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First Crash in 50 years - Could have been much worse! ATGATT for the win!
- Thread starter bigjohnsd
- Start date
bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
Because at 73 I want a lighter and smaller bike.
Slightly O.T. (since OP mentioned manuals and your thread mentions complexity.) I picked up an '22 F150 Lariat a year and half ago. I really, really wanted "old technology", i.e. a 5.0L engine, no turbo, no electrical pumps replacing all the tried and trued hydraulic thingys throughout the engine compartment, but alas, it was not to be. It's a nice truck, but I'm already having problems with Ford's infamous 10 speed transmission (which Ford's techs tell me is A-OK, when it slams as it downshifts!), and it won't shift out of 4WD without some manipulation from me. I should have paid less for an older truck, tried to get a super extended warranty, and just left the newer trucks alone.Not to derail the thread……..
I like Bigjohnsd’s list. I have dealers in the 100 mile range, still not real convenient.
I would really like tubeless tires. Even though I can patch a tube, not interested in doing it on the road.
Never had cruise control and don’t really use whatever the buttons do on the ‘09 F800GS.
Hadn’t thought about this manual deal since the last big thread on the lack of service manuals.
This made me think me think of asking-
“Why has BMW discontinued service manuals for their motorcycles?”
AI Overview
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BMW has reportedly discontinued selling physical service manuals for their motorcycles due to the increasing complexity of their modern bikes, which they believe necessitates repairs being handled only by trained technicians at authorized BMW dealerships, rather than by individual owners attempting repairs themselves; this decision is often cited as a way to maintain quality and compliance with legal requirements, while also potentially reducing the cost of printing and distributing physical manuals.
Key points about this decision:
- Technical complexity:
BMW argues that their newer motorcycles have become too technically advanced for basic owner maintenance, requiring specialized tools and knowledge only available at dealerships.
- Dealer reliance:
By limiting access to full service manuals, BMW aims to encourage riders to bring their bikes to authorized dealers for repairs, ensuring proper maintenance and potentially generating more revenue for the company.
- Digital transition:
Some speculate that BMW is transitioning to a fully digital service manual system accessible only to authorized technicians through dealership computer systems.
Criticisms of this decision:
- Limited owner repair capability:
Many motorcycle enthusiasts are concerned that not having access to complete service manuals will significantly restrict their ability to perform basic maintenance on their own bikes.
- Cost implications:
Some argue that the move could lead to higher repair costs for owners who are now forced to rely solely on dealership services.
- OM
Same thing with the Beemers. At the rate I've been riding, my 2018 RT will last me the rest of my (ahh.. somewhat more limited) years. However, I've been getting that itch, and have been looking at GS's or other on/off road bikes, but nothing new or shinny appeals to me anymore. I had a tech career, but I'm tired to death of a life time of technical problem solving, particularly now with a recreational motorcycle. I just wanna ride the dang thing. I don't enjoy the time under the bike, and I don't want to have to crack open the copy of the 2018 manual and "Google" for hours to figure out how to do a tune up.
So, my next bike may be really old. Maybe a Hexhead GS. Not an Oilhead, I loved my R1100, but my old 2005 RT absolutely outclassed the oilhead. But then, if I buy it old, I'll probably end up underneath it trying to keep it running, and scrounging for used parts.
I've done that stuff before, too. Just can't win. The vehicle quality and reliability seems to have dropped across the board.It's sad that @bigjohnsd feels he has to leave the BMW brand behind, but I definitely understand where he's coming from. I think I would have dumped my 2018 RT early if I hadn't been able to find a copy of the service manual. As much as I hate technically tinkering, I hate "black box" mysteries more than anything.
bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
Gear after the Crash - I've been a Klim "Fanboy" for quite some time.
The gear did its job, though I was surprised by the 20-minute memory loss. It must have been a hard hit on the noggin.
Helmet - Klim Krios Pro
The glove has only a small hole in the fabric and no obvious abrasions on the leather. However, I did have a bruise on the ball of my right thumb, on the back side.
Klim Latitude Pants - a ~1" square hole abraded through no wound on the leg, and some abrasion on the right cuff which did not penetrate the fabric.
Klim Latitude Jacket - 2018 model - Abrasion from the slide on the pavement where the InReach Mini was inside the jacket's chest pocket. I doubt this would have worn through if the hard object had not been in the pocket. Lesson learned, find someplace else to carry/attach the InReach Mini.
All in all, I can't complain about the protection provided by the gear, I had no road rash at all.
I cheated Nurse Ratchett!
All except the pants are beyond the Klim Five-Year Accident Free Replacement Policy.
The gear did its job, though I was surprised by the 20-minute memory loss. It must have been a hard hit on the noggin.
Helmet - Klim Krios Pro
The glove has only a small hole in the fabric and no obvious abrasions on the leather. However, I did have a bruise on the ball of my right thumb, on the back side.
Klim Latitude Pants - a ~1" square hole abraded through no wound on the leg, and some abrasion on the right cuff which did not penetrate the fabric.
Klim Latitude Jacket - 2018 model - Abrasion from the slide on the pavement where the InReach Mini was inside the jacket's chest pocket. I doubt this would have worn through if the hard object had not been in the pocket. Lesson learned, find someplace else to carry/attach the InReach Mini.
All in all, I can't complain about the protection provided by the gear, I had no road rash at all.
I cheated Nurse Ratchett!
All except the pants are beyond the Klim Five-Year Accident Free Replacement Policy.
I do understand.
Have you considered a Guzzi v85tt?
Shaft drive, luggage and cruise control.
Should be easy to maintain too.
lee
Debbie's Servant
Have you learned what the bike hit?
You mentioned you hit the back tire of the other bike but the mark on the road under the bike seems to indicate the bike stopped on a dime.
No bent front wheel.
It appears the bike stayed upright after the collision because the bars are not bent and I don't see any damage on the side of the bike.
Good luck with your search for a new bike.
lee
Debbie's Servant
The GT pro is 100 pounds lighter than your GSA, but it's only 34 pounds lighter than a R1300GS.
With the lower center of gravity the GS may not feel heavier the the Triumph.
You'll still have the service manual problem.
Does the new bike need to be an adventure bike? Do you ride off road, as in no road?
bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
Closest dealer almost 500 miles away. In short, no.
bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
I desire an ADV bike -
I just purchased a '23 Suzuki DL800DE ADV holdover today. This bike replaces my '21 GSA after 65700 miles and an era-ending crash last week after over 125,000 BMW GSA miles.
I've been thinking about getting a little smaller bike and this was as good a time as any to make the switch.
The dealer is to install a center stand and heated grips before I pick it up once some snow melts here so I can ride it home.
There was a pre-owned '22 GSA Rally with 10K miles for $17500 that tugged on my heartstrings for a few moments but the inability to gain access to the technical manual to perform maintenance, diagnosis and repair was the deciding factor. Common sense prevailed and I saved a bunch of dollars for gas and motel rooms this spring/summer!
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bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
Can anyone see these forum threads? I thought one had to be a member to view?
Visitors or non-logged in members can view most of the forum, although some of the forum areas are held back. Visitors likely cannot see some images or attachments, but so far everything in this thread is visible to the wider world.
They should be able to. Just sent them a link. Probably more effective if you have an actual contact at Klim so it doesn’t look like spam on their end.
I find with all the complaining that goes on nowadays, it makes a difference when a manufacturer, retailer, person, dog hears complementary good news.
OM
langoptc
Active member
The impetus for me joining the forum (a few years back) was my inability to see pics and I don't think links worked either.
John, here's to your continued recovery and great to hear you are back in the saddle. Great looking bike! Hope it serves you well.
bigjohnsd
'23 Suzuki DL800DE Adv "Suzy"
I know that a good number of folks have used various techniques to convert tube-type rims to work with tubeless tires (mainly by sealing the spoke penetrations). One caution that I've heard pertains to the rim wall being able to adequately support a tubeless tire. I think, but am not certain, that this has to do with consequences from an underinflated tire.
The late Snowbum had much to say on this subject -
bmwmotorcycletech.info
bmwmotorcycletech.info
The late Snowbum had much to say on this subject -
Tube and tubeless tire repairs, tire pressures, studding, vibration, thrumming, for BMW Airhead and other motorcycles; Snowbum methods
Tire repairs, tire tools, on BMW Motorcycles,pressures, sizes, rims,vibration and thrumming,Snowbum methods, tubeless and tubed, mudflaps
Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, rim shapes, safety rims, snowflake, BMW motorcycles
Tubeless and tube type tires and rims on BMW Airhead motorcycles
GTRider
52184
Do keep us posted on how that works out! I’ve thought about doing that on my R80ST wheels but have been hesitant due to the lack of a bead retention ridge on the rims. I know Woody’s Wheel Works does tubeless conversions, too, but it’s a much more expensive proposition as I think they change out the rim.
Best.
DeVern
Best.
DeVern
