Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)

Status
Not open for further replies.
A couple of nice looking rides there RS.
Isn't there a law or at least a rule of not allowing Norton mufflers on BMw's?

Norton Type, as they were made with mounting specific to BMW. I got these from EPCO just before their lights began to dim; they really woke up the cam and the 38mm Dell'Orto pumpers, however, they were SO LOUD that even a few H-D riders gave me dirty looks, and, even with a new Arai Corsair V and ear plugs the sound was still way over the top. I replaced them with a pair of Keihan's /6 stainless silencers; open enough to breath, quiet enough to civil.

Best.
 
Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)


I'm no racer but for my type of riding , if I had to keep just one it would be the R90s. Least favorite was the Sportster.

I have to edit this post. This picture was from 2014, I have since sold the Sportster and the R90s. Deep down I guess the Commando was and still is my favorite.

Art
No beemer anymore, but a 2007 XL1200R and three 750 Commandos in my garage. The modern Sportster is very reliable as would be expected. Good on
Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)
fairly straight roads and huge torque. For riding fun definitely a 750 Commando on the twisties.
 
A BMW dealer friend of mine told me the Germans call the Bikes, Gummikuh which I believe translates to rubber cow. He was in a hotel reception and a woman asked what bike he was riding, when he told her she said Ah Gummikuh.

Can any of our German contingent confirm this nickname?
 
A BMW dealer friend of mine told me the Germans call the Bikes, Gummikuh which I believe translates to rubber cow. He was in a hotel reception and a woman asked what bike he was riding, when he told her she said Ah Gummikuh.

Can any of our German contingent confirm this nickname?
A mate of mine that lived in Germany for many years told me the same
"The rubber cow"
 
Several years ago, I worked with a Quality Engineer from Opel who was on an international assignment. When he saw a picture of my R75/6 he started gyrating his body and rolling his shoulders like he was on a mechanical bull. He laughed and called the bike a “Gummikuh”. When he stopped laughing he said it was a rubber cow.

haha. I guess I should laugh.
 
Da hier so viele sprachkundig sind, hier die Erklärung wie die BMWs den Spitznamen "Gummikuh" bekamen:
"Die BMW-Boxer heißen Gummikuh, weil beim Gasgeben das Drehmoment des Kardans dazu führt, dass das Motorradheck aufsteigt. Die Federbeine werden gaaanz lang. Beim Gaswegnehmen sacken sie wieder zusammen. Dieser Effekt machte sich seit der Modellreihe /5 (für Unkundige: Strich Fünf) 1969 bemerkbar, denn das Fahrwerk dieser kompletten Neuentwicklung stammte aus den Werks-Geländesport-Maschinen. Seit BMW Parallelogramm-Schwingen verwendet, bei eine mitfedernden Stütze das Drehmoment aufnimmt, gibt es den Effekt nicht mehr. Übrigens sah es immer schlimmer aus, als es war. Wer kann schon in einer Kurve einfach durch Gasgeben die Bodenfreiheit erhöhen? Übrigens wurden die BMW-Motorräder ab der /5 in Berlin gebaut."

Quelle: http://www.igfkml.de/etc/etc-spitznamen.html

-Knut :)
 
Da hier so viele sprachkundig sind, hier die Erklärung wie die BMWs den Spitznamen "Gummikuh" bekamen:
"Die BMW-Boxer heißen Gummikuh, weil beim Gasgeben das Drehmoment des Kardans dazu führt, dass das Motorradheck aufsteigt. Die Federbeine werden gaaanz lang. Beim Gaswegnehmen sacken sie wieder zusammen. Dieser Effekt machte sich seit der Modellreihe /5 (für Unkundige: Strich Fünf) 1969 bemerkbar, denn das Fahrwerk dieser kompletten Neuentwicklung stammte aus den Werks-Geländesport-Maschinen. Seit BMW Parallelogramm-Schwingen verwendet, bei eine mitfedernden Stütze das Drehmoment aufnimmt, gibt es den Effekt nicht mehr. Übrigens sah es immer schlimmer aus, als es war. Wer kann schon in einer Kurve einfach durch Gasgeben die Bodenfreiheit erhöhen? Übrigens wurden die BMW-Motorräder ab der /5 in Berlin gebaut."

Quelle: http://www.igfkml.de/etc/etc-spitznamen.html

-Knut :)

The woman in the reception with my friend gave a side to side fish like hand movement when she called the bikes gummikuh, she wasn't a biker either, so it looks like the public had a different idea to the magazine.

I have often seen early BMWs weaving on motorways, I thought it was what they did (the earlier ones)

I have a 2016 R1200RS, that doesn't weave, in fact it is a very good allrounder, very modern handling.

The singing saw (DKW) is how I think, of all two strokes, horrible things and I hadn't heard the Maggot (CX500) called a Slurry pump before, I like that one.
 
Last edited:
I have often seen early BMWs weaving on motorways, I thought it was what they did (the earlier ones)

For clarification, the nick-name "Gummikuh" (Rubber cow) does _not_ refer to an alleged weaving tendency. Rather, the airheads /5 and upwards are renowned for holding their line rock-steady. For those in need of a translation, "Gummikuh" refers to the transversal rotation of the tail due to the torque reaction. The up- and downward movement resembles an inflated rubber bag. However, this behaviour is greatly exaggerated (as with most nick-names) and hardly noticeable on the go, according to the cited reference.

-Knut
 
I saw that in the article which is why I mentioned the woman's hand movement, I have often seen the BMs weave but never given the up and down movement a seconds thought. It was a long time ago and I know the later bikes don't weave, or go up and down much, I have a modern BM and I would say the handling is very modern. good bike.
 
Yes, the torque reactions from the in-line crank and driveshaft effects are definitely noticeable on the older models, especially as power increases are added.
 
I stopped noticing the torque reaction years ago. My only misgiving with my /5 is that it sounds like half a VW beetle. Not the greatest sounding mill, especially with a 750 Combat for comparison.
 
My only misgiving with my /5 is that it sounds like half a VW beetle. Not the greatest sounding mill, especially with a 750 Combat for comparison.
I've always learned to appreciate every bike I've owned, with very few exceptions. I consider myself to be a true all-encompassing enthusiast and not as tribal or "one-trick-pony" as some people tend to get. My greatest hindrance to a lot more riding is still having school-age kids at home, with all the attendant necessities of splitting tasks...
 
I have often seen early BMWs weaving on motorways, I thought it was what they did (the earlier ones)

BMW /5,/6,/7 models don't have headsteadies the engine/transmission are secured to the frame by 2 ,12 mm studs. you can stiffen theme up by trellising the swingarm and replacing the upper fork plate with a much more substantial aftermarket part, which has its' controversies. The majority of Beemer pilots are so enamored by BMW's reputation for reliability that, hem, "extended' oil changes, retorques and various adjustments are more the norm. Norton owners become mechanics within a very short time of winning an owner badge, a Melential, might say something bright on a very metaphysical note: Well, like, that doesn't sound fair; followed by: Have you told FaceBook about this?, like I can Tweet something out to warn, you know, like, other organics....Assholes!!!!

The English, German, Italian and US makers produce products that can do the same job, but with different "DNA".

I have an R100 project that is definitely pregnant, but a long way from labor... It will get a head steady, a Ne Plus Ultra dynamic balance, but it will not get a 336 cam or any form off peashooters, it will be fitted with a set Jim Cray silencers and 40 mm headers, available form Keihan Systems.

All motorcycles manufactured for the general public, with very rare exception, are built to a price point; I build them without such constraints...

Best.
Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)
 
Nice project.

You‘re putting a Commando engine in it I presume...?

(BTW, not sure if it’s the camera angle etc but the seat looks a tad on the huge side)
 
Nice project.

You‘re putting a Commando engine in it I presume...?

(BTW, not sure if it’s the camera angle etc but the seat looks a tad on the huge side)

Thanks for kind words.

I was thinking more along the lines of installing 2, Commando engines, one that would function well for around town and for touring, but keeping the second, hybrid style, for when the need, or desire, arises...

The seat is just sitting on the sub-frame; it will come into a more proper scale when as the build gains form. I got the seat yesterday and just had to confirm fit.


Best
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top