I'm off to Traitors Corner

[Caffs]

It's time to say goodbye to my Veek, and if I'm honest it's going to be something I'm going to miss.
I've decided to get into the big GSA but I will keep on posting if you'll allow .
This is the new pony.

[UK_Vstrom650]

It'll be good to hear your thoughts on the bike vs Veek once you've got some miles on it   

[Upt North]

Enjoy your new ride fella.
Upt'North.

[Valves]

Purchased a Honda NT1100 - still got the Veek for the moment though...

[Monschwee]

I like the NT1100 and at the time of looking at bikes back in March/April that was one I would have bought but there was no stock and the Honda dealers close to me where stating unconfirmed dates of Sep/Oct for delivery.

I hope you enjoy the new bike if you have already taken delivery of it.

[Upt North]

One has to know.
DCT?
Upt'North.

[haggetty]

The GSA is a fabulous bike and a brilliant ride. I have a GSA1250 but I’m just pxing it for a new 1050XT.
My GSA took me to the Arctic Circle this year (a late 2019 model I bought in January) and was a great companion.

I’m swapping because the machine is now out of warranty and considering that it’s required a new battery, driveshaft, swingarm, LED headlamp and camchain tensioner I just wonder what might be next?!

Vstrom for peace of mind and I was fond of my last one (a 2019)

I think I’d trust a well looked after GSA1200 more than my 1250 and any driveshaft issues will be covered even if out of warranty. Just pay for a dealer service and they will check the shaft. They’ll fit a new one if it’s remotely dodgy (there’s a specific test). They’ll also fit a rubber drain valve to prevent future problems.

Enjoy the BM, every ride’s an event!

[2112]

Plenty of room in traitors corner 

[The Doctor 46]

BMW started making shaft drive bikes in what, the 1920's? You would think they would have got it right by now. 

[Rookie]

They did back in the 70s and 80s. But now the use that new bendy, soft metal from China. It keeps things cheaper for the consumer apparently.

[Gert]

"cheaper for the consumer" except for BMW's price tag...   

[Tigerjohn]

BMW = 'Be Mighty Wary'. When they work well, they're great bikes, but when things go wrong (and they do) ....they're VERY VERY expensive. I've had four over the years - the only one which was completely trouble free was an R850R. A bit 'over branded' (like Triumph) IMHO.

[kwackboy]

If you are worried about the expense of owning a BMW you shouldn't buy one ..

[The Doctor 46]

I had a BMW 1150 GSA. I bought it cash in hand, the best bike I have ever ridden, it would give sports bikes a run for their money on a twisty road and was more than fast enough on motorways two up. It was a beautiful bike to look at too. I wanted one the minute I saw a picture of it in the MCN.

The gearbox had to be changed at very low miles (I think about 12,000 miles) which BMW paid for but that was when I lost confidence with BMW. I had owned six BMW's previously and one of them needed a gearbox repair and another needed a drive shaft repaired.

I spent a lot of money with BMW and gave them lots of chances but I don't think I will have another. I do like the 850's and met a man in Uzbekistan who had ridden from Germany on one. He was carrying lots of kit (probably too much) and said he had no problems with the bike but he had it well prepared for the trip and it was almost new.

I won't say never but if I did have another it would be the 850 and probably a very old one with low miles , tatty to look at but cheap. Something I could thrash until it died then sell it for parts. 

[kwackboy]

I nearly bought an 850 until I heard the engines are built by Husqvarna.

The late 800s are far more robust ...

[graingerblaze]

One of the best bikes I ever owned was a BMW R1100S, the boxer engine sport tourer with a hint of Ducati with twin under-seat exhaust and single sided swing arm. Gorgeous bike, to look at and ride.

Sadly, when the input spline shredded its teeth and cost me £1,500 to fix (back in 2007) it had to go. I was told by the mechanic that all boxers shred their teeth eventually, fine when moving, it’s sitting at idle when the opposite cylinders knock and fracture the spline shaft. He reckoned all boxer engines suffer from this at some point, the main reason I would never own one again… sad really as great bikes and I love the tele-lever front suspension.

Hopefully the later models like the 1250 are much better. If they make the shaft properly and copper grease it then happy days. They are so popular they must be better by now! Enjoy