BMW and Hardleys - Page 3

JerryH · 01-08-2013, 09:58 PM

Harleys and BMWs have their issues. BMWs used to be high quality but no more. Harley's quality has improved considerably, but is still not perfect. They did make some major improvements, but took a step back with that chain driven twin cam set up (what advantage does 2 cams have over 1 in a cruiser motor?) Except for Sportsters, Harleys still have, and hopefully always will have, a separate engine and transmission. It's a big part of what makes them Harleys. It also makes it a lot easier to fix engine or transmission problems, because you don't have to tear them both apart. And it has been proven to work for over 100 years.

As for comfort, that is a whole nother can of worms. I would also find a Harley more comfortable, BMW just can't seem to get rid of those damn low bars and rearset pegs. Except for the R1200C. Looks are subjective, I won't even comment on it. I buy bikes to ride not look at. And the R1200C was the only comfortable bike BMW ever made.

ka5ysy · 01-09-2013, 06:26 AM

scrannel · 01-09-2013, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryH

Harleys and BMWs have their issues. BMWs used to be high quality but no more. Harley's quality has improved considerably, but is still not perfect. They did make some major improvements, but took a step back with that chain driven twin cam set up (what advantage does 2 cams have over 1 in a cruiser motor?) Except for Sportsters, Harleys still have, and hopefully always will have, a separate engine and transmission. It's a big part of what makes them Harleys. It also makes it a lot easier to fix engine or transmission problems, because you don't have to tear them both apart. And it has been proven to work for over 100 years.

As for comfort, that is a whole nother can of worms. I would also find a Harley more comfortable, BMW just can't seem to get rid of those damn low bars and rearset pegs. Except for the R1200C. Looks are subjective, I won't even comment on it. I buy bikes to ride not look at. And the R1200C was the only comfortable bike BMW ever made.

I used to do all my own work on my sportsters and honestly did not find pulling the tranny or whatever to be that big a deal. Easy bike to work on. Although they were pretty bullet-proof. And the riding positions you describe? Exactly why I find the BMW generally MORE comfortable than the HD. Look, we all fit things differently. As far as reliability, I personally haven't had a single serious issue with either make; but my luck's bound to change.

ChemEng · 01-09-2013, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwood7800

I had a great friend who got old and his legs went hobbit on him

I have no idea what this means, but goodness did it make me laugh.

996DL · 01-09-2013, 08:37 AM

Best Jo momma thread yet and I only own half a Harley.

996DL

Colemanfu · 01-09-2013, 06:14 PM

How bout 1/2 a BMW.

DAKEZ · 01-09-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colemanfu

How bout 1/2 a BMW.

DAKEZ · 01-09-2013, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryH

Harleys and BMWs have their issues. BMWs used to be high quality but no more. Harley's quality has improved considerably, but is still not perfect. They did make some major improvements, but took a step back with that chain driven twin cam set up (what advantage does 2 cams have over 1 in a cruiser motor?) Except for Sportsters, Harleys still have, and hopefully always will have, a separate engine and transmission. It's a big part of what makes them Harleys. It also makes it a lot easier to fix engine or transmission problems, because you don't have to tear them both apart. And it has been proven to work for over 100 years.

As for comfort, that is a whole nother can of worms. I would also find a Harley more comfortable, BMW just can't seem to get rid of those damn low bars and rearset pegs. Except for the R1200C. Looks are subjective, I won't even comment on it. I buy bikes to ride not look at. And the R1200C was the only comfortable bike BMW ever made.

You don't even know a standard from a feet forward bike there Jerry so you commenting on comfort is laughable. The R1200C with its mid controls is the most uncomfortable BMW I have ever ridden (I've owned 6- 2 of them "C's)
The only saving grace of the C's was the engine guard to throw your legs up on and the fact that some of them had the flip-up lumbar support.

An upright (standard) riding position is better for long days in the saddle for most people... Unless they have knee issues, then a feet forward with lumbar support is generally preferred.

Mountain Cruiser · 01-10-2013, 12:01 AM

Any of the Harley Touring bikes would be more comfortable and have hell of a lot more character than some bland BMW...

pmelby · 01-10-2013, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricemannv

Any of the Harley Touring bikes would be more comfortable and have hell of a lot more character than some bland BMW...

This is my kind of bland, not bad for comfort either:

This was my kind of bland, not quite as comfortable:

cheers,
melby

anotherguy · 01-10-2013, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmelby

This is my kind of bland, not bad for comfort either:

This was my kind of bland, not quite as comfortable:

cheers,
melby

Yet according to your sig you own neither.

TT RDHS · 01-10-2013, 06:18 AM

I don't own either one of those (either), but I'd love to.
They're Blandtacular!

I mean, great!

woodnbow · 01-10-2013, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anotherguy

Yet according to your sig you own neither.

He doesn't need a bike like that, West Central MN has no curves and very few hills

Rapid_Roy · 01-10-2013, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricemannv

Any of the Harley Touring bikes would be more comfortable and have hell of a lot more character than some bland BMW...

Comfortable is relative.

Bland my ass.

scrannel · 01-10-2013, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricemannv

Any of the Harley Touring bikes would be more comfortable and have hell of a lot more character than some bland BMW...

Ridden a K1200R/K1300R lately? I like HDs but to me -- along with Goldwings -- they are the ultimate bland-o-matics. The Goldwing feels like an appliance; the HD like an appliance... that's busted.

01-08-2013, 09:58 PM	#31
JerryH Vintage Rider Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Oddometer: 1,670	Harleys and BMWs have their issues. BMWs used to be high quality but no more. Harley's quality has improved considerably, but is still not perfect. They did make some major improvements, but took a step back with that chain driven twin cam set up (what advantage does 2 cams have over 1 in a cruiser motor?) Except for Sportsters, Harleys still have, and hopefully always will have, a separate engine and transmission. It's a big part of what makes them Harleys. It also makes it a lot easier to fix engine or transmission problems, because you don't have to tear them both apart. And it has been proven to work for over 100 years. As for comfort, that is a whole nother can of worms. I would also find a Harley more comfortable, BMW just can't seem to get rid of those damn low bars and rearset pegs. Except for the R1200C. Looks are subjective, I won't even comment on it. I buy bikes to ride not look at. And the R1200C was the only comfortable bike BMW ever made. __________________ "I refuse to give up the thrill of living for the relative safety of existing" Nick Ienatsch "Life is not a race. Don't treat it as such. If you don't believe me, just have a look at the finish line"

01-09-2013, 06:26 AM	#32
ka5ysy Doug Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Prairieville LA Oddometer: 750	__________________ Doug, KA5YSY 2011 R1200RT MSF/RidersEdge #127350, NAUI #36288

01-09-2013, 06:14 PM	#36
Colemanfu King of all manfu Joined: Jan 2006 Location: DAYTONA USA Oddometer: 2,689	How bout 1/2 a BMW. __________________ Guns keep society safe.

01-10-2013, 06:18 AM	#42
TT RDHS Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Oddometer: 447	I don't own either one of those (either), but I'd love to. They're Blandtacular! I mean, great! __________________ It's not how fast you get there... It's how fast you go, getting there. and... it's pronounced - "T T Roadhouse"

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01-09-2013, 08:37 AM	#35
996DL Buell me Joined: Aug 2006 Location: too far from the Rockies... Oddometer: 2,020	Best Jo momma thread yet and I only own half a Harley. 996DL

01-10-2013, 12:01 AM	#39
Mountain Cruiser Pull My Finger... Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Just Pass'n Through.... Oddometer: 1,180	Any of the Harley Touring bikes would be more comfortable and have hell of a lot more character than some bland BMW...