Interesting Comparison

[GPM]

Got an email from an old friend the other day, had this link attached. Found it rather amusing, thought others might as well.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13939848&postcount=4242

[DarthRider]

At least the Unemployed Engineer on Drugs has something to light up a joint with! But hey, they don't fire 'em, they just say, "Der ees no probvlem, Schtupid Amerikhaner...pay zee cashier!"
That would make a great name for a bar drink, like the "Fuzzy Navel" or "Screaming Orgasm"...the "Flaming Rear-End".

[Rchop]

Harry, would you call that last pic: Catastrophic Failure :101:

[Donson]

"a statistically insignifigant occurance."

[GPM]

Harry, would you call that last pic: Catastrophic Failure :101:

Why of course not. After examining the operating temperature of the part in question it has been determined that it was within the accepted range. We have, however, as yet to determine the source of what appears to be some sort of flame like apparition. Perhaps the owner parked too close to the campfire...

[socalrob]

They all do that.

BTW, that flaming final drive is a famous pix on Advrider.

I too wonder why BMW insists on the single sided swing arm. Seems to me dealing with force vetors in the bearings of the final drive would be much simpler in a double sided swing arm. Seems like good engineering could eliminate any weight penalty. Only advantage I see to the single sided swing arm is tire changes. I think BMW does it for style & marketing. They should stick to what they know best - function driven engineering.

[jamming]

Funny you should bring up the Yahama XZT1200Z Super Tenere. I really want to see one in person. As they will be hitting our shores in May of next year, I'll get the chance. Supposed to be heavier than a GS in full trim, but the weight is low. Yahama builds some fine motorcycles, if they would add a 6th gear to the FJR I'd have one. They just seem too busy at highway speeds. Drove me nuts on a test ride.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Rog, you won't be disappointed with the looks..

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010138.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010139.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010140.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010141.jpg

[Rchop]

Why of course not. After examining the operating temperature of the part in question it has been determined that it was within the accepted range. We have, however, as yet to determine the source of what appears to be some sort of flame like apparition. Perhaps the owner parked too close to the campfire...

Harry, I didn't know you spoke German :rofl:

[jamming]

Rog, you won't be disappointed with the looks..

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010138.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010139.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010140.jpg

http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/mgf1800/BSBAug2010141.jpg

Oh my goodness gracious!!! Thanks SI!!!! The pics online just don't do it justice. I LOVE the tubeless spokes. That's freaking genius! The ring adds rigidity AND the wheel can still be tubeless. I've read the write-ups over at ADV from the folks across the pond and they just rave about the bike. Yahama IMHO builds the best motors that just flat hold together. This twin on the Tenere has a different firing pattern ala the R! cross fire. Supposed to be torqey and smooth. All this for 13,000 $. Hope BMW is watching AND ducking, I could buy this, have a big Adventure Tourer and 6 grand in my pocket. Might be time to write a 500$ check for the Priority Delivery.

Anybody want to buy a Truimph???? ;)

[Bill]

BTW, that flaming final drive is a famous pix on Advrider.
Tag line on the broken BMW
Ride till you can't - Marty Hill
l If that is Marty Hill's Bike - He buys a new GS each year (some times multi GS) - Retired IBM - then he ride them coast to coast 2 - 3 times .year - he puts lots of miles on his bikes. He is about 70 so he is not a HOT ROD. Last I knew of him he lived in Atlanta - prob still does.

[vintagemxr]

Why of course not. After examining the operating temperature of the part in question it has been determined that it was within the accepted range. We have, however, as yet to determine the source of what appears to be some sort of flame like apparition. Perhaps the owner parked too close to the campfire...

I may have posted this before but what the heck: A friend of mine works for a Japanese auto company and in the past has worked for a German and a US automaker. Here's his summation of how problems are handled:

"If you tell a Japanese engineer you have a problem with the car he will say 'I am sorry, we will look into this immediately."
The American engineer will say 'We are aware of this but have no budget for the fix.'
The German engineer will say 'You are wrong.' "

To that I would add that the Italian engineer would say "Yes, it is unfortunate, but let us go to the cafe, drink wine, and talk about women."

the other Doug

[Sir Limpsalot]

To that I would add that the Italian engineer would say "Yes, it is unfortunate, but let us go to the cafe, drink wine, and talk about women."

the other Doug

The British engineer would say "As we have no money to fix it, let's go to the pub, drink beer and talk about football".

[Sir Limpsalot]

Yahama IMHO builds the best motors that just flat hold together. This twin on the Tenere has a different firing pattern ala the R! cross fire. Supposed to be torqey and smooth.

Rog, the Tenere uses an updated version of Yamahas TDM900 which has been a strong seller in Europe in one form or another for about two decades. Bombproof. The first valve check is at 28,000 miles and my local Yamaha guy tells me he's never had to re-shim one. They fire like a 90deg vee twin (or "L" twin if you're a poncy Italian) enough "lumpiness" low down to remind you it's a motorcycle but smooooth when the revs are up.

Si.

[vintagemxr]

The British engineer would say "As we have no money to fix it, let's go to the pub, drink beer and talk about football".

I gotta go with the Italian plan, Si.

the other Doug

[Sir Limpsalot]

Me too, I would never have made it in production engineering.. :linzi:

[Griffon]

The Tenere does look awfully good. It's going to be special order only. We've already taken a deposit for May delivery at the shop, for many of the reasons you guys have already mentioned. One of the things that interests me is that the engine has three separate ignition maps (like the R1). I'm sure it'll be a sweet ride, and I'm certainly going to do my best to find out when it comes in!

It's a cool bike, but I don't see myself selling Hobbes into slavery any time soon. Perhaps if they design a Tiny Tenere, I'll be interested...

[Sir Limpsalot]

Jeremy, the "Tiny Tenere" aka XT660Z has been on sale in Europe for a few years now. It's not that small mind, our esteemed friend Andy - a perfectly normal five foot ten or so - can't flat foot one!

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/NEC07002.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/NEC07003.jpg

Si.

[jamming]

Rog, the Tenere uses an updated version of Yamahas TDM900 which has been a strong seller in Europe in one form or another for about two decades. Bombproof. The first valve check is at 28,000 miles and my local Yamaha guy tells me he's never had to re-shim one. They fire like a 90deg vee twin (or "L" twin if you're a poncy Italian) enough "lumpiness" low down to remind you it's a motorcycle but smooooth when the revs are up.

Si.


The Tenere does look awfully good. It's going to be special order only. We've already taken a deposit for May delivery at the shop, for many of the reasons you guys have already mentioned. One of the things that interests me is that the engine has three separate ignition maps (like the R1). I'm sure it'll be a sweet ride, and I'm certainly going to do my best to find out when it comes in!

It's a cool bike, but I don't see myself selling Hobbes into slavery any time soon. Perhaps if they design a Tiny Tenere, I'll be interested...


So SI, is that 28,000 MILES or KILOMETERS! I want to be sure. If it's miles....see below

So J...you guys are a Yammie Hammer dealer too? Take a Tiger in trade? :linzi: Kidding, but I AM thinking about selling the Tiger if the Tenere is singing my song. I've got the Adventure itch.

[Griffon]

Thank you Si, for adding more fuel to my "Grad School in Europe" fire!

[DarthRider]

They all do that.

I too wonder why BMW insists on the single sided swing arm. Seems to me dealing with force vetors in the bearings of the final drive would be much simpler in a double sided swing arm. Seems like good engineering could eliminate any weight penalty. Only advantage I see to the single sided swing arm is tire changes. I think BMW does it for style & marketing. They should stick to what they know best - function driven engineering.

"They All Do That! They Don't Do That!"...the new BMW ad tag-line!

Robbie, +1 on the single sided swing-arm. What is competitive necessity on a road racer seems little more than a "selling point" on street bikes, especially heavy-duty bikes with some off-road capability like the GS. Much as upside-down or male-slider forks have become more or less standard on most street bikes. Ditto the wave or petal brake rotors...even the manufacturers admit they do nothing but look cool on street bikes.
There have been many quick- change methods for rear wheels through the years, look at some older 2-sided swing-arm endurance road racers!
And starting in 1968 the Norton Commando allowed rear wheel removal by just pulling the spindle...the chain, sprocket & brake drum assembly just stayed right in place on the swing-arm and did not even require re-adjustment, Bob's Your Uncle!

But if BMW had a 2-sided swing-arm on the GS...where would they put that big, sexy, trademark hole that you can see right through?

[Sir Limpsalot]

So SI, is that 28,000 MILES or KILOMETERS! I want to be sure.

Miles, old boy. "Johnny Foreigner" can measure how he likes, we stick to miles!

[jamming]

Miles, old boy. "Johnny Foreigner" can measure how he likes, we stick to miles!

NICE!!!!!

[DarthRider]

Woody *this* Roger Man!

http://bikerholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-Yamaha-XT1200Z-Super-Tenere-11.jpg

Cool vid here: http://bikerholic.com/2010/02/25/video-the-new-2010-yamaha-xt1200z-super-tenere-official-video/