Question for Oldtimers with New Bike

Boxer enthusiasts may find it's missing some of the thumperish sound and feel of the former twins, and the vibration in the grips and seat has changed from a mid-frequency growl to a high-frequency buzz that seems to worsen as the bikes acquire miles.

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lkchris said:

The September 2013 issue of Rider contains the following statement in its water-cooled GS test:



As someone who hasn't considered a K-bike for a nanosecond since the initial 1985 experience of the feel of them, I'd query if this seems an accurate description of the new bikes to those with lots of previous boxer experience. Should it be said differently? I'm more concerned about feel than sound, as well-muffled is the best bet for a boxer twin in any event. Love the feel of boxers.

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PGlaves said:

With all due regard (however much or little that is) for the testers who write for the mainstream mags, they always have to find something obscure to write about to impress their readers with their vast knowledge of all things past or present. This, even though some of them were in diapers or knickers when the Airheads were in their prime.

I remember when the Telelever was described as vague and unresponsive when it first came out. I remember a dozen different rants about the turn signal switch arrangement. I remember when ABS was described as an answer to a question nobody asked.

Sometimes test bikes get thrashed by several folks and are passed from one writer to the next. Sometimes the state of tune sucks after a bit of abuse. And then the last guy writes about the bike.

I read about new models to get an overall impression about what it is and isn't. Then I would take a good look, and as extensive a test ride as possible. Then I would decide whether the bike was for me or not.

p.s. If you ever have the opportunity to buy a bike that is from the BMW Executive fleet don't assume it was ridden on Sundays by some mild mannered office guy. Ask if it was ever a press bike. If it was I would run away as fast as I could.

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PGlaves said:

With all due regard (however much or little that is) for the testers who write for the mainstream mags, they always have to find something obscure to write about to impress their readers with their vast knowledge of all things past or present. This, even though some of them were in diapers or knickers when the Airheads were in their prime.

I remember when the Telelever was described as vague and unresponsive when it first came out. I remember a dozen different rants about the turn signal switch arrangement. I remember when ABS was described as an answer to a question nobody asked.

Sometimes test bikes get thrashed by several folks and are passed from one writer to the next. Sometimes the state of tune sucks after a bit of abuse. And then the last guy writes about the bike.

I read about new models to get an overall impression about what it is and isn't. Then I would take a good look, and as extensive a test ride as possible. Then I would decide whether the bike was for me or not.

p.s. If you ever have the opportunity to buy a bike that is from the BMW Executive fleet don't assume it was ridden on Sundays by some mild mannered office guy. Ask if it was ever a press bike. If it was I would run away as fast as I could.

Click to expand...