What's happened to all the BMW K-series?

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

all in a barn near Bath, awaiting assimilation

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 00:11:15 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

all in a barn near Bath, awaiting assimilation

Was just saying similar to JackH on MSN, strangely.

wessie

2009-01-23 00:33:32 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

all in a barn near Bath, awaiting assimilation

Was just saying similar to JackH on MSN, strangely.

They are keepers, though, for many people. Once they have depreciated to a
certain level they are snapped up by those that want reliable commuters.

The huge price of new ones means fewer have been sold in the last 5 years
or so. Reliability issues on the 1200cc bikes also hit sales. Plod has
abandoned them, just like the Pan, as they are unwieldy beasts. Most of
BMW's sales have been from R-GS, 800cc parallel twin & 650cc singles in the
last few years.

Be very wary of any for sale on Ebay, as they most certainly have issues.

Stick with the Italian stuff. Buy a Norge so I CHAGM.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 00:50:09 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

all in a barn near Bath, awaiting assimilation

Was just saying similar to JackH on MSN, strangely.

They are keepers, though, for many people. Once they have depreciated to a
certain level they are snapped up by those that want reliable commuters.
The huge price of new ones means fewer have been sold in the last 5 years
or so. Reliability issues on the 1200cc bikes also hit sales. Plod has
abandoned them, just like the Pan, as they are unwieldy beasts. Most of
BMW's sales have been from R-GS, 800cc parallel twin & 650cc singles in the
last few years.
Be very wary of any for sale on Ebay, as they most certainly have issues.

One candidate in the Bristol main dealer.

But it's obviously main dealer prices and very leggy (67k miles) -
£2300. Ouch.

Post by wessie
Stick with the Italian stuff. Buy a Norge so I CHAGM.

I was looking at a Ducati ST2. Love the idea, but not convinced a V-Twin
'sports tourer' is the solution for longer runs - the VFR used to
cripple me after a couple of hours, can't see an ST being any better.

wessie

2009-01-23 00:56:05 UTC

Post by SteveH
I was looking at a Ducati ST2. Love the idea, but not convinced a
V-Twin 'sports tourer' is the solution for longer runs - the VFR used
to cripple me after a couple of hours, can't see an ST being any
better.

ST2 is a bit shit. I was considering that ST4 that Hog was selling then
fucked my leg. IIRC Statto has it now: blag a ride.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 01:00:24 UTC

ST2 is a bit shit. I was considering that ST4 that Hog was selling then
fucked my leg. IIRC Statto has it now: blag a ride.

Riding position is the same on all of them.

Which is why I decided not to, in the end.

Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

I want something that's more 'tour' than 'sports touring', IYSWIM.

A K1100 would have been ideal, or a Pan, or even a Diversion 900.

Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could fill
one with bikes....

wessie

2009-01-23 01:07:18 UTC

ST2 is a bit shit. I was considering that ST4 that Hog was selling then
fucked my leg. IIRC Statto has it now: blag a ride.

Riding position is the same on all of them.
Which is why I decided not to, in the end.
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.
I want something that's more 'tour' than 'sports touring', IYSWIM.
A K1100 would have been ideal, or a Pan, or even a Diversion 900.
Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could fill
one with bikes....

what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a reasonable
one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 01:12:51 UTC

Post by SteveH
Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could fill
one with bikes....

what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a reasonable
one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.

Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.

But I thought it only fair, as she's not back in work yet. (Course ends
at the end of this month)

wessie

2009-01-23 01:17:46 UTC

Post by SteveH
Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could
fill one with bikes....

what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a
reasonable one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.
But I thought it only fair, as she's not back in work yet. (Course
ends at the end of this month)

A Pan in budget will just be a money pit. A Diversion, even if reliable,
will look like a shed. Surely you only need to save for a few weeks to
raise the extra cash to buy something that might be reliable, reasonably
quick and nice to ride? This new job isn't on minimum wage is it?

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 01:21:00 UTC

Post by SteveH
Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could
fill one with bikes....

what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a
reasonable one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.
But I thought it only fair, as she's not back in work yet. (Course
ends at the end of this month)

Job is decent money. But.... it's not a bike that'll get used lots - the
750SS is what will be ridden most of the time. Just looking for
something cheap-ish and capable of doing a couple of weekends away per
year. Not sure I want to blow £4k on something for that. And having been
through 2 redundancy consultations in 12 months, I figure it's probably
a good plan to have 6 month's worth of living expenses in the bank
before blowing money on toys.

Bear

2009-01-23 01:22:23 UTC

In article <1itz2ba.gkn7s71420efxN%***@italiancar.co.uk>, SteveH
says...

Post by SteveH
Did a deal with Katie that if I rented a couple of garages, I could
fill one with bikes....

what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a
reasonable one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.
But I thought it only fair, as she's not back in work yet. (Course
ends at the end of this month)

Is it not possible to rent something suitable for those 2 weekends a
year then?

--
2002 Yamaha R1
Saab Aero Sport
Everything I write is merely my personal opinion - it's not fact unless
I claim it to be, and it's not verified unless I quote a source for it.

SteveH

2009-01-23 01:35:26 UTC

Post by SteveH
Job is decent money. But.... it's not a bike that'll get used lots - the
750SS is what will be ridden most of the time. Just looking for
something cheap-ish and capable of doing a couple of weekends away per
year.

Is it not possible to rent something suitable for those 2 weekends a
year then?

Good plan, but when I say 'a couple of weekends' - it'll hopefully be
more than that - and bike hire gets scary if you do it for a full week.
Last bike I hired was a CB500 for a week, cost me £200.

It's just having something cheap enough to sit in a garage most of the
time, but be hauled out for an overnight trip if the weather looks nice
on a Saturday morning, plus the odd week away on the continent.

Buying the 750SS re-ignited my passion for riding, so I want to be sure
I make the most of it this year.

Bear

2009-01-23 01:48:15 UTC

In article <1itz2zd.hah4601718izdN%***@italiancar.co.uk>, SteveH
says...

Is it not possible to rent something suitable for those 2 weekends a
year then?

Good plan, but when I say 'a couple of weekends' - it'll hopefully be
more than that - and bike hire gets scary if you do it for a full week.
Last bike I hired was a CB500 for a week, cost me £200.

So buttons then.

Would take you a while to burn through £4k, for example.

Post by SteveH
It's just having something cheap enough to sit in a garage most of the
time, but be hauled out for an overnight trip if the weather looks nice
on a Saturday morning, plus the odd week away on the continent.
Buying the 750SS re-ignited my passion for riding, so I want to be sure
I make the most of it this year.

Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth to
go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up touring
that don't weigh half a tonne.

--
2002 Yamaha R1
Saab Aero Sport
Everything I write is merely my personal opinion - it's not fact unless
I claim it to be, and it's not verified unless I quote a source for it.

Lozzo

2009-01-23 01:56:52 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth
to go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up
touring that don't weigh half a tonne.

The best line I ever read when I was younger was in Bike magazine:

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

--
Lozzo
SV650S K5, ZX-7R P4, CBR600F-W, SR250 SpazzTrakka, SR250 Project
SpazzCaffer
I see a bright new future, where chickens can cross the road with no
fear of having their motives questioned

SteveH

2009-01-23 08:05:03 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth
to go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up
touring that don't weigh half a tonne.

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

All very well, but try putting a pillion and luggage on a 750SS at the
same time.

Tim

2009-01-23 10:58:54 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth
to go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up
touring that don't weigh half a tonne.

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

All very well, but try putting a pillion and luggage on a 750SS at the
same time.

Ditto with the Daytona.

--
Tim

Adrian

2009-01-23 08:22:14 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth to
go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up touring
that don't weigh half a tonne.

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

<thinks of VeloSolex in garage>
I'm not quite sure that's correct.

ginge

2009-01-23 09:01:52 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth
to go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up
touring that don't weigh half a tonne.

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

I know this sounds crazy, but the R6 made a great tourer. good range
between fill ups, easy to sling panniers on, and with a luggage rack
slung on the back was ideal.

Champ

2009-01-23 09:49:19 UTC

Post by Bear
Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth
to go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up
touring that don't weigh half a tonne.

"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

That's certainly true for one-up usage - pretty much anything can be
toured on [1].

However, it get's harder if you want to carry a pillion, cos you
obviously lose space for luggage and gain the requirement to carry
more luggage.

[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

--
Champ

ZX10R (road), ZX10R (race; breaking), GSX-600(race; for sale), GPz750 turbo (classic)
To email me, neal at my domain should work.

darsy

2009-01-23 09:55:07 UTC

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

back in '96 or so, the bird who used to write for PB did a series of
articles about a fairly large tour of Spain she had done on an RS250.

And I took my SZR660 to Tuscany and back. So yeah, you can tour on
anything if you don't mind a bit of pain.

--
d.

TOG@Toil

2009-01-23 11:08:37 UTC

Post by darsy

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

back in '96 or so, the bird who used to write for PB did a series of
articles about a fairly large tour of Spain she had done on an RS250.
And I took my SZR660 to Tuscany and back. So yeah, you can tour on
anything if you don't mind a bit of pain.

I'll think of that next week, when I point the Tenere at the
Elefantentreffen. Same engine, innit?

darsy

2009-01-23 11:57:49 UTC

Post by ***@Toil

Post by darsy

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

back in '96 or so, the bird who used to write for PB did a series of
articles about a fairly large tour of Spain she had done on an RS250.
And I took my SZR660 to Tuscany and back. So yeah, you can tour on
anything if you don't mind a bit of pain.

I'll think of that next week, when I point the Tenere at the
Elefantentreffen. Same engine, innit?

yeah - a lot more cramped to live with. We did something like
3500-4000 miles over a three week period. Although we stayed a week in
a villa in St.Raphael on the Cote d'Azur and a week near St.Gigminano,
when we were travelling down and back we were doing >400 miles a day
3-4 days in a row. The bike did develop a bearing problem on the way
home, but it did get me home.

--
d.

Pete Fisher

2009-01-23 12:38:49 UTC

In communiqué

Post by darsy

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

back in '96 or so, the bird who used to write for PB did a series of
articles about a fairly large tour of Spain she had done on an RS250.

The second holiday (the first was a TT practice week trip) SWMBO took
with me was touring France on a Morini 250 (albeit with 375 motor). The
two of us and camping gear. We did a couple of thousand miles circular
tour, though we didn't get south of the Massif Centrale.

Post by darsy
And I took my SZR660 to Tuscany and back. So yeah, you can tour on
anything if you don't mind a bit of pain.

Quite. Milan and back in a week two up on a Nordwest was a bit
uncomfortable.

--
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: ***@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

ogden

2009-01-23 10:14:44 UTC

Post by Champ

Post by Lozzo
"The best touring bike you'll ever have is the one you already own"

That's certainly true for one-up usage - pretty much anything can be
toured on [1].
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

Riding the RGV to the Black Horse was one of the least comfortable
riding experiences I've had. 150 miles of cramp (not in my left hand,
either)

--
ogden

GSXR750 K4 <--- FOR SALE, £3800
RGV250 VJ22

Gyp

2009-01-23 22:13:03 UTC

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

First time I did LeJog in one hop, my mate Bob was with me on his 250LC.

Champ

2009-01-24 08:50:39 UTC

Post by Gyp

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

First time I did LeJog in one hop, my mate Bob was with me on his 250LC.

Took me a while, on reading that, to figure out that Le Jog wasn't
somewhere in France.

--
Champ

ZX10R (road), ZX10R (race; breaking), GSX-600(race; for sale), GPz750 turbo (classic)
To email me, neal at my domain should work.

ogden

2009-01-24 10:32:46 UTC

Post by Champ

Post by Gyp

Post by Champ
[1] I once saw a 350LC at the Bol D'Or with "Dol D'Or Bust" written on
the screen :-)

First time I did LeJog in one hop, my mate Bob was with me on his 250LC.

Took me a while, on reading that, to figure out that Le Jog wasn't
somewhere in France.

I got the Jog bit straight away but only just realised what Le meant.

I r retard.

--
ogden

GSXR750 K4 <--- FOR SALE, £3800
RGV250 VJ22

SteveH

2009-01-23 08:11:21 UTC

Post by SteveH
Good plan, but when I say 'a couple of weekends' - it'll hopefully be
more than that - and bike hire gets scary if you do it for a full week.
Last bike I hired was a CB500 for a week, cost me £200.

So buttons then.

That was for a very ratty CB500. A newer / nicer bike was a lot more
than that (Around £350for a new-ish Transalp)

A quick look around shows a Dullville coming in at £300 / week.

Post by Bear
Would take you a while to burn through £4k, for example.

True, but doesn't take long to rack up a couple of grand in hire charges
if you want to hire something decent.

Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth to
go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up touring
that don't weigh half a tonne.

One of the reasons I got rid of the VFR is that I no longer found it
comfortable for long distances, so I want something with a more touring
biased riding position.

Alan

2009-01-23 09:43:41 UTC

So buttons then.

That was for a very ratty CB500. A newer / nicer bike was a lot more
than that (Around £350for a new-ish Transalp)
A quick look around shows a Dullville coming in at £300 / week.

Post by Bear
Would take you a while to burn through £4k, for example.

True, but doesn't take long to rack up a couple of grand in hire charges
if you want to hire something decent.

Which is fine ... but why do you suddenly think you need a behemoth to
go touring on? There are lots of bikes that are fine with 2-up touring
that don't weigh half a tonne.

One of the reasons I got rid of the VFR is that I no longer found it
comfortable for long distances, so I want something with a more touring
biased riding position.

In the tradition of recommending what you own - Triumph Tiger - the old
one has a better pillion seat IMHO but it's a big bugger and with a 32
inch inside leg I still can't put both feet flat to the floor at the
same time. It's great two up and later ones can be found with colour
matched hard luggage.

--
ZX10R - green of course
Tiger 955i - a pleasant shade of green

SteveH

2009-01-23 09:46:02 UTC

Post by Alan

Post by SteveH
One of the reasons I got rid of the VFR is that I no longer found it
comfortable for long distances, so I want something with a more touring
biased riding position.

Tiger is out for the same reasons as the R-GS. Just too bloody tall for
my stumpy legs.

Simon Wilson

2009-01-23 09:32:55 UTC

Post by wessie
A Pan in budget will just be a money pit.

What leads you to say that? Spares availability from breakers is not
bad (although do seem to dry up now and then). Other than the
aforementioned ABS the only other really expensive problem AFAIK is the
earlier alternator. Possibly collector box and swing arm I guess,
although Dave Silver had the latter for a couple of hundred.

--
/Simon

wessie

2009-01-23 10:58:21 UTC

Post by Simon Wilson

Post by wessie
A Pan in budget will just be a money pit.

As Steve is finding out. Cheap, reliable touring bikes are very popular.
Hence the shortage of decent Ks, Diversions etc. IMV, most of the Pans on
sale in the £2k price range will be bikes with some issue that makes them
expensive to repair. Owners of good, reliable bikes are very likely to keep
them, or sell them to someone they know. I'm pretty sure that if someone
offered a £2500 Pan or K, with a known good history, in this group then
there would be a queue of people wanting to acquire it.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

SteveH

2009-01-23 11:05:16 UTC

Post by Simon Wilson
What leads you to say that? Spares availability from breakers is not
bad (although do seem to dry up now and then). Other than the
aforementioned ABS the only other really expensive problem AFAIK is the
earlier alternator. Possibly collector box and swing arm I guess,
although Dave Silver had the latter for a couple of hundred.

This looks nice:

http://www.bristolmotorrad.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1723960&BRA_ID=19

But the mileage is high at 67k - not convinced it's worth that kind of
money with that kind of mileage, even though it's coming from a main
dealer.

wessie

2009-01-23 11:20:21 UTC

Post by SteveH
http://www.bristolmotorrad.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1723960&BRA_ID=19

it's hideous.

Post by SteveH
But the mileage is high at 67k - not convinced it's worth that kind of
money with that kind of mileage, even though it's coming from a main
dealer.

it will probably stay in that sort of price range for some time if it
remains reliable.

Bath Rd is where I bought my R-GS. Assuming they are still owned by the
same people then they are a decent bunch.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 11:50:22 UTC

Post by SteveH
http://www.bristolmotorrad.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1723960&BRA_ID=19
But the mileage is high at 67k - not convinced it's worth that kind of
money with that kind of mileage, even though it's coming from a main
dealer.

If you go in with cash and no tradein you should be able to argue at least
500 off of that. Worth a try, the sight of money tends to help.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

Timo Geusch

2009-01-23 19:52:44 UTC

If you go in with cash and no tradein you should be able to argue at least
500 off of that. Worth a try, the sight of money tends to help.

I seriously doubt that.

wessie

2009-01-23 20:10:07 UTC

Post by SteveH
http://www.bristolmotorrad.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1723960&BRA_ID=19
But the mileage is high at 67k - not convinced it's worth that kind
of money with that kind of mileage, even though it's coming from a
main dealer.

If you go in with cash and no tradein you should be able to argue at
least 500 off of that. Worth a try, the sight of money tends to help.

I seriously doubt that.

I concur.

I bought my R-GS from that dealer. They seem to be very fair with used bike
prices. They set them at a realistic level and offer p-ex that don't take
the piss. You either accept the deal offered or walk away. They are still
in business, unlike their former rival across the Bristol Channel who had a
reputation for trying to squeeze every last £ from a customer.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 20:23:18 UTC

If you go in with cash and no tradein you should be able to argue at least
500 off of that. Worth a try, the sight of money tends to help.

I seriously doubt that.

Trust me, I was in the shop this week and they were trying to sell me
a bike. They will haggle.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

Timo Geusch

2009-01-23 20:46:07 UTC

If you go in with cash and no tradein you should be able to argue at least
500 off of that. Worth a try, the sight of money tends to help.

I seriously doubt that.

Trust me, I was in the shop this week and they were trying to sell me
a bike. They will haggle.

But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

SteveH

2009-01-23 21:13:13 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

Is that 'reasonable' for one of those, then?

If so, I'll have to take a look at it and see how close to £2k I can get
them....

--
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Alfa 156 TSpark Sportwagon Veloce Selespeed
Alfa 75 TSpark Lusso - Ducati 750SS - <Company car pending>

Timo Geusch

2009-01-23 21:19:21 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

Is that 'reasonable' for one of those, then?

From a BMW dealer, with full service history and full MOT? I'd say so.

Post by SteveH
If so, I'll have to take a look at it and see how close to £2k I can get
them....

I doubt that they'll knock much off as these things are hard to get in
good nick and there's quite a market for them, but good luck with that.

Colin Irvine

2009-01-23 22:50:49 UTC

On Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:19:21 +0000, Timo Geusch squeezed out the

Post by Timo Geusch
But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

Is that 'reasonable' for one of those, then?

From a BMW dealer, with full service history and full MOT? I'd say so.

And as a general point there are always people to say "if a dealer
won't accept less than book price, walk away" or "don't accept
anything near the price on the windscreen" or "you should be able to
get £xxx knocked off". The simple fact is that the showroom is the
dealer's world, not yours, and IME those that can get real bargains
are far fewer than those who say they are there to be got. By all
means haggle a little, but I reckon if you're prepared to pay what's
finally being asked (unless it's outrageous), pay it and enjoy the
bike (or car).

--
Colin Irvine
ZZR1400 BOF#33 BONY#34 COFF#06 BHaLC#5
http://www.colinandpat.co.uk

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 23:27:29 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

Is that 'reasonable' for one of those, then?

From a BMW dealer, with full service history and full MOT? I'd say so.

Post by SteveH
If so, I'll have to take a look at it and see how close to £2k I can get
them....

I doubt that they'll knock much off as these things are hard to get in
good nick and there's quite a market for them, but good luck with that.

The important clues are (1)no tradein (2)cash.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

SteveH

2009-01-23 23:29:16 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
I doubt that they'll knock much off as these things are hard to get in
good nick and there's quite a market for them, but good luck with that.

The important clues are (1)no tradein (2)cash.

Whilst not having a trade-in may be an advantage, cash most certainly
isn't.

The days of 'discount for cash' ended 20 years ago.

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-24 08:08:07 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
I doubt that they'll knock much off as these things are hard to get in
good nick and there's quite a market for them, but good luck with that.

The important clues are (1)no tradein (2)cash.

Whilst not having a trade-in may be an advantage, cash most certainly
isn't.
The days of 'discount for cash' ended 20 years ago.

But in these straitened times, CCs incur fees and banks charge for
anything. Nice cash means you that you can pay a few suppliers without
incurring charges, or just shove it in the safe and use it to buy a bike
off the next bod who walks in off the street asking: "What will you give
me for my bike?"

And I haven't even mentioned the word 'taxman' yet. Oh, doh!

--
BMW K1100LT Ducati 750SS Yamaha XTZ660 Tenere Honda CB400F SH50
If you don't know what you're doing, don't do it. Workshop manual?
Buy one instead of asking where the free PDFs are
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

Hog

2009-01-24 09:59:18 UTC

Post by Timo Geusch
But not 500 quid off a reasonably priced LT, at least not in the
universe I inhabit.

Is that 'reasonable' for one of those, then?
If so, I'll have to take a look at it and see how close to £2k I can
get them....

<pedant mode>
It isn't an ST. HTH

--
Hog

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-23 22:45:40 UTC

http://www.bristolmotorrad.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1723960&BRA_ID=19
But the mileage is high at 67k - not convinced it's worth that kind of
money with that kind of mileage, even though it's coming from a main
dealer.

It's reasonable for a dealer prce. Privately, you could knock £500 off.

SteveH

2009-01-23 22:48:57 UTC

It's reasonable for a dealer prce. Privately, you could knock £500 off.

I may, reluctantly, pay the dealer premium, given I don't know
*anything* about these things.

wessie

2009-01-23 23:35:51 UTC

It's reasonable for a dealer prce. Privately, you could knock £500 off.

I may, reluctantly, pay the dealer premium, given I don't know
*anything* about these things.

Worth it from that dealer.

You also have an excellent independent service bod in Fairwater, that will
fettle it for you at a reasonable cost.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-24 08:08:05 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may, reluctantly, pay the dealer premium, given I don't know
*anything* about these things.

Worth it from that dealer.
You also have an excellent independent service bod in Fairwater, that will
fettle it for you at a reasonable cost.

Independent service bods are brill for the old Ks. I've got mine booked
in with Brian in Tonbridge next month for a 12k overhaul, including new
head races.

There's bugger-all to look out for an a K11 except for one or two
*vital* things which home mechanics may overlook, such as greasing the
gearbox and shaft splines.

Oh, and if the digital gear indicator does silly things, it's a
swingarm-out job to access the switch. Be wrned they *do* use a little
oil. Well, mine does.

Timo Geusch

2009-01-24 10:30:45 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may, reluctantly, pay the dealer premium, given I don't know
*anything* about these things.

Worth it from that dealer.
You also have an excellent independent service bod in Fairwater, that will
fettle it for you at a reasonable cost.

<shuffles feet>

Gearbox splines, who needs to grease them? After all, it's only a
700-800 quid job IIRC[1].

Post by The Older Gentleman
Oh, and if the digital gear indicator does silly things, it's a
swingarm-out job to access the switch. Be wrned they *do* use a little
oil. Well, mine does.

They all do that, sir. At least IME.

[1] Clutch splines gave up the ghost on the way to Brian - I wanted him
to check them over because the clutch didn't feel right.

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 11:44:17 UTC

Post by wessie
Hence the shortage of decent Ks, Diversions etc. IMV, most of the Pans on
sale in the ?2k price range will be bikes with some issue that makes them
expensive to repair. Owners of good, reliable bikes are very likely to keep
them, or sell them to someone they know. I'm pretty sure that if someone
offered a ?2500 Pan or K, with a known good history, in this group then
there would be a queue of people wanting to acquire it.

I can put you in touch with Mark who was offering me the K75.
Loading Image...

Looks very tidy, located in Lincolnshire, heated grips, T&T 48kmiles
You could probably get it for a grand or less, he wanted to swap it
for my LE so somewhere in the 800 - 1000 range cash should buy him one.

Remove the NOSPAM from my address for email.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

wessie

2009-01-23 11:49:51 UTC

Post by wessie
Hence the shortage of decent Ks, Diversions etc. IMV, most of the
Pans on sale in the ?2k price range will be bikes with some issue
that makes them expensive to repair. Owners of good, reliable bikes
are very likely to keep them, or sell them to someone they know. I'm
pretty sure that if someone offered a ?2500 Pan or K, with a known
good history, in this group then there would be a queue of people
wanting to acquire it.

I can put you in touch with Mark who was offering me the K75.
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/mhsilverw/D222AVJ_1.jpg
Looks very tidy, located in Lincolnshire, heated grips, T&T 48kmiles
You could probably get it for a grand or less, he wanted to swap it
for my LE so somewhere in the 800 - 1000 range cash should buy him one.
Remove the NOSPAM from my address for email.

Why are you replying to me?

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 13:49:04 UTC

Post by c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com
I can put you in touch with Mark who was offering me the K75.
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/mhsilverw/D222AVJ_1.jpg
Looks very tidy, located in Lincolnshire, heated grips, T&T 48kmiles
You could probably get it for a grand or less, he wanted to swap it
for my LE so somewhere in the 800 - 1000 range cash should buy him one.
Remove the NOSPAM from my address for email.

Why are you replying to me?

Huh ?.
I just posted a followup in the thread.
If I wanted to reply to (specifically) you I would hit (r) and it would
go by email.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

Champ

2009-01-23 17:33:49 UTC

Why are you replying to me?

Huh ?.
I just posted a followup in the thread.

But at the wrong point in the thread. If you look up, you'll see it
says "Wessie wrote", and then you said "I can put you in touch...".
Wessie doesn't need to be put in touch with anyone. Who is the "you"
that you are referring to in your opening sentence?

Post by c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com
If I wanted to reply to (specifically) you I would hit (r) and it would
go by email.

<clasps head in hands>

You really have no idea, do you.

--
Champ

ZX10R (road), ZX10R (race; breaking), GSX-600(race; for sale), GPz750 turbo (classic)
To email me, neal at my domain should work.

SteveH

2009-01-23 11:50:12 UTC

That's the crap one that nobody wants.

Rope

2009-01-23 09:40:31 UTC

Post by wessie
what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a reasonable
one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.

OK, how about it's dad, the FJ1200 - a few good examples around for silly
money.

--
Rob_P
UKRM(at)indqualtec.co.uk
uppercase(d) BBIWYMC#1 BOG#11? MRO#31 IBCDBBB#1(kotl)
FJ1200, CCM130 Benelli Cabiolet
Easily confused.

SteveH

2009-01-23 09:44:21 UTC

Post by wessie
what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a reasonable
one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.

OK, how about it's dad, the FJ1200 - a few good examples around for silly
money.

I knew you'd suggest an FJ.... not sure, really.

Lots of high mileage ones around, and some low mileage examples at twice
what I think they're worth.

What kind of money should I be paying for a tidy one - and what should I
be looking out for?

Martin Coogan

2009-01-23 10:36:47 UTC

Post by wessie
what about an FJR? Seems they have got down to 3 or 4K for a
reasonable one. Much better than the Poundland Diversion.

Kind of going out of budget.
Sold Katie's car last night, but stupidly let her keep the money,
despite the original deal being that I could put it towards a bike.

OK, how about it's dad, the FJ1200 - a few good examples around for
silly money.

I knew you'd suggest an FJ.... not sure, really.
Lots of high mileage ones around, and some low mileage examples at
twice what I think they're worth.
What kind of money should I be paying for a tidy one - and what
should I be looking out for?

This one looks decent value at £995:
http://tinyurl.com/dbdcgn

40k miles, FJ club overhaul (£1300), heated grips, full luggage.

--
Martin

R1150RS
Falco
GS1000E

TOG@Toil

2009-01-23 11:07:44 UTC

Post by SteveH
I knew you'd suggest an FJ.... not sure, really.
Lots of high mileage ones around, and some low mileage examples at twice
what I think they're worth.
What kind of money should I be paying for a tidy one - and what should I
be looking out for?

I wouldn't. Not any more. They were great in their day, but they're
now old, old bikes and getting older. You'd have the devil of a job
finding a really clean low-miler (like sub-20k).

Rope

2009-01-23 17:11:14 UTC

Post by Rope
OK, how about it's dad, the FJ1200 - a few good examples around for silly
money.

I knew you'd suggest an FJ.... not sure, really.
Lots of high mileage ones around, and some low mileage examples at twice
what I think they're worth.
What kind of money should I be paying for a tidy one - and what should I
be looking out for?

Engines are unburstable (unless filled with diesel!)[1]
The usual - tired shocks, forks, wheel and head bearings.
Most will have had aftermarket exhausts by now, downpipes are s/s anyway

I prefer the later models with the trapezoidal headlight instead of the older
square one, but that's just down to preference.

Parts are still easily available, and they are relatively easy for routine
DIY maintenance.

Post by Rope
I wouldn't. Not any more. They were great in their day, but they're
w old, old bikes and getting older. You'd have the devil of a job
finding a really clean low-miler (like sub-20k).

And a BMW K isn't old?
and 20k miles is a joke - FJ's go around the clock no problem. Massive
torque and relatively low revving engine means they are rarely riden anywhere
near 10/10ths.

The FJ has a strong follwing, and a lot of the bikes left on the road tend to
be well looked after examples.

[1] Mine would still pull like a train over 3k revs even with no compression
on pots 2&3 This story: http://www.pashnit.com/fj1200.htm includes:

"Oil was shooting out the front of the motor and I could see the piston
moving up and down (the bike was still idling) through a 3 inch hole in the
number 2 cylinder. "

And he rode it another 10 miles to the next town!

--
Rob_P
UKRM(at)indqualtec.co.uk
uppercase(d) BBIWYMC#1 BOG#11? MRO#31 IBCDBBB#1(kotl)
FJ1200, CCM130 Benelli Cabiolet
Easily confused.

Tim

2009-01-23 17:38:23 UTC

Post by Rope
OK, how about it's dad, the FJ1200 - a few good examples around for silly
money.

[snip]

Post by Rope
"Oil was shooting out the front of the motor and I could see the piston
moving up and down (the bike was still idling) through a 3 inch hole in the
number 2 cylinder. "

Sounds like something from Pilot Office Prune.

--
Tim

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-23 19:29:06 UTC

Post by ***@Toil
I wouldn't. Not any more. They were great in their day, but they're
w old, old bikes and getting older. You'd have the devil of a job
finding a really clean low-miler (like sub-20k).

And a BMW K isn't old?
and 20k miles is a joke - FJ's go around the clock no problem. Massive
torque and relatively low revving engine means they are rarely riden anywhere
near 10/10ths.

No complaints about the engine. But the paint, chrome and especially
suspension is likely to be looking a bit tired.

Rope

2009-01-23 20:29:53 UTC

And a BMW K isn't old?
and 20k miles is a joke - FJ's go around the clock no problem. Massive
torque and relatively low revving engine means they are rarely riden anywhere
near 10/10ths.

No complaints about the engine. But the paint, chrome and especially
suspension is likely to be looking a bit tired.

Paint? - even my sadly negelected example shines up very nicely on the rare
occasion it gets a clean.

Chrome? - fork legs! what other chrome is there?

Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate springs, and rear
shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a replacement is so rare or
expensive?

I think you are writing off the old war-horses by force of habit rather than any
rational considered thought.

--
Rob_P
UKRM(at)indqualtec.co.uk
uppercase(d) BBIWYMC#1 BOG#11? MRO#31 IBCDBBB#1(kotl)
FJ1200, CCM130 Benelli Cabiolet
Easily confused.

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-23 22:45:39 UTC

Post by Rope
Paint? - even my sadly negelected example shines up very nicely on the
rare occasion it gets a clean.
Chrome? - fork legs! what other chrome is there?
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate springs, and
rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a replacement is so
rare or expensive?
I think you are writing off the old war-horses by force of habit rather than any
rational considered thought.

Um, you're talking to the bod who has owned more shiteoldbikes than
you've had hot dinners.

I like the Twelve. Immensely.

It's just that I think it's rather had its day. If Yamaha could produce
a modern equivalent, I'd give it more than a second look.

Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

Simian

2009-01-23 23:19:42 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a
replacement is so rare or expensive?

Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a rising rate
of resistance to compression, I can think of three ways of doing it off
the top of my head.

Why don't they exist?

Krusty

2009-01-23 23:42:13 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a
replacement is so rare or expensive?

Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a rising
rate of resistance to compression, I can think of three ways of doing
it off the top of my head.
Why don't they exist?

They do exist - I think TOG's just having a senior moment.

--
Krusty

'03 Tiger 955i
'02 MV Senna (for sale) '96 Tiger (for sale)
'79 Fantic Hiro 250 (for sale) '81 Corvette (for sale)

Pete Fisher

2009-01-23 23:47:12 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a
replacement is so rare or expensive?

Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a rising
rate of resistance to compression, I can think of three ways of doing
it off the top of my head.
Why don't they exist?

They do exist - I think TOG's just having a senior moment.

Probably just a terminological one, even though memory loss, like
springs, can be progressive.

Krusty

2009-01-23 23:52:06 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12

that a >>> > replacement is so rare or expensive?

Post by The Older Gentleman
Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a rising
rate of resistance to compression, I can think of three ways of
doing it off the top of my head.
Why don't they exist?

They do exist - I think TOG's just having a senior moment.

Probably just a terminological one, even though memory loss, like
springs, can be progressive.

Heh. Even so, some manufacturers do call progressive front springs
rising rate, e.g. HyperPro (popular amongst Tig owners in the US).

--
Krusty

'03 Tiger 955i
'02 MV Senna (for sale) '96 Tiger (for sale)
'79 Fantic Hiro 250 (for sale) '81 Corvette (for sale)

Simian

2009-01-24 01:00:29 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12

that a >>> > replacement is so rare or expensive?

Post by The Older Gentleman
Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a
rising rate of resistance to compression, I can think of three
ways of doing it off the top of my head.
Why don't they exist?

They do exist - I think TOG's just having a senior moment.

Probably just a terminological one, even though memory loss, like
springs, can be progressive.

Heh. Even so, some manufacturers do call progressive front springs
rising rate, e.g. HyperPro (popular amongst Tig owners in the US).

'progressive' in the tax sense is 'rising rate'. The only difference is
that the latter is more definite.

"our fork springs are progressive."

"Ah, so they're in favour of radical change in public transport?"

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-24 08:08:05 UTC

Post by Rope
Suspension? - most have had forks modified with rising rate
springs, and rear shock? what's so different about the FJ12 that a
replacement is so rare or expensive?

Oh, and there's no such thing as rising rate front fork springs, btw.

I'm fairly sure it would be trivial to make a spring with a rising
rate of resistance to compression, I can think of three ways of doing
it off the top of my head.
Why don't they exist?

They do exist - I think TOG's just having a senior moment.

I was thinking progressive, actually, with rising rate being applied
more to a linkage system, but yes, a senior moment.

Krusty

2009-01-23 08:53:32 UTC

Post by SteveH
I was looking at a Ducati ST2. Love the idea, but not convinced a
V-Twin 'sports tourer' is the solution for longer runs - the VFR
used to cripple me after a couple of hours, can't see an ST being
any better.

ST2 is a bit shit. I was considering that ST4 that Hog was selling
then fucked my leg. IIRC Statto has it now: blag a ride.

Riding position is the same on all of them.
Which is why I decided not to, in the end.
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

By 'riding position', do you mean just the height/reach of the bars, or
the pegs as well? If it's just the bars, that's generally quite easy to
sort, & not a reason to dismiss an otherwise perfect bike.

--
Krusty

'03 Tiger 955i
'02 MV Senna (for sale) '96 Tiger (for sale)
'79 Fantic Hiro 250 (for sale) '81 Corvette (for sale)

SteveH

2009-01-23 09:09:49 UTC

Post by SteveH
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

Pegs are where I struggle.

I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

Krusty

2009-01-23 09:16:20 UTC

Post by SteveH
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

By 'riding position', do you mean just the height/reach of the
bars, or the pegs as well? If it's just the bars, that's generally
quite easy to sort, & not a reason to dismiss an otherwise perfect
bike.

Pegs are where I struggle.
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned
out about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

So give in to your gay side & fit some fold-down highway pegs. Srsly.
Tigers have fairly high pegs & lots of people fit extra pegs further
forward & low down to help their knees.

--
Krusty

'03 Tiger 955i
'02 MV Senna (for sale) '96 Tiger (for sale)
'79 Fantic Hiro 250 (for sale) '81 Corvette (for sale)

wessie

2009-01-23 10:46:58 UTC

Post by SteveH
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

By 'riding position', do you mean just the height/reach of the
bars, or the pegs as well? If it's just the bars, that's generally
quite easy to sort, & not a reason to dismiss an otherwise perfect
bike.

Pegs are where I struggle.
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned
out about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

So give in to your gay side & fit some fold-down highway pegs. Srsly.
Tigers have fairly high pegs & lots of people fit extra pegs further
forward & low down to help their knees.

I've fitted lower pegs to the R-GS. It's made long trips to the Alps much
better.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

frag

2009-01-23 16:37:28 UTC

wessie wibbled...

Post by SteveH
Pegs are where I struggle.
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned
out about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

So give in to your gay side & fit some fold-down highway pegs. Srsly.
Tigers have fairly high pegs & lots of people fit extra pegs further
forward & low down to help their knees.

I've fitted lower pegs to the R-GS. It's made long trips to the Alps much
better.

If I can make peg(s) for the 10R so I can ride it, it must be possible for
just about any bike (ignoring the hassle of putting a tubular frame bike to
standard when you come to resell it, which is why I swapped the GS)

--
frag

A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is it such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on usenet and in e-mail?

Timo Geusch

2009-01-23 20:40:26 UTC

Post by SteveH
Despite seeing a new old stock ST2 for a bargain basement price.

Pegs are where I struggle.
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

That's probably going to rule out a K-RS. Don't know why, but I tend to
get on better with the LTs. Keep in mind that they're pretty tall,
although not that tall compared to a GS or similar.

Of course you could keep an eye out for something like an R1100RT or an
R1150RT. In fact, I should have bought one back when I bought the GS-A
instead...

SteveH

2009-01-23 20:50:42 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

That's probably going to rule out a K-RS. Don't know why, but I tend to
get on better with the LTs. Keep in mind that they're pretty tall,
although not that tall compared to a GS or similar.

I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

May pop along to Bristol next weekend and look at that one in the
showroom.

Post by Timo Geusch
Of course you could keep an eye out for something like an R1100RT or an
R1150RT. In fact, I should have bought one back when I bought the GS-A
instead...

Watching out for suitable candidates.

There's one in Bristol on eBay, actually:

http://search.ebay.com/110341199370

Timo Geusch

2009-01-23 21:07:14 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

That's probably going to rule out a K-RS. Don't know why, but I tend to
get on better with the LTs. Keep in mind that they're pretty tall,
although not that tall compared to a GS or similar.

I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

Post by SteveH
May pop along to Bristol next weekend and look at that one in the
showroom.

Good plan :)

Post by Timo Geusch
Of course you could keep an eye out for something like an R1100RT or an
R1150RT. In fact, I should have bought one back when I bought the GS-A
instead...

Watching out for suitable candidates.
http://search.ebay.com/110341199370

Odd colour scheme on the seat, that. Should be OK at that mileage but
I'd check if it's had the clutch replaced. My RT needed that at 42k? or
something, and it's not a cheap job to get done. A bit odd that it
doesn't have the radio but has the fitting kit...

And in contrast to what Nige says about the 1200RT, you can actually
filter OK with these things.

TBH I'd pay the extra for an 1150 - the six speed box is well worth
having, as is the hydraulic clutch. But if the 1100 is cheap enough...

SteveH

2009-01-23 21:19:18 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

Did a few hundred miles on Hog's, so I know I fit them.

Can't get down there this weekend, as I have to recover my 75 from
storage and move it to one of my new garages.

Must sort out some kind of way to chain the bikes up, too, as they'll be
going into a garage in the same block. Suppose I could just chain the
Ducati and whatever else I get to the Hongdou....

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-23 22:45:40 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet. Incredible.

Nige

2009-01-23 23:25:18 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet. Incredible.

I rode Timo's old K1100 all the way home in the bucketing down rain. the
only bit that got wet was my shoulder tops.

Not my kind of bike, but it bad one fuckingbarndoor of a fairing ;)

--
Nige,

Range Rover Td6 Vogue
BMW K1200S
Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3
BMW F800GS
Suzuki GSX-R1000 K7 Rizla+ Mega Bastard Nutter

Timo Geusch

2009-01-24 06:53:54 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet. Incredible.

That's the one thing that's definitely a plus over the 1150RT. Even with
the bigger screen I've got on mine, the weather protection is only
_almost_ as good as on the LT.

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-24 08:08:06 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet. Incredible.

That's the one thing that's definitely a plus over the 1150RT. Even with
the bigger screen I've got on mine, the weather protection is only
_almost_ as good as on the LT.

"Und zat is progress! Zer next modell vill be almost as good as zer
airhead R-hundert!"

Hog

2009-01-24 10:09:57 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is
awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet.
Incredible.

That's the one thing that's definitely a plus over the 1150RT. Even
with the bigger screen I've got on mine, the weather protection is
only _almost_ as good as on the LT.

"Und zat is progress! Zer next modell vill be almost as good as zer
airhead R-hundert!"

Why oh Why don't they do a new R1250 with the classic RS fairing updated a
touch with a power screen and twin HID lights

--
Hog

Timo Geusch

2009-01-24 10:31:06 UTC

Post by SteveH
I love the styling of the RS, but the comfort of the LT is awesome.

It is, if you fit it OK. Awesome weather protection, too.

So true. I've ridden mine through huge rain and not got wet. Incredible.

That's the one thing that's definitely a plus over the 1150RT. Even with
the bigger screen I've got on mine, the weather protection is only
_almost_ as good as on the LT.

"Und zat is progress! Zer next modell vill be almost as good as zer
airhead R-hundert!"

I believe they're still working on that particular model...

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 23:33:01 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

That's probably going to rule out a K-RS. Don't know why, but I tend to
get on better with the LTs. Keep in mind that they're pretty tall,
although not that tall compared to a GS or similar.

There was a low seat option on the K, they would probably swap the seat
for you if you have less than 32 inside leg. The low seat is OK for 29".

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

Timo Geusch

2009-01-24 06:56:37 UTC

Post by SteveH
I may be short legged, but my knees are buggered - I had one cleaned out
about 15 years ago, and the other is also giving me hassle.

That's probably going to rule out a K-RS. Don't know why, but I tend to
get on better with the LTs. Keep in mind that they're pretty tall,
although not that tall compared to a GS or similar.

There was a low seat option on the K, they would probably swap the seat
for you if you have less than 32 inside leg. The low seat is OK for 29".

Unfortunately the recent BMW low seats are even worse that their
standard counterparts.

Gyp

2009-01-24 10:04:39 UTC

Post by c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com
There was a low seat option on the K, they would probably swap the seat
for you if you have less than 32 inside leg. The low seat is OK for 29".

(based on the K75, so this information may not apply to the 1100...) The
seat swap isn't trivial, and the catch is that the seat is wider than
the standard one as it sits outside of the frame rails

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 00:34:44 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

Are you sure that you want one ?.

Some time ago I was offered a K75 in exchange for my LE so I decided on
tuesday to visit Bath Road Motorcycles in Bristol and try one before
driving all the way to Norfolk.

They had a K75 and several 1000 and 1100 models in stock but I was very
rapidly convinced that a K was MUCH too heavy, awkward and topheavy for
an ancient shortass to cope with. Only a very alert salesman saved me
from dropping it in the showroom.

Maybe OK if you are a big strong fellow, but you may still regret it if
you need to manhandle it into a garage or shed.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

SteveH

2009-01-23 00:55:51 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

Are you sure that you want one ?.
Some time ago I was offered a K75 in exchange for my LE so I decided on
tuesday to visit Bath Road Motorcycles in Bristol and try one before
driving all the way to Norfolk.
They had a K75 and several 1000 and 1100 models in stock but I was very
rapidly convinced that a K was MUCH too heavy, awkward and topheavy for
an ancient shortass to cope with. Only a very alert salesman saved me
from dropping it in the showroom.
Maybe OK if you are a big strong fellow, but you may still regret it if
you need to manhandle it into a garage or shed.

I'm not big, but I'm strong enough to man handle one.

I kept Hog's K1100LT in my garage for a few weeks and rode it from
Milton Keynes to Ireland for him. Didn't have any issues, even on the
ferry.

Bear

2009-01-23 01:08:41 UTC

In article <1itz17x.8uh23e19v8233N%***@italiancar.co.uk>, SteveH
says...

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

Are you sure that you want one ?.
Some time ago I was offered a K75 in exchange for my LE so I decided on
tuesday to visit Bath Road Motorcycles in Bristol and try one before
driving all the way to Norfolk.
They had a K75 and several 1000 and 1100 models in stock but I was very
rapidly convinced that a K was MUCH too heavy, awkward and topheavy for
an ancient shortass to cope with. Only a very alert salesman saved me
from dropping it in the showroom.
Maybe OK if you are a big strong fellow, but you may still regret it if
you need to manhandle it into a garage or shed.

I'm not big, but I'm strong enough to man handle one.

IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

--
2002 Yamaha R1
Saab Aero Sport
Everything I write is merely my personal opinion - it's not fact unless
I claim it to be, and it's not verified unless I quote a source for it.

2009-01-23 01:18:42 UTC

Post by Bear
IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

It's easy cos I'm good?

I'll buy that for a dollar.

I thought it was all that low CofG nonsense.

--
Salad Dodger

Bear

2009-01-23 01:19:39 UTC

Post by SD

Post by Bear
IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

It's easy cos I'm good?

Yes, that's it. Spot on.

--
2002 Yamaha R1
Saab Aero Sport
Everything I write is merely my personal opinion - it's not fact unless
I claim it to be, and it's not verified unless I quote a source for it.

ogden

2009-01-23 10:19:53 UTC

Post by SD

Post by Bear
IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

It's easy cos I'm good?
I'll buy that for a dollar.
I thought it was all that low CofG nonsense.

Dude, no bike with you onboard has a low CofG.

--
ogden

GSXR750 K4 <--- FOR SALE, £3800
RGV250 VJ22

c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com

2009-01-23 01:40:05 UTC

Post by c***@NOSPAM.netunix.com
They had a K75 and several 1000 and 1100 models in stock but I was very
rapidly convinced that a K was MUCH too heavy, awkward and topheavy for
an ancient shortass to cope with. Only a very alert salesman saved me
from dropping it in the showroom.
Maybe OK if you are a big strong fellow, but you may still regret it if
you need to manhandle it into a garage or shed.

I'm not big, but I'm strong enough to man handle one.

IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

Maybe, but in my case a bad back does not help. The real question is why
go for such an unwieldy beast when there are other options that do the
job just as well and do not have to be lifted onto the centre stand
because they smoke like hell if you use the sidestand. The K is not just
heavy, it is very top heavy especially with a full tank.

The flat engine of the K is fundamentally flawed, having the cylinders on
the same side as the sidestand means that oil will always leak past the
rings into the cylinders leading to clouds of smoke on startup if you
use the sidestand. If they had designed it with the pots on the right
this would not have happened.

--
03 GS500
66 Velocette LE Mk3
68 Bantam D14S

wessie

2009-01-23 10:43:09 UTC

Post by Bear
IME, handling big bikes at low speeds, or moving one about manually, is
more a question of technique than strength.

Maybe, but in my case a bad back does not help. The real question is why
go for such an unwieldy beast when there are other options that do the
job just as well and do not have to be lifted onto the centre stand
because they smoke like hell if you use the sidestand. The K is not just
heavy, it is very top heavy especially with a full tank.
The flat engine of the K is fundamentally flawed, having the cylinders on
the same side as the sidestand means that oil will always leak past the
rings into the cylinders leading to clouds of smoke on startup if you
use the sidestand. If they had designed it with the pots on the right
this would not have happened.

A similar oil related thing happens on my boxer twin if you always use the
sidestand. However, the BMW mainstand is simple to use once you have learnt
to use the correct technique.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

The Older Gentleman

2009-01-23 07:21:00 UTC

Post by SteveH
Just browsing around eBay and Bike Trader, can't see too many there.
Especially the RS versions.
Always fancied a K1100RS, but they all seem to have disappeared.

People seem to be keeping them. Them as knows - which seems to be a fair
chunk of ukrm now - buys the older Ks because (a) they're cheap and (b)
they just don't break like the new ones.

Buying my LT was one of the better moves I've made.

SteveH

2009-01-23 08:07:21 UTC