question about BMW's new models - F700 & F800 GS

[T.Wesley]

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.

Perhaps, but there's no catchy tune we can listen to that has a zingy chorus of "I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I think I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I really think so."

[Maria V]

Bravo, Wes.

"I think I'm turning to HD I think I'm turning to HD, I really think so."
It could work.

[shelion]

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.

Perhaps, but there's no catchy tune we can listen to that has a zingy chorus of "I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I think I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I really think so."

Yep, bravo indeed.

Though when you said they were turning Japanese, I thought of the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp - "We are si-a-mese if you pl-ease"

Are flappy paddle switches the same as a flappy paddle gearbox?

[stevebmw]

Though when you said they were turning Japanese, I thought of the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp - "We are si-a-mese if you pl-ease"

Wouldn't that be turning Thai?

[shelion]

Though when you said they were turning Japanese, I thought of the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp - "We are si-a-mese if you pl-ease"

Wouldn't that be turning Thai?

It was just the -ese part that made the association but my world geography is less than stellar. The first two lines of that song are the only ones I remember (it's been quite awhile) and the Siamese cats are my favorite part of the movie.

[shelion]

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.

Way to go George, inserting actual facts into an internet discussion. Don't you know that sort of behavior has no place here!

[Wild Pig]

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.

Perhaps, but there's no catchy tune we can listen to that has a zingy chorus of "I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I think I'm turning Harley-Davidson, I really think so."

In my best Inigo Montoya voice:

"You keep quoting that song. I don't think it means what you think it does."

It's about......well.....nevermind.

[T.Wesley]

Are flappy paddle switches the same as a flappy paddle gearbox?

If they are, Jeremy Clarkson will hate it

Oh and Mr Pig? I know

[Georgeinva]

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.

Way to go George, inserting actual facts into an internet discussion. Don't you know that sort of behavior has no place here!

Unlike others I try base my post in facts and not just be a loudmouth braggart.

It's about......well.....nevermind.

Yeah I guess the Vapors were talking about Nirvana.

[Unity]

It's about......well.....nevermind.

Yeah I guess the Vapors were talking about Nirvana.

AFAIK, there has been no photographic evidence to prove the well-known Nevermind interpretation.

--John

[shelion]

Unlike others I try base my post in facts and not just be a loudmouth braggart.

Well, heck, what fun is that!?!

[Howard]

And I disagree that the F 650s are underpowered. The current 71 hp is enough to cruise at over 100 mph with full saddlebags. When I had my F 650 Funduro, with its 50 hp, I would ride all day at 70-80 mph with full saddlebags, duffel bag on the back, and a tankbag on top. More power can be fun, of course, but you don't really NEED all that much.

I also disagree that the F650GS is underpowered. I just returned from a 10-day Alaskan tour where I rode a rented F650GS (Single) 2-up with my wife Jane. While the bike was a bit cramped from a size point of view I had no trouble keeping up with my Harley V-twin riding companions. Now I am not particularly interested in 100 MPH riding, but I could easily keep up with 65-70 mph on the road. The only difficulty is that I am used to a R1200RT with its nice windshield and found a 65 mph wind load on my chest a bit of a challenge (and a definite cooling feeling). But the bike was great on the Alaskan road especially in the ubiquitous construction areas. Since I was riding with a Harley guy that was a fanatic about his bike and its appearance, we were strictly on paved roads (except for the construction areas), but when we were in these areas I found the bike great to ride. Note that this particular bike had been lowered to about 28.5" seat height -- important for me since I am dimensionally challenged in leg length.