QUOTE(hammerman @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a 1991 Mk1 TDM 850 and a 1997 BMW R1100GS (not covered in Touratech and Wunderlich parts I might add!). As others have said they are two different bikes. The TDM is great fun, faster than the BMW and has loads of grin factor, but it consumes oil at around 1ml per mile at motorway speeds (although oddly enough none at all round the country lanes) and can be light at the front end when it's loaded up. The BMW is easy to ride fully loaded (bikes weight is low down), is very comfortable, uses virtually no oil, has ABS, but isn't very exciting.
Both bikes have similar fuel consumption (around 50mpg), the BMW is very easier to work on, for example doing the valve clearances is a 15 minute job, as they are tappets and the cylinder heads are sticking out of the side of the bike. Both bikes vibrate a fair bit and the BMW fuel injection causes the bike to surge a little at round town speeds.
I haven't found getting technical information difficult on either bike, although the BMW forum certainly isn't as helpful and fun as Carpe.
So which is best?
Sunday afternoon blast or summer run into work - the TDM every time
Long trip with or without camping gear - the BMW (although I would do it on the TDM, but I'd worry about the oil level all the time)
Both bikes have similar fuel consumption (around 50mpg), the BMW is very easier to work on, for example doing the valve clearances is a 15 minute job, as they are tappets and the cylinder heads are sticking out of the side of the bike. Both bikes vibrate a fair bit and the BMW fuel injection causes the bike to surge a little at round town speeds.
I haven't found getting technical information difficult on either bike, although the BMW forum certainly isn't as helpful and fun as Carpe.
So which is best?
Sunday afternoon blast or summer run into work - the TDM every time
Long trip with or without camping gear - the BMW (although I would do it on the TDM, but I'd worry about the oil level all the time)
We have a '99 R1100GS, interesting that I find it uncomfortable over long distance & 'busy' at motorway speeds yet love using it for sunday afternoon back lane scratching.
