Plus with the heads poking out on both sides makes maintenance SOOOO BLOODY EASY! You don't have to take off the tank, or the air box, or a bunch of body panels to adjust the valves, replace the spark plugs or change the oil. It's all right there so easy to get to and ready for maintenance.
@@ontwowheels6479 You do? Holy shit, I've only been removing a piece of plastic to get to the airbox and change the air filter! Please tell me, what is this mythical air filter that requires removing the subframe?!?!?!
@@LarryJ602 I didn’t say air filter. I said air box. Or we could say fuel pressure regulator too because that also requires rear subframe removal. I just put a gearbox in mine. Bmw can’t build a gearbox that lasts but whatever man. Be condescending. I don’t care bro.
There are two reasons why BMW flat engines are a great choice. 1- virtually unbreakable. 2- best balance. Also, yes, the design is antiquated, but like Porsche 911s, it just works. i have owned a BMW boxer for 22 years and would not trade my latest for anything else in the market. it is tough, comfortable, nothing breaks and delivers pure joy.
Truth is simplicity of design, a balanced natural engine that is rugged and reliable with sufficient power to get the job done. Low centre of gravity, ease of maintenance make them a decent handling machine.
As you probably know, BMW has many other motor configurations,they constantly improve on their designs,boxer twins are conducive for shaft drives. I have over 100,000 miles on my 2008 GS that I bought new. so yeah, they suck
Good point about the shaft drive, but the thing is, more power and more speed IS NOT the end all and be all of a motorcycle. So, yeah, BMW’s 4-cylinder is cheaper and faster, but you probably wouldn’t take a trip on it and certainly not use it for the same purposes.
@@qdllc The boxers are more than capable of getting one arrested for excessive speed. The new 1250 makes over 100ft/lbs at the engine. For a 1250. That doesn't seem low tech or slow.
100,000 miles on it, nicely done If only BMW could manage to make their cars last like that BMW mechanics are the only ones who love a used BMW I've never heard of another brand that sells cars that'll shred parts over and over I mean in a limited numbers, hand made, Italian exotic type vehicle you kind of expect some problems But a BMW should at least be more reliable than that
I wish I had my camera on the other day when I was filling up this couple on a K 1600 GTL pulled up. I said to myself oh aren't we some fancy princess'. The girl hopped off the back and yelled to the guy "I need to shit" and then proceeded to run into the store. So it is true fancy pants BMW riders also poop.
I have had dozens of bikes come and go of the years. All different types from harley to hodaka hard tail to sport. The 1972 R/5 I purchased in 1986 is still in the garage.It's almost joy to level of sensory overload still when I start her up.. My son just turned 18 and going to look for his first bike Monday. Proud dad moment.
Great as always. As I got older I got the the appreciation of the history and the older stuff. I used to be about the latest and greatest tech specs now I see it like the old hometown bar compared to the new flashy brewery. The new brewery has many more choices, look all fancy, bright and clean, smell a whole lot better but.the old neighborhood bar has the people, personality, barely functioning Jukebox with the same dozen songs that's been played for the last 50 years, and comfort that you just can't replace. You have to think about going to the brewery, and think about what you want, the neighborhood bar - you just automatically go and you normal drink is ready by the time you get in the door at your spot at the bar. The younger me wouldn't understand, the older me gets it.
Your point is valid but the comparison is awful. Bars and breweries are simply not comparable to engines. There is nothing wrong with liking some engine characteristics over others. "Picking sides" is ignorant, be it towards older familiarity, etc or tech specs, bleeding edge performance. Grab a big v twin or boxer or 2 stroke, if you feel like it, also grab a screaming inline 4 if it suits what you want to do with it. People that scoff at anything that's not a sportbike are just as biased and narrow minded as the cruiser/boxer/whatever counterpart. The Boxer has a very good reason for being in an RS. It offers great low to mid range and great torque, is quite smooth, unlike an inline4 which on BMW specifically has some secondary vibration issues with their bikes. The engine is great for real world road riding, very easy to service, and is somewhat uniquely suited for comfy road touring and many more reasons it's still used today. I haven't owned a flying brick engine but have owned its next evolution. Comparing that to the line of boxers BMW had then, the boxer is still more comfy for long distance touring, easier to service, less issues being an older platform and most likely cheaper to develop too. Everything has its uses. Either younger or older me, I would still not want to tour for 10k miles on a Panigale, or get a Goldwing as a track only bike.
There were huge benefits to a flat twin when the engines were air-cooled. That why Harley designed a flat twin when their military bikes with the narrow v-twin couldn't handle the heat in north Africa. It's interesting that both BMW Motorrad and Porsche make some of the most highly regarded vehicles in their segments and they do it with the "wrong" engines.
@@LabiaLickerlet’s be honest, the Japanese ripped off Zee Germans for their best designs. I’ll grant that they refined them to insane reliability, but they didn’t exactly come up with any groundbreaking designs…just like they ripped off American truck and SUV designs to perfection. Love me some Japanese vehicles, but any credit to their vehicles boils down to Kaizen.
@@gmcg8775 Nah Jap stuff is way better. Now days when I think of German automobiles I think of Volkswaggen, Mercedes and BMW, none of which come to mind when I think "good engineering" (particularly VW). Also a lot of the famous Jap cars were designed by white guys, to say they ripped of American designs is erroneous. I would say a bigger case of design rip off is Ferrari ripping of Corvette. No when I think of innovation in cars and engines I think of companies like Yamaha making the Lexus LFA engine and Mazda making the first to market compression ignition petrol engine.
Just one note: In the UK at least BMWs were not cool sports bikes in the 80s, they were touring bikes for old farts with tobacco stained moustaches. All the cool kids were riding Japanese bikes with frames made from wet spaghetti. Into trees, mostly. Henry Hartley is right - BMW tried to move with the times and it was like launching new formula coke. There were grey beards protesting outside the German Embassy.
Ahhh, coffee and Shadetree on a sunday. My brother was a BMW motorcycle Master tech for 10+ years he has since moved to ducati as a Master tech. He absolutely loved BMW but he also said if you own one you have to do all of the scheduled service intervals or you will have problems.
I use to work in a workshop that only worked on older bikes. One day a mint R80/5 came in. I got to service it. I was amazed it only had 28k on the odometer. When the owner came to pick it up, I asked him about it, and he laughed. He told me that it had been around the clock three times.
I laugh when I hear these types of comments. Any bike/vehicle will give "problems" if not properly maintained. I personally own 5 BMW vehicles, and a '09 R1200RT, I absolutely love and I maintain each of them myself. BMWs aren't difficult or expensive to maintain...BMW shops simply charge a premium for maintenance, and branded parts. My cars? '04, '06, '08, '11, & '13 all with 116-160k on the odometer.
Great video! I love my 2017 R1200GS and it's all about character because it's definitely not a power monster. Specifically, I like the mellow yet torquey engine. Smooth engine braking and nice little rumble when getting on the throttle at low RPM. I also like the shaft drive as it's low maintenance and makes you feel like you're on a tank. Handling is very light due to low center of gravity, Telelever suspension and narrow tires. And I also like the farty sound from the exhaust, especially with a good can. I have Remus 8. Kinda sounds like a WW2 era airplane (true to their heritage). Ride by wire throttle is very dialed in and smooth. I could go on and on about what I like but I will mention that the telelever suspension is not for everyone. I can see why some people don't like it; it's weird and very different than traditional forks. It took me a while to get used to. Also, the boxer bikes are made with certain offsets in the design which, along with the torque reaction from the crankshaft, create a different feel when turning left vs right. I guess you could say that the bike has asymmetrical handling. That also took a while to get used to. Thanks for the cool insights and for the history lesson.
Opposing twins make loads of torque at very low revs, unlike their 4-cylinder counterparts that need to be revved to the stratosphere to produce torque & power. And the Japanese do take their opposing cylinders seriously...ever heard of a Goldwing? Finally, in BMW's case, their pricier 2-cylinders opposed engines are mated to a shaft-drive, so no chain cleaning or lubing. Yes, you can add the heritage and all that, plus a boxer engine screams BMW from a mile away.
They did try to kill off the boxer in the early eighties with the introduction of the triple and four cylinder flying brick engined bikes, but pressure from BMW owners kinda stopped it. Great video..
It’s a very nice engine to ride. Loads of torque, you select the gear for the speed limit, 3rd for 30mph, 4th for 40, etc, etc and the bike just settles nicely at those speeds. And like all twins you can make bends in a higher gear than on a multi.
Sounds like a mistake. BMW is actually one of the more forward-thinking companies I think, but if you want to stay alive long-term, you should unashamedly target new riders each and every year.
I ride another antique, a Guzzi V7, it’s like riding a tractor. Would I give it up for a 4 cylinder, hell no, I may as well go drive my wife Honda accord
The other answer to "why ride this?!" might include swapping spark plugs and doing valve clearances, as it's nice to just have things sticking out if you need to work on them. But yes, nostalgia and iconoclastic inclinations are probably a more philosophic answer to the question.
I own a 2018 R9T roadster and a restored 1962 R69S. The comparison between the two bikes are almost 1 to 1 in heritage. But the ride experience differences are night and day. It’s such a blast riding the old one that you instantly forgive all its faults. I really enjoy your videos!
Some old dude pulled up next to me on his bmw yesterday and told me to tear my harley engine (with only 10k miles) apart and rebuild it, because it sounds broken. GFYS
Apperantly it's all in the ear of the beholder. Since the old 2 valve boxer can sound pretty "broken" too by the standards of a newbie. Until you run it for 200k kms and realise it still sounds that way😂
I loved the sound of my tiny Honda cb500. For the few days till I realized power was low. The exhaust got loose and it was partially breathing directly out of the engine. Sounded good though
If you look at car technology compared to bike tech, bikes are actually more advanced. Bikes make a hell of a lot more power for their displacement because they rev much higher, they’re more fuel Efficient, they’re more compact. all achieved without any kind of forced induction or nitrous or any special additions.
We have a couple mentions here, but old (as in more than 15 years younger than me) Shadetree forgot the 4 bikes in the K1600 range, which are a flat/inline 6-cylinder configuration, similar to their iconic car engines, which makes turbine-smooth power (which he likely wouldn't...well...like). But if you ride one without a top box or pillion, like the K1600GT, you can use it to get you quickly to some twisties 2000 miles away, in comfort, and then ride it like a big sportbike when you get there. I own a boxer BMW R1250RT, too, and an inline 4 K1200S, but the K1600 sport-touring and touring bikes are the actual "top of the range" for BMW, and it can fly (not a 'Busa or ZX-14, but 170 mph, plus a ton of torque). Anyhoo, great video!
I don't have any experience with BMW's myself other than during the mid-70's when I was in middle school, I had a teacher with one that had a sidecar attached and it was his pride and joy, I've yet to hear anything negative about them personally, the only thing that could be construed as a negative would be the inability to use highway pegs due to the boxer engine but that's personal preference.
It'll be a sad day if the boxer ever leaves for practicality and design and such. I don't even really like the boxer buuuuut they're cool af. Great vid bud and that conclusion :D So true.
Cool video. Rebuilding my 83 R100 right now, waiting on parts. One nice thing is they're still making new parts for these old bikes. Easy to work on, fun to ride. Replacing the clutch, flywheel, seals everywhere. I'm gonna ride this bike another 40 years.
BMW Harley Motoguzzi and probably others stick with configurations that work. There are many advantages for twins. When BMW tried to drop the twins for the flat 4 K100 back in the 80s there was a lot of push back from enthusiasts. So they are "stuck" with that design same with HD and MG.
Robert Pirsig wrote in his work, Zen and the art of Motorcycle maintenance; In a car you are a spectator watching the scene through a window, disengaged from the environment. However, on a motorcycle you are interacting with the environment.
Yes BMW is still using an “old design”, but it’s been updated significantly from the version in the 80’s. Please take a look at how far the Evo engine has been improved on the sportsters since the 80’s and compare that to the improvements to the boxer engine from the same era.
a BMW rider stole my coffee that had just finished brewing at my local motorcycle shop while I had my back turned picking up parts. they stole free coffee...
Great video Josh and Dads Jeans GS owner?!?, guilty as charged!! You did give an indicator why they persist with the Boxer; low centre of gravity. I’m a commuter and tourer having previously owned an Explorer and that triple was a beast to manoeuvre around and get off the stand on a camber; with the GS, no issues and especially when I ride it as far lighter to flick around. We’re bikers at the end of the day and our hearts make over 90% of the decision so agree with your conclusion!!👍🤣👌
The answer to "why stick with opposed twins" is simple. What interesting would it be if all bikes had the supposedly ideal engine config? Variety is everything. And there are actual advantages with the flat twin too. Just compare the time it takes to change spark plugs or check valve clearances on a flat twin vs a i4. There aren't many people questioning Porsches decision to stick with the flat six either. Its quintessentialy Porsche and very much the ideal engine config for rear engine sports cars. And I think the same applies for BMW´s flat twin. It for example makes the GS significantly more manageable with its huge weight. Cheers.
Brother, you absolutely nailed it with this one. As an S1000RR owner who tested out an R1250RS yesterday, I had similar thoughts. "This is nice but not $2.5k-more-than-an-S1KRR nice." All that aside, I wonder how many people are going to bash this vid w/o watching it.
Love the video. It is crazy how Harley and BMW use inferior technology but still somehow manage to have the most loyal customer base. I'm guilty of it. I could have easily found a faster more reliable bike for half the money but then I wouldn't have that v-twin making my heart pound every time I twist the throttle. PS: the voice over was awesome👍
I know right! I cast sooo much shade on "Hardley Ableson". BUT.... yesterday I saw a 2010 Crossbones for sale. I INSTANTLY fell in love... Not only the old school Vtwin, but a Springer front end? There is just something about that bike that tugs on my heart strings!
Same reasons Porsche stuck with boxer 6 and rear engine which makes the handling very “ interesting” for the uninitiated before all the driver aids were put on.
I was on a 3500 mile trip in August of '19 when I pulled in western Montana to get some jerky out of saddle bags. Two HDs blew right by without even glancing to see if I needed help. So much for the brotherhood on the road! While I was still there a BMW K1600 GTL stopped even though I gave him the thumbs up. He just wanted to make sure I was good. The rider was cool as can be. The bike sounded sophisticated.
I liked the video but I think the reasons are actually simpler. For a motorbike, torque, stability and handling (which that lower center of gravity improves) are a better choice over raw power and speed.
That's the reason I have an 81 ironhead. It nice little bike but its not fast, it leaks, and it breaks all the time. for some reason I just love it though. It's like my little piece of history I guess I think it adds to the experience having to tinker with it and all.
17 Bikes later, after riding since 1968, I still have an R65LS with half fairing which, even today, is the best touring bike I have owned. Its stone reliable and my example has done 265,000 kms and has a new clutch. Thats all. It still has 150lbs of compression and its by far the most relaxing of touring bikes with a perfect riding position that does not strain your back. Its quiet, the faring is not too large but is effective, its quiet and economical. And in this country with its 100kph speed limit, there is no point in having any more power. It will cruise all day at the speed limit at less than 3000 rpm. I can load it up with luggage or a pillion and it handles the same. Todays examples are unbelievably complex, expensive and at least here, you have to get them serviced at the dealership or the 7 year warranty is void, and on a $35k bike, thats not worth the risk. My R65 is still worth $7k...it was $7k new back in the early 80s. What more could you ask for?
Awesome video!! I hope this helps people gain some perspective on Harleys. I completely agree with the comparison. My neighbor rides an 84 R100 and a 86 Softail primarily (among a few others) He’ll never give those 2 bikes up!! Legendary
The biggest misconception about the Boxer is that they don't want to be revved. . Spin them up and roll all day... They will make the boxer as long as people want the best. Owned 14 Boxers and counting. 500k Plus Miles of well quick backroads sport touring/camping .
There is only one thing better than a lot of engine displacement: more displacement. What works for muscle cars also works for motorcycles. The Instant tourque at low rpm is what I like about big displacement twins. I don't need an engine that's screaming at me at 12.000 rpm, at least not all the time.
BMW is in tune to it's heritage. It's important to both remain faithful to your heritage when it makes sense while also pushing innovation in other areas. I would also argue that the flat twin DOES have some engineering pluses over a traditional inline 4. It carries a lower center of gravity and has a wider spread of torque across it's rev range, making it less taxing to use it's power more effectively. Great for urban environments, light off roading, etc. (which is why the GS has a fan base)
So true. I have a 1983 R65 and just bought an RnineT in September. Prior to the RnineT I owned a Buell XB9SX, which I loved! Plus I love to be able to see the motor on the RnineT, I wish V-Twin more on the Buell was more visible.
I test rode a Triumph Tiger 900, KTM 1290 Adventure, Africa Twin, Ducati enduro thing, and a BMW r1200gsa. I bought the GSA. It cost more money, it'll probably need more maintenance, and its definitely slower than some of the other bikes. There was something about the bike, the way it looked, the way it felt that, and the way it sounded that really sold me on it. I could have bought a brand new bike for the same price as this used GSA. None of those other bikes really called to me the way the GS did.
When you're road riding in the middle of nowhere and haven't seen another vehicle for 45 minutes and a motorbike headlight appears in the closing distance my experience is that you're about to pass another BMW R1200 RT rider. It isn't quick or fast but it is perfect for crushing big mile days and it can handle fun roads just fine.
Chris Fournier the S1000RR is super quick and that’s what it was designed to do the R1200RT is deigned you be a tourer and it does so very well while also being fairly quick when compared to other retro engineered tourers.
Hey Shadetree - I've been riding motorcycles since 1980 and riding BMW boxers since 1998. I spent several years in late 90's / early 2000's working as a BMW tech in Northern CA. I mention all this to exemplify my love of these bikes. I say you did a fantastic job with this video. You said it yourself - Twins are great to ride. ... The end was F'n awesome. Signed - a BWM GS rider.
Great video, brother! What caught my eye was the title...and I just had to watch, because as a die hard Beemer fanatic, I just had to, and was laughing my ass off before I even hit play, due to the title... I've owned a 1983 BMW R100RS, back in the 80's, and I LOVED that bike! I could ride in a torrential rainstorm with a t-shirt (a SoCal rainstorm, that is), and not get wet, except a tiny fraction of my feet, and outside shoulders! This bike was made for long miles at a time, and I did those trips, often, but in the twisties, the RS left a lot to be desired. At the same time I owned the RS, I had a 1985 BMW R80G/S, and with that bike, and (I thanked God, and BMW for it!!!), it had the single sided swingarm and mono shock!! That G/S didn't just smoke the RS in the tight stuff, it put a LOT of squids to shame, as well!! Riding up Mulholland I'd pass scores of those squids on my G/S, and when they got to the Rock Store, after I'd finished my first cold one, they'd walk around my G/S over and over, again, until even I'd had gotten dizzy, muttering under their breath, that they'd been smoked by a BMW enduro.... It was hilarious. I was a young man when I' got into Beemers, not yet 25, and all my biker friends would laugh at me, that I'd bought an "old man's bike"...and I'd say: "Alright, let's ride Little Tujunga, or Big Tujunga, or Mulholland, you with your big, fat, and fast in line 4, and me with my G/S, and we'll see what's what?" After those rides, I never got an crap about owning an "old man's bike", again!! I LOVE Beemers! Once you get the hang of them: they just flat out work!, you have a totally different perspective, but that takes more than one ride, it takes a whole paradigm shift in your thinking, and in your expectations! I currently ride a 2004 R1150RS (my 3rd), and LOVE it!! That said, I am NOT a fan of the new BMW's, with all the electronic BS, because it has taken away the reliability of those bikes WAY down, and the fun, as well. With the older bikes, you have an actual relationship: you and your bike are in tune, and in harmony: I can feel my bike, and all her moods, and it's TRUE, though it does sound weird, I know. With the new bikes, there are way too many gizmos and other unnecessary crap on them, and that creates a barrier between the rider and the bike! When there is the dependence on technology, instead of skill and know how, the know how I speak of, being: I know how my machine functions, and what it's different ranges of performance are, under different circumstances, and I am in tune with that! That experience of a having a REAL relationship with your bike is one aspect of the joy that I am talking about, and NEED! It is why I ride, and why riding a motorcycle is part of my being, part of remaining childlike and joyful, even at 61!! I recommend, to EVERYONE: "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to get the gist of what I am talking about! Thanks for the great video, brother, and the hilarious title, too!! I am still laughing!! Ride safe, brother, and en-JOY!
you said it all. BMW Ducati, Guzzi MV Augusta, Aprilia Laverda and Harley all have a personality. As a BMW qualified tech I love BMW but also worked on the others and ridden almost all. The point is what floats your boat and Hondas just leave me dead. The best bike is the one that makes you smile as no matter of power or age. Thats what its about right? After all who would choose a bike over a car if sensible?
Dude! Ya had me spit coffee at the end. Totally agree with the end. Crotch Guys give me crap about my slow Deluxe.... I tell them I don’t ride for the speed. I ride for nostalgia. I ride to enjoy the ride, smell the forest as I ride to work at 530 am, enjoy the 13 hours in the saddle as I rode from Tennessee to Texas to visit my brother. I’m not into speed, deep leaning into a curve, dreaming I’m in a road race at Isle of Man. Not hating on those that do, enjoy your gig. I love your comparison of bikes to cars. Puts it in perspective. Thanks for the vid brother. Still keeping it weird in Tennessee
Aspiring to own a BMW.I foolishly took a S1000R out for a test ride and that was that,both my 2001 and 2007 Hondas now lacks the "finesse" of a BMW so....fingers crossed for 2021
It's also very endearing. I don't know how else to say it. I had a KTM 1290 SA and I loved that bikes power but the BMW R1200GSA has some strange charm. I can't explain it. Those boxers are so lovely.
Hahaha. Good stuff man. I bought my first BMW motorcycle last year... A 2019 R1250RT. Black and white, looks almost exactly like a cop bike. F'ing love it. One real thing to keep in mind about the boxer layout on these... The longitudinal crankshaft eliminates the gyroscopic fight against turning that you get in the transverse 4-bangers. It's a 600 lb bike, and it changes direction like a cat on carpet. I swear 200 lbs disappear as soon as it starts rolling. My other bike is a 2006 Ducati Monster S4RS. That bike is a complete pile, and I still love it, it hates idling, sometimes it randomly dies when you give it small throttle openings. It's best ridden like you're trying to destroy it, then it just begs for more. I hate it and love it simultaneously. Maybe I just have a masochistic streak... Then again, I guess any biker does.
Paying more for opposed twins is a bit like watch collecting; people pay thousands (or occasionally even millions) of dollars for something that tells time worse than a $10 Casio. Why? Because of the history and interest of the mechanics. As with a bike, a watch of any sort is actually obsolete due to phones. Randabout way of saying obsolete stuff is sometimes fun. A V8 manual is also obsolete, but I still love it. :D
Most excellent! Really enjoyed this one. Pretty new to the channel and enjoying so far. Great content and like the choice of music when the videos end. Puts off happy vibes
Sometimes I get the feeling that Beemer engineers are handing me the big ol' Get Screwed! slip when the main battery is discovered underneath the gas tank instead of the seat, and the manual says, "Replace the battery." Engineers aren't beneath contempt. They think I am though. Yeah. If I have to ask...what? Me worry?
Ahah I totally get it. I have a Buell Lightning! Is there faster bikes? Yeah, cheaper bikes yeah... but! I love the weirdness of the Buell. The hopped up aircooled sporty motor, the hollow frame, the giant brake rotor... all of that makes the bike much more interesting to me. And let’s be real. It’s plenty fast!
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I have owned both Harleys and, currently, BMWs as well as each of the 4 major Japanese brands. I never had any issues with Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha but I didn't love them like my Harleys and BMWs. I could care less about any specs on paper, or maintenance issues or any other reason "they" say not to ride this or that bike. There is nothing that sounds like the thunderous Harley or looks as awesome as the boxer. I love the way the torque of the engine makes a R NineT twist to the side when you twist the throttle! So yeah, "Fuck you, that's why!"
Letting someone else ride your bike mean more than "I love you"
Especially when it's classic BMW in perfect shape.
"Let me go to the trouble to get TWO bikes out for you, not me, to ride" means even more.
Some folks get weird if you even *look* at their bike too hard
Some folks would rather let you bang their girl, rather than touch their bike
@@bitingdogg3236
😂
The idea of a 100k mile engine, with huge amounts of torque, yet refined in all other aspects, will never go out of style.
Plus with the heads poking out on both sides makes maintenance SOOOO BLOODY EASY! You don't have to take off the tank, or the air box, or a bunch of body panels to adjust the valves, replace the spark plugs or change the oil. It's all right there so easy to get to and ready for maintenance.
@@lauracjlaw thank god. Since you have to remove the entire rear subframe to get the air box out.
@@ontwowheels6479 You do?
Holy shit, I've only been removing a piece of plastic to get to the airbox and change the air filter!
Please tell me, what is this mythical air filter that requires removing the subframe?!?!?!
@@LarryJ602 I didn’t say air filter. I said air box. Or we could say fuel pressure regulator too because that also requires rear subframe removal. I just put a gearbox in mine. Bmw can’t build a gearbox that lasts but whatever man. Be condescending. I don’t care bro.
@@lauracjlaw yet that maintenance is still bloody expensive 'cause it's bmw :))))
Nothing starts a Sunday like coffee a cigarette and shadetree surgeon keep up the great content man love the videos and keep it weird
Exactly. Totally with ya.
100 percent agree!
Substitute the cigarette with a chorizo burrito and lava diarrhea.
Hmm not sure about that ciggie..
You buy a car with your brain. You buy a bike with your heart.
There are two reasons why BMW flat engines are a great choice. 1- virtually unbreakable. 2- best balance. Also, yes, the design is antiquated, but like Porsche 911s, it just works. i have owned a BMW boxer for 22 years and would not trade my latest for anything else in the market. it is tough, comfortable, nothing breaks and delivers pure joy.
The copper accents on the 83 are freaking sweet.
That’s another Moe Colors paint job :)
I agree John.
That's how it should have came from the factory. I love it
Truth is simplicity of design, a balanced natural engine that is rugged and reliable with sufficient power to get the job done. Low centre of gravity, ease of maintenance make them a decent handling machine.
Really enjoyed that one! (said the reluctant boxer pilot - both in my bike and aircraft!)
TMF in the house!
10:03 .... blows right through “Do Not Enter” signs. Love it my friend.
What can I say 😂
hahaha I caught that too lol
I noticed that also. LOL
If they had a traffic camera, he won't get the ticket heh,heh,heh...
As you probably know, BMW has many other motor configurations,they constantly improve on their designs,boxer twins are conducive for shaft drives. I have over 100,000 miles on my 2008 GS that I bought new. so yeah, they suck
Good point about the shaft drive, but the thing is, more power and more speed IS NOT the end all and be all of a motorcycle. So, yeah, BMW’s 4-cylinder is cheaper and faster, but you probably wouldn’t take a trip on it and certainly not use it for the same purposes.
@@qdllc The boxers are more than capable of getting one arrested for excessive speed. The new 1250 makes over 100ft/lbs at the engine. For a 1250. That doesn't seem low tech or slow.
100,000 miles on it, nicely done
If only BMW could manage to make their cars last like that
BMW mechanics are the only ones who love a used BMW
I've never heard of another brand that sells cars that'll shred parts over and over
I mean in a limited numbers, hand made, Italian exotic type vehicle you kind of expect some problems
But a BMW should at least be more reliable than that
@@daviejay5326 "German Engineering"
@@loooopeytunes mercedes is German and those last forever
I wish I had my camera on the other day when I was filling up this couple on a K 1600 GTL pulled up. I said to myself oh aren't we some fancy princess'. The girl hopped off the back and yelled to the guy "I need to shit" and then proceeded to run into the store. So it is true fancy pants BMW riders also poop.
😂😂😂
My brother blood rides a k1600 blue collar to the bone F.U.
I ride a 2000 BMW RT... I can drop heat with the best of them!! 😂
Lmfao
Yeah, but it doesn't smell...
Don't ask...
I have had dozens of bikes come and go of the years. All different types from harley to hodaka hard tail to sport. The 1972 R/5 I purchased in 1986 is still in the garage.It's almost joy to level of sensory overload still when I start her up.. My son just turned 18 and going to look for his first bike Monday. Proud dad moment.
Great as always. As I got older I got the the appreciation of the history and the older stuff. I used to be about the latest and greatest tech specs now I see it like the old hometown bar compared to the new flashy brewery. The new brewery has many more choices, look all fancy, bright and clean, smell a whole lot better but.the old neighborhood bar has the people, personality, barely functioning Jukebox with the same dozen songs that's been played for the last 50 years, and comfort that you just can't replace. You have to think about going to the brewery, and think about what you want, the neighborhood bar - you just automatically go and you normal drink is ready by the time you get in the door at your spot at the bar. The younger me wouldn't understand, the older me gets it.
Wonderful analogy.
Your point is valid but the comparison is awful. Bars and breweries are simply not comparable to engines.
There is nothing wrong with liking some engine characteristics over others. "Picking sides" is ignorant, be it towards older familiarity, etc or tech specs, bleeding edge performance.
Grab a big v twin or boxer or 2 stroke, if you feel like it, also grab a screaming inline 4 if it suits what you want to do with it.
People that scoff at anything that's not a sportbike are just as biased and narrow minded as the cruiser/boxer/whatever counterpart.
The Boxer has a very good reason for being in an RS. It offers great low to mid range and great torque, is quite smooth, unlike an inline4 which on BMW specifically has some secondary vibration issues with their bikes.
The engine is great for real world road riding, very easy to service, and is somewhat uniquely suited for comfy road touring and many more reasons it's still used today.
I haven't owned a flying brick engine but have owned its next evolution. Comparing that to the line of boxers BMW had then, the boxer is still more comfy for long distance touring, easier to service, less issues being an older platform and most likely cheaper to develop too.
Everything has its uses. Either younger or older me, I would still not want to tour for 10k miles on a Panigale, or get a Goldwing as a track only bike.
bingo but now i am old
"That's Why!" Sounds right.
There were huge benefits to a flat twin when the engines were air-cooled. That why Harley designed a flat twin when their military bikes with the narrow v-twin couldn't handle the heat in north Africa. It's interesting that both BMW Motorrad and Porsche make some of the most highly regarded vehicles in their segments and they do it with the "wrong" engines.
Hey lets not forget about Subaru. And the WRX
@@LabiaLickerlet’s be honest, the Japanese ripped off Zee Germans for their best designs. I’ll grant that they refined them to insane reliability, but they didn’t exactly come up with any groundbreaking designs…just like they ripped off American truck and SUV designs to perfection. Love me some Japanese vehicles, but any credit to their vehicles boils down to Kaizen.
@@gmcg8775 Nah Jap stuff is way better. Now days when I think of German automobiles I think of Volkswaggen, Mercedes and BMW, none of which come to mind when I think "good engineering" (particularly VW).
Also a lot of the famous Jap cars were designed by white guys, to say they ripped of American designs is erroneous. I would say a bigger case of design rip off is Ferrari ripping of Corvette.
No when I think of innovation in cars and engines I think of companies like Yamaha making the Lexus LFA engine and Mazda making the first to market compression ignition petrol engine.
Just one note: In the UK at least BMWs were not cool sports bikes in the 80s, they were touring bikes for old farts with tobacco stained moustaches. All the cool kids were riding Japanese bikes with frames made from wet spaghetti. Into trees, mostly. Henry Hartley is right - BMW tried to move with the times and it was like launching new formula coke. There were grey beards protesting outside the German Embassy.
Great show . I had a R75 1972 , That was the most reliable bike I ever owned . That’s coming from a long time Harley rider .
Long time Harley rider/wrench w/1971 "Toaster tank airhead" in stable...easy to work on & maintain.
My 71 R60/5 is still a one kick to start machine.
DirtyOldBeemer _ they are amazing machines
I've seen several BMW's with over 200k miles including one with 350K.
Raccoon man 60 Torque steer?
Ahhh, coffee and Shadetree on a sunday. My brother was a BMW motorcycle Master tech for 10+ years he has since moved to ducati as a Master tech. He absolutely loved BMW but he also said if you own one you have to do all of the scheduled service intervals or you will have problems.
@deplorably yours they are, wich is why my brother has always had Honda's ironically the GS1200 and Ss1000Rr are the worst bmw for maintenance
@deplorably yours there is nothing more expensive than a cheap bmw
I use to work in a workshop that only worked on older bikes. One day a mint R80/5 came in. I got to service it. I was amazed it only had 28k on the odometer. When the owner came to pick it up, I asked him about it, and he laughed. He told me that it had been around the clock three times.
I laugh when I hear these types of comments. Any bike/vehicle will give "problems" if not properly maintained. I personally own 5 BMW vehicles, and a '09 R1200RT, I absolutely love and I maintain each of them myself. BMWs aren't difficult or expensive to maintain...BMW shops simply charge a premium for maintenance, and branded parts. My cars? '04, '06, '08, '11, & '13 all with 116-160k on the odometer.
@@zo4712 yes
Great video! I love my 2017 R1200GS and it's all about character because it's definitely not a power monster. Specifically, I like the mellow yet torquey engine. Smooth engine braking and nice little rumble when getting on the throttle at low RPM. I also like the shaft drive as it's low maintenance and makes you feel like you're on a tank. Handling is very light due to low center of gravity, Telelever suspension and narrow tires. And I also like the farty sound from the exhaust, especially with a good can. I have Remus 8. Kinda sounds like a WW2 era airplane (true to their heritage). Ride by wire throttle is very dialed in and smooth. I could go on and on about what I like but I will mention that the telelever suspension is not for everyone. I can see why some people don't like it; it's weird and very different than traditional forks. It took me a while to get used to. Also, the boxer bikes are made with certain offsets in the design which, along with the torque reaction from the crankshaft, create a different feel when turning left vs right. I guess you could say that the bike has asymmetrical handling. That also took a while to get used to. Thanks for the cool insights and for the history lesson.
Opposing twins make loads of torque at very low revs, unlike their 4-cylinder counterparts that need to be revved to the stratosphere to produce torque & power. And the Japanese do take their opposing cylinders seriously...ever heard of a Goldwing? Finally, in BMW's case, their pricier 2-cylinders opposed engines are mated to a shaft-drive, so no chain cleaning or lubing. Yes, you can add the heritage and all that, plus a boxer engine screams BMW from a mile away.
They did try to kill off the boxer in the early eighties with the introduction of the triple and four cylinder flying brick engined bikes, but pressure from BMW owners kinda stopped it. Great video..
It’s a very nice engine to ride. Loads of torque, you select the gear for the speed limit, 3rd for 30mph, 4th for 40, etc, etc and the bike just settles nicely at those speeds. And like all twins you can make bends in a higher gear than on a multi.
Like Porsche and with the 911.
@@moddude101 That's doomed to be the same car forever.
Sounds like a mistake. BMW is actually one of the more forward-thinking companies I think, but if you want to stay alive long-term, you should unashamedly target new riders each and every year.
CRP if it ain’t broke? Don’t fix it
I ride another antique, a Guzzi V7, it’s like riding a tractor. Would I give it up for a 4 cylinder, hell no, I may as well go drive my wife Honda accord
I understand that response. On the other hand hand I'm done with anything older than about 2000 at this point. You can't live in the past.
CRP i hear you, if I never own another carb bike I’ll die happy.
I have a 2020 Moto Guzzi v7 and have more fun on that then my BMW R18 or my Harley Heritage.
The other answer to "why ride this?!" might include swapping spark plugs and doing valve clearances, as it's nice to just have things sticking out if you need to work on them. But yes, nostalgia and iconoclastic inclinations are probably a more philosophic answer to the question.
I own a 2018 R9T roadster and a restored 1962 R69S. The comparison between the two bikes are almost 1 to 1 in heritage. But the ride experience differences are night and day. It’s such a blast riding the old one that you instantly forgive all its faults.
I really enjoy your videos!
nice
Some old dude pulled up next to me on his bmw yesterday and told me to tear my harley engine (with only 10k miles) apart and rebuild it, because it sounds broken. GFYS
It’s a Harley he could be right :p
The truth hurts
Apperantly it's all in the ear of the beholder. Since the old 2 valve boxer can sound pretty "broken" too by the standards of a newbie. Until you run it for 200k kms and realise it still sounds that way😂
I loved the sound of my tiny Honda cb500. For the few days till I realized power was low. The exhaust got loose and it was partially breathing directly out of the engine. Sounded good though
Should have replied "Those BMW's are tough I hear you can ride them right through a holocaust."
If you look at car technology compared to bike tech, bikes are actually more advanced.
Bikes make a hell of a lot more power for their displacement because they rev much higher, they’re more fuel Efficient, they’re more compact.
all achieved without any kind of forced induction or nitrous or any special additions.
They’re actually awesome
If you want to pack a lunch and repair one you can find ones that need a clutch for a grand but it’s quite the task to repair
I had to put my Granddad jeans on there for a moment as I sit in lockdown with the laptop tied to the handlebars of my BMW1150R
My man 😂
My first bike was an 2023 R Nine T and I love her. Getting a boxer was the greatest decision ever made.
Happy Sunday everyone, I hope it’s going good for ya
We have a couple mentions here, but old (as in more than 15 years younger than me) Shadetree forgot the 4 bikes in the K1600 range, which are a flat/inline 6-cylinder configuration, similar to their iconic car engines, which makes turbine-smooth power (which he likely wouldn't...well...like). But if you ride one without a top box or pillion, like the K1600GT, you can use it to get you quickly to some twisties 2000 miles away, in comfort, and then ride it like a big sportbike when you get there. I own a boxer BMW R1250RT, too, and an inline 4 K1200S, but the K1600 sport-touring and touring bikes are the actual "top of the range" for BMW, and it can fly (not a 'Busa or ZX-14, but 170 mph, plus a ton of torque). Anyhoo, great video!
I love my antiquated v-motors hell that's all I have 2 Harley's, Aprilia, Honda vfr is a V4, Ducati that's a L but similar idea.
My 35 year old V65 still amazes me.
All about the twins 👍🏻 Guzzi and aprilia here and I want more 😂
Yeah I loved my Harley big v twins are where it’s at
I don't have any experience with BMW's myself other than during the mid-70's when I was in middle school, I had a teacher with one that had a sidecar attached and it was his pride and joy, I've yet to hear anything negative about them personally, the only thing that could be construed as a negative would be the inability to use highway pegs due to the boxer engine but that's personal preference.
It'll be a sad day if the boxer ever leaves for practicality and design and such. I don't even really like the boxer buuuuut they're cool af.
Great vid bud and that conclusion :D So true.
Cool video. Rebuilding my 83 R100 right now, waiting on parts. One nice thing is they're still making new parts for these old bikes. Easy to work on, fun to ride. Replacing the clutch, flywheel, seals everywhere. I'm gonna ride this bike another 40 years.
BMW Harley Motoguzzi and probably others stick with configurations that work. There are many advantages for twins. When BMW tried to drop the twins for the flat 4 K100 back in the 80s there was a lot of push back from enthusiasts. So they are "stuck" with that design same with HD and MG.
Robert Pirsig wrote in his work, Zen and the art of Motorcycle maintenance; In a car you are a spectator watching the scene through a window, disengaged from the environment. However, on a motorcycle you are interacting with the environment.
Yes BMW is still using an “old design”, but it’s been updated significantly from the version in the 80’s. Please take a look at how far the Evo engine has been improved on the sportsters since the 80’s and compare that to the improvements to the boxer engine from the same era.
I'd watch that video
a BMW rider stole my coffee that had just finished brewing at my local motorcycle shop while I had my back turned picking up parts. they stole free coffee...
Love the old bat girl fairing. Lol
Great video.. Even though I’m not a BMW fan I still enjoy the fact they been around as long as they have. Ride safe brother.
I'm relatively new to the motorcycle world and I appreciate the history lessons you offer here on your channel.
Thanks man!
Faster isn’t always better. Comparing a boxer to a 4 is like comparing a diesel truck to a weed eater ;-)
10:00 "i still got two big ole jugs hanging out in front of my feet"
That's something we can all aspire to...
Really like seeing the old and new side by side man. That was a great video!!!!!!!!
The BOXER is invincible in the alps! That´s why everybody in europe bye that bikes.
it is the smile on your face after the ride wich counts! nothing more nothing less. And why ever, 2 cylinders give most people the bigger smile...
That's why I ride a 28bhp Enfield Bullet :)
I love my Harley, but I love my Enfield more. I completely understand where you’re coming from.
Great video Josh and Dads Jeans GS owner?!?, guilty as charged!! You did give an indicator why they persist with the Boxer; low centre of gravity. I’m a commuter and tourer having previously owned an Explorer and that triple was a beast to manoeuvre around and get off the stand on a camber; with the GS, no issues and especially when I ride it as far lighter to flick around. We’re bikers at the end of the day and our hearts make over 90% of the decision so agree with your conclusion!!👍🤣👌
The answer to "why stick with opposed twins" is simple. What interesting would it be if all bikes had the supposedly ideal engine config? Variety is everything. And there are actual advantages with the flat twin too. Just compare the time it takes to change spark plugs or check valve clearances on a flat twin vs a i4.
There aren't many people questioning Porsches decision to stick with the flat six either. Its quintessentialy Porsche and very much the ideal engine config for rear engine sports cars.
And I think the same applies for BMW´s flat twin. It for example makes the GS significantly more manageable with its huge weight.
Cheers.
Or something like my Honda Valkyrie with a flat six
@@neilbrown82 True. It's just so much more interesting if there are engines other than I4.
Brother, you absolutely nailed it with this one. As an S1000RR owner who tested out an R1250RS yesterday, I had similar thoughts. "This is nice but not $2.5k-more-than-an-S1KRR nice." All that aside, I wonder how many people are going to bash this vid w/o watching it.
Love the video. It is crazy how Harley and BMW use inferior technology but still somehow manage to have the most loyal customer base. I'm guilty of it. I could have easily found a faster more reliable bike for half the money but then I wouldn't have that v-twin making my heart pound every time I twist the throttle.
PS: the voice over was awesome👍
I know exactly how you feel haha
BMW and Harley. Love them both.
I know right! I cast sooo much shade on "Hardley Ableson". BUT.... yesterday I saw a 2010 Crossbones for sale. I INSTANTLY fell in love... Not only the old school Vtwin, but a Springer front end? There is just something about that bike that tugs on my heart strings!
I’ve had Japanese bikes my whole life and bought a 2019 Harley. It has more tech than any of the others ever came close to having.
Travis Nissen there is a bit of a difference between Harley’s current “modern” v-twins and BMW’s modern boxer engines.
Same reasons Porsche stuck with boxer 6 and rear engine which makes the handling very “ interesting” for the uninitiated before all the driver aids were put on.
Richard’s a good friend. “Hey! Can I borrow your bikes for the afternoon to shit all over them for a video?”
I think you missed Shadetree's point......
I was on a 3500 mile trip in August of '19 when I pulled in western Montana to get some jerky out of saddle bags. Two HDs blew right by without even glancing to see if I needed help. So much for the brotherhood on the road! While I was still there a BMW K1600 GTL stopped even though I gave him the thumbs up. He just wanted to make sure I was good. The rider was cool as can be. The bike sounded sophisticated.
Yeah man I dig this style of video. Not to say I dont enjoy your typical talking head style.
I had fun with it :)
Only downfall is now my sunday shadetree routine is all messed up..
I found this amusing, as I recently got rid of my 1200 boxer and acquired a 1200 Sportster.
I liked the video but I think the reasons are actually simpler. For a motorbike, torque, stability and handling (which that lower center of gravity improves) are a better choice over raw power and speed.
Yep. There’s 1000 different metrics to consider. Yet here on the internet number of cylinders trumps all else. Apparently.
That's the reason I have an 81 ironhead. It nice little bike but its not fast, it leaks, and it breaks all the time. for some reason I just love it though. It's like my little piece of history I guess I think it adds to the experience having to tinker with it and all.
Flat twin bmw; the sound, the feel. It's all part of the trip. Same as the other bikes of this ilk: Guzzi, Ducati, The Motor Co, etc
17 Bikes later, after riding since 1968, I still have an R65LS with half fairing which, even today, is the best touring bike I have owned. Its stone reliable and my example has done 265,000 kms and has a new clutch. Thats all. It still has 150lbs of compression and its by far the most relaxing of touring bikes with a perfect riding position that does not strain your back. Its quiet, the faring is not too large but is effective, its quiet and economical. And in this country with its 100kph speed limit, there is no point in having any more power. It will cruise all day at the speed limit at less than 3000 rpm. I can load it up with luggage or a pillion and it handles the same.
Todays examples are unbelievably complex, expensive and at least here, you have to get them serviced at the dealership or the 7 year warranty is void, and on a $35k bike, thats not worth the risk. My R65 is still worth $7k...it was $7k new back in the early 80s. What more could you ask for?
Great idea for a video, I hope you do this with more bikes.
Thanks man!
Would like to see shadetree on a Guzzi
Awesome video!! I hope this helps people gain some perspective on Harleys. I completely agree with the comparison. My neighbor rides an 84 R100 and a 86 Softail primarily (among a few others) He’ll never give those 2 bikes up!! Legendary
Triumph chopper time?
Soon!!
shadetree surgeon I can’t wait for that 😄
Great video shade! Looking forward to your BMW 1800 boxer video later this year. Gonna be great!
Big difference though BWM is thriving, Harley Davidson is dying 😂😂😂🥳🥳
Fxr back in the shed,shadetree on the screen. Nice sunday!!
Well at least you’re giving Harley a break 😂😂
For once 😂
The biggest misconception about the Boxer is that they don't want to be revved. . Spin them up and roll all day... They will make the boxer as long as people want the best. Owned 14 Boxers and counting. 500k Plus Miles of well quick backroads sport touring/camping .
There is only one thing better than a lot of engine displacement: more displacement.
What works for muscle cars also works for motorcycles.
The Instant tourque at low rpm is what I like about big displacement twins.
I don't need an engine that's screaming at me at 12.000 rpm, at least not all the time.
Favorite vid so far. "Best", "worst", "pointless", "dumb", "sublime", "bitichin'" - all movable feasts.
BMW is in tune to it's heritage. It's important to both remain faithful to your heritage when it makes sense while also pushing innovation in other areas.
I would also argue that the flat twin DOES have some engineering pluses over a traditional inline 4. It carries a lower center of gravity and has a wider spread of torque across it's rev range, making it less taxing to use it's power more effectively. Great for urban environments, light off roading, etc. (which is why the GS has a fan base)
Ok I am glad I watched it all instead of going off. Nice video. I have had 10 BMWs. My latest is a 2022 R1250R and I ADORE it.
The boxer has uninterrupted airflow over the hottest part of the engine
Sweet R100RS! I always liked those. Cool that you got to ride both new and old!
So true. I have a 1983 R65 and just bought an RnineT in September. Prior to the RnineT I owned a Buell XB9SX, which I loved! Plus I love to be able to see the motor on the RnineT, I wish V-Twin more on the Buell was more visible.
I test rode a Triumph Tiger 900, KTM 1290 Adventure, Africa Twin, Ducati enduro thing, and a BMW r1200gsa.
I bought the GSA. It cost more money, it'll probably need more maintenance, and its definitely slower than some of the other bikes. There was something about the bike, the way it looked, the way it felt that, and the way it sounded that really sold me on it.
I could have bought a brand new bike for the same price as this used GSA. None of those other bikes really called to me the way the GS did.
When you're road riding in the middle of nowhere and haven't seen another vehicle for 45 minutes and a motorbike headlight appears in the closing distance my experience is that you're about to pass another BMW R1200 RT rider. It isn't quick or fast but it is perfect for crushing big mile days and it can handle fun roads just fine.
Chris Fournier the S1000RR is super quick and that’s what it was designed to do the R1200RT is deigned you be a tourer and it does so very well while also being fairly quick when compared to other retro engineered tourers.
You never get cold feet in the winter on the 83 RS
It's not ONLY the Hogsters that can respond, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand".
Hey Shadetree - I've been riding motorcycles since 1980 and riding BMW boxers since 1998. I spent several years in late 90's / early 2000's working as a BMW tech in Northern CA. I mention all this to exemplify my love of these bikes. I say you did a fantastic job with this video. You said it yourself - Twins are great to ride. ... The end was F'n awesome. Signed - a BWM GS rider.
If nothing else Shade buddy,You have got me looking outside the HD box as far as cycles co.
I have the 1250 GSA and the boxer configuration allows for the telelever suspension. This is very nice on a big bike going off road.
The cylinders also keep feet+ankles dry, warm, and protected in the event of a fall. Most other bikes will crush your feet+ankles.
Shadetree Surgeon, out here making all of our days brighter. Keep up the good work!
Great video, brother! What caught my eye was the title...and I just had to watch, because as a die hard Beemer fanatic, I just had to, and was laughing my ass off before I even hit play, due to the title... I've owned a 1983 BMW R100RS, back in the 80's, and I LOVED that bike! I could ride in a torrential rainstorm with a t-shirt (a SoCal rainstorm, that is), and not get wet, except a tiny fraction of my feet, and outside shoulders! This bike was made for long miles at a time, and I did those trips, often, but in the twisties, the RS left a lot to be desired. At the same time I owned the RS, I had a 1985 BMW R80G/S, and with that bike, and (I thanked God, and BMW for it!!!), it had the single sided swingarm and mono shock!! That G/S didn't just smoke the RS in the tight stuff, it put a LOT of squids to shame, as well!! Riding up Mulholland I'd pass scores of those squids on my G/S, and when they got to the Rock Store, after I'd finished my first cold one, they'd walk around my G/S over and over, again, until even I'd had gotten dizzy, muttering under their breath, that they'd been smoked by a BMW enduro.... It was hilarious. I was a young man when I' got into Beemers, not yet 25, and all my biker friends would laugh at me, that I'd bought an "old man's bike"...and I'd say: "Alright, let's ride Little Tujunga, or Big Tujunga, or Mulholland, you with your big, fat, and fast in line 4, and me with my G/S, and we'll see what's what?" After those rides, I never got an crap about owning an "old man's bike", again!! I LOVE Beemers! Once you get the hang of them: they just flat out work!, you have a totally different perspective, but that takes more than one ride, it takes a whole paradigm shift in your thinking, and in your expectations! I currently ride a 2004 R1150RS (my 3rd), and LOVE it!! That said, I am NOT a fan of the new BMW's, with all the electronic BS, because it has taken away the reliability of those bikes WAY down, and the fun, as well. With the older bikes, you have an actual relationship: you and your bike are in tune, and in harmony: I can feel my bike, and all her moods, and it's TRUE, though it does sound weird, I know. With the new bikes, there are way too many gizmos and other unnecessary crap on them, and that creates a barrier between the rider and the bike! When there is the dependence on technology, instead of skill and know how, the know how I speak of, being: I know how my machine functions, and what it's different ranges of performance are, under different circumstances, and I am in tune with that! That experience of a having a REAL relationship with your bike is one aspect of the joy that I am talking about, and NEED! It is why I ride, and why riding a motorcycle is part of my being, part of remaining childlike and joyful, even at 61!! I recommend, to EVERYONE: "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to get the gist of what I am talking about! Thanks for the great video, brother, and the hilarious title, too!! I am still laughing!! Ride safe, brother, and en-JOY!
Excellent! From an R1200GS riding grandaddy in Australia 😎
you said it all. BMW Ducati, Guzzi MV Augusta, Aprilia Laverda and Harley all have a personality. As a BMW qualified tech I love BMW but also worked on the others and ridden almost all. The point is what floats your boat and Hondas just leave me dead. The best bike is the one that makes you smile as no matter of power or age. Thats what its about right? After all who would choose a bike over a car if sensible?
Dude! Ya had me spit coffee at the end. Totally agree with the end. Crotch Guys give me crap about my slow Deluxe.... I tell them I don’t ride for the speed. I ride for nostalgia. I ride to enjoy the ride, smell the forest as I ride to work at 530 am, enjoy the 13 hours in the saddle as I rode from Tennessee to Texas to visit my brother. I’m not into speed, deep leaning into a curve, dreaming I’m in a road race at Isle of Man. Not hating on those that do, enjoy your gig. I love your comparison of bikes to cars. Puts it in perspective. Thanks for the vid brother. Still keeping it weird in Tennessee
Recently bought a K1200LT. F*ing awsome beemer! Power and great comfort for short and long rides, and economic to: 20 kms/liter. Great ride 🎉
Aspiring to own a BMW.I foolishly took a S1000R out for a test ride and that was that,both my 2001 and 2007 Hondas now lacks the "finesse" of a BMW so....fingers crossed for 2021
That antiquated engine design is just super cool. That's why.
It's also very endearing. I don't know how else to say it. I had a KTM 1290 SA and I loved that bikes power but the BMW R1200GSA has some strange charm. I can't explain it. Those boxers are so lovely.
hideous
Same feeling keeps Harley in business.
Hahaha. Good stuff man. I bought my first BMW motorcycle last year... A 2019 R1250RT. Black and white, looks almost exactly like a cop bike. F'ing love it. One real thing to keep in mind about the boxer layout on these... The longitudinal crankshaft eliminates the gyroscopic fight against turning that you get in the transverse 4-bangers. It's a 600 lb bike, and it changes direction like a cat on carpet. I swear 200 lbs disappear as soon as it starts rolling. My other bike is a 2006 Ducati Monster S4RS. That bike is a complete pile, and I still love it, it hates idling, sometimes it randomly dies when you give it small throttle openings. It's best ridden like you're trying to destroy it, then it just begs for more. I hate it and love it simultaneously. Maybe I just have a masochistic streak... Then again, I guess any biker does.
I ride a 2016 BMW R1200RT/LC, why cause I can! We ride two wheels, that’s the connection that’s the spirit of it all. The Shade was enjoyable today.
Paying more for opposed twins is a bit like watch collecting; people pay thousands (or occasionally even millions) of dollars for something that tells time worse than a $10 Casio. Why? Because of the history and interest of the mechanics. As with a bike, a watch of any sort is actually obsolete due to phones.
Randabout way of saying obsolete stuff is sometimes fun. A V8 manual is also obsolete, but I still love it. :D
Most excellent! Really enjoyed this one. Pretty new to the channel and enjoying so far. Great content and like the choice of music when the videos end. Puts off happy vibes
Sometimes I get the feeling that Beemer engineers are handing me the big ol' Get Screwed! slip when the main battery is discovered underneath the gas tank instead of the seat, and the manual says, "Replace the battery." Engineers aren't beneath contempt. They think I am though. Yeah. If I have to ask...what? Me worry?
Ahah I totally get it. I have a Buell Lightning! Is there faster bikes? Yeah, cheaper bikes yeah... but! I love the weirdness of the Buell. The hopped up aircooled sporty motor, the hollow frame, the giant brake rotor... all of that makes the bike much more interesting to me. And let’s be real. It’s plenty fast!
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I have owned both Harleys and, currently, BMWs as well as each of the 4 major Japanese brands. I never had any issues with Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha but I didn't love them like my Harleys and BMWs. I could care less about any specs on paper, or maintenance issues or any other reason "they" say not to ride this or that bike. There is nothing that sounds like the thunderous Harley or looks as awesome as the boxer. I love the way the torque of the engine makes a R NineT twist to the side when you twist the throttle! So yeah, "Fuck you, that's why!"
it took 17 minutes and 30 seconds of my life to learn why... and it was totally worth it. Would watch again 10/10