Re: Longevity etc.

[AWBJABJNB@xxxxxxx]

Linda,
 
  I've been reading the Longevity Chronicles with much interest. If I  were 
you, I would go Japanese. It could possibly be more cost  effective to find a 
Japanese bike with all the bells and whistles you want (ABS,  etc) and have it 
modified to fit your ergonomic needs. It would most certainly  be better for 
your peace of mind.
 
   Why do I recommend this? Frankly, I have doubts regarding the  reliability 
of the the R11XX series bikes. My 2000 R1150GS, which I  purchased new, 
suffered a catastrophic failure of the clutch and tranny input  shaft at 39.3K 
miles. Luckily I was close to home and got an aerobic workout  pushing the beast 
to its lair. The GS had been maintained by  BMW according to BMW's maintenance 
schedule, and I rode it like  the 55+ year old codger I am (which is to say 
rationally and reasonably). True,  I did ride it at two Jimmy Lewis Off Road 
Riding Classes; I did take it to  Alaska and back, and I did on occasion ride it 
on gravel and dirt roads. But,  the bike was not abused; it had simply been 
ridden  in the manner for  which it had been designed.
 
  I  think it reasonable to conclude that if  such a failure occurred to my 
tranny and clutch that there are others (probably  more than BMW would like to 
admit) which have suffered the same failures. I  think it also reasonable to 
wonder if  BMW's legendary reputation for  Quality, Reliability, Durability and 
Longevity might be more myth than fact  (as it relates to the R11XX series 
bikes).
 
 
  Unfortunately, I no longer trust this bike to deliver me to and  return me 
from those places to which I want to go. So, I am looking for a new  bike as 
well. This saddens me, because this is the  best  bike I have ever owned. 
However, given the high purchase price,  the frequent and costly maintenance 
schedule, the high cost of repairs and  parts, and the fact that I cannot work on 
the complex and high tech  componentry should it go awry, leads me to conclulde 
that, for me, new BMWs  are not a good value.
 
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, RIDE SAFELY AND FAR,
 
BILL BRUNETTI 

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