BMW R Nine T Urban GS

[DaSwami_imp]

Very nice collection of bikes. Curious to hear your comparison of the engine characteristics between your R1200C and your Urban GS. Completely different head designs, but both 1200cc.

Very different engines indeed. The R1200C is only 61HP, but has loads of low end umph. The Urban GS is the same displacement but has 110HP. It seems to also have lots of torque down low though, but wants to be ridden higher up.

I seriously considered this bike, but it's nearly twice as much as the CB1100 (which someone already mentioned)

What gave me pause was the internet, I read many stories that these bikes were prone to burning oil, and maintenance (re: valve adjustments) was complicated and expensive, plus the rear shaft seal was prone to letting water in. What sealed the deal to not get one was a multi-brand dealer salesman telling me they had more trouble with BMW than any other make.

I wish you the best, because the sound and power of the bike is indeed alluring to me.

Depends on what he means by "these bikes". If he's generally talking about oiled cooled boxers then I don't agree. They typically use a half-quart per 1000 miles. Like gas mileage though, it really depends on your riding habits. My 21 year old R1200C still consumes the same amount of oil as new, and I have yet to need to change the drive seal. Maybe there is some problem that is specific to the R Nine T family, but I'm not aware of it.

I personally like the no-fuss-no-mess shaft drive by the way.

Parts and service is definitely more expensive than with a Honda though.

Well then, that is exactly what I don't want in a bike. Why so excessive? Nothing I've ever ridden before has ever needed to have oil added between changes.