X1Glider
Just got it firing!
- Joined
- May 29, 2012
- Messages
- 9
I gave a quick intro to me a few days ago because I was interested in a Stelvio NTX. I signed up because I knew I'd have some questions. Now, after a few days of scouring the posts, looking for potential problems I finally have some questions.
First, I need to say that I was an early adopter of the Buell brand and had 6 in all. So, I'm used to dealing with a total lack of dealer and manufacturer support if a problem arises. I'm talking '91. Same with parts availability and lack of trained technicians. Even a couple BMWs gave me issues with the warranty department and found that techs weren't necessarily up to date with the latest tech. So, I'm used to doing my own work. But the older I get and the hotter it gets in Texas, I'm looking to do less of it. Repairs anyway. Would rather maintain it than fix it. Even moreso, I'd rather be riding it.
So, I'm reading about things like water in the CARC rear end, not completely waterproof Trax cases, kinda low power dyno runs (up to 27% parasitic loss) and apparently 10 mpg less than BMW's R-equivalent which also makes 10-15 RWHP more. What else? Possibly needing a VDSTS or Axone when it's time to synch TBs to reset the TPS. (something I never needed to do on the BMWs) Not sure if a PC-V is compatable with the dual O2 sensors yet. Bazzazz isn't an option. Parts seem to cost more than BMW.
How is the market for upgrading performance? How about the ease of it? I never upgraded the BMWs. The bang for the buck wasn't there. Example, to get 3 more peak HP, it was going to cost a minimum of $1800. But you also would lose 3 HP in the midrange across a 4000 rpm spread. Another $1000 to fix that. Wasn't worth it.
Now, mechanically, a lot of stuff I'm reading about isn't too big a deal. What I hate is when the electronics get in the way of me being able to do a proper job in my own garage. I like to consider the total cost of ownership when buying a bike. That means what else am I spending money on after the sale?
Can i get some input from 8V CARC owners who do their own wrenching? What has your reliability been like? Ease of maintaining? Cost of parts? Access to a shop/dealer? MPG? Things I need to look forward to?
If anyone has owned BMW R bikes before, can compare you ownership experience to each other?
I'm a daily commuter, rare weekend rider and long distance tourer, so I do between 14-18k miles/year and I ride fast and hard everywhere, no lazy putt-putting along riding here. So durability and good fuel mileage is important to me. I also ride in frog stranglers. When hurricane season comes, I'm still riding out the dirty end of the storm. The HDs, Buells and Beemers have been flawless in the hurricane induced rain.
I am very intrigued by the NTX, features I require are there and nothing I don't need, price is right and it seems it will suit my riding needs... but as I have zero experience with the brand, I need some reassurances and insights.
Hopefully in the next couple weeks, I'll be able to see one in person at MPH.
First, I need to say that I was an early adopter of the Buell brand and had 6 in all. So, I'm used to dealing with a total lack of dealer and manufacturer support if a problem arises. I'm talking '91. Same with parts availability and lack of trained technicians. Even a couple BMWs gave me issues with the warranty department and found that techs weren't necessarily up to date with the latest tech. So, I'm used to doing my own work. But the older I get and the hotter it gets in Texas, I'm looking to do less of it. Repairs anyway. Would rather maintain it than fix it. Even moreso, I'd rather be riding it.
So, I'm reading about things like water in the CARC rear end, not completely waterproof Trax cases, kinda low power dyno runs (up to 27% parasitic loss) and apparently 10 mpg less than BMW's R-equivalent which also makes 10-15 RWHP more. What else? Possibly needing a VDSTS or Axone when it's time to synch TBs to reset the TPS. (something I never needed to do on the BMWs) Not sure if a PC-V is compatable with the dual O2 sensors yet. Bazzazz isn't an option. Parts seem to cost more than BMW.
How is the market for upgrading performance? How about the ease of it? I never upgraded the BMWs. The bang for the buck wasn't there. Example, to get 3 more peak HP, it was going to cost a minimum of $1800. But you also would lose 3 HP in the midrange across a 4000 rpm spread. Another $1000 to fix that. Wasn't worth it.
Now, mechanically, a lot of stuff I'm reading about isn't too big a deal. What I hate is when the electronics get in the way of me being able to do a proper job in my own garage. I like to consider the total cost of ownership when buying a bike. That means what else am I spending money on after the sale?
Can i get some input from 8V CARC owners who do their own wrenching? What has your reliability been like? Ease of maintaining? Cost of parts? Access to a shop/dealer? MPG? Things I need to look forward to?
If anyone has owned BMW R bikes before, can compare you ownership experience to each other?
I'm a daily commuter, rare weekend rider and long distance tourer, so I do between 14-18k miles/year and I ride fast and hard everywhere, no lazy putt-putting along riding here. So durability and good fuel mileage is important to me. I also ride in frog stranglers. When hurricane season comes, I'm still riding out the dirty end of the storm. The HDs, Buells and Beemers have been flawless in the hurricane induced rain.
I am very intrigued by the NTX, features I require are there and nothing I don't need, price is right and it seems it will suit my riding needs... but as I have zero experience with the brand, I need some reassurances and insights.
Hopefully in the next couple weeks, I'll be able to see one in person at MPH.