Motorcycle Show in Long Beach

[Dave]

It is a tough call to buy a new bike when the old one is running just fine.

For me, especially with a car, I get bored with it and want something new after about 4 or 5 years.

BMWs are great bikes. The only problem I see with them is if you need access to a dealer, there are not that many around. Also, without a right leg, I need something with a floorboard type brake pedal. If it weren't for that problem, I'd be on a GL1800 Goldwing.

[Idaho]

My best friend traded in his bike a few years ago for a used BMW. He really liked that bike until something went wrong. Generator I think. No dealer near him so he took the bike to another MC dealer who told him they could repair it. They tore the bike down and then could not figure out how to get it back together. Took them over three months to sort it out. The dealer lost tons of money on the repair because they could not charge him for their incompetance. That was fair. After that he traded the bike for a Kawi Concourse and really liked that bike.
It pays to own a bike with a dealer fairly close.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by Dave

Also, without a right leg, I need something with a floorboard type brake pedal. If it weren't for that problem, I'd be on a GL1800 Goldwing.

Don't let Dave pull your sympathy chain. He's only missing his right foot above the ankle!

Jeez..... what he won't do to get free beer and a meal!!

[dank]

Boy, I'm glad I didn't go to that show. Sounds like an epidemic outbreak of a very virulent strain of new motorcycle fever. Indeed there are a lot of great bikes out there, but mine has one feature none of the new ones have...........It's paid off.

I think I'll stay away from the shows.

[ponch]

You can add floorboards to the RT and the LT, BUT, I will also say that the RT has partial integral brakes. When you squeeze the front lever, it actuates both front and rear.

As far as dealer networks go, yeah, it's a problem for some. There aren't a lot of them, although more than some other European bikes like MG and Ducati. All I can say is, it's probably a good idea when planning for a trip, to know the location of dealers along the way. In fact, if you buy a BMW nav system (which is OEM Garmin Zumo), it comes with the dealers in it. I could add that myself... Like I said, the cheapest thing on the BMW is the rider. Amen.

Originally Posted by Dave

It is a tough call to buy a new bike when the old one is running just fine.

For me, especially with a car, I get bored with it and want something new after about 4 or 5 years.

BMWs are great bikes. The only problem I see with them is if you need access to a dealer, there are not that many around. Also, without a right leg, I need something with a floorboard type brake pedal. If it weren't for that problem, I'd be on a GL1800 Goldwing.

[ponch]

That's crazy stuff Bud. It would have been better just to have it shipped to a dealer or back home.

I know BMW is looking for people to start dealerships for them, but from what I understand, the requirements are pretty stiff and they are sticklers for training. Parts, sales, mechanics etc. I don't know what the other marques are like, and while you can make a small fortune as a dealer, it usually takes a big one to get started. :)

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

My best friend traded in his bike a few years ago for a used BMW. He really liked that bike until something went wrong. Generator I think. No dealer near him so he took the bike to another MC dealer who told him they could repair it. They tore the bike down and then could not figure out how to get it back together. Took them over three months to sort it out. The dealer lost tons of money on the repair because they could not charge him for their incompetance. That was fair. After that he traded the bike for a Kawi Concourse and really liked that bike.
It pays to own a bike with a dealer fairly close.

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

Don't let Dave pull your sympathy chain. He's only missing his right foot above the ankle!

Hmmm, I looked it up in Wikipedia and, sure enough, feet are generally below the ankle.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by bobhamlin

Hmmm, I looked it up in Wikipedia and, sure enough, feet are generally below the ankle.

Depends where they are stuck.

[tomk]

Isn't this great guys? I wish you guys were there!

I was actually paid by Brad to say crappy things about BMWs. LOL!

[ponch]

Originally Posted by tomk

Isn't this great guys? I wish you guys were there!

I was actually paid by Brad to say crappy things about BMWs. LOL!

You must work cheap then.

[Dave]

Geez Ponch,

BMW must make the strongest Kool-Aid around.

[tomk]

What? Now you have a problem with me?

Get a life man. Its not all about you and BMWs.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Dave

Geez Ponch,

BMW must make the strongest Kool-Aid around.

I really don't know where this is coming from as the issue was settled between Greg and I and really anyone else. At this point you are out of sync with things.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by tomk

What? Now you have a problem with me?

Get a life man. Its not all about you and BMWs.

It's my dry sense of humor. I don't have a problem. You said he paid you to say that stuff and I said you work cheap. Seems to me some people are looking for trouble and it ain't me.

[tomk]

Originally Posted by ponch

It's my dry sense of humor. I don't have a problem. You said he paid you to say that stuff and I said you work cheap. Seems to me some people are looking for trouble and it ain't me.

OK, look at the postings.

I'm looking for trouble? Hey, you got the "BMW" you're always bragging about, not me! You're causing a lot of hate on this thread and I'm not interested. You direct something at me, you better back it up man!

Oh, and BTW how much you make? You really want to go down this road?

TomK