If a 2006 BMW K 1200 LT revs in the forest, and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?
Well, sure. Until it runs out of gas and sputters to an ignominious stop. At which point we can all point and laugh at the arrogance of the Germans.
Ja, das gut!
A smooth sound, but so whiny!
Well, unlike SUVs that run people down on a daily basis, so far as I know BMWs aren’t able to rev themselves, so there’d have to be someone there to rev and be forced to hear same (unless they had their iPod with them).
In the original book, what make motorcycle does the author ride? John’s BMW is referenced multiple times, but the author’s make—never. Anyone?
Now now. Phaedrus would laugh at the Germans. We, on the other hand, should contemplate whether the Germans would consider themselves arrogant if they could view themseves as a third party.
Forget the sound…what about the hot lipstick lesbians making out on top of it?
If a 2006 BMW K 1200 LT revs in the forest, and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?
No. The GT does, but not the LT. And Bultacos? Forget it. (Come on, they have the word “taco” in them.)
Sadly, No!
But the Yamaha FZR emits a nice humming sound, as if riding over a bridge that connects the romantic and classic views, thereby leaving Hegel to mumble incoherently about Volkswagens built in Mexico.
Or something.
As a former BMW dealer I represent that remark!
TW: I used to drive a BMW, too. Uncanny I say!!
Actually, I own a K1200 LT-i, and it sounds like an Evinrude outboard motor….
(I’ve also discovered that BigMoneyWasters are so “elitist” that they’re impossible to get rid of: I put mine up for sale—for $5000—and didn’t get a nibble; and I paid nearly $20,000 for the damned thing new.)
Who, with any trace of testosterone, rides a BMW? Harleys if you want to look good and four-in-line riceburners (mine were a Z1 and 900Gpz) if you want to go fast.
When my son went to pick up his Mean Streak the dealer had an R1200. James and I had the same, simultaneous reaction: migawd that’s fugly! It looks like the son of the designer of the 1961 Toyopet was given a blank check to buy plastic.
As for the mechanicals, reading the descriptions on the various Web sites calls to mind the motto I have on my wall: Warum einfach, wenn es auch kompliziert geht. A German acquaintance saw it, chuckled, and said, “Ach. The motto of German industry.” I suggested, “Deutsche Industrie Norm null.” “Ja, genau…”
Challeron, I feel for you a bit, between the chuckles.
Regards,
Ric
Uh, actually, nk, the BMW K-series is a four-in-line, and it does go like a rice rocket (if a rice rocket had saddlebags)….
I know, I know, Challeron. The 100-pound lady gym-teacher who helped me get my motorcycle license rode a BMW. They say it’s the Rolex of motorcycles. Still, you know, there’s something that’s way too tame about it. Kind of like these new toilets they have installed in Germany (sorry, too lazy to look for the link) that yell at men to sit down while urinating.
Sitzpinkler!
And I thought you were kidding.
Western civilization is doomed.
Major John prodded me out of my laziness to find this link. Wishbone’s is better.
Fu*k that. I like the sound of my Ducati in the forest. Nothing elegant. Just fun.
And I’ll send doctored photos of Jenner, California going up in smoke after I passed through it, courtesy of Reuters.
For some reason, I want to say its a Trumpet or a Beezer.
Don’t know for sure, but I want to and it feels right, so it must be true.
K bikes and Oilheads suck. Airheads are where it’s at!
(Besides, an LT wouldn’t be in the forest anyway. The only beemer you’re going to find in the forest is a GS.)
I’ll take my ‘99 Honda Valkyrie over Beemers or Hardleys any day. My Valk looks better than the Beemer and eats Hardleys for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For some reason I always thought Pirsig’s ride was Japanese – lots of clues point that way. Besides, no one in their right mind would take a 60’s Brit bike on a cross country trip with their kid. There would way more references to the crummy carbs, or parts falling off or breaking.
BTW – bought my daughter a Ducati Monster 695, and it’s the perfect first bike. Really!
TW: and every evening for the next week or two we’ll put in seat time.
What do you guys thihk of the Yamaha V-Star? I am looking to get back into riding after 20+ years off.
Atanas,
V-Star is a nice bike, depending on what you want to do with it. Well, really for pretty much anything. Cruising and touring it should do you really well. Won’t compete with a sport bike, but then, if that’s what you wanted you wouldn’t be looking at a V-Star in the first place.
Yeah. Everything is fun and games on the open road untill you go over the high side.And if you ride for any length of time you’re gonna drop it. There ain’t no small accidents on a bike, just lucky ones.
I just finished rereading it and I also get the impression it’s a japanese bike. He never comes out and says so.
http://Good.com
I also thought you were kidding about the toilet . . . I want them here in the US with Arnold’s, the ‘Governator’, voice saying the English version, “Don’t you go wetting this floor cowboy, you never know who’s behind you. So sit down, get your water pistol in the bowl where it belongs. Ha, ha, ha.”
The Basic Of BMW Motorcycles…
BMW Motorcycles BMW as a model has always been associated with prestige and class. While BMW is very diverse, it remains true to its brand and model, in which millions of fans worldwide. Since 1923 the company moved to the plane of luxury cars, but suc…