Major Fun in the Twisties

[decimus]

Just got back from a two day ride from the Denver (Colorado, USA) area out through Breckenridge and back through Evergreen. I rode with four buddies who were riding Harley cruisers
My '96 R1100R (34,000 mi., new Ohlin's shocks) ran silky smooth with more power than I really know what to do with
When we started climbing I realized that this bike is meant to be ridden pretty aggressively through turns; it likes to dive into them, then accelerate through and out. Especially on the real twisty roads, after forty five minutes of riding I was able to get off and smoke a whole ciggy before my buddies showed up.
I bought Raquel back in February for $5,000 (Ohlin's installed,) haven't made any major modifications, and am tickled with its performance. Fantastic bike!

[MikeCam]

Yeah! That's the thing. Great handling and good performance on a classic bike. Congrats!

[TAL2GK]

For a naked roadster, you can't beat the combination of handling and comfort - I agree.

As mine starts to age (its a '99) I get a little frustrated with the gearbox - but everytime I look at replacement options, they just don't measure up compared to the amount of money they are new (or slightly used).

I might look a little harder at the Moto Guzzi Griso in another year or so, but the only reason I wouldn't go with another R is just for the sake of variety (since I've had mine 10 years). Despite the time together and wanting a little variety, my bike has been very good to me. Good choice.

[TAL2GK]

I was reading back through my posts and its amazing how much a guy can change his mind in less than two months.

I still love my '99, but couldn't resist the urge to buy a new '09. If it weren't for the badge & appearance, I wouldn't have known the '09 was a newer version of the '99. They feel like different bikes. Actually, the better analogy would be a baseball one ... riding my '99 feels like I'm in the on-deck circle swinging a bat with weights at the end. The '09 feels like I'm at the plate with an aluminum bat.

Variety for the sake of variety, I guess, was ruled out. The Guzzi was gorgeous, but for a 1-bike owner, the R is still the one.

[MattPie]

I was reading back through my posts and its amazing how much a guy can change his mind in less than two months.

I still love my '99, but couldn't resist the urge to buy a new '09. If it weren't for the badge & appearance, I wouldn't have known the '09 was a newer version of the '99. They feel like different bikes. Actually, the better analogy would be a baseball one ... riding my '99 feels like I'm in the on-deck circle swinging a bat with weights at the end. The '09 feels like I'm at the plate with an aluminum bat.

Variety for the sake of variety, I guess, was ruled out. The Guzzi was gorgeous, but for a 1-bike owner, the R is still the one.

I'm afraid to ride a R1200R, the local shop has one as a loaner. But I love your avatar.

[TAL2GK]

Nice!

Let's go Sabres (although mine is bigger than yours)!

If you don't want to spend a big chunk of change - don't ride the R12R. My old R11R was very good to me, but it suddenly felt 10 years old when I had something to compare it to. At the same time, hopping on the R12R was very familiar. Not a big adjustment ... other than to the wallet.