1997 BMW reviews

I've had the bike for over a year now and put about 12k on it. I like it better as time goes on. I had a hard time with the bike at low speeds for a while, but experience has relieved that problem a lot. Amsoil in the transmission has helped with rough shifting. $320 tires are required every 7,500 miles or so. I ride with several groups. This is still one of the most advanced bikes around. It has ABS, weather protection, and handling. Show less

i purchased the bike new in 97. no it won't run toe to toe with the road rockets but they won't take long freeway runs like the bmw. no it isn't as comfy as the gold wings but it smokes them in the twisties. biggest complaints are the seat which gives you a wicked butt ache before you need gas and if you do your own maintenance, the fairing is a pain in the rump. 50 mpg and the huge gas tank means the low fuel indicator doesn't come on until the odometer reads 300 miles and then you still have another gallon. 30000 miles on this beemer and no signs it will ever quit. Show less

This light weight roadster is a great beginning place for a new rider or a good day riding solution for someone who wants to put 300 + miles in and not have to endure rear end pain. The bike handles 45 mph turns extremely well and has excellent mid-range torque. It is comfortable and can be loaded well for longer trips. BMW has succeeded here with this combination of practicality and fun. I found myself riding with R1's, 929's as well as Goldwings. Show less

After two three years on this solid performer I have to say I am very please with it's overall performance and reliability. Certainly, there are faster, more powerful bikes out there that cost less, but the R850 has never failed to deliver plenty of mid-range power for one-up and two up riding. This bike is fitted with BMW saddlebags, windshield, Givi trunk (it's huge), and the clock & tach accessory kit. Day-to-day this bike gets used for practically everything. It commutes, runs errands, and supplies a little after work recreation. It has also provided my wife and I with some long weekend rides. It has always run smooth and without hesitation. Can there be a down side? Well, yes, but not much. At 15,000 give-or-take it developed an oil leak through the right cylinder head gasket. BMW repair it at no charge with only one week left on the warranty. A noisy throttle body was repair in like manor just prior to that. Neither of these conditions causes the engine to behave poorly. Handling, brakes, and feel are all very good for a non-sport bike. This is not my only motorcycle, but the one I use most often. It is my first BMW, and it has definitely left me with a positive impression Show less

Pros -- 1) Plenty of power with rapid throttle response. The engine is quiet and runs smoothly. The fuel capacity is 7.26 gallons (on my 97 RTA), which provides a range of over 300 miles, at speeds of 70mph or less. 2) The paralever/telelever suspensions is simply the best I have experienced. With a traditional front suspension (springs and oil in the forks), the shock (or energy) from impacting a bump in the road travels up the forks and the handlebars, and into the rider's hands. However, the paralever front suspension on the BMW has no springs or oil in the fork tubes, which means the shock from impacting a bump in the road does not travel into the rider's hands. This makes for a much more comfortable ride. The paralever design also eliminates front-end dive under heavy braking. 3) The ABS II system is excellent. It responds quickly without feedback through the brake controls (unlike a car). 4) The RT was built to turn. Although it weighs in at well over 600 lbs., it turns with the greatest of ease. It is the most nimble road bike I have ridden. It even out handles my friend's Ducati ST2. 5) Creature comforts include throttle lock cruise control, heated vest, heated grips, superior luggage (locking, weatherproof sidecases have a capacity of 22 liters and topcase holds 33 liters), electrially adjustable windshield. 6) 43,000 miles with absolutly no problems. It is a very reliable machine. The cons -- 1)Maintenance is required every 6,000 miles and at minimum includes an oil change, fuel injector syncronization, and a valve adjustment. I have never had service cost less than $210.00. 2) The tires do not last long. Only Z-rated tires will fit on the wheels (the price you'll pay for performance). 3) The seat feels comfortable while the bike sits in the showroom, but it gets to be downright painfull after about 250 miles (less that the bike's fuel range). The foam is too soft and bottoms out against the seat pan. A Corbin, or Sargent Cycle replacement is strongly recommended. 4) No place to mount drive/fog lights. Show less