Test rides at Browns Motor Works (Pomona, CA)

[socalrob]

Last Sat (the 19th) Browns had an open house. As I needed new tyres anyway, dropped by & test rode an ST, R1200RT, R1200GS, & K1200S.

The ST was great, but kricked my neck. I would consider it if there were after market bars that would maybe raise the bars a bit, probably would never need them, but would hate to buy the bike & commit without the possibility. The ST was fast & lighter than the RR. Really like it.

Next I road the GS. Good gawd, those bars are high & wide. Thought I was on my Honda XR400. That GS is one big dirt bike. To me at least seemed much slower than the ST, was fun to ride in the 80mph zone. Does seem like it would be very comfortable on long trips. Since I have a dirt bike, I might want something less tall & wide for the street.

The RT was a trip. Handled great but the weight made it feel slower to me. I spent much of the ride screwing around with the power wind screen & the radio. In highest position the wind screen was so quiet that I would not need ear plugs. But it also wobbled & I was looking at / through the top edge of it, might not want to do that all day. The radio was just ok, might need more power & louder speakers.

Rode the K1200S just for fun. No way I would keep my license with that bike. Loved the almost turbine like whine. Took it up to 10,000 rpms just for the hell of it. Not sure if I would kill myself first or loose the license first.

No K1200R demo bike. Don't understand that.

All in all a fun morning. Food was great, bikes great, & another perfect day weather wise. The Airflow jacket was just right. Hard to believe that riding season has ended in some places. Got the new tires, Pilot Roads, seem great so far. BTW, what started as a gleam of steel belt on my old Z6 on the previous Sunday ride, was 6 steel belts showing about a foot long 100 miles later. Glad to get the Pilot Roads just so I can better monitor the tread wear.

[BobFV1]

Hey Rob -

Thanks for the post. Sounds like you had a great time and got to ride some nice iron. What was the format of the rides - did they give you a route to stick to? Were they accompanied or unaccompanied rides? Just curious. Were they dealer bikes? My &)()!#&!!! dealer won't let me test ride an S, as I have whined about on this board many times. In fact, I think I will print this out and take it to them.

Ride safe.

[socalrob]

They had a long time trusted customer lead the rides, which were about 20 minutes, included fast surface streets, freeway, & a moderately twisty section. The bikes were all dealer demonstrators. They also had a 650CS & a R1100S & LT I did not demo, but could have. I believe BMW has a demonstrator program where they cover part of the cost for the dealer, some others on the board here must know.

I suspect they might not let a squidly looking 20 yo demo the KS. But as an old guy all you need is a full motorcycle endorsement on your license.

They would give test rides at any time you ask, I just like to do it on open house days as since I am not intending to buy right now, I don't like to waste anyone's time. But open house days, I'll demo anything! Surely theres a BMW dealer in Pheonix area that does open house demos.

BTW, the K1200S is a very, very cool bike. Very quality built, IMO.

[BobFV1]

They would give test rides at any time you ask, I just like to do it on open house days as since I am not intending to buy right now, I don't like to waste anyone's time. But open house days, I'll demo anything! Surely theres a BMW dealer in Pheonix area that does open house demos.

Hey Rob -

We have two dealers and they both do test and demo rides. Scottsdale BMW did a similar format demo day last Spring and I got to ride the GS, ST, and 1200RT, but no KS. Neither of the Phoenix area dealers will allow test/demos on the KS. I've told the story before, but will repeat it - my dealer, Victory BMW, from whom I've purchased two new bikes, would not and will not let anyone test ride the KS - not even me! I'm over that bike anyway - if I want to go fast I'll ride something with a chain.

Anyway, glad you had a good day.