Quote:
Originally Posted by John Holmes III
I have a '86 Sporty with a single S&S Super E carb, that once jetted right, is bulletproof. It also has chain drive, so I can do a roadside repair, unlike belt drives that require removal of many more parts to service.
Beemers, with dual Bing carbs, need a deft touch and much love in order to keep running right. I should know, I also have a mid '60s R50/2. Right now I am thinking about doing a oil slinger service. Which is really a lower end rebuild. That's what happens when BMW makes a bike without a oil filter. 
The Sporty always starts, and runs great, more than I can say for the Beemer, that only has 21 thousand documented miles. |
So you're comparing a mid 60's BMW with an '86 Sproty? Apples and oranges maybe.
How many Sportys have you seen (or any other Harley) with well over 100,000 miles on the clock? Now compare that number with how many BMWs you have seen?
Harley's have come a long way and actually jumped light years ahead with the release of the Evo. Light years ahead of the ironhead that is. As far as modern day motorcycles the a Harley is still a little below average as far as maintenance, reliability, and endurance. The BMW, far above.