today. [The R 80]
This bike is SO! original, it should be bought, for that alone.

The current owner is early 50's, ex motor mechanic, and BMW nut.
Only selling this one, because he has a late model full dresser 'K series' parked beside it.

And figures he cant ride both, at the same time!

I think I'm gunna do it.

Knot, Yes BM's have always been known for having long legs, good on highway especially two up and plenty of gear aboard.

The road to our big coal mines is populated with lots of heavy vehicles, including Road Trains. Passing one in a car can be hairy enuff. On a light bike you'd just get blown off the road.
I'm thinking the Boxer would cope OK with this.

Oh, mick: "BMW's are pretty common"[?] thems fighting words LOL!
and "Cheap Jap" theres the rub, jap bikes aren't cheap.

Just not engineered well. Not like this BM. I was surprised at some of the features of this bike. Shan't go on about it now, shall wait until, it's in the shed.

And as for hogs, it may soon be decision time, for that old Sportster I've kept stashed away for years.

Wheel out a Harley and wheel in a BMW in its place?
Thems 'fighting words' too in some places.

Cheers all, Rusty