So I’m getting back into riding after taking several years off. Based on my life circumstances, my riding will be along the “Sunday driver” style - i.e. An occasional jaunt around town, for only a few miles. I won’t be able to ride with any regularity, however, I like the idea of being able to sometimes enjoy a short ride.
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[/color]Initially, I was planning to purchase a late-model K75 w/ ABS. That was the last bike I had (sold about 5 yrs ago), and it fit me very well - low, lightweight(ish), maneuverable(ish), very reliable, and even though it is 20+yrs old, it had innovative tech for its time. I particularly liked the fact that it has ABS. And they are very LOW MAINT. The bricks seem to go forever. And at a great price point these days. (Preaching to the choir here, I suppose!)[/size]
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[/color]Along the lines of innovative tech, however, my attention has been drawn to newer Beemers. I’m considering spending a bit more and going the new bike route, specifically for the advances in tech. Most specifically, for the ASC. So I’m currently negotiating on a 2016 F800R.[/size]
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[/color]Here is the concern: When I was talking to the folks at the dealership, they indicated that modern Beemers can be finicky if they aren’t ridden enough. I think someone said “BMW wants owners to put at least 100 miles per week on the bike.” Thats a problem, and it will likely never happen. I live in a small town, and my office is only 5 miles away from my house, so I sometimes don’t put 100 miles per week on my cage. In fact, I only log about 12k yearly on my primary driver. Again, my intent for having a bike is to take an occasional zip around town for an errand, or an infrequent loop through the country backroads on a nice Sunday afternoon. [/size]
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[/color]Realistically, I will put maybe 100 miles per month on the bike in nice weather. In the wintertime, I doubt I’ll log 100 miles in an entire quarter. The bike will spend most of its life sitting safely in the garage. I kept my 1994 K75 on a trickle charger, cranked it regularly, and once a month or so in the winter rode it up and down the cul-de-sac. Never had a problem. I’m becoming concerned, however, that this is a sub-optimal environment for a new Beemer.[/size]
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[/color]The nice folks at the dealership somewhat dismissed the concern, stating “Oh don’t worry, once you have a bike again then you’ll probably ride it a lot more than you think!” Incorrect. Its not realistic (or appropriate) to ask someone to change their lifestyle to meet the needs of the bike. Rather, I need to pick the right bike that meets the needs of my lifestyle. [/size]
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[/color]So my question is: Is mine an appropriate application for a new Beemer? A new bike with the latest tech sounds like a good idea from a safety perspective, especially for someone who doesn't keep their skills honed through regular riding. However, it makes less sense if it results in a decrease in reliability. Especially considering the fact that the closest dealer is almost 50 miles away, so purchasing a bike that will require regular tweaks at the dealer will quickly become very cumbersome.[/size]
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[/color]Thoughts?[/size]
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[/color](Note: Please forgive my question indicating interest in a non-brick Beemer. I trust that this is an ok question for this generally helpful and friendly community.)[/size]
