BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I am a current owner of a 1988 K75C and a 1975 R90/6. I purchased the K bike looking for a fun, reliable bike and it's been a great little bike. Reliable and very modern considering it's age. However, My heart has always been with the R bikes more than the K bikes. I absolutely love the R1150R and R1200R bikes. I see one and I absolutely drool. My concerns are, are these bikes more maintenance then the K-bikes. I am not looking a for a maintenance free bike, that's still not available, but are R1150R bikes considered low or minimal maintenance compared to the K bikes and the constant Spline lube and the many other big adjustments?
Also, what's up with the final drive failure I keep hearing?
By the way, due to budget restrictions, (wife three kids and a mortgage) I would like to find a well kept used bike.
Regards to all!

Gil Hidalgo

Gil,

I have a 1985 K100, a 2003 K12RS and a 2003 R1150R. I do not do all the maintenance myself but I do pay for it all. To ride, I prefer the K bikes, to wrench, I prefer the R bikes. I don' think any of the modern bikes, R or K, have the problems you refer to. You will hear stories on many boards about the problems with each. Most of the stories are true but there are many other riders out there that don't visit these boards that have no problems at all with thier beemers. Owning a modern BMW motorcycle is probably more expensive than the vintage you currently ride. If you are mechanical you can work on both and save money. I spend more on the K bike because that is my primary ride.

I have an 03 r with 40,000 miles I bought new in 1/03. To date I have only had mine to the dealer for service probably 3 times in nearly 5 years. Repair heated grip, rear differential seal leak and finally a leaking transmission output shaft seal that I may have caused. All covered under warranty.

I have done all required service myself from plugs to gear oil changes valve adjustments and tb sync, brake pads and all other fluid changes. Have spent very little $.

Easy bike to maintain.

Wayne