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**boisdevie** · Sensible Commuter

I'm going to need to get a bike to take me long distances. So I thought of a big beemer. Something with a barn door fairing and hard panniers. I have about 3k to spend. What model would people recomend? And how economical are big beemers?

**BigChav** · Weekend Warrior

Sorry son but for £3k you'll not find a beemer unless its dead or stolen.

I've just had to pay over £7k to get my 04 model with 20k+ miles on clock.

As for fuel consumption, work on the basis that its 10miles per litre. Then you can gestimate the fuel range based on tech info provided for the bike you're looking at.

**harum-scarum** · Motorcycling Legend

Shorrock's in Preston have a '93 K1100LT for £2995 - 39,000 miles, ABS, full luggage, etc.

Try Bike trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/BIKES/bikes.jsp

**frevrod** · VIP

boisdevie wrote:

And how economical are big beemers?

I bought a 71K miles K1100LT from ebay for £800, 50mpg and very comfortable.
Unfortunately it was too awkward for me to turn around on my drive so I sold it on for £1100 and now have a Yamaha TDM850 for the winter

My Rockster returns anything between 35 and 50mpg, mind you the 35 is when someone keeps it at a pretty much constant 3 figure speed. (not me officer, honestly)

**welshboy69** · CBT Wobbler

I've a 1980 R65 that I picked up for £550. It only has 55,000 kilometres on the clock.

I've only done a few hundred miles on it thus far, but I've worked out that I'm getting mid-forties to the gallon.

I get more mpg from my car, but I get more grin factor from the bike!

Welshboy

**The Black Knight** · VIP

Is the K series engine much more economical than the R twins?

Never really think about fuel cost tbh.

**welshboy69** · CBT Wobbler

The Black Knight wrote:

Is the K series engine much more economical than the R twins?

Never really think about fuel cost tbh.

My commute to work is 64 miles. Therefore with 128 mile a day, it tends to be quite high on my list, fuel cost that is.

What do you get from a K-series?

Welshboy

**BigChav** · Weekend Warrior

20 litres of fuel on my r1200 gets me about 230 miles is i play to the speed limits.

If i dont, it can go as low as 140 miles!!

**Tyke Tank Slapper** · VIP

Yeah I find that, if you ride conservative the MPG is absolutely wonderful, if you press a bit the fuel economy rapidly drops

**BigChav** · Weekend Warrior

BigChav wrote:

20 litres of fuel on my r1200 gets me about 230 miles is i play to the speed limits.

If i dont, it can go as low as 140 miles!!

Scratch this, I made over 270 miles to a tank on the continent!

**FazerKev** · VIP

Nice one Chris, how was the trip, any tips or write ups? I'm off in ten days Cool

**BigChav** · Weekend Warrior

FazerKev wrote:

Nice one Chris, how was the trip, any tips or write ups? I'm off in ten days Cool

Trip was lovely - 2.5k miles, 10 countries, 3 new friends, 1 minor break down (and roadside repair), and a very sore arse.

Fuel prices are no cheaper (unless you're in Andorra or Austria) than the UK. Eating out is costly. flan for a stop off the bikes every 2 to 3 days - your arse will love you for it.

If your tyres look cooked, the tarmac in germany will eat them alive - it contains glass or something, and literally shreds the tyres. Back one was fresh on for the trip and is mullered, the front one has the tread delaminating from the carcass!

Take a comprehensive tool kit, including puncture kits and a small bottle of engine oil. Guaranteed that you'll need them, given that your likely to run your engine for 8+ hours a day.

Finally, have fun, go with an open mind, take maps of everywhere you're going (or buy them on the way), even if you have GPS. The maps indicate the 'good' roads to ride on (generally green or yellow/green shaded).

I'll be doing a more comprehensive report sometime this weekend - with pictures - so that you get an idea where we've been.

**BigChav** · Weekend Warrior

Write up is here:

http://www.gbbikers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=165997#165997

**Gareth** · Bike? What bike?

My 1150gs gives about 10mpl on a long run and about 6mpl on my normal moring commute

**motobiker** · CBT Wobbler

BigChav wrote:

Sorry son but for £3k you'll not find a beemer unless its dead or stolen.

I've just had to pay over £7k to get my 04 model with 20k+ miles on clock.

As for fuel consumption, work on the basis that its 10miles per litre. Then you can gestimate the fuel range based on tech info provided for the bike you're looking at.

I disagree... £3000 is about right for a decent 1100 motor. Just a matter of looking round. The reason they're so cheap... thank the 1150 and 1200s - and the fact that bmw dealers dont have room for em.

Dont be put off by the age of these bikes... The 1100s are pretty indestructable - will be by now fully sorted and mileage is not an issue - just look for good history and regular oil changes. many bikes are maintained at home.. so don't be put off if the seller says that

Bear in mind they're not fully run in til around 18 - 20,000 miles and so a 50,000 mile bike can be conidered low mileage.

I keep an eye on ebay (dont mock) and regularly see very nice examples within your price point. RTs in particular.

Lastly.. don't discount the R1100GS not only will it take you round the planet - but in the real world is a fantastic road bike is totally unphased by luggage and a pillion and will take you with ease down roads most other bikes wouldn't even consider.

and you absolutely NEVER have to slow down for road humps.

45 - 50mpg depending on model.

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