2014 BMW F 800 GS Adventure

By Christopher A. Sawyer

BMW’s F 800 GS line expands with the addition of the Adventure model, a mid-size off-road enduro-oriented touring model powered by a liquid-cooled 798 cc twin. It borrows its styling cues from the larger boxer-engined GS Adventure, has a seat that is higher and more comfortable than the F 800 GS, and offers a large windscreen, hand protectors, and adjustable brake and clutch levers.

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Image, Personality Outrank Reliability in Consumer Reports Survey

Perhaps the headline should have read: “Once Again Consumer Reports Doesn’t Get It.” The magazine’s first-ever motorcycle reliability survey shows that 25% of Harley-Davidson bikes reported experiencing a major problem in the previous four years, while 33% of BMW owners surveyed reported a major problem over the same time period. Japanese motorcycle owners, on the other hand, reported major problems only 10% of the time.

Nevertheless, Harley and BMW owners were among the most satisfied owners, with over 75% of Harley owners and 74% of BMW owners saying they would buy their bikes over again, if given the chance. Honda owners were a close third with 72% saying they’d do it all over again, while just 63% of Yamaha and 60% of Kawasaki owners making the same claim. Obviously, reliability plays only a part in the purchase decision.

Seventy-five percent of the repairs reported cost the owners $200 or less to repair. Troubles with accessories like lights, instruments, switches and radios topped the list of problems at 21%, followed by brakes (20%), the electrical system (16%) and the fuel system (15%). — CAS

The Prefect Bike for Escaping Prison

By Christopher A. Sawyer

Breakout is the name of Harley-Davidson’s newest model, a premium ride with finishes and components not available on other H-D motorcycles.

According to Harley-Davidson Styling Manager Kirk Rasmussen, "With Breakout we got down to motorcycle essentials… emphasizing the powertrain and the wheels. The black and chrome engine visually pops out of the center the bike, and then to maximize the impact of the tires, the fenders are chopped.” The rear fender has a side-mount for the license plate and combination taillight to accentuate its width. “We wanted a lot of rubber showing to give the Breakout a tough, muscular look."

To that end, the 240-mm rear tire is counterbalanced by thick forks, low handlebars, chopped fenders and a shaved tank. The 10-spoke Gasser wheels are finished in gloss black powdercoat, while the 103B twin cam engine, cast-aluminum oil tank, lower forks, muffler shields and handlebars also have a non-powdercoat gloss black finish.

MSRP for the Breakout in Vivid Black is $17,899. Those ordering it in either Big Blue Pear or Ember Red Sunglo will have to cough up an extra $400. ABS is available, and the Harley-Davidson security system comes as a factory installed option.

This Police Bike is a Big Zero

By Christopher A. Sawyer

Zero Motorcycles has announced plans to make police/security versions of its S and DS models for 2013, whereas it only produced a police version of the DS in 2012. The Zero S Police/Security and Zero DS Police/Security are in answer to an increase in demand for street and duel sport police bikes in Asia, Europe and South America. It claims the new model is a result of work with international military, law enforcement and security agencies. This includes the Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Jose State University police departments, as well as the London Metropolitan Police.

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New BMW Boxer

At the EIMCA show in Milan, Italy, BMW Motorrad President Stephan Schaller said BMW would present a new model in 2013, one with an air-cooled “boxer” motor. Though there no other details were offered, the addition of an air-cooled engine is a bit of a surprise as it is tougher to meet emission standards with an air-cooled engine.

Nevertheless, the new bike is expected to be powered by a two-cylinder four-stroke with shaft drive. The rear suspension is expected to be a one-sided swing arm with an upper link that activates the vertical rear shock located just below the seat. -CAS