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This thread is intended for pointers to articles of interest about new bikes, primarily BMW ones. There are articles and reviews on many different news sites around the world which may be of interest to NZ riders and members of BMWOR.To start it off, there is a first ride review on VisorDown of the new 2015 R1200R, by Luke Bowler, at http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-2015-bmw-r1200r-review/25997.htmlHis conclusion: "From where I’m sitting BMW can do no wrong at the minute. The new R1200R is a fantastic piece of kit that felt more and more worth its price tag the longer I rode it. The understated looks may not immediately grab you but take a bit longer to admire components like the aluminium headlight surround, single-sided swingarm and candy red tubular frame, and you can begin to appreciate the high level of quality on offer."
Motorcyclist Online also has a first ride review of the R1200R. This one by Ari Henning. It can be found at http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/2015-bmw-r1200r-first-ride-motorcycle-reviewPart of the conclusion, before he started speculating about the price: "The new R1200R is another worthy home for BMW’s new Boxer engine, and should prove to be a tremendous all-around motorcycle, much like it’s many predecessors."
Anonymous
Guest16/12/2014 at 7:09 pmPost count: 2134Now, there is something that's been missing on this site – somebody with an interest in BMW, not the other marque in the avatar on the left.
And for those with an interest in the orange brand as well as BMW, there is a comparison test between the 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure and the KTM 1190 Adventure R, from Motorcycle-USA, written by Justin Dawes. It can be found at: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/850/19407/Motorcycle-Article/2014-BMW-R1200GS-vs-KTM-1190-Adventure-R.aspxThe test comes out with a both a squeaky and a clear-cut conclusion: "At the end of the test the KTM 1190 Adventure R squeaked out a win against the BMW R1200 GS Adventure. And that is a huge accomplishment. The BMW has been the gold standard for so long and even being on the same level is a win for any ADV machine. As we said before, this contest is almost too close to call, but the pure performance of the 1190 puts it over the top. If the adventure begins when the road ends, the KTM is our clear-cut winner."I'm sure sooner or later there will be a comparison test with other brands as well. Maybe even with the one in Bwucie's avatar.
From our neighbours across the ditch at mcnews.com.au there is a review of the 2014 naked BMW S1000R, by Trevor Hedge. It's a few months old, but probably still relevant. It's found at: http://www.mcnews.com.au/2014-bmw-s-1000-r-review-test/The conclusion (with aussie prices): "In summary the technology and performance that the S 1000 R brings to the road at $18,990 (with ASC/ABS/Cruise + on roads), or $20,140 with dynamic package (DDC/Heated Grips/LED indicators and engine spoiler + on roads), is incredible, and frankly, the S 1000 R makes what every Japanese manufacturer has on offer in the nakedbike marketplace look borderline dumb and old hat. The world has moved on, and the Japanese brands need to catch up, and fast."
From the pages of UltimateMotorcycling.com there is a comparison test between the BMW S1000R and the Ducati Monster 1200 S, written by Arthur Coldwells. It can be found here: https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2014/11/13/bmw-s1000r-vs-ducati-monster-1200-s-grand-seduction/Part of the lengthy conclusion: "Simply put, the Ducati Monster 1200 S appeals to the heart, while the BMW S 1000 R appeals to the head. Without a doubt, the BMW is faster, smoother, and its clinical precision, high level of equipment, and easily tapped-into performance make it an easy (and safe) bike to ride very, very fast. If you are a serious rider, then your purchase decision is an easy one."
For those wanting a more sporting adventure bike, there will soon be a new 'Adventure Sport' bike from BMW – the S1000XR. The press release from November was published in Motorcycle Daily at: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2014/11/bmw-debuts-s-1000-xr-adventure-sport/No news yet of price or expected delivery dates.
Not a review this time, but an article for lovers of older BMW bikes about selling a 30-year-old R80G/S pig in a poke on the internet. By Dr. Gregory Frazier, a well-know round-the-world rider. The buyer picked it up and then rode it 1200 miles (about 1900 km) home. The article can be found at: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/284/19552/Motorcycle-Article/Dr–Fraziers-Old-BMW-Pig-in-a-Poke.aspx
Another one about the older BMW bikes and their history, this time the R90S from the pages of Ultimate Motorcycling by Gary Ilminen: https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2014/12/22/bmw-r90s-history-making-motorcycles/From the introduction: "Sometimes history is made not by making something happen, but by preventing something from happening. The impact of the BMW R90S is something like that. Prior to 1969, the BMW line-up was poorly positioned to do battle with emerging multi-cylinder powerhouses put on the market by Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph and BSA."
motorcycle.com has a comparison test, with text and video, between the BMW R1200GS Adventure and the KTM 1190 Adventure. Their summary: “After our adventures on these two Adventure models, Burns sums up our experience thusly. “I guess at the end of the day, the KTM is the harder-edged weapon for testosterone-filled competitive younger riders who plan to put in serious off-road mileage aboard the Black Stallion. The BMW’s a more comfortable old saddle horse, less speedy but completely comfortable and predictable. If you actually were going to ride a motorcycle around the world, I think it’s the one you’d pick.””The test can be found at: http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/battle-adventures-bmw-vs-ktm-video
motorcycle.com has revived a 2006 review of the BMW K1200R, which the reviewer called a 'gorilla in a tuxedo'. An interesting and humorous little side note in the review concerns the constant complaints from reviewers of BMW's turn signal switches. Which BMW unfortunately have seen fit to change to the 'standard' type. The review can be found at:http://www.motorcycle.com/features/church-mo-review-2006-bmw-k1200r.htmlOn the same page there is a pointer to their first impressions report on the 1998 K1200RS.
Hi Artig – these items are 'good stuff' – seems to me incredibly hard to generate a response / participation from most of us members witness my post about the Annual Rally – who's going and offer of accommodationIs this a generational thing I wonder. I find other sites ADVRIDER and AusTouring, to cite two, have a far greater participation level. I acknowledge we're a relatively small community but I am bemused at how few of us seem to participate in dialogue
Thanks, Aslan. It's good to know that someone finds them useful.The inactivity in the forums may be generational, and some members have moved on to other things. Also, declining activity levels seem to accelerate, so inactivity breeds more inactivity. I was thinking of starting a separate thread asking for ideas on how to generate more interest and activity in the forums. Preferably without accepting a group of spammers as members. There's enough of them that apply for membership. After about 3 weeks as webmaster there has only been one valid application and probably 50 spammer applications.
Cheers Artig – thanks for taking over as Webmaster from Bwucie – thanks Bwucie for a job well doneIn my short time as 'co ordinator' for Wellington - I'd tried to engender some interest among owners of BMW's who for whatever reason either don't participate as members or for those who are non members, yet ride and own BMW's, who don't see merit in belonging to the Register.I created a an informal - local (as in Wellington) Facebook Page in an attempt to increase participation - link here https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMWmotoswellingtonnz/If you're going to be at the Annual Rally I look forward to having a natter - best wishes Stephen Oatley
here's a link to a female BMW owner's Blog – this entry is about changing the oil and filter on a R1200GShttp://www.sheridesabeemer.com/2011/11/bmw-r1200gs-oil-change-tutorial.htmlAnother link of possible interest - Jim van Baden - I've purchased his maintenance DVD and used it to service my R1150GShttp://www.jvbproductions.comAnother one from JvB on ADV - Throttle Body Synch for an R1200GShttp://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231335Anyone else like me - spend time on UKGSER and Adventure Rider .com - just curious since so few of us communicate on here - talking about Register members
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