Oil Head reliability

[maxredline]

As I am riding less due to multiple reasons I am thinking of getting a Beemer that has less tech and is worth less.
The older BMW bikes appeal to me in a way that I can manage.
The question  what areas need attention on oil head Beemers?

[Lee]

The later Oilheads had Servo brakes which is costly to replace.
Maybe skip ahead to the R1200 Hexhead or Camhead years.
I think that's 2005 to 2012.

K bikes had Servo brakes for 2002 to early 2007.
I don't know the exact years for the R bikes.
Which models are you interested in?

[Duckbubbles]

The problem with them is that even the newest oilheads are 20+ years old now. Totally dependent on the previous owners maintenance or lack thereof. Wiring and rubber parts deteriorate. I have had almost all the insulating sheathing fall off the wire harness on my '03 R11S. I bought it 5 years ago with 10,000 miles on the clock. The in tank wiring insulation had fallen off and the fuel lines in the tank were falling apart. That is because of age since the bike was pristine in every other way. I'm lucky in that I can do all my own maintenance and have spent considerable time/money/effort getting it "right". Once sorted out they are very dependable bikes to own.

Frank

[36654]

The later Oilheads had Servo brakes which is costly to replace.
Maybe skip ahead to the R1200 Hexhead or Camhead years.
I think that's 2005 to 2012.

K bikes had Servo brakes for 2002 to early 2007.
I don't know the exact years for the R bikes.
Which models are you interested in?

It's interesting, I was in a meeting with a representative an MC trade group.   His position was ABS shouldn't be mandated because it is not long term reliable.  His basis for that claim was the issues with the Whizzy brakes.............

I was a bit shocked

[runnerhiker]

How about an R9T or the new R12NineT? The R9T's came out 10 years ago, the R12's are just now coming out, so I am guessing the new, on the showroom floor R9T are probably discounted. Or you can look for a very recent, used, R9T

[Lee]

How about an R9T or the new R12NineT?  The R9T's came out 10 years ago, the R12's are just now coming out, so I am guessing the new, on the showroom floor R9T are probably discounted.  Or you can look for a very recent, used, R9T

That's a good suggestion.