Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 18 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannatravel View Post
I own 2 beemers, and have never been to a dealer since I've owned them. (though mine are older, '97&'96 models) $1000 service? Certainly possible. But what do they do for that kind of money? Oil and fluid change, valve adj.? (Recalls should be free?) Might cost all of $30 if diy. Easy to do as well, IMHO. Even changing out big $$ items like final drive bearing and seals, is realitively simple and not expensive, (did mine @ 85000 miles as preventive main., and cost me all of $110, and a couple of hrs) I keep reading about how 'expensive beemers are' but I personally have yet to see it. I also own a Kawi, and many parts are just as much, or more. Just sayin'.
Disclaimer: IMHO
Yup... DIY is definately the way to go.

How much does a BMW charge for labour ? About £70-80 per hour if I remember correctly.. Independent franchise dealer about £55 an hour and your honest back street bike shop (who are often far far superior) about £35-£40.

And yeah you're right. All the manufacturers have your pants down on the cost of spares. The average dealer makes 30% on them alone.

Although, if you want to do anything but an oil change on a newer BMW, you might end up needing quite a lot of specialist equipment and know how..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 1 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 21
Look, I have a '07 GSA with 50.000km on it, I had a 800GS that I sold after a year... I have still a bunch of other bikes as well and NONE I kept as long as my GSA. I like to switch bikes every now and then (read: almost every year) I just love her (I'm a guy, so my bike is a she...), made some esthetical modifications (Touratech and Wunderlich parts) and just can't get rid of her.

The high prices of maintenance? WTF? I mean, She always go to the BMW dealer here, last time the 50k i paid 200 and something € for the 10k maintenance... But then I indeed paid almost 600€ for the 40k, but everything was checked, changed and so on... Don't forget that she has to get her maintenance only every 10.000km or once a year, my other bikes need more maintenance, but in the end you pay nearly the same for a Jap or the BMW.

I had Ducati, Honda, ... and in the end, riding a GOOD bike, does cost a bit of money, but she has NEVER EVER let me down, and I would by a 1200 GSA again in a heartbeat!

If you want, you can always mail me for more info, pictures or whatever concerning the 1200GSA!

Seb@fotografix.be
__________________
www.wanderingsouls.be
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 1 Aug 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by 00-SEB-00 View Post
, last time the 50k i paid 200 and something € for the 10k maintenance... But then I indeed paid almost 600€ for the 40k, but everything was checked, changed and so on... Don't forget that she has to get her maintenance only every 10.000km or once a year, my other bikes need more maintenance, but in the end you pay nearly the same for a Jap or the BMW.


Seb@fotografix.be
And you think that is cheap ??? If you do, I need your bank balance my friend.

I don't think the difference is in the origin of manufacture, but the amount of lubrication they give you when they bend you over the till. BMW are INFAMOUS for their high servicing and parts prices and don't supply as much KY jelly as other dealers.

You need to buy a manual and a tool kit mate.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 21
Hi Ted,

I never said it was cheap, I just said that in my opinion it's not worse than any other brand... big difference!

The 600€ was a big slap, that's true, but then again, When I bought the beemer and the first winter came, there was a small crack in the windshield at the bolt that keeps it in place, it was only like a few mm... but I wasn't pleased with it (although I rode in -8°C and 20cm of snow) and went back to the dealer, they changed the screen without any charge whatsoever... when I have a small problem, go to the dealer and they fix it for free... I mean, I just can't say anything bad for BMW dealer here... but yes, I will also fix things myself, but on the big beemer, not so happy on doing it, on all the other bikes, I do...

Just a matter of perspective etc, BMW isn't cheap, but then when I go to my car dealer to change something, I even spend more... pffff.....!!!!
__________________
www.wanderingsouls.be
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 4 Aug 2011
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Just as a bit of balance - the parts for my Yamaha XT600E (which I erroneously assumed would be peanuts given its agricultural simplicity) are EYE-WATERINGLY expensive. I don't even want to think about what I recently paid for replacement plastics. And the money for tiny wee bushes in the rear suspension linkage...

...sorry, I'm going to have to and lie down...

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 4 Aug 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
Just as a bit of balance - the parts for my Yamaha XT600E (which I erroneously assumed would be peanuts given its agricultural simplicity) are EYE-WATERINGLY expensive. I don't even want to think about what I recently paid for replacement plastics. And the money for tiny wee bushes in the rear suspension linkage...

...sorry, I'm going to have to and lie down...

TUT TUT if you bought genuine parts Matt... The great thing about the XT is that there isn't much that you can't buy off a multitude of shelves.

'ALL BALLS' make bearing sets. You could of done all of your linkage for around £25 inc seals etc.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 10 Aug 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
I certainly wouldn't worry about Ted's constant bleating against BMW's. He's like a broken record round here, and I really have no idea why, since he's never owned one.

I've had two, and my F800GS is the best bike I ever owned for the type of riding that I do. I also have a couple of Honda's and a Yamaha, and they all get home serviced. If you go to ANY main dealer these days they are going to charge you a fortune, it's the nature of the business these days - very little profit is made at the point of sale, but it is clawed back through parts and servicing.

Everyone has their own idea of what is acceptable, so it's really up to you to test ride, and buy if you like the bike. I found the 1200GS too big and heavy for my needs...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:38.