Long-Term Update
Long-Term Update
BMW R1100RS Best Beemer ever?
AFTER 8128 MILES ON THE NEW R1100RS Boxer, we've come to the conclusion that BMW has created its best-ever flat-Twin. Some imperfections remain, but the eightvalve Type R259 engine is a big improvement over the old design. We also like the Telelever front suspension, which continues to amaze us with its compliance.
Maintaining the bike has been simple, but expensive. The 6600-mile service-completed by Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, California-consisted of little more than an oil-and-filter change, and a few adjustments to the clutch and an out-of-sync fuel-injection system, at a cost of $125 plus $57.04 for parts. At the same time, we replaced the badly worn rear Bridgestone Battlax Radial, a $120 expense.
Criticisms include the transmission, which is clunky and rattles loudly when in neutral with the clutch disengaged. According to BMW, the noise is a result of the new engine’s increased power pulses, which cause the transmission gears to rattle back and forth on their shafts. Some dealers have experimented with heavier gear oil and alternate idle settings, but the problem persists.
More favorable is our opinion of the optional hard saddlebags ($566 from BMW dealers), which will easily swallow a full-face helmet or a weekend’s worth of necessities.
SUZUKI RMX250 Trailbike extraordinaire
IN LAST YEAR'S 250 ENDURO SHOOTout, Suzuki's RMX250 faired well, placing second overall and winning strong praise from several testers. Since being added to our long-term test fleet, the RMX has spent little time in the garage; most weekends, the bike is either trail ridden or raced in an enduro or grand prix.
For more power, we’ve opted for an FMF pipe and muffler ($250), capped by a Sparky spark arrestor ($45). The single-walled FMF pipe is lighter than the highly restrictive, double-walled production item, although due to its straight-through muffler core, it is louder. Power gains were significant, especially on top. In the future, cylinder porting and a thinner head gasket are in order. We also plan to revalve the RMX’s stock suspension components and fit stiffer springs.
We like the RMX’s Bridgestone knobbies, especially for trail riding. The stockers lasted about 1500 miles and were replaced with more of the same. So far, the only repairs have been crash-related: a clutch lever, perch and one of the flimsy handguards. The plastic has held up well, and we’ve found no loose spokes. Cleaning the air filter and replacing the transmission fluid with Torco manual transmission fluid after every ride has helped to ensure against mechanical failures. After 3500 miles of trail riding and racing, the RMX250 remains trouble-free.
SUZUKI GSX-R750 High-grade sportbike
STAFFERS RARELY COMMUTE ON OUR long-term Suzuki GSXR750. That's not to say that the bike isn’t fun to ride, but its lowmounted clip-ons, high-set footpegs and thinly padded seat usually dissuade lengthy excursions in rush-hour traffic.
When heading to the racetrack or one of our favorite backroads, though, the GSX-R is often the first chosen. The bike’s strong points-its potent engine, smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, solid handling and excellent ground clearance-make it a prime choice when comers are involved.
As expected, the Suzuki has seen plenty of racetrack use, which has been particularly hard on tires. We’ve sampled three brands, the latest a set of racecompound Bridgestone Battlax Radiais ($334.92). On the track, the BT-50 SS Type 3 s offered a high degree of traction and good handling characteristics.
After 3511 hard miles, the chain and sprockets are in good shape, none of the bolts have worked loose, and the steering-head bearings remain tight. So far, modifications have been limited to pulling the fork legs up 10mm to quicken the bike’s steering, fitting Galfer semi-metallic carbon-fiber brake pads ($25 per set) and the removal of the windscreen’s vision-blocking trim strip. For improved track performance, we treated the stock shock to a Works Performance “Guts Transplant.” Evaluations on it are ongoing.
