BMW boxers

[GoldOxide_imp]

( ... as long as nothing touches cotton ... fart away. )

 

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Question for those of you that have ridden a boxer twin, as I have not. Are the engine vibrations less than your average V-twin/parallel twin? Isn’t that kinda the whole point of the boxer design? I suppose it varies from bike to bike, but overall.

 

[redbirds_imp]

Question for those of you that have ridden a boxer twin, as I have not. Are the engine vibrations less than your average V-twin/parallel twin? Isn’t that kinda the whole point of the boxer design? I suppose it varies from bike to bike, but overall.

My R75 was very smooth and a comfortable ride. I rented a R1200 GS in Texas a few years ago and found it equally comfortable. The piston movement of the boxer layout effectively cancels any annoying vibration.

 

[VLJ_imp]

Yes, the Boxer motor is smoother than most V or L Twins, and most parallel Twins. In particular, parallel Twins tend to be quite vibey, unless they're equipped with internal balance shafts. The Boxer is inherently smoother. That being said, the Triumph Bonneville T120 with the counterbalanced 1200cc parallel Twin is smoother than any of my Boxer-equipped BMWs ever were.

In general, however, if you have no problem with the typical vibration levels of V/L Twins or parallel Twins, you certainly won't have a vibration issue with any modern BMW boxer motor.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

In my experience, all of my boxers have been disappointing beyond normal highway speed. The worst was my R1100S, which vibrated annoyingly above 70-75 mph. That's the primary reason I sold it, which was a shame because it handled great and had all the elements to be a great sporty sport-tourer. My R850R wasn't as bad at those speeds, perhaps due to its lower displacement (same stroke as the 1100 but with a smaller bore), but nothing to be proud of. My former '08 RT and current '15 RT were better, but nowhere as smooth as a big inline-4, and nowhere close to my CB. By point of comparison, both my former Ducati 620 Monster (transverse L twin) and Moto Guzzi V7 (longitudinal V twin) were pure velvet at higher speeds. A little recalcitrant down low, but absolutely wonderful at 5000+ rpm.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

... and we have a boxer match.

 

[Offroad]

I considered a 1200 when searching for a true sport touring bike.....but after being spoiled by the smoothness of the CBs in-line four I just couldn't see myself happy with a twin....so I went for the k1600 6 cyl.

It is a big heavy bike that is only happy when it's moving....but once rolling it's a dream.

If they fall over....IMHO That's what insurance is for....minus the $500 deductible :-(

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Any six pack is a serious ride in so many ways.

 

[Riko_imp]

I considered a 1200 when searching for a true sport touring bike.....but after being spoiled by the smoothness of the CBs in-line four I just couldn't see myself happy with a twin....so I went for the k1600 6 cyl.

It is a big heavy bike that is only happy when it's moving....but once rolling it's a dream.

If they fall over....IMHO That's what insurance is for....minus the $500 deductible :-(

never thought back to my CB when riding my current so called L twin

That twin is so smooth its pefect for days of touring and crusing, if you want.
Because, it can be brutal at the same time.

Never ridden the S1000XR 4 cylinder, but its notorious for its vibrations...

Twins are buzy and 4 cylinders are smooth doesn't apply all the time every time, imo.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I considered a 1200 when searching for a true sport touring bike.....but after being spoiled by the smoothness of the CBs in-line four I just couldn't see myself happy with a twin....so I went for the k1600 6 cyl.

It is a big heavy bike that is only happy when it's moving....but once rolling it's a dream.

If they fall over....IMHO That's what insurance is for....minus the $500 deductible :-(

never thought back to my CB when riding my current so called L twin

That twin is so smooth its pefect for days of touring and crusing, if you want.
Because, it can be brutal at the same time.

Never ridden the S1000XR 4 cylinder, but its notorious for its vibrations...

Twins are buzy and 4 cylinders are smooth doesn't apply all the time every time, imo.

never thought back to my CB when riding my current so called L twin

That twin is so smooth its pefect for days of touring and crusing, if you want.
Because, it can be brutal at the same time.

Never ridden the S1000XR 4 cylinder, but its notorious for its vibrations...

Twins are buzy and 4 cylinders are smooth doesn't apply all the time every time, imo.
Every bike I every rode had a "mood". Sometimes it just wasn't understood, but some days it felt less than good. My best guess was when I gawked at another sweet one. So jealousy or sumthin'.

 

[Riko_imp]

If you mean everyday can feel different on the same bike, thats very true

My CB felt slow on the highway and my Duc feels jerky in the city.
The problem is, you cant make the CB feel faster but you can improve the Duc, although it will never be as smooth as that silky Japanese 4 cylinder

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

The CB is plenty enough fast for everyday enjoyment. Bad or good, there hasn't been a day or night when called upon it didn't put out.

 

[Riko_imp]

The CB is plenty enough fast for everyday enjoyment. Bad or good, there hasn't been a day or night when called upon it didn't put out.

True, that its a powerfull enough bike, no doubt.

But my/a Ducati feels and transfers its power in a different way, wich translates in a whole different empiric experience.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I don't doubt. Interesting engine those Duc's.

 

[Riko_imp]

I don't doubt. Interesting engine those Duc's.

But costly nonetheless.
Guaranteed valve adjustments