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German vs Japanese service costs

  • 11-11-2016 7:48am
    #1
    hairyslug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭


    I'm still without a bike, am still trying to narrow it down, I think I have to down to a f800st, f650gs twin and a newer model cbr600f.
    From a quick Google, it looks like over running costs for the Germans are about twice that of the Japanese.
    Granted the bms have a better mpg but are servicing costs that much greater. I can do the oil/filters etc. myself but anything that requires me to remove parts of the engine, I stat away from.
    I'd say over a year I'd be hitting 10,000km.
    Also, any opinions on the bikes above, I've owned an older f650 and CBR but it's difficult to get a test on any of these as there are no longer in production.


Comments

  • #2
    rat_race
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭rat_race


    Hmm, I don't really have an answer on German vs. Japanese, as there are so many bikes?

    In my experience, it depends on a few things tho.

    Firstly, if you bring your bike to a main dealer, you'll pay a lot more.

    Secondly, the smaller the engine (high-revving), the more regularly it may need internal work (valve clearances, etc.), and probably oil changes. Though you'r probably less likely to do loads of miles on a small bike.

    Some bikes have a much smaller regular service interval than others of similar type. I.e., a Tiger 800 needs to be serviced a fair bit less than the F800GS, if you believe the manuals.

    Everything else, such as oil/changes, air filter changes, fork seals, etc., should be similar for all bikes.


  • #3
    stewygriffin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,936 ✭✭✭stewygriffin


    I have both......S1000rr and R1. Service items like oil,filters and brake pads are all roughly the same.

    I found Joe Duffys labour rates not too bad actually. Parts prices like bodywork or anything serious can be huge though. Parts desk will give you up to 10% off if you ask nicely. Some lovely ladies working in BMW too. Ive used Ebay Germany and Ebay USA for parts too,works out alot cheaper. I put a complete14 back end on the S1000rr for 340 euro cheaper than the prices here in Ireland.

    I use a very well respected indy mechanic for the R1. Actually just got it back from full service and a dyno run,and shes even better than before. Again buy the parts off the internet and get the indy mechanic fits them and services the bike for me.

    Basicly you need to shop around for parts,if you want to keep costs down.

    Just my 2 cents worth.


  • #4
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    @stewygriffin would you use an indy for the S1000RR or is it too specialist?


  • #5
    hairyslug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    Cheers lads, anyone got an opinion on the bikes, they are all around the 200kg mark and about the same height. I'm edging more towards one of the BMs just for comfort more than anything. Daily trip would be 95% motorway and 5% bad country roads. A holiday down to Croatia is being planned for next year so it would need to be up to that too


  • #6
    stewygriffin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,936 ✭✭✭stewygriffin


    Lumen wrote: »
    @stewygriffin would you use an indy for the S1000RR or is it too specialist?

    Yep,I have allready and no problems at all.:)
    Shes booked in for a service and map on the dyno at the end of the month.


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  • #7
    rat_race
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭rat_race


    hairyslug wrote: »
    Cheers lads, anyone got an opinion on the bikes, they are all around the 200kg mark and about the same height. I'm edging more towards one of the BMs just for comfort more than anything. Daily trip would be 95% motorway and 5% bad country roads. A holiday down to Croatia is being planned for next year so it would need to be up to that too

    I've been on a few tours, and the bikes I see the most are:

    Suzuki V-strom
    Honda Transalp
    Honda Africa Twin
    BMW GS 800 & 1200
    Tiger 800 & 1200
    Yamaha Tenere

    I prefer the Tigers over the GSs to commute, I find the engine much nicer/smoother, but I love the GSs too, especially the sound!

    All can handle off-road, to a degree.

    Even a scooter:

    Burgman 400/650

    TBH, if I was on the market for a "commuter", I'd get a big scooter: comfort + storage + economical. Having experienced commuting for the last 5 years on a Ninja 250 and Tiger 800, I think I'll get myself a Burgman!


  • #8
    hairyslug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    I can see myself using it to mess about with a the weekends and holidays more so that commuting, would probably only get to commute when kids are on holidays.
    I likes the look of the tiger, it is a little expensive and the seat slightly to high (if the right one comes up, I'll pick up a lower seat). The transalp feels very heavy compared to what I remember.
    Does the f650/800 offer much wind protection down at your legs.
    The CBR has moved to the back of my list behind the f800st and f650gs and tiger


  • #9
    rat_race
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭rat_race


    hairyslug wrote: »
    I can see myself using it to mess about with a the weekends and holidays more so that commuting, would probably only get to commute when kids are on holidays.
    I likes the look of the tiger, it is a little expensive and the seat slightly to high (if the right one comes up, I'll pick up a lower seat). The transalp feels very heavy compared to what I remember.
    Does the f650/800 offer much wind protection down at your legs.
    The CBR has moved to the back of my list behind the f800st and f650gs and tiger

    I am a bit vertically challenged, the Tiger (2013) is fine for me with just the seat on lowest position (down 2cm from default).

    Also, the newer models can come with suspension lowered by default, making it even lower.

    Regarding wind protection, not much IMO. I'd hope your motorbike clothing would though ;) ...


  • #10
    Hotblack Desiato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,548 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    hairyslug wrote: »
    Cheers lads, anyone got an opinion on the bikes, they are all around the 200kg mark and about the same height. I'm edging more towards one of the BMs just for comfort more than anything. Daily trip would be 95% motorway and 5% bad country roads. A holiday down to Croatia is being planned for next year so it would need to be up to that too

    If it meets your requirements at home it should be grand to tour on provided it's comfy enough to ride for 6-10 hours a day (depending on how far you want to go and how much time you have) and has a decent tank range, I went on a tour with a bunch of lads through France/Italy/CH/Germany/NL on a CBR600, and the fella on a CBR250 had no trouble keeping up with the litre bikes on the motorways and could probably have out-cornered them in the twisty bits. A couple of years earlier I toured all over France on my own on a Suzuki GS500E loaded up with tent and stuff (and wine bottles :p), if anything it was more fun flinging that relatively weedy (35hp at best in California emissions spec) but light bike through Alpine hairpins than the CBR6 with three times the power.

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • #11
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    My wife has an SV650S and recently added an 800cc F650GS Twin.

    Almost nothing in it servicing wise. I get both done by an Indy locally, but will get back into it myself soon.

    Both bikes are lowered as she's not tall, and she finds the BeeEmm more comfortable. But the SV was too good a bike to sell so she kept it :)

    The BeeEmm is particularly light on juice as you say.

    You could easily tour Europe on either.

    I rented an F800R in Germany for a long weekend and it was excellent, and made us look for a midsize bike over a full size Tourer, especially in the Alps.

    I rode a new F800GT a while ago before she got the GS and was disappointed - not that comfy. The GS is far better.

    Found the Tiger 800 too tall, but it's a fine bike. I've had a GS1200 in the past but wouldn't rush back. Too heavy, too big, too expensive and too complex.
    An unfaired bike is actually a godsend in a hot climate btw - you just cook on a faired one !

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • #12
    serious3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭serious3


    I've a 650gs, 2008 model, it's doing around 50-60mpg depending on my riding style, it's comfy, easy to move around, good weather protection with a high screen, servicing at home is easy peasy oil and filters the same as jap stuff, air filter easy to get to, plugs a little more awkward but not out of the realm of diy by any means.... Handling is very good for the style of bike, no chicken strips left�� I find the power a little lacking against litre sports bikes but it'll fairly shift if you wind her on! Oh and I rented a 1200gs in Romania this year, lovely bike but I missed the lightness of the f650.... We had 5 f650s in our rental and they were ridden mercilessly for 6 days and still did 50mpg and never missed a beat


  • #13
    rat_race
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭rat_race


    galwaytt wrote: »
    An unfaired bike is actually a godsend in a hot climate btw - you just cook on a faired one !

    Why is that?


  • #14
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    rat_race wrote: »
    Why is that?

    ...nice to have some cooling air .....

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #15
    rat_race
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭rat_race


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...nice to have some cooling air .....

    Ah right, yeah. Sometimes you get the hot air off the engine too though :) ...


  • #16
    Parchment
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,203 ✭✭✭Parchment


    I have always bought Hondas - i never have a problem with them, they have never let me down. Any routine stuff needed is cheaper and often easier to get online than parts for German bikes. My dad always drives BMW's - they rarely give problems but the parts are pricey and can be a little harder to get.

    I am Honda 'til i die! I have a Honda car too....while my dad drives a German car. Horses for courses.


  • #17
    Cienciano
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,330 ✭✭✭✭Cienciano


    Lumen wrote: »
    @stewygriffin would you use an indy for the S1000RR or is it too specialist?

    There's indys and there's good indys.....


  • #18
    stewygriffin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,936 ✭✭✭stewygriffin


    NDM Moto
    MotoTuning
    DLM
    Mototechnic

    All in Dublin and 4 of the best indys out there,have used em all.:)


  • #19
    Cienciano
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,330 ✭✭✭✭Cienciano


    I use mototechnic, great service


  • #20
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Parchment wrote: »
    I have always bought Hondas - i never have a problem with them, they have never let me down. Any routine stuff needed is cheaper and often easier to get online than parts for German bikes. My dad always drives BMW's - they rarely give problems but the parts are pricey and can be a little harder to get.

    I am Honda 'til i die! I have a Honda car too....while my dad drives a German car. Horses for courses.

    Well I'm involved in running a fleet of 4 motorcycles, all NT700's, and can tell you whilst they're good - they're far from perfect.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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