bmw gs boxer

[felco]

Was going to post on the gs unreliable thread but dident want to upsett folk, ( probably will any way).
But my question is why a boxer engine? If thay were that good why havent the other motorcycle manufacturers made any? In my mind its the only engine that should be hidden under a bonnet, ugly, gets in the way, why ? Is it because thats what thay have allways used so why change? Dont dislike beemers, consided a 800 my self but never going to slow myself down with two buckets hung on either side deliberately. Not an engine design for a modern adventure bike surely?.

[johnnyboxer]

Was going to post on the gs unreliable thread but dident want to upsett folk, ( probably will any way).
But my question is why a boxer engine? If thay were that good why havent the other motorcycle manufacturers made any? In my mind its the only engine that should be hidden under a bonnet, ugly, gets in the way, why ? Is it because thats what thay have allways used so why change? Dont dislike beemers, consided a 800 my self but never going to slow myself down with two buckets hung on either side deliberately. Not an engine design for a modern adventure bike surely?.

If you haven't tried one, then do first

It's a great engine, in the 100GS/1100GS/1150GS...............can't say about the 12GS as i'm not a fan

[BigBashBonanza]

No idea why, maybe lower centre of gravity?
It does handle very well and corners like nothing else and if good enough for a Porsche 911 and a Subaru Impreza, it can't be a bad thing....?
Plus the cylinders keep my feet warm in the winter

[coasty]

Are you bored Felco .... surely that post is a bit like prodding a wasps nest with a short stick ... isnt the 800 a parallel twin anyway .

Clearly beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the boxer twin looks great .... also its great for warming your gloves on ... or for use as an occasional shelf !!

20131127_125551_HDR.jpg (66.83 KiB) Viewed 2012 times

[felco]

Remember am not disrespecting , lads, have never been on one, had a mate with a 2cv though and tbh I wasn't impressed

[dubber68]

Where better to stick an aircooled pot than out in the wind. By having them separate like that you get 360 degree coverage of the air cooling fins for heat dissipation and they are in undisturbed air for better cooling efficiency.

[Skippy1970]

Connection with the early aviation history of BMW explains the beautiful boxer engine
Nothing wrong with sticking with something that works

[felco]

Coasty , that does look good mate . I shall let you lower the ruts next ride mate (thumbs)

[Sleepy]

Some of the things I like about boxer engines... very smooth, how else could you get an 1150 twin not to shake itself to bits.. :cheer:

Ease of maintenance a massive plus, and a very good reason on it's own for having this type of configuration.
No bits of body to remove, it's all stuck out in the air for you to get too.. no special service tools required either. (most if not all the servicing can be done with the excellent tool kit supplied with my 1150)...

As JB says, get a ride on one, but they are a bit of a culture shock after riding other bikes.. I too have no love for the 1200's a bit too 'revvy' for me, I like a big lazy engine where all the power I need is low down and instant..

[coasty]

Thanks (thumbs) .... it would look even better if I could rotate the photo !!

The thing is ... put it next to another big 'adventure bike' complete with crash bars and body work etc .. they are not actually that much wider. You are welcome to a go anytime