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I am glad you were not hurt too badly.
I spent Saturday trying out my new SV650 track bike at Summit Point Motorsports park. It is a whole new ballgame when you only have 73HP instead of the 140HP my R1 has. Nothing like having the throttle wide open with your knee down.
Thinking about buying a project. Guy I know in FL has 2 BMWs for sale. 1 is a 1980 R65 that I should be able to pick up for pretty cheap, but, it hasn't been run in nearly 30 yrs. Will need a pretty full mechanical go-through, but is cosmetically in good shape.
He's also got a K75S, that I'd really like to grab, but not really in the budget right now. It pretty much only needs a simple tune up & fluids flushed, maybe a fuel pump.
Having the Indian in the garage, I'd still be able to ride (until my F-I-L) takes it home when they get moved to TX, while the R is torn down.
Thinking about buying a project. Guy I know in FL has 2 BMWs for sale. 1 is a 1980 R65 that I should be able to pick up for pretty cheap, but, it hasn't been run in nearly 30 yrs. Will need a pretty full mechanical go-through, but is cosmetically in good shape.
I had one that I sent to Europe for my Alps tours there. 45 HP at sea level, lets not talk about what that was at 9000+ feet. You need to rev it and the R45 and R65 have the same crank and different from the other models.
I think they still used steel cylinder liners, so watch out for rust. I can't remember when they switched to treated all aluminum cylinders (Nikasil, etc).
Anyone have any experience with Husqvarna?
Saw they recently came out with a couple street bikes. 2 displacements, 2 trims (Svartpilen/Vitpilen, 401/701). Super minimalist, but the reviews online seem quite positive.
Supposed to ride on the same platform as the KTM Duke bikes, but in a different body, and built in Austria instead of India.
Have been considering a BMW G310R since my FL guy sold his K75.
Reviews I've read make the 401 seem more capable all-round over the BMW. More power/tqe, lower cruise RPM.
The 2 trims are pretty much the same, apart from a few body panel differences & the handlebars (Vitpilen uses clip-on style, Svartpilen is more of an 'off-road' Scrambler style).
I haven't read many reviews on them, but I love the way the Vitpilen 701 looks. It's a bit pricey though IMO. But, it makes decent power (74hp) and is lightweight. I wonder how comfortable the single cylinder is to live with compared to a twin or i4.
From what I've read, the 701 has a really well balanced engine (dual counterbalanced). Sub-400 lbs wet (something like 330lbs on the 401 & 370 for the 701).
The Vitpilen looks good, but probably a bit too laid down for a commuter. The slightly more upright stance on the Svartpilen looks a bit more appealing to me.
I happened upon them browsing on Craigslist at a local dealer & did a bit of research, as I didn't know Husky made anything outside of power tools & dirtbikes; though I think they're separate companies now with the bike division being owned by KTM..
The 701s seems a bit high priced, compared to what most would cross-shop against them.
The 401 is more reasonable & in-line with other low displacement entry-level bikes.
I didn't know Husky made anything outside of power tools & dirtbikes; though I think they're separate companies now with the bike division being owned by KTM.
Well they have been around for about 100 years.
They use "choice" components and look well built and priced accordingly. Similar to KTM; I always wanted a KTM but the oak plank seats would not have me riding any big miles per day. Plus the gas tanks are small.
Those bikes are niche style bikes. I can't see going anywhere with them. What is your purpose of owning one?
For me, primary use would be commuting on days I don't need the car & with nice weather.
My in-laws are moving here at the end of the month & my father-in-law has 2 v-twin cruisers (Indian Scout & Victory Cross Country).
My dad has a Kawasaki Vulcan S.
So in time, could see some 'group' rides with the 3 of us (4 when/if my brother-in-law gets his MC endorsement).
The 401 has a 2.5gal tank, at an est 58mpg (fuelly users) gives at least 100 miles range.
The G310R I'd considered has a similarly sized tank & economy, so I'd be in a similar state with it as well.
For me, primary use would be commuting on days I don't need the car & with nice weather.
My in-laws are moving here at the end of the month & my father-in-law has 2 v-twin cruisers (Indian Scout & Victory Cross Country).
My dad has a Kawasaki Vulcan S.
So in time, could see some 'group' rides with the 3 of us (4 when/if my brother-in-law gets his MC endorsement).
The 401 has a 2.5gal tank, at an est 58mpg (fuelly users) gives at least 100 miles range.
The G310R I'd considered has a similarly sized tank & economy, so I'd be in a similar state with it as well.
Edit: Also, the above mentioned Indian Scout lives in my garage currently, so not in a rush.
I browse CL on occasion looking for a steal, but the days of cheap throwaway bikes seem to be limited. The only cheap bikes are no-title, not running, or in need of major TLC. And even then, they want 500-1000 for them.
Uhm… "little" isn't how I'd describe a Busa My friend has one. Comfortable and fast! Nice that you're able to ride it so much. I hadn't put 25K miles on my bike in 3 years.
Uhm… "little" isn't how I'd describe a Busa My friend has one. Comfortable and fast! Nice that you're able to ride it so much. I hadn't put 25K miles on my bike in 3 years.
They are very comfortable for a sport bike. Most people dont see comfort and sportbike in the same package.
I am actually putting more miles on my track bikes than my street bike these days. Most of that is going on the SV650, not the R1. More power doesn't always equal more fun. Throttle pinned with a knee on the deck is where it is at and when I make a pass on the SV, I know it was me not the bike.
They look incredibly fun. If I could find one cheap I'd definitely use it as a run about.
How is it on the highway?
well, they aren't supposed to be on the highway according to california DMV. anything under 150cc isn't recommended i think, and it wouldn't be a good idea because everyone here drives at least 80 on the freeway, and the grom has a max speed around 55 mph lol.
Regardless, they are SUPERRRR fun around town. i'm not complaining about the 100+ mpg either, so it's worth the smaller size
BMW have been quietly working on an electric motorcycle project for the last two years. The result is this: the E-Power Roadster Concept – a sort of halfway point between the DC Roadster concept we saw earlier this year and the eventual production electric bike we’ll see in the near future.
However, it bears little resemblance to the DC; instead it looks like a parts bin special – which isn’t surprising, because that’s exactly what it is.
The front-end has come from an S1000R, while the rear drive is from an R1200RS. The frame has been custom-made, while the drive train is borrowed from BMW’s car division: the battery pack comes from a 2-series plug-in hybrid while the motor is from a China-only long wheelbase 7-series
It might be a bit of an ugly duckling but the result is a bike that weighs 290kg, which isn’t all that bad for a prototype electric machine (a Zero SR/F weighs a genuine 228kg) that’s got all the usual road going safety gear. With a bit more time, BMW say they could easily lop 30kg off it.
The battery itself, which is encased in that whopping great metal box, has a nominal capacity of 13kW and it’s paired with BMW’s inline drive motor (to create their signature shaft drive, naturally).
Torque is a whopping 147.5ftlb, although once it’s gone through the single-speed step-down gearbox, BMW say it has an effective torque of 1106ftlb (yes, really). Even with its whopping weight, that’s enough oomph to give it a 0-60mph time of 2.9s – 0.2 slower than the S1000RR
As ever with electric bikes, the biggest sticking point is charging the battery. The Roadster is capable of DC fast-charging, hence the name, which will fill it pretty much to the brim in just under an hour. The limit to this is heat (once the battery gets above 40°C charging slows right down) and BMW are working on an improved cooling system to get around this.
Their goal for production is to achieve 3.7 miles of charge per minute, so a 30-minute stop would put 111 miles’ worth of electricity into the tank.
As a proof of concept – to show just how much zing you can pack into some zinc – the E-Power Roadster is impressive. But it is just a concept and by the time the next evolution of this goes on sale, we’ll all be another few thousand miles down the electric highway of the future
With one clutchless flick of the wrist, the E-Power roadster shoves its back tyre into the ground and hurls you forward with an almighty hum.
0 becomes 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80... As proof of just how nifty this thing is, BMW put one of their test riders on an S1000R – no slouch itself with 162bhp on tap. But even the pro, saving absolutely no horses or clutch plates, couldn’t even come close to keeping muster with the relentless electric drive of the E-Power Roadster.
Within moments he is behind and by the end of the drag strip, even after hitting the roadster’s 100mph limiter, the bike is a speck in the rearview mirror
"We’re really happy with what we have achieved with the ‘C evolution’ (big scooter), but it is a solution for urban transport," said Head of BMW Motorrad, Christoph Lischka. "This E-Power Roadster is a sporty bike for someone who wants to ride in the mountains and really enjoy the ride.
"For this person the bike needs to have 200km (124 miles) of range, so we won’t be releasing a bike like this until it’s capable of 200km-300km of real riding. Right now the market and the infrastructure to support such a machine isn’t ready.
"We do not want to be like Tesla, installing fast-chargers everywhere – these cost around €110,000 each. At BMW we need to earn money, not burn money."
Have seen a few motorcycle YT channels do a recent video on how Loud Pipes =/= Save Lives. But, I get that you can give an aggressive clutch+rev to get some attention.
In a sense, I get where they're coming from, on the highway, you don't really hear a motorcycle until they're right on you (if behind), as long as they're not redlining the bike.
Also, does it produce no sound? If people thought it was hard enough to see/spot bikers, now you won't hear them come!
The riders that push Loud Pipes Saves Lives use that lame excuse to make noise in their desperate attempt for attention.
While on vacation, I was walking the beach and a bunch of F18s flew by. I never heard them till they were past me, so forget about getting the camera out. Same for bikes and I've been riding for 45+ years accident free.
^ True, attended Wings Over Houston this year & they did a F35 demo. Coming in hot & you didn't really hear it until it was right on top of you. Same with the Thuderbirds' F16s.
EV vehicles are popular because they are supposed to be Green. Or at least the majority of owners I have spoken to in parking lots tell me. Well that depends HOW the electricity is produced.
Personally, I don't care simply because EVs do not have the range I get in my gas vehicles, and if they did, they could not be fully charged to the 100% level in 5 minutes.
Then you have the manufacturer's advertising 0 - 60 times. That is supposed to be "GREEN"??? LOL
^ True, attended Wings Over Houston this year & they did a F35 demo. Coming in hot & you didn't really hear it until it was right on top of you. Same with the Thuderbirds' F16s.
I've spent many years at the EAA in Oshkosh, WI. Very true about the jets.
Recently, BMW Motorrad seemed to be on a roll with its electric motorcycle options. The company’s Vision DC Roadster is seeing its fair share of press. Not only has BMW’s electric powerplant been news, but the company’s use of carbon fiber frame components have also been featured widely.
To top that off, BMW recently filed a patent application for wireless charging of motorcycles through a bike’s sidestand placed on a charging pad.
So probably no-one would have argued with you that BMW is on the charge with electric motorcycle technology. Until that is, BMW Motorrad CEO Dr. Markus Schramm threw a heaping bucket of water on the newly started campfire.
Speaking in an article in Cycle News, Schramm said the following:
As the Vision DC Roadster concept shows, we see this as a power portfolio of the future. In the urban environment, it is possible that there will be an electric BMW motorcycle in five years. In the touring, off-road, and sport segments, I am not sure that we will see them.
What about the future of motorcycles? Schram said:
I am convinced that the motorcycle as a product becomes more and more important—not about commuting, but as leisure product. Electric mobility will be important for motorcycles in urban areas within five years.
There you have it. None other than the CEO of BMW Motorrad is on the record that there won’t be a BMW branded electric motorcycle for a few years. And, if BMW does produce an electric motorcycle, it will be as an urban commuter, not a leisure product.
I guess that we can now say that BMW’s CEO is committed to internal combustion engines at least in the near term. And, that BMW’s electric motorcycle future is focused on the urban environment.
Until battery technology takes a GIANT leap, I have no use for EV in 2 or 4 wheeled vehicles. They might be great around the city, but that is not how I use my vehicles.
Relatively new rider (since 2011), My first bikes were a 97 Suzuki GSXF 600 and a 96 Honda CBR 600. I currently ride a 09 Kawaski ER6n and 2 Yamaha Zuma 125's (one stock, the other modified).
Brand new 2018 Aprilia RSV4RR that I got for the steal of the century! My local dealer only had 2019's in stock and wasn't willing to budge on price at the time so I asked him if he could find a leftover 2018 model for a discount and he said he could. Two weeks later I wrote him a check for $15,400 and picked up my brand new Italian Superbike! This thing is mental! It has 201 hp and weighs around 450 lbs fully fueled! Its also got all of the features you expect in a European Superbike, such as 8-stage TC, Wheelie Control, Slide Control, adjustable ABS, Launch Control, three different rider modes (Sport, Track, Race), Cruise Control, Pit Lane Limiter, 4" TFT gauge cluster with throttle/brake/lean sensors, etc! The biggest selling point for me was that 999cc V4 engine that makes a rumbling howl sort of noise that you don't just hear, you actually feel it in your chest! If you've never seen an Aprilia in the wild I wouldn't be surprised; this is one of the most rare sport bikes in the US and I have yet to come across another one in any of my rides thus far. Luckily I happen to live within 1 hour of the ONLY Aprilia dealer in my state but the fact remains that this is a very exclusive bike.
Just took her in to the shop today to finally get the first service done and get some after market pieces installed on the bike. Replaced the stock levers with a set of CRG standard length levers (black with red adjusters), a MotoDynamic fender eliminator kit, as well as a Competition Werkes integrated rear tail light. Now I can finally rev the bike out to its 14.5k rpm red line and look like a boss while doing it!!!
I'm still getting mileage on the Indian, plans are to buy it off my father-in-law at some point. Til then, I'll keep motoring around on it, as long as it's living in my garage.
A touring version of the BMW R18 cruiser has been spotted by spy photographers, sporting a fork-mounted windscreen and leather saddlebags. A potential competitor to the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic, this touring model joins the cruiser and fairing-mounted bagger versions we uncovered in design filings in late February.
The model in the spy photos verifies a lot of the details we saw in the design filings for the cruiser version. The chassis, fork, fuel tank, fender, seat and single circular instrument nacelle appear to match what we saw in the cruiser. The test bike’s exhaust matches the designs from the bagger’s slash-cut exhaust instead of the cruiser’s bulbous fin-tipped silencers, but the tourer is otherwise identical with the addition of the bags, windscreen and additional lighting.
The spied model also has the cruiser’s smaller fuel tank rather than the larger tank on the bagger. The bagger designs also show a thicker one-piece saddle and hard cases while the model in the photos is has the cruiser’s smaller seat and leather-wrapped bags.The 1802cc Boxer stands out against the otherwise black model in the photographs. We do wonder how warm those giant air-cooled jugs can get, and the rider’s feet appear to get awfully close to the cylinder heads.
The fuel tank emblem on the test bike is covered up, but we do see “R18” embossed on the panel behind the rider’s calf, suggesting BMW’s new cruisers will go stick with that name rather than a R1800 nomenclature.
BMW says it will debut the production version of the R18 cruiser on April 3, though it’s unclear whether the two touring versions will be revealed at the same time.
My friend has one. Comfortable and fast! Nice that you're able to ride it so much. I hadn't put 25K miles on my bike in 3 years.
Very nice!
