Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge America Touring?

Hi everyone, I would like to know how many of the members here tour their SM or TBAs? I bought my first bike an 04 America four months ago and after the MSF course I have logged about a 1000 miles a month. I purchased the bike from my best friend and I agreed with him that this would be a great bike to learn on. However, I find myself busting at the seams wanting to really take some long trips but I have yet to feel that me and the America is up to it. I have spent two 7+ hour days on the bike and I find myself seriously suffering for the last two or three hours.

Just to give you a taste of how I do things, I love riding my bicycle and in the first 4 months of owning it, I was riding 100-200 mile weekends. Just riding around town is ok but taking my bicycle from Charlotte to the coast sounds a lot more fun. Believe me when I say I can take pain and suffering.

So back to the Motorcycle, in between the hunched over position and my tail bone going numb, I find the America a real challenge to put in the miles. Also I purchased a Givi windscreen and it does a good job, but I still feel the wind above 65 mph tiring.

Last but not least is getting the America ready for a long trip. I would like to have at least a heated vest, heated grips, set of extra driving lights and a GPS. It seems from what I have read that Triumph has put a fairly weak alternator in these bikes. So I am starting to worry that I am going to be limited in which extras I can have. Luggage is also starting to be an issue. I would like to have some hard case lockable luggage. I have seen the luggage offered at NewBonneville.com but at 600 bucks + paint, I don’t like it compared to what you get with GIVI and other companies.

So what equipment do you all use and what suggestion do you have for doing long trips?

Thanks,

Just my $0.02

Memphis Fats windshield with lowers - no buffeting at all up to 100 plus MPH - the lowers are a must to eliminate the buffeting

XM Radio

Pod player

Valentine One radar detector

tesseract headphone amp

Etymotic Research earphones / plugs

Medium sized tank bag with directions written with sharpie

Saddle bags and many tools, including compressor, tire patch strings, and fix-a-flat

Can of chain lube

Rider backrest (home made)

Large Kuryakyn suitcase on wheels

Cheap snowboard boot bag to carry spare boots and motorcycle cover, lashed to Kuryakyn suitcase

Water bladder

Gerbing electric jacket

35 watt PIAA driving lamps 55/65 Silverstar headlight

LED signal lights and taillight

(Gotta save those watts for the Gerbing jacket)

1000 gram thinsulate boots for cold weather

Full face flip up helmet with clear and mirror shields

Voltmeter

3 gallon spare gas tank - http://www.tourtank.com/Tourtank35.html

Triumph rain suit

Treds rubber overboots

Rubber gloves

Airhawk seat

http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow.cfm

You may need to get a Corbin or Triumph touring seat. Corbin makes a backrest for the solo seat. If you're hunched over you may want to invest in pull back risers for your handle bars. They'll help bring the bars back. You could also go with buckhorn bars but you'd have to get used to the handling. As LJ mentioned, the Memphis Fats with lowers is a great combination for eliminating buffeting.

LJ and F-Cat said it all.... the bike is capable and personally, at 6'1" and #215 , find my TBA more comfortable on long trips (500+ mile) than my Trophy or Sprint. Just gotta settle for the ad-ons mentioned.....no one ever said motorcycling is cheap and I have never had a bike (even my old '83 Yamaha Venture or "77 Goldwing) that did not require some "tweeking" it is just our TBA/SM are just so much more stylish once "tweeked" and have miles and smiles of cool !

I've done a couple of 8 hour drive days in relative comfort. I have the stock TA seat, but on long trips I use my Kuryakyn Tombstone Backrest bag between me and the sissy bar. Being able to relax my back makes a major difference. I also wear a face shield and earplugs on long trips. I have a Clearview 17" Summer Screen replacement which gets the wind off my body and head.

I have the Triumph slant bags that primarily carry the stuff other than packed clothes, etc. I can fit a T-Bag behind the sissy bar on the rack. The T-Bag and Backrest bag carry all the stuff I need to take inside.

I know there are bikes that might be better designed for touring, but that's just one part of my riding. I love all the local cruising, Sunday afternoon rides, and attention stealing (from my HD friends). The TA is the best all around bike I've ever owned - not to mention I love the way it looks!

2 More cents worth -
After my original pre-purchase search in 2004 and the near 20,000 miles that followed, I have come to the conclusion that;
1. Out of the crate - The SM/BA seat (Rider's portion)is as comfortable as, if not more comfortable than as any other 'CRUISER'
2. The typical 'CRUISER' is NOT designed foremost as a long distance bike.
3. Most any 'comfort oriented' seat (Corbin seems to get top billing) will extend the long distance comfort (This info I gather second hand).
4. Attainable Distance is directly inter-related to many factors which include, fit of rider to bike, health and fittness of the rider, willingness to stop and stretch and a myriad of other factors.
5. Serious tourers (long distance-minimal stops) should consider serious touring bikes.
6. I've logged many 8+ hour days on my SM and covered in excess of 250 miles on some. The only times I've felt extreem discomfort have been times I failed to stop at regular intervals.

Dean
I ride my America as a touring bike, per say. I have made several trips from Northern CA to Central TX by way of CO and NM. 4500-5000 mile rides and turn between 450-800 miles a day. The miles per day depend a lot on weather, what I want to stop and look at and the roads I am traveling on that day. Interstates' are quick miles, but I don't enjoy the miles, back highways are slower, but much more enjoyable. I have a windshield, Corbin seat and backrest with some switch-blade foot pegs and some highway pegs. I stop about every 100-130 miles for fuel and drink break. I enjoy the long rides and am tired with some backside burn every day, but I am always ready to get started the next morning.
I don't know if this helps or not, but your seat is a BIG issue for longer rides and the windshield will take most of the wind stress off of you, but not all. I used a back rest for the first time this last summer, BIG difference at the end of the day and much more comfortable

One man's comfort can be another man's pain. Is it just the seat causing the discomfort, or is it the riding position? I happen to like the stock America seat, and I've done 500 mile days on it. But I don't think I could do 5 days in a row like that. Look into getting a custom seat done. Rick Mayer and Russell day-long are the top 2 choices for the touring crowd.

Too bad Benz_Tech isn't around much anymore, because he could tell you about long distance travel on our bikes. He did a 12,000 mile summer tour of the USA. Nobby has also done some extensive touring too.

I agree with Barry/pipedr...serious touring requires a bike built for it. I've done a 1700 mile trip, half of it 2 up, put 47,000 miles now on my Speedmaster and it's almost time for another bike. The next addition to the garage is going to be a bike made for a cross country trip. The Speedmaster though will always have a place.

In my opinion (and remember, you don't know me from Adam):

The America alternator is not the best around. Heated gear and extra lights (I have/use both) can bring charging down to about 12v even at cruise speeds. When using heated gear I turn off the extra lights when not needed (my decision when is 'not needed', you make your own).
Started with a Triumph touring screen, but replaced it with a large Clearview. I use Memphis Shade lowers, but take them off in the summer because I think it takes cooling air from the engine.
As far as seats, I've used stock, Triumph touring, beads, air pad, gel pad, and Corbin. I prefer the Corbin, but the advantage of the Touring seat is the ability to take if off with the pull of a lanyard, no tools. Very handy so I use it daily. If I could get the lanyard to mount on the Corbin, that would be the final decision for me.
A voltmeter is wired in (because of the one time I used too much voltage and was stranded in a snow storm).
Scottoiler.
A 3.5 gallon Tour-tank is plumbed in. That extends the range between gas stops. I have a bad back (it really does hurt most of the time, for what it's worth), but I find the America ergos almost soothing, so multiple 10-12 hour days are fine, your back is probably not the same.
A wired in Garmin Streetpilot III GPS on a Touratech mount. The screen is large enough to be seen, the buttons can be reasonably used with light gloves, it does turn-by-turn, and with an earphone plugged in will tell you how to get to a destination.
A Sirius satellite radio is mounted (but the longest trip so far, a 5500 miler from VA to Vegas and back was without any radio and that was fine).
Ear plugs every ride. They help keep the noise from wearing me down during hours on the bike.
Chatterbox wired in for a 3k mile trip thru Canada for the second time I rode with someone else (I prefer to ride alone).
Bellacorse saddlebag brackets and Tourmaster Cruiser II's after trashing a couple of sets of Saddlemen Drifters.
Always carried a bag of tools I never used (like insurance). Always carry a spare quart of gas that helped out 2 other bikers, I haven't used it yet.

I commute on my machine everyday and completed several Iron Butt rides (you're welcome to look it up) but I'm not a long distance expert. There are many books written on the subject (one multiple-around the world tourer, having ridden Indian, BWM/GS and assorted others speaks well of a KLR650 when going around the world, so does size matter?).

You can go as far as you want on any motorcycle that will hold together, if you choose to.

I really like riding.

Dean: I have a 02 BA and in 2005 took a trip to New York state from Fla. Had a Tri. Roadster windshield, saddlebags <cheap ones> and asmall bag on Luggage rack and a big bag which was a great backrest. Did a lot of visiting relatives there. Took side trip to Canada and came home from Buffalo NY through St Louis to Florida. 8,000miles in 6 1/2 weeks.Loved every minute of it. Did a few 480 mile days.Stock seat was fine. May change Bars to a set old style Triumph from Flanders. Bike was great.

I have taken many a long ride on my Speedmaster and have had several seats on the bike. My wife bought an AirHawk inflatable seat cushion and I wish I had just bought one of them to begin with. I could have saved a lot of money and sore butt hours.
They are a fantastic cushion that is also easily removable in seconds.
Check them out AirHawk cushions

The alternator will hate that draw, at low speeds you will be discharging your battery.

30 years ago, thats right, 3 decades ago cruisers and touring bikes became different animals. Touring bikes have the seats, the shields, the electrics, drive shafts, cooling systems etc. Test drive a Gold Wing then jump back on your Triumph and make an honest statement about what you would rather sit on for 10 hours.

You can tour with the TBA but if that is mostly what you want to do, IMHO you bought the wrong bike. The TBA and SM were meant to be boulevard cruisers not touring bikes.

Before anybody takes offense, you certainly can tour on it! You can spend several thousand and make it a touring bike that almost has what other touring bikes have standard.

My miles on the tba are almost all long highway trips. The most useful additions are: corbin seat & backrest, bar risers, memphis fats & lowers, and footboards. All essential and effective in my opinion. I have saddlebags and tailbag but they're nothing special. I don't have heated clothes, an extended tank, or a scottoiler but I feel the need.

I love the look and feel of the bike but I am seriously considering trading it for a bmw r1200rt to get better wind protection, hard bags, shaft drive, longer range etc. I recognize that I may end up changing seat and screen but I think I'm starting closer to where I want to get to.

Just my experience.


[edited to add the bar risers to the essential mods]

If it is your tailbone (typical on cruisers) then risers or taller/pulled back bars will only make it worse. My SM had risers that pulled them back. It felt very much like the BA riding position but narrower bars. It killed my tailbone. Moving the bars back foward was instantly more comfortable.
While I have done some long rides on my SM I am still in the market for a touring bike, though I am looking for more of a sport tourer or an adventure bike, not an 800lb bahemouth. Waiting to test ride the new tiger.

I have ridden my Speedy 600 miles in a day and felt fine aftwards. The only change to eronomics (and not much of a change) is that I have the Triumph Touring Seat on my bike.

Soren

Hello all, been gone for awhile working and riding and lookin' to get married again, lotta playin.
I have had my America on two extrordinarily long trips (I think anyway) two years ago we were on the bikes for two weeks straight, 9 states, 8 national parks and 5320 miles later we were home again. Lived out of a duffle bag and showered at hotels and truck stops. Never was sore at the a$$ or the back. Was a bit tired after a couple of the longer days 650 miles, that was just basic fatigue though. This year we shortened the trip and were on the bikes from a sunday to saturday, still went almost 3000 miles though. Neither trip was a workout, (two of the best times in my life) and the bike wanted to go more. Triumph solo seat the first trip and the gunfighter seat the second trip.
Keep on ridin'
Vic

My 2 cents worth. The America will tour, but...if I wanted to take Robin with me I needed a bigger bike made for touring. A 900 pound behemoth to be exact. You need a water cooled motor, fairing and shield, lots of baggage carrying capacity, shaft drive, horse power and torque, and at least 6 gallons of fuel. When you plan your route, figure for 55 miles per hour per day, this will usually average your stops and meals for a 8 hour day in the saddle, even though most of your riding is at 80 mph. Any thing over a 500 mile day is just tiring. Robin and I have done several 500 + miles for a couple days, but it does take the enjoyment away from the tour. Its more fun to take the time and enjoy the sights. The long wheel base and the weight of the bike make for a solid and stable ride at speed on the freeways will make you a lot less tired at the end of the day. Make sure you have plenty of room to move about and stretch out while riding, and a radio or MP3 player helps the passenger to while the way away. I myself, at 6 foot, found the Goldwing to be too cramped. The power and smoothness were outstanding, as was the engineering. My Harley was ok, but small and cramped for Robin, it had character, and was a classic. The power was ok, but in traffic was always running hot and you would always have to keep an eye on it. The BMW's, to me, don't really look like motorcycles, and are just to expensive to maintain. Like I said before, just my 2 cents worth. If I toured by myself, after all this said, it would be on the Triumph America!

I got my TBA in June and have logged just over 7000 miles on it. Mine is completely naked and bone stock (except the AI was removed)... several of my jaunts have been around 8 hours. I don't really speed so I don't find the wind too much of a problem. I also really like the stock seat after it's gotten broken in (i.e. no more tail burn). If I could add just one thing it would be cruise control!

So, LJ, your $0.02 is more like $4000.00?

Good to know, as I am contemplating riding my '05 with 12k on her from Atlanta to Okeechobee in January, and had some quams about the distance on the bike as far as if she would make it o.k.....she will need a new rear tire, and I have discovered evidence of an oil leak from the valve covers. She has a new battery, and a new SS-10 viper windshield. It all depends on the weather now, if it's too cold, I'll have to wimp out. Trailering is just too expensive in a '97 AstroVan...

The R1200RT is an impressive touring bike. Personally I like the way it looks and it feels sitting on it. The only thing that bothers me is that I've heard they have expensive maintenance issues. I doubt I'm in the market for a BMW as I love my Triumph to much. Now a bigger 2-cylinder Triumph cruiser might get more than my attention.

The new BMWs certainly are impressive, and they have the price tags to match. An R1200RT runs $17,000 before options. Except for the electronics and such on a BMW, the basic motor and drive train are easy to work on. For example, a valve adjustment is easier to do than on our bikes. But if you don't do your own work, it can be expensive.

When I bought my Speedmaster, I thought I was doomed to ride with foot forward controls because of my bad knees. However, since I had my right knee replaced I think I can comfortably ride in a more upright position again, which is what I prefer. Bikes like the R1200RT, V-Strom, Tiger, etc, are what I have in mind, something along the lines of a UJM riding posture. The Speedmaster is my first cruiser, before that I had a CB750 and a Yamaha Radian.

If you compare it to other large touring bikes, $17,000. doesn't seem expensive to me. The HD tourers or a Honda Goldwing will cost quite a bit more and they're made in the U.S.! I still would like to hear more about service problems. Maybe it's just HD people spreading rumors.

Now that would be a nice Christmas/father's day/MLK day/president's day/groundhog day/St. Patricks's day/ or Earth day present for the trip to Ga. I had an air cushion 25 years ago for my 76 Yamaha 750. It was uglier then the Airhawk, but it worked.

Hmmm.... Can I talk about my Speedmaster cause I dont' have an America?

Hunched over positiion... cant' do this on the Speedy with forward controls... but you can on the America...sit up straight... then lean forward FROM THE HIPS.
Or, you can use a backrest.
I did change the handlebars to bring them closer, picked up a nice small windshield, threw on the wiring for a WarmNSafe heated jacket and a GPS. Also got some saddlebags at Leatherneck Jim's, as well as the Triumph luggage rack and sissy bar.. this is all stuff I'd put on whether it's for riding around town or touring.

Then... the touring stuff.....
Best thing...? a nice fluffy sheepskin.
2nd best... a Riggs luggage pak that's waterproof, and large enuf for me to lean against when riding. (backrest)
I use both the luggage and the sheepskin pad on my Harley and my Yamaha FJR. The Harley is a Softail Deuce, sort of a "factory chopper", the Yamaha is a FJR 1300, which is a sport tourer. I've been cross country on both this past summer. Total miles on all three bikes this year is about 18,000, not that much. And only 2 short trips on the Triumph... about 800 miles each trip. But 22 states overall. Longest days so far only about 750 miles... shortest about 300, the wind does blow hard out in west Texas! It plumb tuckers a person out!

My main objection to taking the Triumph would be the weather... in good weather, not a problem. Some of my trips have been in 40F temps or less, constant wind and rain. My Speedy could handle the weather just fine, but I couldnt'. The weekend jaunt to EOM in Sept wasnt' far,about 350 one way, but it was windy, especially coming back...I was kinda getting blown all over the road... winds 35 mph. The heavier Harley and the FJR dont' get blown around nearly as bad, but the rear tires seem to wear out faster and flatter, evidentally from the constant sideways pushing of the wind.

But, I cant' wait till nice summer weather for a short ride from Ohio to Texas on my Speedy...on back roads... Most of my riding this year was on interstates... the tires wear flat. I need some curvy roads!

The coolest thing about the America and Speedmaster is that they handle so well....Almost, almost, like sport bikes.
The bike will go anywhere you want it to...
How you're set up, the weather, and how many miles a day you ride is more of a determining factor than the bike itself.
Just make sure you have a GOOD rainsuit.... and a full face helmet is nice in heavy rain. It also keeps dirt and "other" particles of matter out of your eyes and off your face when you're stuck behind "animal transport vehicles". Nothing does much for the smell, tho!
Mary

The Yamaha FJR 1300 is nice... and not nearly as pricy as the BMW... we're not counting the prices of farkles, tho...<G>
A radar detector is a MUST! not that anyone would ever go over the speed limit of course....
mary

Just my 2 cents as I have both the SM and the older BMW R1100RT.

For long distance touring at higher speeds the BMW cannot be matched. In the very tight twisties it is a bit of a brute and can be somewhat tiring.
I have been up and down Europe (right through to the Middle East) on it (both one and two-up) and it has always performed beyond expectatons.
I would suspect that the new R1200RT would be an improvement over mine given the lighter weight and the super advanced brake and suspension systems.

This last July I tested the SM's merits and was quite amazed. The first test (one-up) was my run up to Asendorf in Germany for the European BA.COM rally (see write-up in the "Rallies" section). After crossing on a ferry from Greece to Italy, I did a straight 29 hour run from Brindisi in the south of Italy with a 2-3 hour break just north of Innsbruck, Austria before continuing on all the way up to Asendorf (between Hannover and Bremen). A total of approx. 2.300 KM'S (including a small detour to Venice).

Picture below shows the handlebars used (similar but narrower than the America's and the "Bikerfriend" bag which played an immense role in supporting my back).




Two weeks following the Asendorf run I headed out (two-up this time) and spent 2 weeks or so travelling around the crappy and, for the most part, extremely tight twisty secondary roads (I avoided major highways) in the north and west of Greece to include four island hops (write-up coming soon).

Having done similar trips within Greece on the BMW before, I can safely testify that the Triumph is both more suitable and enjoyable on this type of terrain (not that I ever complained on the BMW).

So, to summarise:

Long distances, moderate twisties, more luggage space, 100+ MPH (on major roads/highways): BMW RT.
Long distances, moderate and/or very tight twisties, less luggage space, 70-75 MPH (on major roads/highways): Triumph SM.

In my book, given the abovementioned parameters, the bikes ultimately have similar comfort levels (excluding the BMW's built-in wind protection and heated-grips) and the only other advantage the BMW has is the total distance travelled within a specific time frame because of it's obvious higher cruising speed.

OR....maybe....go to the "Other Bikes" forum here, and take a look at the picture of the Moto Guzzi Norge that tmspeedy posted in the "Ducati Multistada/Hypermotard" thread.

Now THAT BIKE moves me, guys!

Just as Thanassis has pointed out here, one CAN tour on a BA/Speedy, but only at about a 75mph average.

I've taken my BA on a few 1000 mile rides, loaded with gear(the backrest/bag is a must), and in front of me is my big Memphis Shades "Fats" windshield, but it "pushes" so much air out there up in front while I'm on the Interstates that my baby won't go any faster than about 85 with the throtle "pegged".

Cheers,
Dwight
(one o' these days, I'm tellin' ya, it's goin' to be a big bore for the "Big Bore" here)

I have the SS-10 Slipstreamer windshield, which is smaller than the Memphis Fats. I go about 80mph on the interstate here and it's fine at that speed with a little bit extra on top. Any faster than that and my mpg starts suffering. Last time I came up to Prescott to see you, I ran 90 mph most of the way down I-8 to Gila Bend and I got around 30 mpg for that leg, but then I run a 17/42 sprocket combo.

I don't have a problem touring on my bike, but I do wish it had about 80 hp and 10 ft lb of more torque. A 904 big bore is definitely in my future. Maybe in 2008 I'll put one in. I should have 60,000 miles on by then.

I think of the America/SM as the most versatile of my options. I can rip through the twisties, run down the slab, or cruise through town. It performs well in all categories. It probably doesn't lead any category, but it's good to great performance in all three is what makes it so attractive. Taking this bike to one of our rallies will open your eyes. You will then appreciate what it really can do. It will beg you to ride it harder and harder.

Ride Safe

Ryan

I too have felt the butt burn after several hours in the seat. I am looking for something to help change that.

I will be taking a good look at that air seat

Have toured 2 times from South Carolina to Missouri (1800 miles round trip in 5 days, with 2 600+ mile days) with mine without shield, or cruise/throttle lock. No problems!!! Some soreness in my neck, but I get that after an hour-hour and a half even around town, so am looking at a shield this spring. Have done one with and one without Jims Spacers, didn't make any difference to me. I ran with TourMaster XL slanted saddlebags and a tank bag once and a duffle bag strapped to the saddlebags across the rear mudguard the second time. As for the tailbone, i'm sure most here will recommend the Corbin saddle or a gelpack insert. I've run both trips on a stock saddle and just shift my butt around and am fine. Stretch my legs over the front pegs from time to time to help the legs. Could I probably do better with lots of add-ons, yeah, but I like my bike as close to the original look as possible so can deal with it. Don't want a Tourglide or a Wing. Good luck!

Oh, with regard to the alternators, not sure who your source of info is. I've got a JCW lightbar with two 55W lights plus the low beam running and never had a problem with a weak battery(knock on wood) or starting. I run it almost all the time, day and night, for better visibility (i.e. cagers seeing ME!!)

I have been looking, and only looking, at some of the older BMW's, online to be exact so I havnt really talked to a salesman.I will never sell my america but I am getting older and thinking about a smooth comfortable touring bike.I dont tour that much but the Triumph is a little, just a little too tiring for me on long trips. By long trips I mean 5 to 6 hours. Like I said, I am getting older, but I think my wife would also prefer a smoother ride..I prefer the older model BMWS because of the styling and price and I am not looking to buy new. Since I dont do that much long distance riding it would also be more of a part of my collection.I know nothing about the biger bikes only that the honda goldwing, which I have riden back in the day,and the BMWS are known to be the better of the road bikes. Am I wrong? The Gold Wing was ultra smooth and had great accelation but but like riding a cadillac on 2 wheels, Great on the open road but heavy and cumbursom on smaller roads. I am sure they have improved a bit since the early to mid 80s.I might be wrong it may have been towards the late 80s, its all a blur.I know a little bit about the hondas and nothing about the BMWS. Anyway, one of the questions I have is, on the older BMWS what are the ccs , or engine sizes of theBMWS when the model is an r50 or r100 and should I avoid any particular model? Do you guys know?

wantoride-
an R50 is a 500cc, R75 is 750, and R100 is 1000, and so on. Same with the K-Series bikes, except that the K-s have an inline watercooled 3 (K75) or 4 (K100)laying on it's side so that the pistons are actually stroking horizontally. The early ones (K-series) had problems with oil seeping by the cold oil rings into the combustion chamber while the bike sat overnight, and being smokey until the engine warmed up, but I believe that BMW corrected that pretty quickly. Personally, styling was a big factor that kept me away from BMW's. I love the Boxer motor, even the new water cooled 4 valves, but don't care for the super-funky styling, even though I am normally a fan of Euro-styling. I would love the style of an older R65 or R80 with the new Boxer, and stuff....

Thanks Bayern710. It seems pretty simple and to be honest sort of what I expected. I guess the doubt that I had was that I have a vision of BMW making the larger bikes so a 500cc didnt make much sense to me.And I do recall a freind haveing the smoke issue with his but he would always argue the gravity reduction point of the horizontal pistons and the extra life the engine would have due to the ease of less gravity on the combustion. It made sense but I dont think I ever bought it.

Larry, to my knowledge, that was only a problem with the K-series (although I'm sure it crept up in the very early days of the R-series back in the 1920's as well. Kind of funny that BMW would have that kind of problem after a lifetime building almost only engines that laid on their sides (the only difference is that the K had all the pistons "boxing" in the same direction instead of opposite like the R's)

To me, gravity would be pulling the cylinders to one side (the bottom), but BMW has a good rep so guess it doesn't matter.

They do make a 650 single though, the F650, which gets pretty good reviews as well.