As some of you may be aware, I've been having fitment issues with my monster. After more than two years and roughly 30k, it now causes me a ton of pain to ride it. Nothing has helped this, so it's time for a new bike.
My concern with getting a different bike is that these issues may not show up until a ride that is considerably longer than the typical test drive. With that in mind, I've decided to rent bikes I think I may like, and take them on extended rides to see what it does to my poor back.
Last weekend I rented one of BMW's large dual sports.
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_gs03.JPG)
Styling.
Yes, insert the BMW means "Bikes Made Weird" comments here. The bike is...odd looking-one would never accuse it of looking like other bikes, and this may or may not be to your liking. It's got the lopsided headlights, (lending it a vague quizzical "what in the hell did you just say?" look to the front end), the huge jugs sticking out on the motor (foot warmers), it absolutely dwarfs most bikes (seriously-I'm not sure anyone shorter than 6' could actually ride one of these), and just general quirkiness. Various tie downs, luggage racks, and power outlets adorn these.
I'll give it one thing-itll always look better than a Multistrada.
Ergonomics.
Assuming you're or the physically larger side, this bike would probably be comfy for you. The seating is upright to a degree that it makes a stock monster feel like an SBK in comparison. You're back will be vertical. The one I was on had the hinky BMW signals. Why not the standard switch we'll never know-one can fall into using these easily enough, but it never felt quite right. I found the switch for the heated grips up higher than I would like-it was difficult for me to maintain throttle control and operate the switch. This control is necessary if you go from highway speeds on the coast, to lane splitting in the city, or else your hands catch on fire.
The info button and gauges were very well done. The bike knew far too much for it's own good-range, outside temperature, mileage, oil status, and even what gear I was in were all there. At one point on the group ride, it popped up a display mentioning that I was stopped waiting for two more bikes-would I like to watch a movie in the meantime? Weird.
The seats and pegs were laid out fine-I did find that while walking it, my legs hit the pegs-I didn't like this, but with any pressure from the front, they rotated up and out of the way, only to pop back down when you were done walking the bike. By the time the weekend was over, I no longer noticed. The stock seat was comfy-no monkey butt after 6 hours on it on Saturday. Both my passengers did find the passenger seat comfy, though the short one mentioned that getting on was difficult, and would be almost impossible for her if I had a top case.
Brakes.
The brakes were epic. I almost through myself over the handlebars the first time. Coming from an S4R (IE really nice brakes) that's saying a lot. Part of this may be because of the telelever front end (read: no dive on braking)-this sort of directed my momentum straight forward, rather than forward and down-this took some getting used to. I only needed one finger on the brakes most of the weekend-the beast slowed down terribly well.
Clutch.
Nothing of note, actually-worked fine, no complaints, but it didn't stand out, either. The pull was easy, and I had no trouble starting out smoothly, or shifting smoothly. Looking at that last sentence I guess I'd say "well done".
Engine & Gearing.
The engine was very torquey and actually revved terribly quick. I had no problems accelerating to highway speeds, or zipping up to 90 from 65. Bike was geared to be happiest around 4500 RPM, and in 6th on the highway put me around 80, which was fine. It was also happy putting around town around 3k. Unlike the duc it did not beg to be flogged through the twisties, but when I did flog, it didn't seem to care.
The nicest thing I noticed about the engine is that because it is a horizontally opposed twin, almost no vibration got translated to the rider. It was smooooooth and this made for a pleasant riding experience for both rider and passenger.
Suspension.
The telelever suspension is just....make the beast with two backsing great. There is no dive on braking. This lets you trail brake right up to the apex of a corner. Nice for carrying corner speed. For a bike of it's dimensions, most of the weight seemed to be fairly low, around the level of the jugs. The turn is was quick, and while nimble isn't something that comes to mind when you look at it, the bike really is nimble. It held lines very nicely. The bike was very stable through corners, even through bumps or when I ran over gravel leaned over in a corner. Both passengers found it terribly pleasant on their end as well. The rear shock came with the adjustable knob for preload-this was nice in a bike that saw me riding a bunch solo, and two separate passengers of different weights.
Overall initial impression
When one spends that much on a bike, you'd expect it to do everything well. This bike did not disappoint. If I wasn't in the process of buying a house, I'd be at the dealership tomorrow. This is an excellent bike for commuting, long distance riding, and just terribly functional. I want one. I NEED one.
(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/normal_gs02.JPG)
brilliant write up my man, thanks for the effort [thumbsup]
+1, good job! [beer]
How much you asking for the S4R....
Do I get a parts discount ;D
Quote from: MrIncredible on December 08, 2008, 09:34:03 PM
I'll give it one thing-itll always look better than a Multistrada.
wtf? low blow man - the multistrada is nowhere near as gnarly looking.
Great write up.
Thank You
Fantastic review [thumbsup]
nice review.....how'd the hands/wrists feel after 6 hours??
Awesome write up!! [thumbsup]
All the witt I would expect from a wise ass. ;D ;)
now.... go rent a KTM Adventure 990
I can see marriage has already driven you crazy. [cheeky]
Good luck in finding the perfect bike for you. [thumbsup]
Quote from: lauramonster on December 09, 2008, 06:56:08 AM
nice review.....how'd the hands/wrists feel after 6 hours??
No pain. None.
I had some minor soreness, but I'll attribute that to a combination of having no ridden much at all in almost a year, and that I spent 7 hours on it Saturday, and probably four Sunday. I was
trying to overdo it.
Thanks for the honest write up. I've heard these bikes are heavy. Was that an issue. Did you take it off pavement? I'm considering an F800gs as a replacement for my F650. Lower cost, lighter, same funky looks, and more off tarmac worthy.
Thanks for the great write-up. I've been thinking about picking up a BMW R sport tourer next summer, and this is helpful.
My boss has an 1150GS. Says it's the last bike he'll ever buy. That says a lot to me.
Nice write-up. [thumbsup] I'm too short for it though, at 5'-9".
Quote from: akmnstr on December 09, 2008, 09:05:59 AM
Thanks for the honest write up. I've heard these bikes are heavy. Was that an issue. Did you take it off pavement? I'm considering an F800gs as a replacement for my F650. Lower cost, lighter, same funky looks, and more off tarmac worthy.
As long as you're talking hard-packed surfaces and dirt-oriented tires, a bike like that is fine.
Deep sand, loose dirt or mud, you'll wish you hadn't.
I've not ridden a GS, but....
My Cagiva Gran Canyon is roughly eqivalent, but probably lighter at about 500 lbs. wet weight.
With TKC-80 tires, it's a hoot on fire-roads.
In deep sand, it's only a matter of time before you go down.
And lifting the bike back up is a *bytch*.
I had an XT600, which was about 350 lbs or so, with dirt tires it worked quite well in sand.
Quote from: akmnstr on December 09, 2008, 09:05:59 AM
Thanks for the honest write up. I've heard these bikes are heavy. Was that an issue. Did you take it off pavement? I'm considering an F800gs as a replacement for my F650. Lower cost, lighter, same funky looks, and more off tarmac worthy.
No off pavement, but wet my S4R is around 450-this is only 50 pounds more. I noticed to weight issues, not even putting it on the centerstand.
Great writeup i hope to have a GS in the stable one day!
I've often flirted with the idea of picking up one of these. I'm too short.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on December 09, 2008, 11:42:43 AM
I've often flirted with the idea of picking up one of these. I'm too short.
JM
I put Paula on it. She couldn't stand it up. I stood it up for her, and both feet were a good 3" off the ground. Amusing :)
Nice write up man. I went with the Adventure version as I found the GS looks a bit awkward with the skinny stock fuel tank and no "scaffolding" around the bike. You might find the ADV more comfortable as it's taller and the seat to peg height is a bit taller also. I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam and am able to handle the bike perfectly at stand still so someone taller than me, like yourself, would be right at home on the bike.
It's addictive, isn't it? ;D
Here's a video of a R1150GS around the Isle of Man having fun with some sports bikes:
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp1xD446nnA (http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp1xD446nnA)
Anyone considering the R1200GS should watch The Long Way Down
I've seen some guys take GS's places I'd never think you could put a bike that large ~
JM
What amazes me is just how well one of those things will go around a corner.
A friend of mine rides an earlier model 1150 that I call the "Panzer", as in Tank. I may not be the fastest guy in the world, but I'm no slug either and it is all I/we can do to keep up with him when he "gets the call".
If you're a mine to, those bike will just haul ass.
LA
A very nice writeup, MrIncredible! [thumbsup]
I agree with your strategy of renting bikes rather than taking test rides. It's nice to have an extended time with a bike to get the true feel for it. When I was last in LA, I rented a BMW R1200RT from Eagle Rider. Until recently, I thought Eagle Rider dealt exclusively in Harley rentals, but their fleet includes BMWs (R1200RT, R1200GS), Hondas (Gold Wing, ST1300, others), Kawasaki Concours 14, and a few other tasty bikes.
What's gonna be the next bike you try? ;D
nice post MrIncredinble! hope you get to own one soon...
i bought a new R1100GS in '94 and had lots of fun with her until i sold her last year. i'm only 5'8" so she was a bit tall for me but once she was moving she was very nimble. never got her to the track but she was a great canyon carver. very confident over any road surface and just ate up the bumps. heated grips were a great bonus as well as the amazing brakes as the OP described.
but alas, i had to sell her as it became more and more of a production for me to go for rides. top heavy and too tall for my inseam. but she was ultra reliable and great touring bike. and like most poeple, i thought the styling was a bit wierd but i kind of liked the "batmobile" look of that bike (with a beak). the GS wasn't as popular then as it is now so i would get some crazy reactions from bikers when i would glide past.
the lastest generations of the GS platform are more refined than the R1100GS that i had. they've shed a bunch of weight and added more power. i've done a couple trackdays with guys on GS's and they're quite capable on the track as well...
my old sweetheart: first year with the 1100 FI engine and the telelever/paralever suspension on the GS models. replacing the R100GS, 1000cc and "conventional" suspension.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/analogypsy/misc/BMWR1100GS2.jpg)
a fellow bmw forum member at the track a couple weeks ago.
(http://scts.323ci.net/gallery/d/38334-2/DSC_0162.JPG)
(http://scts.323ci.net/gallery/d/38226-2/DSC_0135.JPG)
WOW that's a sight to see the BMW at the track!
yeah, I couldn't throw a leg over the dang thing.
sucks they gotta be so tall.
and dubbelju rocks!!!! ;D
Quote from: MrIncredible on December 08, 2008, 09:34:03 PM
, it absolutely dwarfs most bikes (seriously-I'm not sure anyone shorter than 6' could actually ride one of these),
The R1200GS (and the R1200RT) is now available with a factory lowered frame and low seat option. I've got a 32" inseam and it's almost too low for me. [thumbsup]
GS are fine bikes. But plz try the Multistrada too. Can't give up that Duc vibe! :D I miss my MTS. :(
Quote from: peanut_man on December 15, 2008, 09:58:53 PM
GS are fine bikes. But plz try the Multistrada too. Can't give up that Duc vibe! :D I miss my MTS. :(
No, just, no. No doing a service every 6k on a year round commuter. Just, no. Especially not on a bike that I personally believe is
the ugliest motorized thing I have ever seen.
7.5k, but otherwise, yes. ;)
I want a GSA. ;D
Quote from: MrIncredible on December 16, 2008, 12:57:38 PM
No, just, no. No doing a service every 6k on a year round commuter. Just, no. Especially not on a bike that I personally believe is the ugliest motorized thing I have ever seen.
Interestingly that's what a lot of ppl said about Monster also. [roll] Guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Personally, that's what I thought about MTS initially. But it grew on me big time and I got addicted to it. But yeah, maint on Duc are always expensive. If only BMW or Jap makers can create bikes as intresting as Duc. ;D
Passion for a bike only means so much if you're back is killing you. With that said, damn that bike is fugly. Still, cool points for staying on a non-step-through two-wheeler...
Thanks for the writeup Mr. Inc. My dad and I were just over at the Beemer shop yesterday picking up a pair of heated gloves (future writeup in the works. Gerbings are amazing) and I'm pretty sure he's hooked on the R1200GS. My mom bought a fatboy an 07 HD Fatboy a couple of years ago but had an accident earlier this summer and hasn't been able to ride the bike at all so dad has been running it simply for the sake of keeping it in working condition. He has nothing but shoddy things to say about the HD (I don't blame him, it's not that nice) but misses riding and is seriously considering picking up the BMW if they have to sell the Harley.
The shop was asking around 18k for the bike. While 18 is still a LOT of money to be spending on a motorcycle, it's only $500 or so more than ma spent on the HD, WITHOUT THE ACCESSORIES (and we all know how much HD kit costs). The fatboy is the epitamy of vanity (even he admits mom just bought it because it was an HD. Jesus don't get me started here) and the BMW is nothing but function, which if you knew my father, you'd know that it's right up his alley ;D. He was pretty tickled by your review. Like someone mentioned earlier, it's nice to have an objective view on things sometimes. Go out and rent an Adventure 990 and let us know how it goes. The way I figure it, if he gets a new touring toy, I get to go ride it ;D
Nice write-up, MrInc. Makes me want to buy one...if I were taller (5'10" doesn't quite cut it). ;)
You could probably do their marketing! ;D
Quote from: River on December 27, 2008, 10:01:49 AM
Nice write-up, MrInc. Makes me want to buy one...if I were taller (5'10" doesn't quite cut it). ;)
If you think 5'10" doesn't cut it, try 5'4" with a short inseam! [cheeky]
Quote from: somegirl on December 27, 2008, 03:45:13 PM
If you think 5'10" doesn't cut it, try 5'4" with a short inseam! [cheeky]
They had a pretty nice F800s at the shop for around 10k that looked a bit more "height challenged" friendly ;D. But then again, I guess it's your man toy that's in the market for the Beemer.
After looking around and talking with the shop tech I wouldn't be opposed to a new sport tourer of my own in the stable. I guess all the more reason to convince dad to pick one up, just so I can commandeer it at my whim.
Quote from: Jarvicious on December 28, 2008, 05:51:02 PM
They had a pretty nice F800s at the shop for around 10k that looked a bit more "height challenged" friendly ;D. But then again, I guess it's your man toy that's in the market for the Beemer.
I've ridden an older F650GS. It was rideable, but too big for me. The ergs were just really uncomfortable for longer rides.
I'm lazy and haven't read the whole thread, but have you considered a V-Strom and upgrading it? It would probably still be far cheaper than a R1200GS.
Quote from: sugarcrook on December 28, 2008, 10:36:36 PM
I'm lazy and haven't read the whole thread, but have you considered a V-Strom and upgrading it? It would probably still be far cheaper than a R1200GS.
Yeah, but as the guy at the shop observed (yeah, it was a sales pitch but he's right), once you spend the money on a BMW, you really don't have to spend it on accessories. It's "pimped" off the floor. Sure you have to pick up gear, but what newbie rider buys an R1200 for his/her first bike? Not to mention the INITIAL valve adjustments are at 18k, then you really don't have to do them again until the computer tells you you need to have them adjusted. I agree though. The Suzuki would be a good entry level type of deal, but comparing it to a BMW is like comparing a GSXR to a Monster.
If you're inclined to stay Italian, and also want a big, rangy bike, you might want to sit a Moto Guzzi Stelvio:
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3105062297_9efb205425.jpg)
I'm 5'10" and have a 32-inch inseam. It felt taller than a 1200GS.
Glamour shot of the bike (http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-MotoGuzzi-Stelvio12004Va.jpg)
I believe MCN really liked it.
Have you tried the 800gs? I went and test rode the 1200 and the 800 the other day and I would ride away with the 800 over the 1200. To be fair I would want something that is a little more off-road worthy and I think the 800 would be more capable. There both super comfortable, seat height didn't matter much for me (5'10"). I had them move the 1200 seat to its highest position to see how it was, but after riding dirt bikes it no big deal to manage. If anyone feels the seat height is too much to manage, start riding dirt bikes you'll learn real quick how to deal with all types of funky situations when you cant touch the ground. The big difference is the motor on the 800 is a lot more fun to ride. It revs like a I4, narrow power band near the upper rpm (6k on up) that's likes to rev quick. Not as butter smooth as the 1200 once at cruising speeds(80) but still low enough in the RPM's that its not too buzzy. Yeah the 1200 has more power, but it feels sluggish and lazy. You don't get that kick in the pants feel when you role on the gas. A little boring to ride. Imagine riding the monster outside of the power band really low in the RPM's, it still picks up speed but its bogging and you can go WOT without anything happening. They are both surprisingly nimble to ride, on the road they don't feel as big as they look. The only negative for me is the lack of adjustable front forks on the 800. And at 14K OTD I'd pick the 800.
Probably going to ride the KTM 990 adventure today to see if it lives up to the reviews.
A buddy has an 800 I've taken out for a short bit-nice bike. It'd be a hard choice between the two-I so love me those horizontally opposed cylinders.
Also, I'd probably buy used, so there's not much market for the 800 right now.
Quote from: DanTheMan on January 02, 2009, 11:09:47 AM
Have you tried the 800gs? I went and test rode the 1200 and the 800 the other day and I would ride away with the 800 over the 1200. To be fair I would want something that is a little more off-road worthy and I think the 800 would be more capable. There both super comfortable, seat height didn't matter much for me (5'10"). I had them move the 1200 seat to its highest position to see how it was, but after riding dirt bikes it no big deal to manage. If anyone feels the seat height is too much to manage, start riding dirt bikes you'll learn real quick how to deal with all types of funky situations when you cant touch the ground. The big difference is the motor on the 800 is a lot more fun to ride. It revs like a I4, narrow power band near the upper rpm (6k on up) that's likes to rev quick. Not as butter smooth as the 1200 once at cruising speeds(80) but still low enough in the RPM's that its not too buzzy. Yeah the 1200 has more power, but it feels sluggish and lazy. You don't get that kick in the pants feel when you role on the gas. A little boring to ride. Imagine riding the monster outside of the power band really low in the RPM's, it still picks up speed but its bogging and you can go WOT without anything happening. They are both surprisingly nimble to ride, on the road they don't feel as big as they look. The only negative for me is the lack of adjustable front forks on the 800. And at 14K OTD I'd pick the 800.
Probably going to ride the KTM 990 adventure today to see if it lives up to the reviews.
I agree with all you said. I've got a real bad jones for the F800GS. The non-adjustable forks do bother me. If I pay that much for a bike, adjustable forks should be included. I was in Portland, OR, Wednesday, at the BMW store oogling the New 800 and they had one for 1K off. Suddenly I was on the spot, put up or shut up. I couldn't do it. 12K was still too much for me to part with.
Oh MrIncredible, the notion that you won't have to buy farkles for your beemer is absolutely false, but it if it will help you make the purchase, don't let me burst your bubble, and read no further. You may wish to add crash bars, off road tires, aftermarket or factory boxes (will cost ya about 1K), tail trunk, GPS (you are planning to ride around the world?), Olins shock, taller windshield, radar detector, camera mount, bullet proof force field (for riding through the mountains of Columbia), and a flux capacitor. I'm sure I'm leaving a few things out.
I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?
I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 02, 2009, 12:50:47 PM
A buddy has an 800 I've taken out for a short bit-nice bike. It'd be a hard choice between the two-I so love me those horizontally opposed cylinders.
Also, I'd probably buy used, so there's not much market for the 800 right now.
Yeah you can get a nice used 1200 for less than MSRP of the 800. I may wait a year then look for a 800 of my own.
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 02, 2009, 02:04:50 PM
I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?
I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.
Okay, you can do without the GPS, but the flux capacitor is essential ;)
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 02, 2009, 02:04:50 PM
I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.
+1 some time ago I called someone out for defacing their S4RS with a GPS and man did their sphincter tighten up. Though personally they look fine on beemers which are pretty much impossible to uglify any more.
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 02, 2009, 02:04:50 PM
I have no notion that the bike will not need extra items. I hope you're not attributing that to me?
I will never need a GPS on anything not water based though. Just no. I think they're for idiots, and I only hope the people who watch the GPS instead of the road drown when they drive into a lake.
Good grief, relax a little. You sound a bit old and grumpy (These damn kids and their new crap, walking through snow uphill both ways we didn't need any stupid box telling us where to go...) ;)
Granted, like anything else that actually distracts the driver when used wrong (Radio, adjustable seats, putting on sunglasses, food), some people will use one the wrong way. But go to a city you have never been too, put it on voice instruction, and GPS can be a very helpful tool. If used properly it helps you KEEP your eyes on the road instead of hunting for that next street sign. I used one on the street for the first time at Indy during the GP. We just typed in the various bike shops, meridian street, track, etc and went there.
And when flying, they are also a very helpful tool. If you like chasing airways, VORs or NDBs in and around class B airspace good for you. Any restricted area can be avoided completely with one, IF used properly. Of course many a pilot has flown directly through a TFR because of not doing their homework prior to the flight. In this instance, a little preparation is also essential.
On a bike it may be a bit more difficult to use. Set up properly, I am certain that it would be helpful.
They have these things called maps. They require no power, come in pocket versions, and encourage the driver to actually think.
Even when used correctly, too many people just blindly follow the instructions, and couldn't tell you how they got somewhere, or how to get back. If it breaks, they're lost. Lame.
I'll stick with low-tech.
FHE on benefit of GPS:
On my usual commute, GPS off, on the freeway returning home late evening.
Got boxed in at an interchange, ended up on the wrong freeway.
Exited freeway, to find I was in a very bad area.
No 'on' ramp in sight.
Choices:
A) Keep rolling, boot up GPS, hit the 'home' button to find the quickest way back to the freeway.
B) Stop, try to find a suitable street map from my complete AAA arsenal, and sit there for a couple minutes looking obviously lost.
Quote from: Speeddog on January 03, 2009, 10:17:22 AM
B) Stop, try to find a suitable street map from my complete AAA arsenal, and sit there for a couple minutes looking obviously lost.
a GPS will keep me from looking lost?
;D
Quote from: bobspapa on January 03, 2009, 10:42:16 AM
a GPS will keep me from looking lost?
;D
Well, it's not a magic bullet, but it'll help. ;)
I just had one of my good friends buy one after 20+ years of Harely only riding...we dared him to try and the next week he sold his road king classic, took the BMW performance riding school (both on and off road versions) and bought the 1200GS
This may be my next bike. I would really like to sport tour on something more comfortable than my 1098. I have never had a GPS on a bike, but I really look forward to it. The one in my truck tells me where all of the surrounding gas stations, fast food, hotels, airports, and whatever else you need are located. I would love to have this feature on the bike. It would also be safer for me than looking at a map taped to my tankbag.
Quote from: Slag on January 04, 2009, 06:36:21 AM
This may be my next bike. I would really like to sport tour on something more comfortable than my 1098. I have never had a GPS on a bike, but I really look forward to it. The one in my truck tells me where all of the surrounding gas stations, fast food, hotels, airports, and whatever else you need are located. I would love to have this feature on the bike. It would also be safer for me than looking at a map taped to my tankbag.
Slag,
First of all, I've been riding Beemers for a long time and the full sized GS remains a mystery to me. I can't figure out what it is really for. While dual sporting, I've seen friends struggle hopelessly with their GS beasties. The GS is an absolute pig in loose sand; it is uncontrollable in steep downhills with rocks, and it provides little weather protection on the highway. Moreover, it's mud fence ugly compared to the beautiful K12S and RS models. And the Boxer engine? Slag, for a Beemer to sport tour, look at the pre-05 K12GT or the new K13GT.
The current preferred set of gadgets for the BMW sport touring crowd is a wireless Bluetooth combo of Zumo GPS, satellite radio, MP3 player, Valentine 1 or Escort 8500 radar detector, weather alert, and cell phone, set up with an override for the detector and the cell phone. The Zumo may require input with gloved fingers but everything else should be hands-free with no wiring to the rider. There is a Zumo forum where the topics get high-tech very quickly. It's a pretty fancy set-up when assembled but it is also very pricey.
Meanwhile, I'm having a great time riding my gorgeous S4Rs with my BMW pals with all their gadgets. I'll never be lost as long as I keep them in sight . . . in my mirrors.
Carstarphen,
Thanks for the post! I am still in the research phase, and have not started test riding. Your post was extremely helpful [thumbsup]
Quote from: Carstarphen on January 04, 2009, 08:35:26 AM
I'll never be lost as long as I keep them in sight . . . in my mirrors.
That rocks [thumbsup]
i had my R11GS for 12yrs and had lots of fun touring and canyon carving. that bike lived in new york city with me and although a very wide bike, it was the ultimate urban commuting bike. in a city with literally millions of pot holes and hundreds of construction zones and patched up raods, the GS just devoured any raod surface in sight. no it's not the best in the sand so an enduro it's not but it's very capable on the fire roads and dirt trails (if you know how to ride on the dirt and rocks). it's not a bike for everyone but it fills a niche.
the bmw K bikes are nice but i prefer twins [moto]
i DID eventually end up getting tired of the taller height (i'm 5'8") but that was 12 yrs later. and i started feeling my riding style was shifting into a more sportier thing. so i got me an R1100S...
my sport tourer...
(http://homepage.mac.com/dragonmix/.Pictures/BCR6.jpg)
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 03, 2009, 09:31:04 AM
snip
I'll stick with low-tech.
Says the guy looking into buying a $18k motorcycle :)