Differences between '03 BCR and '05 BCR?

tim22 · 08:05 PM

So, the weather was really nice after work today so I thought I'd take the "long way" home just to enjoy the ride on my '03 BCR. Anybody who has read a few of my posts knows how much I love this bike.

So then I decided to shoot over to my local BMW dealer and see what was going on over there. Whadd'ya know. There's this red, white and blue '05 BCR sitting out for sale in the parking lot. Has the Laser exhaust standard as most of you already know. Low mileage (around 8 thou). Looks like Ohlin's suspension too.

Of course, now the gears are turning in my head and I'm wondering if they'll do a swap (it'll cost me some out-of-pocket of course I know). They're asking like $9,500 for it.

So, any of you Pelican brothers have any personal experience comparing the earlier BCR such as my '03 to a newer one such as the '05?

And I wonder why they took the mirrors off the fairing and put them on the handle bars? I like the mirrors on the upper fairing (like on my '03) better.

I like the Laser exhaust and the colors, but I also love the BCR I already have now. Then of course, there's that money thing too.

Well, just thought I'd throw that out there.

I'll hang up and listen.

tm1100s · 08:41 PM

'05 didn't come with Ohlins, but that doesn't mean they weren't installed after. Also the suspension is about 3/8 to 1/2 inch taller with longer forks and taller rear shock, different mirrors (not fairing mounted) and the Laser exhaust. Some other minor stuff that doesn't come to mind right now. Basically, same bike but taller.

They didn't come numbered like the previous years, the rumor being there may have been more of the '05 produced and they
ran out of blue rear wheels.

turboflyer · turboflyer's Garage

Pretty sure it can be had for less. Do not recall one going for more than 8K for some time. My 05 is one of the best all around bike I have owned. I too thought it had Ohlins, real look a likes. Like stated it might have had them installed. Think they are called sport suspension or something like that. I think they do a good job at least for my kind of riding. Ran out of blue rear wheels, you guys. Every one know white wheels are faster since they reflect all the light spectrum. Not sure I would change from 03 to 05 unless it was for the color scheme. Even if I get the dream HP2s, the 05 stays.

tim22 · 09-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Thanks so far guys.

Anyone else?

Yes, I did notice the '05 was considerably taller than my '03. You can tell just by looking at it. And when I sat on it only my toes were touching and I'm 6'1".

I was only speculating it has Ohlin's because since it was taller I figured it had aftermarket suspension. But maybe not. I'll take a closer look if I'm interested (well, I am, but...).

Thanks again.

MaineRoads · 09-18-2009, 02:51 PM

05 Twin spark.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

if you are willing to pony up $9500 get an R12S.....

tim22 · 09-18-2009, 07:59 PM

Hey shreddr, what's doin'?

Maybe I should do a little more research on that asking price.

If I could have more than one bike I'd have a 12S--those are beautiful for sure. But I don't think the pillion would be suitable for my wife. Haven't tried it, but it looks awfully high and small for a passenger.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim22

Hey shreddr, what's doin'?

Maybe I should do a little more research on that asking price.

If I could have more than one bike I'd have a 12S--those are beautiful for sure. But I don't think the pillion would be suitable for my wife. Haven't tried it, but it looks awfully high and small for a passenger.

oh yeah, now i recall having this discussion before. the R12S is a one man bike for the most part, if you are doing a lot of 2-up riding, then the R11S is a better bet, but then so might a GS.

Highlander179 · 09-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim22

Yes, I did notice the '05 was considerably taller than my '03. You can tell just by looking at it. And when I sat on it only my toes were touching and I'm 6'1".

- Longer GS forks, longer rear shock, and also taller seat
- '03 single spark vs '05 dual spark
- Mickey Mouse Mirrors

RoLoo · RoLoo's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander179

- Longer GS forks, longer rear shock, and also taller seat
- '03 single spark vs '05 dual spark
- Mickey Mouse Mirrors

- ABS not available
- white dials

and the mirrors are on the bars just for racing purpose ; this way they are easier to remove...

tim22 · 09-20-2009, 05:58 AM

So, no differences in state-of-tune of the engine then? Same engine (other than twin spark--what is that anyway)?.

RoLoo · RoLoo's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim22

Same engine (other than twin spark--what is that anyway)?

...each cylinderhead has two plugs...

tim22 · 09-20-2009, 08:14 AM

Ahh, just as the name implies then--twin spark.

So then, what is the purpose of twin spark? More powerful or more complete combustion? And how does that affect what happens at the rear wheel where the rubber meets the road? (I mean, does it actually make much of a difference?)

RoLoo · RoLoo's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim22

So then, what is the purpose of twin spark? More powerful or more complete combustion? And how does that affect what happens at the rear wheel where the rubber meets the road? (I mean, does it actually make much of a difference?)

...BMW claims a significant decrease in exhaust emissions, as well as an improvement in rider control and engine response, plus a reduction in fuel consumption...

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim22

Ahh, just as the name implies then--twin spark.

So then, what is the purpose of twin spark? More powerful or more complete combustion? And how does that affect what happens at the rear wheel where the rubber meets the road? (I mean, does it actually make much of a difference?)

i read here that it was the cure for the dreaded "surge" i never noticed my 03 BCR surge though, so go figure

R111S · R111S's Garage

If you want a very good read on Dual Spark Plugs go to your local university (Illini) and check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IQVM0UL4ITX8

The Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice: Vol. 1 - 2nd Edition, Revised: Thermodynamics, Fluid Flow, Performance

There's an excellent chapter on multiple Spark Plugs and the beneifts therein.

windy · 09-21-2009, 10:00 AM

Slightly different seat as well. Even a different part number.

tim22 · 09-22-2009, 03:54 PM

Hey guys,

thanks for all your replies and the input.

Well, I listed my '03 over in the "For Sale" thread. See if I can sell it for that '05.

Tim

tim22 · 09-23-2009, 04:47 PM

'Nother question guys;

I went back and looked at that '05 Boxer Cup today. I noticed it didn't look like it had any provisions for the collars that stick out for the Pit Bull stand. My '03 came with a Pit Bull and the bike has the extended collars for it--they bolt onto the frame over the belly pan. But it looks like the belly pan on the '05 doesn't even have a place for the collars (which must come with the Pit Bull).

Anybody know?

tm1100s · 09-23-2009, 06:45 PM

The rear stand kit for the '05 BCR is optional and comes with the BMW rear stand and a kit with the mounts that bolt through the pan and into the fittings that insert where a factory non-BCR centerstand would go. The rear stand was originally a BMW factory only part made by PitBull but at the time they would not sell it direct. Had to come from BMW. Now, I don't know. Anyway, I think you can get the frame parts from PitBull. And just in case, the PitBull front for the K12s fits the BCR.