K11 Owners Group

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject: What's happened since 1953?

So I'm sitting in the hospital yesterday and thought I would lookup some BMW motorcycle history. It was some very interesting reading, especially this databit about the '53 R25/3:

"BMW also updates the R 25 single with the R 25/3, its most successful bike to date. Topping out at 73 mph, the R 25/3 goes on to sell 47,000 units during its production run largely due to the improvements in the carburetion and engine, yielding a very efficient 98 miles per gallon fuel consumption."

So why can't we be even close to that anymore.
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Off the grid · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 10:59 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

Scott - the damn thing topped out at 73 - our bikes weigh almost twice as much and go twice as fast! Therefore they only get about half the mpg - makes sense - doesn't it?

I'm sure traveling across country would be fun on an old scoot like that - but shit - it would take forever - and you'd probably have to adjust the valves 3 times on the trip, and the carbs every other fill up. Take your pick.
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 12:25 am Post subject:

That IS interesting. Even a moped these days can't have a top speed pushing 75 and get anywhere near 100 mpg.
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Rider · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 12:36 am Post subject: Gas mileage

You're right Duck, Ive got a 250cc scooter and it will do 75 mph and get 100 mpg, but not at the same time.

Ed
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chopper_harris · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:08 am Post subject:

Gentlemen

May I introduce the 'Royal Enfield' - a motorcycle manufacturer that is stepping boldly into the 1970's Wink

http://www.royal-enfield.com/motorcycles.htm

The 500 will deliver 70mph and 90mpg - we know that you guys just love anything from the UK (OK, so they are now made in India).

UK car sales are down 25% on last September, but motorcycle sales are holding firm - are you seeing the same trend ?
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C1 200 (2001)
R100 RS (1990)
NSU Quickly N (1964)
Honda 400/4 F1 (1977)
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Kawasaki KLV1000 (2005)
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Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:

chopper_harris · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 12:30 pm Post subject:

My R65 mono regularly returns 60 mpg, and that is riden briskly Wink

Classic insurance is £38 ($65) per year - just annoying that the UK doesn't have decent weather for more of the year.

Something has to change, it could be the renaissance of the motorcycle Very Happy

_________________
C1 200 (2001)
R100 RS (1990)
NSU Quickly N (1964)
Honda 400/4 F1 (1977)
MotoGuzzi 1000C (1978)
Suzuki TL 1000 R (1999)
Kawasaki KLV1000 (2005)
K12R Sport (2007) - Wifeys