Since I do not yet own a beemer I will save the proper introduction until then. I have been interested in a maxi-scooter for some time, and the beemer has won hands down. Actually, retirement years are closing in fast for me now, and the next machine I buy must be the one b/c it will be the last one.
Still, I am considering between the beemer 650 and the Victory cross country as my only choices. I will also have to see the 650 sport and the GT in person before deciding which would appeal best to me.
Back to the beemers, the question that is nagging me is - are there any tuning problems being addressed? You know, having to buy a fuel mapping device for lean AFR like most mcycles these days.[/QUOTE
I ride the GT because I didn't want the cruiser look . . . I wanted something different. I also have a fake leg on the left side, so shifting is an issue. . . . however, a set of floor boards and a 'heal and toe' shifter are usable. I have almost 31,000 miles on my GT, it has never let me down. As far as fueling, there is a spot around 30mph that has an 'on and off' spot, but it is a minor irritation. The problem with the Beamer scooter is . . . it is top heavy and difficult for the passenger to get on and off. The other problem I have experienced is: the US dealers don't seem to have any experience with working on scooters. . . . I feel like the red headed step child when talking to them. My local dealer (65 miles away) is very small, so this may be a locality issue. I have had no major issues with my bike . . . . . but I have got more answers to my minor issues on this web sight and one other than my dealer could answer. A big THANK YOU to all of my fellows riders out there.
The GT is comfortable, the heated grips and seat are a plus, and it handles like a sport touring bike (even if it doesn't have the 165 horse power that seems to be the norm now. My wife and I have kept up with traffic on the interstate at close to 90 mph on rare occasions . . . so the beamer does not lack power. The only accessory I have added was a windscreen extension from Twisted Throttle (this relieved the helmet blast and improved coverage . . . I'm just shy of 6' .. . and shrinking with age). I am still running the original transmission belt. The big service at 26,000 miles revealed that the valves were on, the belt was in great shape, and the rollers in the clutch needed replacing. The Victory is a beautiful bike. You need to try them both on, ride them, try them with a passenger, and just see what fits you. Sounds like you have your fun cut out for you!