Students and their motorcycles

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Students and their motorcycles
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Students and their motorcycles

Students and their motorcycles
BAfoG, studying, biking

Jorg Lohse

11/22/2007

When it comes to Suzuki GS 500 and Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion, the term student bike quickly comes up. But which two-wheelers are actually on campus? MOTORRAD has studied what students use to make their pilgrimages to the cafeteria and lecture hall and which dream bikes they would like to use to escape into the semester break. In the past everything was different on campus: students were always busy, demonstrating all the time, and when you had your first coffee after getting up in the shared apartment, it was time to put lunch on the tray in the cafeteria. A nice cliche! And how did the student move towards university from back then? Usually by bike, occasionally with a duck (especially if Sartre or Camus were on the curriculum) and of course with motorcycles. Typical student machines were the Yamaha SR or XT 500 ?? real bread-and-butter goods. Also a cliche? A spontaneous survey in the editorial department reveals a much more multifaceted picture. Here is a small excerpt: Suzuki DR 600 R, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha TRX 850 and XJ 900, Honda XBR 500 S, Suzuki GSX-R 750, Kawasaki GPZ 900 R.

And what is the student driving today? The picture remains multifaceted, as the following pages show. Straightforward all-rounders à la Honda CB 500, Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion and Suzuki GS 500 E are included as well as the super sports car Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and aged HP bolides in the form of a Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100. Fancy a second degree? This time follow us in a highly scientific form of MOTORRAD used advice.

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Students and their motorcycles


Artist

Suzuki GS 500 E: Everything that is commonly associated with a student bike.

Holger Niebel, 23:
Studied mechanical engineering, 5th semester, University of Stuttgart.
Motorcycle: Suzuki GS 500 E, built in 1998, bought in 2003 for 1900 euros, odometer reading 12000 km at that time.
Bought because “I wanted it and it was really cheap”.
Drives around 2000 kilometers / year.
Driven so far: Pegasus 50 cm³ scooter.
Dream motorcycle: Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade.
Dream trip: once cruising through the USA on a Harley on Route 66.

Suzuki GS 500 E:
Everything that is commonly associated with a student bike applies to the Suzuki GS 500 E: The Twin is robust and inexpensive, the latter applies to purchase as well as maintenance. When designing the 500, the developers used more of the red pencil than the CAD cursor. The GS has been in stores since 1988 and has meanwhile sold over 50,000 times. Due to lower demand, the GS is very cheap to get ?? MOTORRAD bought one (built in 1992) for 999 euros. It enriched the test fleet for half a year with a problem-free appearance. Criticism only has to put up with the laxly tuned chassis? but that can be changed quickly with progressive fork springs and a high-quality retrofit strut. Even modern tires (for example Bridgestone BT 45 or Metzeler ME 330/550) bring the GS noticeably better into motion.

Data: two-cylinder in-line engine, 487 cm³, 33 kW / 45 PS, weight 189 kg, payload 191 kg, tank capacity 17 liters.
Seat height 740 mm.
Top speed 177 km / h, consumption country road 4.4l / 100km (normal).

All-rounder CB 500 and racing machine GSX-R 1000.


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

Suzuki GSX-R 1000: what more could you ask for?

Kesra Mohsen, 24:
Studied vehicle and engine technology, 5th semester, University of Stuttgart
Motorbike: Suzuki GSX-R 1000, built in 2001, bought in 2007 for 5200 euros, odometer reading 19000 km at that time.
Bought because “it looks really good and drives really great”.
Drives around 10,000 kilometers / year.
Driven so far: Suzuki LS 650 Savage, Honda NTV 650 Revere, Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade.
Dream motorcycle: No one in particular at the moment, but a chopper will definitely come.
Dream trip: a trip through Africa.

Suzuki GSX-R 1000:
With the GSX-R 1000, reissued in 2001, Suzuki put a real hit on two wheels. The super sports car, popularly dubbed “Kilo-Gixxer”, created new standards. The first version of the superbike (model code K1) made 160 hp ?? at a weight of around 200 kilos. From then on, the 1000 series has been further optimized every two years, and in terms of performance, the K7 from 2007 is now operating at 185 hp. In the 2001 model, a defective throttle valve sensor occasionally caused concern, otherwise the high-end athlete is considered to be very robust? The 2005 GSX-R (K5) was able to prove its cross-country skiing qualities in the MOTORRAD endurance test over 50,000 kilometers (issue 23/2007). The prices for the first generation of the Kilo-Gixxer start at around 5000 euros, the K3 is offered from around 7000 euros, the young K5 still costs a hefty 8500 to 10,000 euros.

Data: four-cylinder in-line engine, 988 cm³, 118 kW / 160 PS, weight 201 kg, tank capacity 18 liters, seat height 820 mm.
Top speed 287 km / h, consumption on country road 5.7 l / 100 km (super).


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

Honda CB 500: Solid, affordable bike with no quirks.

Matthias Maier, 21:
Studied mechanical engineering, 5th semester, University of Stuttgart.
Motorcycle: Honda CB 500, built in 1997, bought in 2004 for 1,800 euros, odometer reading 16,000 km at the time.
Bought because “I was looking for a good-natured, reliable, great entry-level motorcycle and this well-maintained garage motorcycle was a really fair offer”.
Drives around 5000 kilometers / year.
Ridden so far: The CB 500 is the first, but is occasionally replaced by the father’s BMW R 1150 RS.
Dream motorcycles: Honda CBR 600 RR and Triumph Daytona 675. Also the BMW R 1200 S ?? the synthesis of boxer engine and sports motorcycle? appeals to the budding engineer.
Dream trip: Burnout on campus sounds tempting.

Honda CB 500:
A wolf in sheep’s clothing? Honda’s simply knitted row twin is not just the classic bread-and-butter motorcycle. In some neighboring European countries, there were even their own cup runs in which the CB 500 was beaten around racetracks. Including a 24-hour race at Le Mans, in which no team was canceled due to technical defects. The Honda also passed the MOTORRAD endurance test over 50,000 kilometers convincingly. There are no sneaky quirks with the CB 500. The 500 series was sold from 1993 to 2003, and from 1993 there was also an S version with a small front panel. Look for traces of rust (especially in the tank) on models made in Italy from 1997 onwards. The price haggling starts just below the 1000 euro mark, young and well cared for, the CB 500 is offered for around 3000 euro.

Data: two-cylinder in-line engine, 499 cm³, 42 kW / 57 PS, weight 196 kg, tank capacity 18 liters, seat height 790 mm.
Top speed 180 km / h, consumption on country road 5.3 l / 100 km (normal).

Sometimes a motorcycle is just not enough.


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

BMW R 1100 GS and Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100: Offroad or heating – the right motorcycle depending on your mood.

Lutz Ecker, 28:
Studies social sciences, 5th semester, University of Tubingen.
Motorcycles: BMW R 1100 GS, built in 1999, bought in May 2007 for 4,300 euros, odometer reading 38,000 km at the time. Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100, built in 1992, bought in January 2007 for 1,800 euros, odometer reading 90,000 km at that time.
Bought because “I’ve always wanted the 1100 GS and the price-performance ratio was right. And with the ZZ-R, I had to know what 150 hp felt like? so pleasant that I can’t manage to sell the machine”.
Drives around 15,000 kilometers / year, spread across both machines.
Driven so far: only Hondas ?? CB 400 N, Transalp 600 V, Africa Twin XRV 750.
Dream motorcycle: His BMW R 1100 GS.
Dream trip: On a GS through South America.

BMW R 1100 GS:
The four-valve all-terrain boxer, built from 1994 to 1999, is particularly valued for its excellent all-round properties. Special features are the maintenance-free cardan drive, exhaust gas cleaning via G-Kat and the optionally available ABS. The used prices require a highly paid student job. Copies from 1994 to 1997 cost between 3000 and 4000 euros. A well-maintained 1100 from the last years of construction costs an average of 4500 euros. The BMW is too heavy for real off-road detours, but it pleases with its directional stability and maneuverability on asphalt, curvy ground. What is annoying is the jerking of the valve when driving at low speeds, the jamming gearbox and the sometimes high oil consumption ?? meticulous control is advisable here. Plus points: a height-adjustable bench and the comfortable damper setting using a handwheel.

Data: two-cylinder boxer engine, 1085 cm³,
59 kW / 80 PS, weight 262 kg, tank capacity 25 liters, seat height 840 to 860 mm.
Top speed 204 km / h, consumption on country road 5.9 l / 100 km (super).

Kawasaki ZZ-R1100:
In 1990 the ZZ-R 1100 with a powerful 146 hp after the high-speed crown. At the same time, it was also able to attract with qualities such as proper wind protection and great handling. Travelers appreciated the Big Four because of its rich draft, and the seating position is suitable for long distances. The Kawa is considered a strong all-rounder at an affordable price on the used market. Models from the first few years are offered for a manageable 2000 to 3000 euros, but now have well over 50,000 kilometers on the clock. Younger copies are still very expensive at around 3500 to 4000 euros. The 1100 is considered mature and generally stable. There was only a few major engine damage? mostly as a result of high continuous speeds (a lot of motorway traffic) and too low an oil level. Deficiencies of the sports tourer (in the program until 2001) are the insufficient load and a too softly tuned chassis.

Data: four-cylinder in-line engine, 1052 cm³, 107 kW / 146 PS, weight 278 kg, tank capacity 24 liters, seat height 790 mm.
Top speed 283 km / h, consumption on country road 6.9 l / 100 km (normal).

Brand new and quite old: CBR 600 F and R 45 S.


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

Race training with Rossi? But then a 1000 should be here.

Michael Geckeler, 27:
Studied sports science, 7th semester, University of Stuttgart.
Motorcycle: Honda CBR 600 F, built in 2006, bought new in 2007 for 6900 euros.
Bought because “I’ve been enthusiastic about this motorcycle for a long time and just had to take this offer”.
Drives around 5000 kilometers / year.
Driven so far: Suzuki GS 500 E..
Dream motorcycles: Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade in Repsol replica design and Suzuki GSX-R 1000.
Dream trip: Race training with Valentino Rossi.

Honda CBR 600 F:
Do you have to do without the main stand on super sporty motorcycles? No. Honda’s long runner CBR 600 F ?? an integral part of the program since 1987 shows that dynamism and practical use are not mutually exclusive. The four-cylinder impresses above all with its first-class driving characteristics and real all-round qualities. Continuously optimized over the years, the PC 35 model has been on the market since 1999, and was modernized again in 2001 with an injection system and G-Kat. Typical quirks are not known with the CBR 600 F. The fact that the Honda effortlessly manages the balancing act between the racetrack and vacation tour with luggage roll and pillion does not make it a cheap second-hand offer. Even heavily used 600s from the late eighties can hardly be bought for less than 1000 euros. Solid, well-maintained machines built between 1993 and 1999 cost between 2500 and 3500 euros. And the more recommendable injection version of the CBR is offered between 4500 and 5500 euros.

Data: four-cylinder in-line engine, 599 cm³, 80 kW / 109 PS, weight 201 kg, load 186 kg, seat height 805 mm.
Top speed 254 km / h, consumption on highway 4.8 l / 100 km (normal).


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

BMW R 45 S. A favorite from the police force.

Christian Feller, 21:
Studied technical cybernetics, 3rd semester, University of Stuttgart.
Motorcycle: BMW R 45 S with official equipment (integral touring cockpit and hard case), built in 1982, bought in 2004 for 2200 euros, odometer reading 64000 km at the time.
Bought because “it is a beautiful old machine with character and also has a police and operational past? that is a cult that fascinates me. In addition, the BMW is solid and reliable”.
Drives around 3500 kilometers / year.
Driven so far: tram.
Dream motorcycles: the K 1200 R in the Power Cup version. Plus the K 1200 S and an R 51. A Triumph Rocket III, the KTM 990 Super Duke R and the MV Agusta F4 1000. And at some point restore an old machine yourself.
Dream trips: A tour through Scotland, Sweden and Norway. New Zealand would be an experience too.

BMW R 45 S:
In 1978 the R 45 was presented ?? a boxer with which BMW also wanted to gain a foothold in the small horsepower classes. Typical BMW was the solid workmanship and a good-natured and handy chassis for the time. In the MOTORRAD endurance test of 1979, the boxer made a solid impression. With low tire wear, low oil consumption and acceptable consumption values, the R 45 was able to score particularly well with travel fans. A weak point is valve damage, which is particularly threatening with heavy continuous load (high speeds). The R 45, which was offered until 1985, is often traded at collector’s prices. Since the model was often used by the police, it is worthwhile to look out for a decommissioned government machine that “by the state” can be auctioned online at www.vebeg.de.

Data: two-cylinder boxer engine, 473 cm³, 26 kW / 35 PS, weight 206 kg, tank capacity 22 liters, seat height 830 mm.
Top speed 160 km / h, consumption on country road 5.6 l / 100 km (super).

Again a BMW GS and an XJ 600 at the student rate.


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion: Typically a student.

Mike Kirchner, 25:
Studied law, 10th semester, University of Tubingen.
Motorcycle: Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion, built in 1992, bought in 2003 for 1200 euros, odometer reading 49000 km at that time.
Bought because “it was above all cheap”.
Drives around 6000 kilometers / year.
Ridden so far: The Diversion is the first.
Dream motorcycle: Yamaha Fazer 1000 ?? and a Suzuki GSX-R definitely has yet to come.
Dream trips: crack the 300 km / h sound barrier and finally the long-awaited tour around Lake Constance. For years on the program, so far never done.

Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion:
It’s like the solid regular meal in the cafeteria: no gourmet cuisine, but it tastes good and fills you up. The XJ 600 is an all-rounder that is easy to handle and appeals to both the trip to the university and small excursions during the semester break. The range is extensive, the prices for the first years of construction from 1991 are partly under 1000 euros. The big weak point is the too slack chassis, which can be successfully optimized with accessories. We recommend the Diversion from year of construction 1998 with a tighter fork and double instead of single-disc brakes at the front. Annoying: When driving fast on the motorway, the consumption scratches at the ten-liter mark. Up to the year of construction 1996 one should pay attention to the porous rubber lines of the carburetor heating during the tour.

Data: four-cylinder in-line engine, 599 cm³, 45 kW / 61 PS, weight 229 kg, tank capacity 17 liters, seat height 790 mm.
Top speed 188 km / h, consumption on country road 6.0 l / 100 km (normal).


Students and their motorcycles


Artist

BMW R 1150 GS Advanture: a dream came true.

Peter Sajevicz, 29:
Studied mathematics, 3rd semester, University of Stuttgart.
Motorcycle: BMW R 1150 GS Adventure, built in 2005, bought new for 16,500 euros.
Bought because “I have fulfilled an old dream with it”.
Drives around 14,000 kilometers / year.
Ridden so far: The GS is the first motorcycle.
Dream motorcycle: still the 1150 GS, “with which I am completely satisfied”.
Dream trip: A multi-week European tour through Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain to the Atlantic to Portugal and back again.

BMW R 1150 GS Adventure:
In 2002, the R 1150 GS introduced in 1999 was accompanied by the Adventure special model. With an opulent equipment package (white power shock absorber, aluminum protective trough for the engine, steel braided lines), the aim was to get the GS fans in the mood for long-distance journeys. The adventure boxer with 30-liter tank, aluminum case set and the new partially integral ABS, which many buyers also ordered together with the heated grips, were available as extra equipment. The 1150 GS is generally considered to be robust and can easily run 100,000 kilometers and more with good care. Pay attention to oil leaks on the rear axle drive and compliance with the inspection dates. As is typical for BMW, the value retention is high. The 1150 adventure was in the program until 2006 and costs a proud 6500 to 8500 euros when used.

Data: two-cylinder boxer engine, 1130 cm³, 63 kW / 86 PS, weight 301 kg, tank capacity 30 liters, seat height 905 mm.
Top speed 187 km / h, consumption country road 5.8 l / 100 km (super).

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