getting back into it…

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#1903

Hi allAfter many years off a bike and after lusting after a BMW for ages its now time to buy and ride. Living in Auckland and wanting a bike that we (partner and myself) can do weekend trips on (camping is the only way), once a week rides to work,  and the occasional trip back home to the mighty South Island.Need some advice please. Not a boy racer, like some comfort, value low vibration and protection from the elements but not a monster cruiser. Have been looking at various models on Trademe  800 to 1000cc with some of the imports appearing to be great value but have no idea regarding lemons and dogs. Seems that the age I can afford is around mid 80's which seems to be bloody old for a bike but they are "low mileage".Is winding of the clocks a problem? Any decent retailers around that you can trust?Cheers and thanks for any advice

[Dave Ross]

#6904

Welcome to the forum. I have no idea what your price range is, but I would suggest that you have a look at the 650 Funduro. The engine is virtually bullet proof and the performance is slightly better than the 800cc bikes from the mid 80's. If you are after a boxer you would be looking at around $5000 for a servicable bike. They need more service, but you could do that yourself. May I suggest that you come to the next Register meeting in Penrose and introduce yourself. You will get to meet a number of knowledgable people who shoulf be able to help you. My R80GS Basic from 1996 shows 4800km (104800). The only clockwinding you'll usually see is when the counter ticks over to 000000. A sign that the bike has been used the way it should have been :-). I hope this helps a little bit, but I am sure you'll here from other people as well.

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#6905

Thanks for the advice,  Sorry I didn't put some dollars in (duh) but I guess between 5 and 8k would be the range.Cheers

[Dave Ross]

#6906

I've just had a look on trademe and it looks like you should be able to get a good bike in this price range. I've noticed an R1100GS and an R850R, both great bikes for your intended purpose. Of course if you are interested in K bikes it opens your choices right up. Experience Motorcycles is pretty good. They back up their bikes and give good service, but this is of course reflected in the margins. You would need to try out a few bikes to get the feel for what you want. Cheers,Alex

[2bjr]

#6907

Yes, and most important is that the lady likes it and sit comfortable on the bike. 🙄 Other wise it does not matter what you buy anyway. 😀

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#6908

Thanks for the advice. Have seen the GS and it's a bit different from what I am used to. Understand that they handle very well and are good all round bikes. Interested on any comments on the Pillion comfort.K models also look nice bikes for long trips, wonder if they are a bit of an effort around town tho?Having fun looking through Trade-me and resisting the temptation to jump in and bid !CheersStu

[Dave Ross]

#6909

I love my GS. The 1998 model is the one to get, it has all the upgrades as it is the last of the 1100 models. They also have a lower first gear and are very difficult to stall. Pillion comfort is excellent, have you seen the size of that pillion seat? However, if it is still on its original suspension you'll need to allow some money for that(I've just replaced my shocks this afternoon @ 54000km). Dealer service is expensive, but there is nothing difficult about these bikes. K bikes are good touring bikes, but not as flickable as the GS. The old K bikes are virtually bullet proof, but so is the oilhead engine. You'll really need to ride some bikes before pulling the trigger. Cheers,Alex

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#6910

Hi an updateHave taken a K75s ('93, 85k) for a spin for an hour today and liked it a lot. Suits my needs and it is prettier than the GS (sorry :-). Good start point and I can trade up later if I need more (don't we always)Comes with top and side panniers and just been serviced.They want $7,500 for it which is, as you suggested, the premium for a warranty and some redress.They are lending it to me for Waitangi day for a good blat with the missus so will see how that goes... Must say that I am a bit more confident buying from a dealer even tho' it will cost me more.Cheers again

[Dave Ross]

#6911

That K75S is an excellent bike, 20000ks of those are mine. The suspension is near new and top of the line. Enjoy the ride, make sure you'll take it above 6000 revs a couple of times. There is plenty of life up there.

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#6912

Ha ha What a classic small world story... great bike, thanks for looking after him so well. Will do my best to do the same until the next rider takes over 😀No doubt you will recognise at the next event although the number plate will be different.Cheers and thanks againStu

[Dave Ross]

#6913

Not sure if Henry told you this, or if it is still there. Have a look inside the left rear indicator. Also be careful that you close the top box lid carefully, it's a real pain in the butt. I've lost stuff out of there in the past. Looking forward to meeting you at the next ride, or at Monday's meeting.Cheers,Alex

[Anonymous]

#6914

Hey guys, don't tantalise! What is/was inside the indicator?

[Dave Ross]

#6915

Well Bwucie, its the old story, if I told you I'd have to kill you and nobody wants that, just because of a spare key.

[Renato Heneine Gualberto]

#6916

Thanks AlexWill check out the indicator... love a wee surprise. Have "rebuilt" the top box latch already so it does close securely but as the thread is a bit stripped out it might be a bit dodgy. Time will tellEnjoyed the charity run on the Sunday. Good to hear tonight that transit is happy for the event to go ahead next year!Gotta get my membership sorted. Will seek you out and say hi 🙂CheersStu

[Jim Young]

#6917

Hi Stu,There is a BMWOR run this Sunday, meeting at BP Papakura (The Autobahn) the service station on the southern motorway at 9am for a 9.30am departure and you are very welcome to join us even though not a member yet.It would be a good chance to meet some of the guys and gals for a ride.I believe it is going round the Coromandel but quite a few of us will be leaving the ride around Thames to go to the Paeroa street races and you are also welcome to join us there.Hope to see you Sunday.RegardsJim

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