Motorrad Side Car Support.
I'd like to see BMW return to side car support.
It's certainly a market niche that needs to be revisited.
Seeing how most folks react to seeing one I think it be a great way to involve people who wouldn't normally be interested in two wheel cycling.
Such as family members. Wife, kids, dogs... Even cats.
Well, maybe not cats...
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
cool cats maybe...
Good idea, but since BMW corp (like most companies) are more into volume and profit, I would not hold my breath.
It would be nice though, considering BMW's history with sidecars.
Big D
'85 K100/EML
+1, but, I agree that this doesn't appear to be a direction that BMW has any interest in going... case in point - look at their new product offering, S1000RR. this is not a "family friendly", smell the roses along the way kind of bike. It is primarily for Horsepower crazed adrenaline junkies, IMHO.
BMWs in my garage: 1982 R65LS, 1978 R100/7
Originally Posted by angysdad
Both valid points but could also be talking points as well. IE: Look at the 30 year love affair w/ the GS.
Now imagine a two wheel drive rig such as the URAL which used to be what? :::cough::: a BMW?
As for the 'other' direction? There are plenty of track hacks too...
...and General Interest as well!
Last edited by GrafikFeat; 06-28-2010 at 03:51 PM. Reason: Image Loss?
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
...and wet tracks too...a new line of waterproof racegear...think of the business opportnities
Big D
'85 K100/EML
It is not so much an issue of volume and profit, but more one of engineering and liability. BMW doesn't really have a history with sidecars. They only provided the connection. And the factory chassis with an Earle's fork and leading link was sort of inviting to sidecar operation. All sidecar rigs were always built by other companies and private parties. Even the racing effort in the 60s was limited to engine supply. And those remained in the posession of BMW. If you were a "factory" sidecar team, you had to pick up the mechanic together with the motor and he took it with him after the race.
Mike Simon
78 BMW R100S, 90 BMW K1; 99 BMW R1100RT, 12 K1600GT
I suspect that BMW AG is looking at the current numbers, and trying to capitalize on what they see as "the future of motorcycling."
They have probably looked at the stats for sidecars, and concluded that the numbers are so small as to be ludicrous. On the other hand, BRP looked at the same numbers and decided to get proactive. They designed a machine that would attract a whole new audience. The question BMW has probably asked is "how many sidecarists are there, anyway? The question BRP has asked is "how many trike owners would we like to create?
It doesn't bother me that BMW ignores the three-wheeler market. There are plenty of ways to get into three-wheelers with or without a BMW. BMW needs to make money, and so far their scheme to attract younger, more aggressive riders seems to be paying off.
And, so far I haven't been ostricized by my fellow Beemer riders for arriving at BMW events on a Spyder, so I can continue my relationship.
pmdave
As for me... from a marquee standpoint, I could care less what you ride.
It's how you ride it that would effect my decision to ride with you.
This how NOT to change your oil.
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
Maybe not a good way to change the oil, but I would have to change my underwear!!!
Big D
'85 K100/EML
That one is going to leave a mark... or two!
BMWs in my garage: 1982 R65LS, 1978 R100/7
Do you remember when BMW commissioned a special sidecar to showcase the "new" cruiser?
At the time, I thought maybe BMW had decided to include at least one sidecar in it's lineup. Silly me! The sidecar was functional, but only a prop to attract attention to the cruiser.
I wonder what might have happened had they actually marketed a cruiser/sidecar combination. The cruiser was intended for people who weren't buying the mainstream BMWs. If they ad offered a rig for sale at dealers, how many new buyers would have been attracted to BMW?
pmdave
Remember? I'm reminded daily.
I spoke to the builder of those in 2006. They're only $47K.
I've since lost the link to the website.
That's how it's done... That's rolling art.
=sigh=
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
Nyeahhhh, I dunno.... I never really cared for the "Country Squire" look myself. I suppose it was in keeping with the style of the bike they put it on... but I never cared for it either. This chair makes me think: F-86 Saber over takes Ford Station Wagon at extreme low altitude.
"It is what you discover after you know it all that counts." _ John Wooden
Lew Morris
1973 R75/5 - original owner
It needs a wood panel right down the centre (top) of the tank...
Big D
'85 K100/EML
Damn...
You guys are clueless to a sense of style...
Little wonder your wives dress you.
All that rig needs is my ass sitting on it as I ride it through every state in this country.
"Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting."
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