BMW 850R Roadster

[Anonymous]

#1561

Hi
I am thinking of buying an 850R to replace my aging Honda CB750
I have test ridden it and love the low down torque and braking power.
Does anyone have any comments on reliability, spare parts availability and
whether any DIY servicing is possible./
Thanks

[Dave Ross]

#5545

A lot of people rate the 850 engine over the 1150. It is supposed to be smoother, the difference in power is marginal in the real world. DIY servicing is easy on the boxer engine. Keep an eye out for leaky shaft drives.
You will find the bike reliable, but that will also depend on its history.

[Anonymous]

#5546

I dont think I will need to worry about history as I am considering
a new one at the sale price of $17,000. The only drawback I see
is that the current model no longer has stainless pipes.

[Dave Ross]

#5547

Are the headers stainless steel? I am sure they’ll give you many years of service, but it will also provide you with the excuse to fit some Neptune pipes in the future.

[Anonymous]

#5548

Hi the headers are chrome as well as the exhaust. I think it was a 2003
model that I test rode with stainless exhausts and the model on sale now I think was manufactured in 2004. My impression from my test rides were
that it reminded me of my old 1979 Honda XL500 torque wise with having
the open road stability of my Honda CB750. I had a second test ride for
the purpose of seeing whether I could manage the indicator switches.

[David]

#5549

On my first ride with BMW indicators the only switch I needed to think about was in my head. I had no problem. Now, nearly a year later, I occassionally ‘toot’ at my friends when cancelling the left indicator 🙂

[Dave Morris]

#5550

Kokopelli wrote:

A lot of people rate the 850 engine over the 1150. It is supposed to be smoother, the difference in power is marginal in the real world. DIY servicing is easy on the boxer engine. Keep an eye out for leaky shaft drives.
You will find the bike reliable, but that will also depend on its history.

I agree 102% with koko the clown. Now a member sue wilkens in Wellington has one for sale that is immaculate

[Author]

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