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Questions and Answers

Is it worth buying a used BMW motorcycle with 43500km (27000mi)? Or is that asking for engine problems? I hear BMW motorcycles run for a long time but is it worth buying a used BMW motorcycle with 43500km (27000miles) on it? Or is that just asking for maintenance/engine problems?

McGuyver replied: "thats not a lot of miles for a BMW if its been maintained. they will run for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance"

Ryan L replied: "motorcycles will not run hundreds of thousands of miles, that guy is thinking of cars. But its not a ton, its average, you just need to make sure it runs good and thats about it. It will need an engine rebuild eventually but maybe not for another 20k if maintained right"

sterling m replied: "ryan , listen to mcgyver . bmw bikes routinely go 200,000 miles ."

Bandit-05 replied: "I had an older BMW R65 that had higher mileage than that and it ran fine. As mentioned above though, the previous maintenance is key..."

MotoMan replied: "I've got two with over a 100k on each and they run just fine. I've also met people with 200k+ miles and no rebuilds. These are all the old style twins, sometimes called "air head" engines It is just a matter of how well they are maintained and carefully ridden."

molitor replied: ""motorcycles will not run hundreds of thousands of miles" is pure rubbish. That BMW is just nicely broken in. You can count on many more miles if it has been maintained and you continue to do so. mine has over 80K and the engine has never been apart!"

--->Greg<--- replied: "The one thing that comes to mind when I see a bike with a lot of miles is that somebody really liked that bike! If they rode it that much, it must have been comfortable and ran good with few breakdowns. I bought my Harley Davidson with 27,000 and put over 12,000 on it the past year and it still runs beatifully. BMW is even more dependable than HD. I say go for that bike. If the last guy had that many miles on it - HE HAD FUN ON IT - and so should you."

Tim D replied: "What kind of BMW is it? Not all of them are the R-series, the well-known horizontally opposed boxer twin (where the cylinders stick out over your feet), there are also K-series which are inline fours, F-series parallel twins and G-series singles. The boxers will, if correctly maintained, chug on forever, the K-series have a worse reputation (although the boxer has set a very high standard). I don't believe either the F- or G-series have been around long enough to earn a serious reputation like the R-series, however BMW will have done all they can to make them to the same quality and standards. The most important words are “correctly maintained”, BMW fans are unlikely to sell their cherished bike so the secondhand market is artificially buoyed by scarcity – look for full dealer service history or evidence that the owner knows what they are doing."

ninebadthings replied: "Lots of miles left on that bike. Give it a good once over and judge the owner too. I've owned 3 bmws and all had more miles than that when I owned them, and none needed anything other than oil and batteries and a cable here and there."

Jake replied: "If the bike has been cared for properly have no fear- it's a BMW not a Sportster! (Yes, I've owned both) Three years ago I bought a '78 Beemer with 60k on the clock, it now has well over 100k and I've had to adjust the valves once, lube the clutch spline once and change the oil and check the fluids according to the manual. Breakdowns? Zero. Broken parts? Zero. If my bike is representative, you can't go wrong- but of course it all depends on the care taken by previous owners. BTW- I ride my bike fairly aggressively when road conditions allow and she has seen some vintage racing in the past. You can have a lotta fun, as another gentleman said, and still boogie!"

GO FOR IT replied: "The second answer does not know BMW. They are a 200k bike with good oil and regular maintenance. Hondas also go that distance with a lot less maintenance."

Is it just me, or are the BMW motorcycles they used in "The Long Way Round" pieces of junk? The irony being that BMW is using the program as propoganda to promote their motorcycles. If you've seen it, you know that they have a lot of trouble with these machines. All three of them break, one beyond repair. And these are not minor mechanical glitches: the frames actually break and have to be welded. After the camera man's breaks, they buy him a brand new Russian motorcycle for $1000. If you compare him with the other two, they are slithering around all over the place on the rough stuff while he just trucks on by on his cheap Russian machine with probably 1/4 the power and costing 1/15 the price. There is a minor problem with the Russian bike, but it is just an adjustment to the gear linkage--something any competent mechanic could do in 15 minutes. Now is this what you would expect for so-called "enduro" motorcycles with probably close to 100 horsepower and costing as much as a car?

desert camel replied: "ide never class them BMW's as a ''enduro" bike as you put it...as for the frame snapping,it not as bad as you made out...i mean did you dee the amount of stuff they were carrying.... ..imagine what would have happened it they chose the KTM's?....them things wouldn't have even made it out the country..... bth ive riden them both and the BMW is a few better bike hands down."

Eric replied: "The cameraman's BMW suffered a failure due to not following proper procedures when welding the frame. The bike didn't break on it's own. Charlie and Ewan's machines were a bit overloaded and that combined with the two minor frame cracks is hardly a big deal. Mechanically they were flawless during the 20,000 mile trip. Your note on slithering around on a bike weighing close to 900lbs compared to a bike that weighs maybe 300lb is rather lame. Of course the lighter bike would do better, you think this is a flaw? BTW, the BMW's transmissions did fine unlike the new Russian bike. So, yes it's just you and I hope you enjoy reading comments from people who have watched the series on DVD."

chopperrider replied: "B.M.W. is NOT junk!"

mr natural replied: ""Is it just me"------Yes it is. How can you say that BMW's are junk? These bikes made it through 14 countries (some with few or no roads). Very treacherous conditions and a lesser bike wouldn't have made it half way. I don't ride a BMW but you are dead wrong with your assessment of them."

ducatisti replied: "Well, as a rider who has ridden a few different bikes on long trips over some pretty serious terrain, I would say that BMW has a tendency to over-engineer their bikes. This isn't a bad thing, just a different philosophy than the Japanese or the Austrians. KTM's are simple, but do have some weak points because KTM values light weight over bullet-proof long term reliability. BMW's tend to be the heaviest bike in a specific class, but the over-engineering usually allows riders to hang lots of weight off them, treat them badly and still have the bike behave relatively well in bad conditions. Japanese bikes in the same class try to hold the middle ground - middle weight, middle quality, lower price. The design and implementation are simpler (using the same bolt size for items you access frequently, etc), and usually fit and finish are overall lesser quality. Our most recent long trip was 9K through Alaska - including more than 1,000 miles of rough gravel. I was on a BMW, my husband was on a Kawasaki Versys. I always rail at the BMW when it comes to changing the oil and other maintenance, it's needlessly complex. However, the BMW came through the trip with flying colors, and still looks new. The Kawasaki also held up well, but did have some tiny wear issues and the finish definitely took a beating. I also own a KTM dual sport, which has been crashed and thrashed on a regular basis, and never misses a beat. This lightweight and well-built machine is a joy to ride. For the type of riding done in "The Long Way Round", I believe the BMW was the best choice, KTM would be a close second (and would have been lots easier to ride in those sand sections), third would have been something like the Suzuki V-Strom. There are two ways to tackle this type of ride - light and fast, or heavy and well prepared. Same as climbing Everest - you can weigh yourself down and be prepared, or bring just the barest necessities and hope for the best. I'd rather not trust to luck, so the BMW weighed down with everything needed to survive is what I believe to be the smart way to go. Until you've put yourself in these types of situations on a regular basis, there's no way to know what kind of rider you are. Only other riders who have done the same kind of adventure can give you an informed opinion of whether BMW was the right bike for this trip. Since most all the riders who do this type of riding choose the Beemer, I think that's your answer."

ninebadthings replied: "For how the bikes were loaded and for how much abuse they took I think the did very well. I've owned this bike, it's great on bumpy dirt roads, add knobbies and it would do even better on some challenging roads, but next to my Suzuki DRZ it is not an off-road bike at all. It would be hard to find a better bike for the trip they were making. If they let the trucks haul most of their baggage they would have done fine. If you wanna cruse down the freeway, then snake up a canyon and then get off on a logging road, I just don't think there is another bike out there that will do the job as well."

knujefp replied: "The R1150GS is an excellent bike well worth it's cost, they were on an extreme adventure and things are bound to go wrong. I used to be a Service Manager at a BMW shop I have ridden those bikes and while they are rather ugly, they are top notch functionally. Only down side is routine maintainance can be a bit expensive."

Buster Brown replied: "The BMW 1100/1150/1200 GS series is far from junk. To the contrary, they are some of the very best touring bikes on the planet. However, they are not particularly well suited to the kind of travel that Evan and Charlie were doing, as they are much too heavy to be really good in the conditions they encountered. It was the light weight of the Russian bike that got the photographer through the muddy sections that had the two bigger bikes floundering. But do you think that bike would have survived the whole trip? It didn't help that they were so grossly overloaded, but they really should have been on 650-class single-cylinder bikes. In my opinion, the KLR650 would be the best bike for that trip, although I would also consider a well-equipped and sorted DR650 or KTM 640A. The BMW F650 single might also be a good choice, although I would prefer any one of the others. You make a good point about the East European bikes. They are typically dead simple and easy to maintain. In the 50's and 60's Jawas in particular used to make some impressive trips through the Third World. However, I don't think I would really care to rely on one of those 6v charging systems way out in BFE."

best used bmw motorcycle? I am looking to buy my first motorcycle in 20 years and i really want a bmw. i would like to stay under $10, 000. Anybody have an idea what would be a good used bmw for getting around town and the occasional trip?

boogie_4wheel replied: "Depending on exactly what you want. You could find a fully loaded R11RT, R1150RT, R1150GS, K1200GT... I test rode an R1100RT with hard bags and trunk, heated grips, 40k miles for $6000. A friend of mine is selling his K1200GT with bags, heated grips and cruise control 16k mi for $8000. You could probably get a R12GS for under 10K as well. Look up some BMW bike dealerships online, they usually have listings of used bikes that they have as well."

Brian K replied: "Considering it has been 20 years, you want to stay under $10k and you willl be doing mostly around town riding, I would recommend the F800 series. Specifically, I would recommend the F800ST. It is light (as BMWs go), has decent power and a comfortable riding position. They MSRP at $10,250 without destination fees. You could probably negotiate less than $10k if you were buying on the spot. If you are looking for a bigger bike, and do not mind the additonal weight for around town riding, the previously mentioned bikes are a great choice. The GT might be a little bit on the heavy side if you are going to be riding more around town than on long distance trips."

What was the BMW motorcycle bond used in tomorrow never dies? I know it was a bmw but what model was it. i wanna know.

cj360trider replied: "It is a BMW R1200C"

Hyung Lee replied: "r1200c "

eantonis_be replied: "It was a BMW Cruiser. They used the picture to introduce this "new" German answer to US-cruisers... After a few years production is stopped. Probably because the competition was to great?"

Best used BMW motorcycle? I rode a sportster for years and want a practical around town BMW. Suggestions? Harleys are great. I have been riding them (and Indians) for 30 years. I am simply looking for another bike that will have good handling, dependable yet easy to wrench on, and something with more heart than a sewing machine...

z281982 replied: "Just curious as to why the change? Are you looking for a cruiser, sport tourer, full dresser, or dual sport? BMW's are good bikes and expensive. So are Harley's as you know. I would go to a motorcycle magazine online such as. This is a great magazine and very informative online. I personally have a Suzuki M109R which is an 1800cc power cruiser that I love. Good luck on your search."

lez k replied: "Going from a HD to a BMW... still not ready for a real bike... BMW=Big Money Waste I honestly mean no offense but nether brand are very exciting, or reliable, and I've owned them both. Additional: If you are truly looking for another bike that will have good handling, dependable yet easy to wrench on, and something with more heart than a sewing machine, get a modern Triumph."

sportsterwolf replied: "Agree on BMW, Big Money Waster and no Harley invented the modern motorcycle and is still the best motorcycle manufacturer in the world. With Harley you get what you pay for, the best bike money can buy. Don't go with European or Japanese junk, when you need a ride that will last the distance stick with Harley."

curmudgeon1955 replied: "I rode /2 and /5 BMW's for a few years, have a 90/6 project setting if I ever get time to free it up- salvage rescue. Suggest 5/10 year old or so twin- 850, 1000, or new whatever twin. The GS models look like they would be handy also - exhaust is high for utility off road but bags and racks are available for hauling stuff. In-line 4s might suit you, I haven't ridden them but a lot of people a BMW rallies were getting them for highway cruising. Guy I worked with had a 650 twin for around town and commuting, liked it for getting through traffic. Old R60/2 would get around town, low compression engine wouldn't overheat but the unleaded gas now in most areas would need more valve adjustment maybe, and top speed maybe 75mph might not be as good if you do highway running. I did a couple 300/400 mile 1 day runs with R50/2 and mostly kept up with traffic when the 55 speed limit was in affect. The 850/7 for awhile had about 8 to 1 compression and a air tube to exhaust emissions setup and hardened valve seats, might make you a good run around. I traded Sportster for R69/2- put a lot more miles on that season, better mileage, less rattling, no clutch oiling, no electrical failures, no worries about chain breaking."

Tim D replied: "Around town or occasional jaunts to the country a GS650 or F650 are ideal. Big Money Waste – narrow-minded response from people who have never ridden one or envy? – BMWs have long lost their boring, staid, overweight tag. One thing you might take time to get used to is the switchgear, especially the indicators."

Joe Richtofen replied: "Go to the dealers near you. They will let you test drive every model you fancy. I only ride BMW. My model is the R1200GS wouldn't trade it for anything else, best all around bike I have ever seen. Handles all weather conditions with solid fortitude. :)"

JetDoc replied: "All the above posted crap from Harley-Davidson fanatics is just jealousy. They can't stand it when someone finally sees the light and decides to buy a real motorcycle for convenience and utility rather than for posing and show. Ignore them! If you're shopping for a used BMW, I'd try to find an R1100/1150/1200 series GS bike. These are ultra-tough, ultra-reliable motorcycles, that will run forever with minimum care and fussing. Just change the oil every 5-6K miles, and ride it! Get one with aluminum panniers and haul groceries or camping gear or whatever you need, and go on the highway or trails with equal efficiency. It's the ultimate two-wheel utility vehicle."

bob a replied: "K75 is the best all around BMW in or out of town"

vicseo replied: "Check out a used 1995-96 BMW R850R for around $4k. This model is considered by "Motorrad" as "king of the country road." Good luck!"

I want to buy a BMW Cruiser Motorcycle (used)nervous about ebay where to look???? Am in the Omaha area and wouldnt mind driving to KC or Des Moines

russ wheeler replied: "why dont you just go to a motorcyle dealership? they carry used models there to that you can see, touch and check out and even test drive before you buy. id be nervous too thats what i would do."

Randall Gatesman replied: "Weell, go to. They will give you exactly what you are looking for. Just tell them what you want."

kelley replied: "if i were you i would get it off ebay. but you could try... buy.com. some trading sites. maybe oneredpaperclip.com might have someone wanting to trade something for it"

tomiyo replied: "i wouldn't recommend e-bay unless it is within driving distance to check it out for yourself. especially for a bmw."

tonevault replied: "I'd say try, or in your area. The problem with eBay is the shipping....it's a national, (actually worldwide) site, so you don't often get a chance to bid on a local vehicle. I actually bought a motorcycle on eBay, but it was only 100 miles away.....I was very pleased with the deal. Obviously, if you go that route, pay attention to feedback score and shipping charges. I'd recommend getting a bike you can ride before you pay."

wanderer9782 replied: "try cycletrader, kin to autotrader"

Dwight D J replied: "go to a BMW dealer....BMWs are complex bikes, more so than Japanese bikes (I've owned many Hondas, worked on all of them...but BMWs look REALLY complex!) at a BMW dealer, they'll understand the important stuff and explain the features and maintenance"

dixie.flatline replied: "Try they have a search where you can limit the radius by miles from your zip code"

Grendle replied: "Never never never buy a bike (especially a used bike) that you have not test-ridden, and gone over very very carefully. There are just too many potentially lethal things that careless ownership can cause. Even BMWs are not immune. Call or go to a BMW dealership and ask to see their used cruisers (LCs or CLCs or RTs are your best bets). Take someone with you who knows bikes and has a critical eye. Be prepared to say "no thanks". You'll do fine!"

Why is the BMW sometimes called Beamer/Bimmer? Found the answer: sorry The term "beemer" started as an acronym for the abbreviation "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as "beeser" or "beezer"), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles. The term "bimmer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts, because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is completely arbitrary, to this day, the media, movies, and most people still use the term "beemer" to refer to the automobiles. Interestingly, in the German language, the correct pronunciation of the term "bimmer" is "beemer." The initials BMW are pronounced "beh emm veh" in German. BMW is also the abbreviation in the UK for a cocktail of Baileys, Malibu and Whisky.

nikkor13 replied: "Back in the '70s, when BMW was becoming popular in the US, I remember the slogan for one advertising campaign as, "Bey Em Vay Means Get Out of the Way!" It was marketed as a "driver's car". In other words, for people who like to drive. A piece of trivia I picked up early on, when I purchased my first model (a 2002tii) was the symbolism of the blue and white badge. BMW first became famous for the engines it manufactured for WWI German combat aircraft. It's a whirling propeller against a blue sky. Pretty cool..."

nigelshiftright replied: "There is a popular myth that the BMW logo is a propeller whirling against the sky but this is fanciful and made up. Just go look at the Bavarian flag and you'll see why the BMW logo looks like it does."

calnickel replied: "It's the Yuppie name(s) for BMWs."

tiisetsomo replied: "Well i honestly don't know but where i'm from a 3 series is called a "G-string" or "Gusheshe" and a 7 series is called an "Anaconda".The 5 series is called a "Baby Anaconda"."

Where are BWMs that are sold in the US made? Cars and Motorcylces? I've been thinking of buying a used BMW motorcycle (late 90s early 00s K1100 probably). Does anybody know where these motorcycles are made. Also am thinking of buying a 335i. Any idea where those are manufactured (primarily)? Thanks!

Prof. Em replied: "Here in the US, some in Germany and some in South Africa"

deautophile replied: "to be honest I'm not sure about the bikes. but the cars are produced in Munich, Germany. pretty soon though BMW is going to move their production to America, because of the weakening dollar vs. the expensive euro, which is making profits smaller"

Kimi replied: "Every BMW motorcycle is built in Germany. Every BMW car except for the Z4 and X5 are built in Germany. The Z4 and X5 are built in South Carolina, but the engines are shipped over from Germany."

pg replied: "if they don't come over from Germany, then the BMWs are made in Spartenburg, SC at the main North American plant. Not sure about the motorcycles."

Trevor S replied: "some are made in north carolina"

Mark K replied: "BMW bikes are produced in Germany at the bike plant in Berlin. The Z and X models of cars are produced in Spartanburg, SC, the power plants are shipped in from Germany. The remaining models of cars are produced in either Dingolfing or Muenchen (Munich)."

Do all BMW motorcycles have drivetrains? I know a lot do, not sure if some use chains. Also other companies that use drivetrains on their motocycles would be appreciated.

bruce s replied: "all do..some belt..some chain..and some shaft...."

JetDoc replied: "ALL motorized vehicles have a drivetrain of some sort. The DRIVETRAIN is normally thought to be the method that the vehicle uses to transmit power from the transmission to the rear wheels. If you mean DRIVESHAFT, then no... Not ALL BMW motorcycles are shaft-driven. The F800 and G/F650s are chain driven. Several other motorcycles feature shaft-drive, including the 1500 and 1600cc Kawasaki Vulcans, The Honda Gold Wing, the Yamaha Royal Star, and too many others to mention."

What is the yamaha and ktm motorcycle used in the dakar rally?? I know bmw uses the 650 gs.

Driveshaft replied: "KTM's motorcycle is also a 650 class bike. There's several teams. A while ago, the dakar planners restricted engine size on motorcycles."