BMWs - the best bikes to meet people???
 

Hi guys, I am German and we love to travel(the Germans). I travelled a lot on my Tenere, but now I think about my next trip - but on a BMW. Perhaps a old F650. What do you think? Is it better to travel as a German on a BMW to get in contact with the people - sitting on a German bike??? I think in the most of the countries the higher income people own Beemers too, so you get in contact with these people and you get to know most of the time the "big guys".

Do you think it makes a trip easier or different riding a BMW??? The BMW - Owners around the world are pretty good organized and have a lot of meetings too. My opinion is - it would help.

Please let me know what you think???

El Aleman - Jens

My experience is that outside of Western countries, ANY bike bigger than a 125 is going to catch a lot of attention from locals. In most 'developing' (for lack of a better word) countries motorbikes are strictly work vehicles, and the idea of someone suiting up on a larger bike to tour is a foreign idea. It doesn't really matter whether you're riding the latest high-end BMW or a beat-up Yamaha XT225, people will see you ride into town with a funny helmet and riding gear, and think you're as foreign as an alien from Mars!

which bike
 

You might get more sympathy riding an enfield.
It all depends where you want to tour. in western Europe, or anywhere with good roads the BMW is a good choice.. In my view tho they are too heavy for poor roads, especially when you have to maintain a slow speed. I think a more frugal bike weighing less than 180kg whose engine can do say 450 km on a 20 liter tank would be a greater asset than a heavier bike with amore limited range, even though it might be quicker on good roads.