In my opinion, there were always two cosmetic design flaws with the Roadster. The instrument pod and the fork stanchions. On the 2011 both of those issues were resolved much to my satisfaction. +2 for the '11
As the hexhead engine puts out way more power than I ever use, I did not appreciate any value in the slightly more powerful overhead cam engine. a wash for the '11.
I didn't like any of the color choices being offered for '11 with the possible exception of the light grey, which was not shown in any of the promotional pix. It was not clear to me whether this is a shiney or a matte color. I prefer shiney. The '10 was still available in Black, or for a huge price difference, Blue. +1 for the '10
The Black '10 I had a deal on was part of the Touring Package promotion. You basically get a $17,000 package for $15,500. The press release did not offer any pricing information nor any promotional packages. I'm going way out on a limb here and suggesting that a 2011 equipped similarly to "my" 2010 was going to cost me $1,500 to $2,500 hundred more than I could have the '10 for. +2 for the '10.
BMW still has not committed to importing the '11 to the US where roadster sales have been slow. They are trumpeting the arrival of the F800 R in January '11. It promises to be a great bike. +1 for the '10
So I picked up my new 2010 R1200 R on Friday afternoon. Social commitments on both Friday and Saturday limited my riding time to about 4 hours. By avoiding highways altogether, I was able to keep varying the RPM's up and down throughout the recommended break-in range and still put 150 (s)miles on the bike. I realize that it is too soon to really tell, but my initial impression is that the engine in the new Black bike is slightly smoother than the one in the old Blue one. I definitely enjoy the easier parking lot handling of the lowered suspension. But it's certainly a much firmer ride than the standard suspension.
I was able to salvage all of my farkles, except the windshield and toring bracket which were both destroyed in the crash. With some minor repairs, refurbishing and paint, they are all ready to be reinstalled once I get past the 600 mile service.
The new kid on the block, my BMW Classic Black roadster, aka BMW CBR
Bruce
If you have an interest in a low comfort seat - ping me. I have one and haven't decided if I'm going to keep it yet.. (usual problem.. I now have 3.5 seats for my bike..)
