Considering a BMW

[BerryHappy]

Originally Posted by omegajim

just guessing, because 8 - 10 k per year, this bike should make 100 k.

off all brands of bikes, I have seen more old BMWs (early 80's bikes) with higher mileage on them than nearly anything else.

The exception being Goldwings.

And hopefully it is NOT because their owners have gone too broke to afford another one. But it is good to know that these are good for the "long run".

[omegajim]

no, not at all.

BMW's are like goldwings and st1100/1300's.

Owners buy them to drive the crap out of them. And then drive them some more.

Bmws are expensive up front, but owners tend to keep them, and drive them and drive and drive them.

Like I said, similar to Goldwings and St1100/1300's.

Just find the one you are comfortable on, you will be spending a great deal of time on it.

good luck.

[Fishpart]

Buddy of mine has an Indian Chief and just bought a BMW you can't get him off that thing because it's spoiled him, first day we rode together I didn't even hear him pull up behind me in the parking lot. It's a very nice bike it's a K1200 RT he bought on ebay.

[omegajim]

buying a bike on Ebay; I think I'll pass.

[BerryHappy]

What wrong with buying on eBay? Have never done it myself but would like to consider it... any stories, tips to share?

[omegajim]

the concept of buying a vehicle by picture alone, I'm a bit apprehensive.

Using the 'net to gauge what price a bike is worth, a lot more useful.

I think that since the 'net came along, bike prices/car prices, nearly anything, has become a lot more uniform.

Because, as I've read - for $500, you can ship a bike a good 1,000 miles.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by BerryHappy

What wrong with buying on eBay? Have never done it myself but would like to consider it... any stories, tips to share?

Same "common sense" tips as for buying ANY used vehicle......plus a couple.

If you can't afford to go to where the bike is located and stay a couple of days to give it a good ride and dealer inspection.........then you can't "afford" that bike, regardless of the price.

Immediately eliminate anything that has "unusual" circumstances, like lost title, lost keys, missing parts, "needs a little work", etc.

Those things may not apply if you are looking for a parts bike or a beater to fix up.......or if you are into interesting "adventures".

[omegajim]

Immediately eliminate anything that has "unusual" circumstances, like lost title, lost keys, missing parts, "needs a little work", etc.

but those are the best deals!

which reminds me, a guy at work bought a Yamaha (drat, what model was it, 84-85 high performance bike - 700 cc engine) and got it w/out a title.

I told him I would buy it and use the plates off of my xs850. Since cops don't know bikes anyway.

and my vin code.

[BerryHappy]

Yeah, the thought of buying a big ticket item unseem, unfelt and unridden is a bit scary. I have been selling and buying on eBay for a while and the first thing I do is look for their ratings. And many of the ones selling bikes on eBay seem to have good reviews. It is a risk though...hmmm... don't know. Let me see what the local dealer has to offer first. Thanks for the inputs though. Ride safe.

[omegajim]

Berry, you are in Houston - within a 5 hour drive of you should be a plethora of bikes for sale.

It may not be your "dream bike" but jeepers, 20 million people live in TX alone.

Something ought to come along sooner or later.

[BerryHappy]

Update - pulled the trigger and made payment on a new 2008 F800ST with factory lowered suspension, ABS, computer, TPM, heated grips (really need those for the summers in Houston). I sat on both the ST and the R1200RT and felt much more comfortable with the ST, it is lighter and more compact and should be ideal for daily commuting and comfortable enough for the occasional long trip.

Thanks for all the inputs. My new bike is scheduled to arrive end of the month.

[omegajim]

you know you must post pictures upon receiving said motorbike.

[tricker]

Originally Posted by omegajim

you know you must post pictures upon receiving said motorbike.

he posted them somewhere else... but kinda forgot where they were

[BerryHappy]

Originally Posted by omegajim

you know you must post pictures upon receiving said motorbike.

Here is a picture of the bike at the dealers....long way from NH to TX, take about 5-10 days to get to me.

[JmalB]

That's one I've been interested in. Keep us appraised. I really want to know how much you like/dislike it.

[Danthedawgfan]

Berry, did you ever get the Beemer?

[omegajim]

apparently, he could not find a bike any closer than NH from TX that suited his tastes.

[donny662]

I think he sat on a F800ST, but the particular bike with the options/availability he wanted had to be shipped in from NH.

[Rickster]

My guess is that he likes it so much that he is busy riding it and doesn't have time to tell us about it.

[BerryHappy]

OK, it has been a while I think. I keep going back to the M50 forum (and have some posts about the bimmer there) but did not think to look here

Yes, Dan, I got the bimmer on 1/1/09. Guy drove up in a big semi that had maybe 20-25 bikes in it and unloaded mine in a parking lot. Gorgeous site, and the perfect cure to my hangover from New Year festivities.

OmegaJim, I wanted a 2008 model with the lowered suspension. They had a $750 cash back on the 2008 models , and I wanted the lower suspension so I could plant my feet nicely on terra firma when stopped (the regular suspension was 1-2 inches too high to be comfortable). Only the NH dealer had the low suspension with ABS and on-board computer available readily. And the NH dealer took more off the price to make it $1500 cheaper than the local quote even with shipping - enough to pay for my farkles .

I have been riding it a lot since then (Houston weather). Sold my M50 to another bloke and gave him the link to the M50 forum here.

I like this bike a lot. It is different ride than the M50, fantastic in cornering, maneuvering, 200 lbs lighter than the M50 but more steady and sure on the roads at all speeds. The Brembo brakes are light years better. This is a very nice get-up-and-go bike. The M50 has better torque available at low rpm, even at little over idle you can get it going nicely. The f800ST on the other hand is happier at higher rpms, needs to get almost to 2k rpm before it unleashes its neck-snapping torque. So it is quite easy to stall in first for folks coming from cruisers like the M50 (not me, of course!) until you get the hang of it.

Because most of my riding is in town, commuting, not cross-continental journeys, this bike seems to be much better for my needs. The M50 will for many be more comfortable for long distance touring; the sitting position on the F800 (with legs straight down and a slight forward lean) would be uncomfortable over long runs - cramped legs for taller people, weight on hands for shorter people. I would hesitate to take this bike for trips more than 150-200 miles. For short/medium runs, it is a blast. Also, my V&H pipes on the M50, while attention getting, would be uncomfortable, even with ear plugs, after a while. This one, has a deep sporty exhaust tone, enough to catch attention by revving but not too intrusive to myself in normal use.

And the little tricks on the bimmer are nice too. A single turn of the key to unlock and take the seat off (no wrenches required). The heated hand grips. The fuel, miles to empty, engine/coolant/ambient temperature, tire pressure, etc. displays on the well laid out instrumentation. The turn signal indicators, once you get used to them, seem natural and intuitive.

Other than riding, I have been putting on some farkles too. Sliders. Top case with remote locking/unlocking, integrated brake/running lights. Fuse Panel. Modulated brake lights. New windshield (the stock one sucks - puts the wind right on my face, wants to take my helmet off).

No regrets at all (have not taken her in for her first $ervice yet though ).

Hopefully, my detailed post excuses my prolonged delay in answering your questions and comments.