Do you think the S1000RR guys wanna hang with K dudes?

[SHIVA]

I've been giving this a lot of thought and really want to know what you guys think.

Would it be a successful idea in the long term to mix S1000RR riders with the K bike riders on the same forum. Granted each model range has it's own section, but I think since the S1000RR is aimed at much younger crowd that they'll most probably want to have their own playground. You know how it is when you're 25, anyone over 35 is a granpa.

If that's the case, I am considering splitting the sites. Leaving this one as the BMW-K.com and starting a new one for the S1000RR bikes.

What are your thoughts? I really want to know. Thanks, S

[Illuvatar]

Wellllll......

Considering that you just went through a name change which defo seems to cover all K and S bikes....I would say not to split.

Also, if I get one....I'd wanna be right here showing off the pics and stuff ya know.

[SHIVA]

Thanks for your comment.

I wouldn't worry about the name change. I am thinking long term here (the next 5 years, and not the last two months). Very few would actually be heart broken if we call it BMW-K.COM.

I think a bunch of current K12S/R owners will look at the S1000RR carefully and they would most probably prefer this current mix set up. I know I'd.

However, the 25 year old SQUID who is just gonna come to BMW because of the S1KRR, most probably wouldn't want to hang with the K guys.

As an alternative, we can keep this place as is and I can launch a separate S1KRR community. That maybe another solution. I would consider getting a S1000RR by the way. A Gixxer 1000 with ABS speaks to me.

S

[SHIVA]

Please keep your thoughts coming...

[Illuvatar]

Yea....from that lingt...defo makes sense.

And yes, it's soooo speaking to me as well. Just gotta get permission from the CFO.

As to the younger guys....well.....joining an already active forum does have it's appeal as well so having it here at least at first could be a plus as there is a wealth of information that isn't bike specific to be had that they would for sure benefit from.

Good thoughts thought there Captain!

And what's a matter with us "K guys" eh? I think most of us here would give most of these squids a run for their money for sure!

[SHIVA]

we sure could kick their ass, any day. no question! experience on riding sport bikes, specially in traffic is hard to come by. I am certain of good K riders being able to whip ass any day, any where.

but the SQUIDS don't see it that way.

let's hear it Gents!

[motorbikez]

Personally I would have the S1000RR guys on this forum but you could always put a poll up Shiva and see what members vote.

[SHIVA]

we did the poll, but I want to hear what you guys think, not just yes or no.

http://bmwsuperbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8414

[hayzie]

If I was buying the new superbike, I think I'd want to share views with other superbikers, not share with sport tourers, two different market segments, needs and wants from their bikes. I know we have quick riders on the site & track day pilots & The R is not a "tourer" but overall the interests are different. IMHO.

When I rode an RSVR, if it had a BMW badge on it I would still have sought out superbike sites especially if I was younger, and whether we like it or not, BMW (certainly in the UK) has a "pipe & slippers" image for bikers. It's changing but it's still very much there. As I am older (43) I would still check out this site, but as the target rider is younger then he'll seek out another site.
H

[SHIVA]

I think that's the core of my argument.

Any other thoughts?

[caratz]

If I was buying the new superbike, I think I'd want to share views with other superbikers, not share with sport tourers, two different market segments, needs and wants from their bikes. I know we have quick riders on the site & track day pilots & The R is not a "tourer" but overall the interests are different. IMHO.

When I rode an RSVR, if it had a BMW badge on it I would still have sought out superbike sites especially if I was younger, and whether we like it or not, BMW (certainly in the UK) has a "pipe & slippers" image for bikers. It's changing but it's still very much there. As I am older (43) I would still check out this site, but as the target rider is younger then he'll seek out another site.
H

I second that motion wholeheartedly. I have stated my opinion repeatedly about the matter. I'd say split it.

[whitey222]

If the S1000RR ends up with the typical premium BMW price tag, don't be surprised if the average buyer slots right in with us on this forum. I don't see many squids riding 1098's, F41000's or RSV1000R's here in Australia. These premium sportsbikes are generally ridden by 30+ year olds.

Can sportsbike and tourers co-exist on a single brand-specific forum ?... Certainly ! For proof, take a look at the Aprilia forum... http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

At this point, I'd vote for giving integration a go Shiva. In the unlikely event that the S1000RR is released with a price tag low enough to attract the squids, and you subsequently find that the two groups don't gel, you can always split the forums later.

my $0.02.

[FreedomRider]

Ahhhhhh; over indulged squid neophytes on uber fast B'mers.

I think I'm gonna monitor the trade papers in the beach city areas. It won't be long for the "injury forces sale" ads to appear.

[SHIVA]

hi, BMW has stated on every single occasion than the S1000RR will not another MV or Ducati. it's aimed at Japanese bikes with a price point within 10% or so. So, no, it won't be premium rocker, like MV, it will be affordable. S

[SHIVA]

by the way, the aprilia forum is a good example supporting your argument... S

[Xtremo]

Well, as i see it, the question could be turned around, do we K riders want the S riders here?

I mean, as Shiva stated, the bike is aimed at a new market for BMW, they want to give a lite bike with lots of power and a tag price near the jap liter bikes. Although i might get a look in the shop the first day it goes out and maybe get one, i must admit that age (and i'm just 31, 32 in september) is age and i don't think i could share many with a 25 guy who likes to drag knee in open roads. If i get the S probably don't even register it and use as a track bike, not for showing up in the bikers bars around the usual route around Madrid and being one of those "elbow on the bar bikers" who can teach any MotoGP a lesson.

So, my two cents, keep a section in the K-forum for those who, beside the K got the S and make it a reference about technical issues, but i suggest a S-forum for the young and fast and "i ride mucho better than you" that might buy this bike.

My god, already sound like grandpa...

[UberXY]

... but I think since the S1000RR is aimed at much younger crowd that they'll most probably want to have their own playground.

Hey I'm 55 and I have had a deposit on an S1000RR for months!

Any place is fine by me.

Ub

[SHIVA]

that's why I wanted to hear your thoughts, rather than just a yes or no, as in the Poll we had before.

these are valid points. we all know since BMW is putting ABS on the S1000 that K riders who want to go even more sporty will grab one too. So I think it makes since to keep this forum mix, but in addition I need to contemplate starting a new S1000 only forum as well for the SQUID crowd! However, the big question, which BMW is banking on and no one knows for sure, is if the Japanese crowd, the real SQUIDS will contemplate switching to the Beemer. No one can predict that, I think only time will tell. But we can discuss it.

Do you guys think, a typical 1000 buyer, will consider paying 2 to 3 grand (US$) more to be on a Beemer with similar or better specs. However specs change so often in that world, that 1 brand can maintain an advantage for only a short time.

S

[FreedomRider]

Do you guys think, a typical 1000 buyer, will consider paying 2 to 3 grand (US$) more to be on a Beemer with similar or better specs. However specs change so often in that world, that 1 brand can maintain an advantage for only a short time.

S

I hope BMW has considered that in their decision to produce the S1000.
The Japs generally do serious upgrades & re-tooling every 3 years to stay competitive. If BMW keeps to their usual Teutonic production runs they're going to be having overstock sales every 30 months.

[SHIVA]

very true, but they have responded to this question as well. they say they are going to meet the Japanese on their terms and will update the bike in the same time frame. I think I read it in MCN UK. They have been the defacto paper for this new bike.

Not sure if BMW can pull this off, but there is no way to predict it, we have to wait and see. like you said, basically the bike needs to be refreshed every 3 years minimum, and not just with a face lift, but engine and frame too. Totally not the BMW way. Can they do it? S

[whitey222]

hi, BMW has stated on every single occasion than the S1000RR will not another MV or Ducati. it's aimed at Japanese bikes with a price point within 10% or so. So, no, it won't be premium rocker, like MV, it will be affordable. S

Ahhh, I wasn't aware of that, but even so...

I just can't see a brand like BMW attracting the squid element. There's the stodgy BMW image sure, but even a price difference of a couple of thousand dollars is going to be significant to this demographic. What about servicing and parts pricing ?... will these carry the usual BMW badge markup ? Will my local Honda dealer be able to service this bike ( no special tools or software required) ?

Nuh, I just can't see BMW making the quantum leap needed to be price competitive in all areas with the Jap brands. I reckon the S1000RR will end up being owned by folk who would otherwise have purchased a Ducati or similar. They'll be ridden to the coffee shop every Sunday by a middle-aged rider with shiny new Dainese leathers. The tires will have permanent, massive chicken strips.

I still vote to keep the forum mixed.

[SHIVA]

you make some excellent points whitey.

I guess it has to be serviced by BMW dealers, using BMW parts ($$). These are very interesting times for BMW.

as for the image, don't forget the BMW cars have excellent image with the kids, its the bikes that they are working on to try to match the image of the cars.

I think in 10 years, they'll have similar public perception, with the pipe/slipper guy firmly out of the picture... S

[GeeBee]

My vote goes to keeping the forum mixed. Although the market segment the S is targeting a different market segment, it - hopefully - still will be a BMW bike. The K series is not a pure sportsbike 'en sang' however, when you can barely call it a bike that may not have certain sport ambitions. It's inherently closer to a sportbike then ie. other BMW bikes (ie. R series). Many of us here on the forum, not to mention the lively discussion on the S topic, in my opinion also support that there is a clear overlapping interest.

[SHIVA]

I put a post about this on Gixxer.com to take on the voice of the Liter class riders. We know what K riders think, let's see what they think?

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193928

[iehawk]

Yea!!! We should all hang together. Just give them their own category/sub-heading... like for their general topic and tech/maintenance.

I'd love to be able to read about the S1000RR without having to go to another website.

I doubt that the much younger crowd would be buying into the bike right away since I imagine the cost would be closer to a Duc than to a Japanese sportsbike... no matter what have said. Call me a skeptic, I'll wait until I see it.

Besides, this is the BMW Superbike site, right?