Trade the Beemer for a VFR?

[iowabeakster]

Oil head,

I've never considered the "cool looking" factor...

I really love the Telelever for a couple reasons. The first is true for everybody. The second might not be.

1. It very significantly reduces fork dive under braking.

You say you don't notice the difference? I am not sure why...I sure do. I have never ridden anything that has as little fork dive as the telelever bikes.

Therefore, the weight-shift to the front wheel, while braking, is substantially reduced. This allows greater effectiveness of the rear brake in those "holy crap" moments, which translates to shorter stopping distances. But of much greater importance is the stability-effect the telelever has when the brakes are needed when leaned over in a turn. You mentioned this...and you don't see that as an advantage? In addition to this stability, it is far more confidence-inspiring for the rider also, which may be just as important as the physics. Yes, using brakes mid-turn is a terrible habit, if it were a habit. I guess we should educate the wildlife that they should never enter a roadway, in a curve, when a motorcycle is present. While we are at it, we should outlaw all other hazards in curves also.

2. Easier maintenance

The fork oil does not need to be replaced. The fork seals are very easy to replace, and don't affect handling if they start to leak. It's also much easier, for a clown like me, to replace that strut than to rebuild traditional forks.

[Oilhead]

Oil head,

I've never considered the "cool looking" factor...

Yep I love the looks of that front end! It looks like a giant killer insect from some horror flick.

1. It very significantly reduces fork dive under braking.

You say you don't notice the difference? I am not sure why...I sure do. I have never ridden anything that has as little fork dive as the telelever bikes.

Therefore, the weight-shift to the front wheel, while braking, is substantially reduced. This allows greater effectiveness of the rear brake in those "holy crap" moments, which translates to shorter stopping distances. But of much greater importance is the stability-effect the telelever has when the brakes are needed when leaned over in a turn. You mentioned this...and you don't see that as an advantage? In addition to this stability, it is far more confidence-inspiring for the rider also, which may be just as important as the physics. Yes, using brakes mid-turn is a terrible habit, if it were a habit. I guess we should educate the wildlife that they should never enter a roadway, in a curve, when a motorcycle is present. While we are at it, we should outlaw all other hazards in curves also.

Yes I definitely notice the less dive and perhaps that could be considered a forgiving feature? I assume this is one of the reasons why the rear brakes on my non-ABS bike tends to lock up so easily? Because of this I tend not to use the rear much on this bike.

2. Easier maintenance

The fork oil does not need to be replaced. The fork seals are very easy to replace, and don't affect handling if they start to leak. It's also much easier, for a clown like me, to replace that strut than to rebuild traditional forks.

No question there. I also actually like cleaning it.

By the way, is it me or does the telelever get more upset than the conventional fork when you run over a small obstacle?

[Edmundo Amado]

I wish I have a VFR750, I will gladly give it to you plus $500.00 for the beemer!!!

[b12bandit]

Cheers Edmundo,

I think the shipping costs would be more than both our bikes are worth!

Regards from very cold and very wet UK

[b12bandit]

That's it.

This unreliable piece of German cr*p has got to go.

The oil sight glass is leaking.
The wiring harness played up resulting in intermittent lights, rev counter and indicators.
The fuel injection now sprays petrol all over the right hand side of the bike (and me) when I start it up. I also opened the garage door to find my bike stood in a puddle of fuel.
The fit and finish is dreadful. The front fork sliders and the front of the engine are decaying before my very eyes. Other brackets and fittings are rusting away, despite liberal application of WD40, ACF spray and endless cleaning and polishing.

I've been riding for 40 years. My 1150R is the 25th bike I've owned. My bikes have been mostly Japanese. In all that time I've never had so much as a blown fuse on a Jap bike. Never.

Sorry guys (and girls) but I think my BMW owning days are coming to a close (hopefully before the transmission splines fail).

Cheers

Pete
Shefford
UK

[dbluefish]

B12Bandit, I would use the adage i use in my watch collecting hobby. If I like it and can afford it, it's a done deal.

In my 44 years riding, mostly Japanese bikes, two and four strokes, but with a couple of K75 Beemers in the mix, none has let me down unless it was a nail in the tire. I only put 20,000 milers on my K75 RT and I beat it unmercifically, but it was as tight as new and it's primitive ABS saved my ass a number of times.

My four all time favorites were in no particular order: my '87 Honda Hurricane 600; my XS750 Yamaha with Vetter fairing; my '05 Harley Davidson Roadglide and my, new for me, '04 R 1150 RT.

And if passenger comfort is an issue for Mrs Bandit, get her her own bike. She will never go back to the pillion.

Again, sorry for rambling, but buy what you like and can afford and it it is a little more costly, there is always plastic.

Enjoy your riding whatever it is on.

paul

[chibbert]

b12bandit - obviously the honeymoon is over

Search for another VFR at some dealerships and see what kind of trade you can get now. I wish you luck and hope the next bike makes you happ(ier)

[georget]

If you like the VFR, try a Triumph Sprint ST. It is very similar to the VFR but with more power and torque. I test rode one and bought it shortly thereafter. Mine is a 2005 with the 1050 triple engine. Similar low-end to the boxer but lots of midrange and top end too. The only issue with mine is it is very warm in hot weather / traffic - this is a common problem with high powered sport tourers. I believe Triumph came out with a fix for this in later model years. I still have my R1150R and love it but the Sprint is a great change of pace to ride. Good luck!

[gregor]

I think wow every time I see my black beauty. I love the novel suspension and quirky looks. So each to his own.

Most other bikes are household appliances and are as exciting to look at as a plastic panelled bath tub.

An exception is granted for Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV and possibly the less camp HDs.
Hark! Is that a lynch mob approaching?

[b12bandit]

Gregor,

I agree about the 'quirkiness' of the BMW. It's what attracted me to the bike in the first place.

However, opening the garage door to find the bike standing in a puddle of fuel AND oil does not inspire me with confidence.

I've reached the stage where if I don't trade it now, it wont be worth part-exing. Either I get rid whilst I can, or keep it and accept the fact that I'm going to have to spend some money on it to put it right.

I'm just disappointed because I believed in the 'legendary' BMW reliability and it's proved to be false (for this particular bike anyway).

CHEERS

PETE
SHEFFORD
BEDS

[gregor]

Those faults must be really irritating. I confess to being a summer rider nowadays ,but the several generations of BMW bikes have not suffered anything in the way of corrosion or real faults. Just lots of characteristics!
The transmission case paint is showing signs of wearing through in places on my current one.And that is the only unexpected visible deterioration.
But no leaks and no faults at 8 years and 18,000 miles (fingers crossed).Replacement battery at 7 years.
Those intermittent wiring problems would be enough for me to swap- one thing I do expect is reliability.
If you do ever consider another BMW I can recommend Rainbow Motorcycles at Rotherham. A family run firm for many years. Although not perfect, they do take responsibility for the bikes and all three of mine have been great in their own way.

A VFR is also a fine bike and I've known several very happy owners.

[DMM]

Gregor,

I agree about the 'quirkiness' of the BMW. It's what attracted me to the bike in the first place.

However, opening the garage door to find the bike standing in a puddle of fuel AND oil does not inspire me with confidence.

I'm just disappointed because I believed in the 'legendary' BMW reliability and it's proved to be false (for this particular bike anyway).

CHEERS

PETE
SHEFFORD
BEDS

B12B, Just curious to know whether you are the original owner of this bike. As we all know, there are always exceptions to the rule. Beemers are typically solid, sound, and reliable. However, there are always going to be the outliers, those bikes that fall outside of the bell-curve of reliability. I know of two (local to me, which is the other side of the pond from you) independent mechanics who could probably restore your bike. They even work with customers in making the repairs - giving them the chance to learn more about their bike.

All that aside, your bike is, from what you've mentioned, not reliable and not making you happy. I agree with the others here, trade it in and get another bike that will making riding and owning it a joy.

Cheers.

[b12bandit]

dmm,

I'm owner No3. Bike was bought from a BMW dealer with 14,000 miles on the clock in January 2008. It's now showing 31,000.

I have enlisted local bike club members and police BMW bike mechanic to help me so I should be able to sort out the fuel leak, without breaking the bank.

Then it's decision time. Money is tight at the moment (guess that's true the world over), so do I cut my losses and trade or do I accept that this bike will need some TLC and keep it?