Rethinking preconceived notions...BMW F 750 GS

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ballisticexchris

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Well that settles it for me. I'll continue to suffer without them. One thing I have personal experience with is how expensive tip overs can be on these beasts. The last one cost me close to 500.00. Broken parts are now good paper weights.
 

EricV

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Many people add crash bars for that very reason. Especially since we have a side mounted radiator that is prone to damage, or having the fan pushed into the radiator, jamming the fan, which promptly burns out once it kicks on. And bonus, with crash bars of some kind you have a spot to mount highway pegs.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Well that settles it for me. I'll continue to suffer without them.
No reason to avoid them. My wife has used this same set of bars since 2012 through ... well... now. They moved from the Gen 1 bike to the Gen 2. They were dropped a fair number of times on the Gen 1. Never any problem.






Of course if you don't want to install them yourself, feel free to purchase this very bike. The pegs come included: https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/2017-super-tenere-es-in-northern-virginia.26741/
 

Dirt_Dad

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Possibly, but the Moto Werk ones would hang down quite a bit, which should give you a viable option on the upper bars.
Eric - I showed the Moto Werk pegs to DM. We even went out and tried to imagine where they would be on the bike and go in a tip over. I think they are a real option. Thanks for passing it along.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Sounds like the "BMW owner experience" they sell along with the motorcycle has not changed much since I had one back in 1990. Take to dealer, dealer screws up multiple items, pay your fee, argue with dealer over multiple items screwed up, ride a couple thousand miles, repeat, repeat forever.
Unfortunately, this seems to be my experience with the selling dealer, and I've only owned the bike about 6 weeks now. I went out there tonight to pick up the check for the amount they over reported to BMW Financial Services as my loan amount. I went there to pick it up because I don't trust their competence to mail it to me.

While driving over to the dealership and talking to DM on the phone I was saying it would be hard to imagine going back. After talking to one of the owners for a while this evening I can't say my assessment has improved. I knew dealing with Romeny was always a pleasure. I'll admit, I forgot just how much of a profound difference it is dealing with anyone else.
 

bmac

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I only owned one BMW, and that was a long time ago. I liked it, but only owned it for 1500 miles because the BMW "experience" where they more or less expect and force you to lierally live at the dealer. This did not work at all for me. Guys that are used to dealer service probably will get along just fine. Made for the higher class riders that don't service anything themself. If you are used to doing, and prefer doing your own work, BMW makes it difficult if not impossible.
I don't know of any BMW owners that "literally" live at the dealer. I am looking forward to meeting some of those guys. I bet they have some good stories.

I'm pretty sure Dirt Dad knew what he was getting into when buying this bike. I really wanted to like the BMW's. The reliability, cost of parts, and crazy expensive dealer only service was a no go for me. OTOH, there are some that have no issue at all with it. Personal choice and if the wife likes it that's a plus as well.
I am not aware of any service requirements that are "dealer only service". Many BMW owners (myself included) perform most or all of their service. Others choose to let the dealer do it. Whatever works.

Unfortunately, this seems to be my experience with the selling dealer, and I've only owned the bike about 6 weeks now. I went out there tonight to pick up the check for the amount they over reported to BMW Financial Services as my loan amount. I went there to pick it up because I don't trust their competence to mail it to me.
After 40+ years of owning mostly Yamaha's and Honda's I currently have 2 BMW's in the garage with my first one purchased 3 years ago. I sold my last Yamaha 8 months ago. To date I have owned 4 BMW's purchased from 4 different dealers (1 in Wisconsin, 2 in Florida, and 1 in New Mexico). My experience with all 4 dealerships has been very positive. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any one of them.

There are good dealers and bad dealers from all brands. I hope you find one that you like.


I still consider myself a Yamaha guy ( I have owned 5 in the last 5 years) and am planning on picking up a 700 Tenere as soon as they become available. But, right now, BMW happens to make the bikes I want to ride the most.
 

Dirt_Dad

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I am not aware of any service requirements that are "dealer only service". Many BMW owners (myself included) perform most or all of their service. Others choose to let the dealer do it. Whatever works.

After 40+ years of owning mostly Yamaha's and Honda's I currently have 2 BMW's in the garage with my first one purchased 3 years ago. I sold my last Yamaha 8 months ago. To date I have owned 4 BMW's purchased from 4 different dealers (1 in Wisconsin, 2 in Florida, and 1 in New Mexico). My experience with all 4 dealerships has been very positive. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any one of them.

There are good dealers and bad dealers from all brands. I hope you find one that you like.
I believe it's not legal in the USA for a manufacturer to require all work to be done at a dealership. I will say BMW is the first manufacturer I've seen that does not publish the oil level requirements for an oil change. At least I couldn't find it in the owners manual. I did see it told me to take the bike to the dealer if the oil level starts getting low on the dip stick for them to adjust the level.

There is another BMW dealer within an hour of my house. We had stopped there when we were shopping and still considering a Multistrada for DM. We had ranked all theirs sales people to be significantly better to deal with compared to the other three dealers we visited that day. We ended up buy at closest dealer because they were the only one to have the bike she wanted in stock. I think well give that other BMW/Ducati/Harley dealer a shot in 6000 miles when the bike is due for it's first valve check.

Nothing has soured us on the actual bike. DM walked out to it the other day, took a look then said, 'I love my bike.' I'd like to think it will serve her well and that attitude will continue.
 

HeliMark

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The only "dealer only service" that I am aware of, is resetting the service light. Of course you can buy a GS-911 online that will allow you to do that yourself, and read a whole bunch of other stuff in the bikes computer.

I enjoyed my BMW, and the dealer was pretty good, but the amount of things that started breaking on mine, conveniently just after the warranty, drove me to sell it.
 

bmac

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I believe it's not legal in the USA for a manufacturer to require all work to be done at a dealership. I will say BMW is the first manufacturer I've seen that does not publish the oil level requirements for an oil change. At least I couldn't find it in the owners manual. I did see it told me to take the bike to the dealer if the oil level starts getting low on the dip stick for them to adjust the level.

There is another BMW dealer within an hour of my house. We had stopped there when we were shopping and still considering a Multistrada for DM. We had ranked all theirs sales people to be significantly better to deal with compared to the other three dealers we visited that day. We ended up buy at closest dealer because they were the only one to have the bike she wanted in stock. I think well give that other BMW/Ducati/Harley dealer a shot in 6000 miles when the bike is due for it's first valve check.

Nothing has soured us on the actual bike. DM walked out to it the other day, took a look then said, 'I love my bike.' I'd like to think it will serve her well and that attitude will continue.
By law, if service is required to be performed by the dealer, it must be provided free of charge.

Great to hear that wife is happy! Not much else really matters.
 

EricV

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@bmac - That was funny. :D If you haven't owned a BMW out of warranty, you haven't completed the experience. Keep enjoying your bikes. :)
 

Cycledude

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Wow congratulations it sounds like maybe you are fortunate enough to buy a new bike almost every year ? Dealers must love you. Most of us simply couldn’t afford that.

I don't know of any BMW owners that "literally" live at the dealer. I am looking forward to meeting some of those guys. I bet they have some good stories.



I am not aware of any service requirements that are "dealer only service". Many BMW owners (myself included) perform most or all of their service. Others choose to let the dealer do it. Whatever works.



After 40+ years of owning mostly Yamaha's and Honda's I currently have 2 BMW's in the garage with my first one purchased 3 years ago. I sold my last Yamaha 8 months ago. To date I have owned 4 BMW's purchased from 4 different dealers (1 in Wisconsin, 2 in Florida, and 1 in New Mexico). My experience with all 4 dealerships has been very positive. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any one of them.

There are good dealers and bad dealers from all brands. I hope you find one that you like.


I still consider myself a Yamaha guy ( I have owned 5 in the last 5 years) and am planning on picking up a 700 Tenere as soon as they become available. But, right now, BMW happens to make the bikes I want to ride the most.
 

bmac

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@bmac - That was funny. :D If you haven't owned a BMW out of warranty, you haven't completed the experience. Keep enjoying your bikes. :)
Why would you assume all 4 BMW's I bought were new??:rolleyes: By your standards, I have completed the experience. Keep enjoying your bliss. :)
 

bmac

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Wow congratulations it sounds like maybe you are fortunate enough to buy a new bike almost every year ? Dealers must love you. Most of us simply couldn’t afford that.
Most everyone finds the money for the things they are passionate about. Anybody that can afford a daily cup of coffee at Starbucks can do what I did.

Used bikes and leftovers are a big part of the equation.
 
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ballisticexchris

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I tend to run my bikes into the ground. I have found out the hard way that most European bikes are simply too expensive for me to maintain. Ironically my Beta has proven to be super reliable. And at the rate I'm riding these days, the Super Tenere is going to last a really long time.

Wow congratulations it sounds like maybe you are fortunate enough to buy a new bike almost every year ? Dealers must love you. Most of us simply couldn’t afford that.
I had a buddy that did that with KTM 300's. He got a new one every year. He removed the OEM plastic and installed cheap aftermarket plastic. No air filter cleaning, trans oil, or maintenance of any kind. Just add premix and ride. He beat the crap out of them and sold them at the end of each year. I felt sorry for the new owners of those bikes.

Why would you assume all 4 BMW's I bought were new??:rolleyes: By your standards, I have completed the experience. Keep enjoying your bliss. :)
Buying a used BMW is a crapshoot. When I was looking for my "adventure bike" I researched cost of parts and every BMW part is 3-5 times the cost of a Japanese counterpart.

Most everyone finds the money for the things they are passionate about. Anybody that can afford a daily cup of coffee at Starbucks can do what I did.

Used bikes and leftovers are a big part of the equation.
At 5.00 a cup, it would take close 20 years to save for a new BMW GS fully loaded.


As for Dirt dad's purchase I understand completely. In the midsize market it's really hard to find that "perfect bike". If it fits your wife and she enjoys riding it that's a big plus. From what I'm reading you and your loved one are riding big miles together. It's important for you both to be comfortable and happy. If that means riding a bike that is a little bit "needy" the so be it. I still think you should get rid of that Scotts Oiler!! LOL
 

Dirt_Dad

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In the midsize market it's really hard to find that "perfect bike".
In the Japanese market, it is literally impossible. DM wants every electronic rider aid ever dreamed up. She's actually a very good rider, done more that most men will ever do on a bike, but still doesn't trust herself to do the right thing. I can tell her how great she's doing until I'm blue in the face, but she wants as much electronic assistance as is possible. It doesn't help that she's seen me get lucky multiple time. After watching me survive hitting a deer at high speed I didn't think I'd ever be able to get her off the Tenere. The other day's out of control in the rain episode also reinforced her desire for electronic aids. Doesn't matter if it's a placebo, or not...she feels better knowing they are there. I've learned to keep my opinions to myself about those doodads.

The Japanese do not put those doodads on bikes of her size. Maybe in the sport arena, but she's not going there. So turning to Europe was the only option.
 

bmac

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@DirtDad - Just remember what I told you in the other thread. As you have it longer you will gain better understanding of the bike. You should have already noted the flawed German tendency to mix and match fasteners in areas that should be using the same size and type of fastener.

Enjoy the honeymoon. It will be over soon enough. Then you'll start to really learn what the BMW experience is like. At around 20k you will begin to notice a change in how the dealer treats you. They will start trying to point you to the showroom and the new bikes more than being interested in working on your existing bike. Soon they will start off conversations with how wonderful the new models are, rather than asking what brings you to the dealership. After 35k they begin to ignore you if you're not asking them about new bikes. You have become an undesirable person at that point, only coming in for service or repair, not to buy a new bike. You're not the droid they are looking for...
I just don't understand posts like this. Why try so hard to make him feel bad about his purchase. It is a done deal. He found a bike that his wife really likes and it has a 3 year warranty.

I hope everyone that buys the bike they want has a fantastic ownership experience regardless of what brand it is.
 
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ballisticexchris

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Just step away from the computer, slip into that riding gear and get away. I heard your bike calling you. It’s lonely. ;)
Don’t I wish!! Personal commitments, and 60-70 hr work weeks leaves little time for riding.
 

Dirt_Dad

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I just don't understand posts like this. Why try so hard to make him feel bad about his purchase. It is a done deal. He found a bike that his wife really likes and it has a 3 year warranty.

.
No worries here. EricV and I have been haunting this forum together for a very long time. I appreciate his offering me his unvarnished opinions. I try to do the same for him.

DM and I are strapped in for our first BMW experience. We'll see where it leads.
 
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EricV

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I just don't understand posts like this. Why try so hard to make him feel bad about his purchase. It is a done deal. He found a bike that his wife really likes and it has a 3 year warranty.

I hope everyone that buys the bike they want has a fantastic ownership experience regardless of what brand it is.
I want him to have a fantastic ownership experience too. :) I'm just preparing him for the reality of owning a BMW. Unlike you, my experience has not been a positive one.

And no, it doesn't have a 3 year warranty. It has a 36 month or 36k mile warranty, which ever comes first. My wife has expired the warranty in under a year for her F650GS2 and a little under 2 years on the R1200GSA. The Super Ten has an unlimited mileage warranty for 12 months and available Factory extended unlimited mileage warranty for an additional 12-48 months, often with an additional available 12-24 months after that. My '12 S10 had warranty on it when I sold it at 109k miles. BMW doesn't offer factory extended warranties at all.

My experience simply differs from yours.
 
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