Intro and question

[Motorcycle_Girl]

Hello there everyone. I have been lurking for a little while but I figured that it was time that I registered and made a little intro. I live in Southern Ontario and currently have a 1985 Honda Nighthawk CB650SC which I love. I ride almost daily (and that does not include a commute to work - I ride a bicycle to work) throughout the Ontario riding season putting about 12000 km on my bike this year. As much as I love my bike I know that with the amount of travelling that I want to do in the next few years I need to have something that is newer so that parts are more readily available.

I am seriously thinking about buying the R1200R as my next bike. It seems to have everything that I am looking for. My question is for any members that live in Southern Ontario. I am looking for any opinions/experiences with the BMW dealers in the area? I have heard various things from different forums and I also have my own experience with one or two of the dealerships.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Bill Stevenson]

I would suggest that you go to www.bmwmoa.org (ie BMW Motorcycle Owners Association). One of the largest and most active BMW clubs is in Ontario and I am sure you can find members who can give you insight on the local dealers. On one occasion several years ago I stopped at a dealer near London if memory serves and bought new tires while on tour. No problems, prompt service, but hardly what you need to know.

Bill

[jfbarron]

I live in Mississauga and bought my bike at Budds in Oakville. I have been very happy with the dealer experience and service. They go out of their way for you and organise riding and info events for their customers.

Since they also sell high end cars, they have access to great bodywork people-which came in very handy when I needed my tank dent repaired.

I think of it as a great little bike shop with the financial backing of a rich indulgent uncle behind it!

[socalrob]

I suspect that if you bought a R1200R you would be overwhelmed by the difference between a modern bike like the RR and your 85 Honda. The R1200R is a fantastic bike.

[Motorcycle_Girl]

I am not sure what you mean by overwhelmed by the new bike...can you elaborate?
thanks

[kudzu]

Welcome to the R12R Board!

I am certainly not pretending to speak for socalrob, but am guessing he used "overwhelmed" in the sense of "amazed " or "astonished." The older bikes are great, but the technical improvements of the newer bikes make a dramatic difference in all aspects of their performance and handling. Test ride an R12R at you own risk - better take your checkbook! When the R12RT's came out, I was careful not to test ride one, knowing that I would have a hard time going back to my '04 R1150RT.

There are just so many great motorcycles available now!

[Motorcycle_Girl]

Got it.....believe me I am sold on the R1200R I have not been able to find anything on the market that even comes close. I just am determining who I am going to buy it from....

[socalrob]

Welcome to the R12R Board!

I am certainly not pretending to speak for socalrob, but am guessing he used "overwhelmed" in the sense of "amazed " or "astonished." The older bikes are great, but the technical improvements of the newer bikes make a dramatic difference in all aspects of their performance and handling. Test ride an R12R at you own risk - better take your checkbook! When the R12RT's came out, I was careful not to test ride one, knowing that I would have a hard time going back to my '04 R1150RT.

There are just so many great motorcycles available now!

Exactly what I meant. Did not mean to insult, thats for sure. Sounds like you have plenty of experience.

The HexHead (1200) bikes are just such an advancement over the Oilheads, and an R1150R (Oilhead) would be a stunning bike compared to your '85 vintage ride. One reason I ended up with a R1200GSA instead of a R1200GS when I traded my R1150R in a couple of years ago was that the R1150R weighed the same as the R1200GSA. I always thought the R1150R to be a nicely balanced and well handling bike, so I was comfortable buying the heavier GSA. The R1200R is substantially lighter, more powerful, smoother, better ABS brakes, than the R1150R, which itself is a very satisfying bike to own and ride. Jumping from an older bike to the lithe R1200R with nothing in between is simply something that I envy you for.

[ka5ysy]

Welcome to the group.. you are going to absolutely love the RR. It is probably the most versatile bike around. Someone here has commented that it is the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles, and that is no exaggeration.

I am presently in the process of upgrading my 07 with a Rick Mayer custom seat , HID lighting and the new version of the GS handguards. It never ends !!

Remember one thing: The purchase price of your motorcycle is simply a downpayment on the farkles


Here is my report:

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... php?t=2378


Doug

[Motorcycle_Girl]

Thanks for the welcome and the answers...so how many of you are from Southern Ontario? I am still curious about the individual dealer experiences. I am looking forward to talking to the BWM folks at the Toronto Motorcycle show this weekend...

[MJB]

Southern Ontario is a big place....
I'm in the Toronto Area.
Where abouts are you?