dragonmojo wrote:
Other than absurd prices for the upper-level models, how are these two "badges" alike?
I don't mean to offend anyone (as I have been a BMW rider since '83), but they are alike in the respect that BMW is becoming a boutique dealer like HD. This is just my observation and opinion. I guess that's called marketing, ensuring brand recognition so that newcomers to motorcycling will want a BMW or HD. Marketing is also what sells crotch-rockets and big-horse sportscars (18,000rpm redlines and 500hp motors).
I've seen this firsthand with a new rider on a big Beemer, who ended up riding very little because it was an intimidating ride. Another case is my own brother, who has 2-3 years riding experience over 25 years ago and recently bought a brand new HD Road King. I'm not sure how much he rides outside of his commute; he has mentioned how heavy it felt to handle. That's all.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
BoiseBeemer wrote:
Huh? As I said, I would have cheerfully bought another Suzuki if they still made the kind of bike I prefer to ride (and I listed my own criteria for determining said suitability). They don't; BMW does, and for a reasonable price (or so it was in 2004).
You're a seasoned rider and have identified the criteria you look for to accommodate your riding preference (as am I). I too prefer shaft-drive over chain, and there aren't many choices on the market that appeal to me. A lightweight, full-faired tourer w/shaft was my initiation to the club.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
I would be glad if I like it. It would open up a whole bunch of possible used bikes. The one at the dealer is a 2005 with bags. He wants over $10k for it not including tax/license, which I am not currently willing to pay. But if I like it, I can start looking at some from a couple years ago that would be closer to what I want to spend. Is there much to look out for on the older ones? I believe that the brakes will feel different on some, is that true? What should I be looking out for/problem areas?
The Motor Company's Roadster is the Sportster, and I've never met ANYBODY who has ridden one longer than a hundred miles in a day. With a 3.3-gallon tank, not even HD expects you to spend much time on the ROAD.
I haven't met the woman, but Karen Larsen rode a Sportster from New Jersey across the country, up to Alaska, down to Sturgis, and back to the east coast. She wrote a book about her trip called "Breaking the Limit..." - a great read. The Sportster wouldn't be my choice for long distance travel either, but that is what she had.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA
peterbulgar wrote:
I haven't met the woman, but Karen Larsen rode a Sportster from New Jersey across the country, up to Alaska, down to Sturgis, and back to the east coast. She wrote a book about her trip called "Breaking the Limit..." - a great read. The Sportster wouldn't be my choice for long distance travel either, but that is what she had.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA
I have the book. I like Sporty's, but she did ride hers in places I'd be reluctant to try. To the point, however, she didn't attempt a lot of what a Beemer rider would call high-mileage days.
It's also not a particularly authentic account. I'm always suspicious of autobio's where the author can quote long conversations with strangers with word-for-word accuracy. Personally, I couldn't quote verbatim the conversation I had with the carpet installer who worked in my house this morning. The details of Ms. Larsen's account of her personal odyssey, while interesting, should probably not be mistaken for factual. It's a PERSONAL memoir, and we're all allowed (and probably should be expected) to lie when we're publicly remembering our own derring-do.
I would (though never here of course)...
Bruce Jones
2004 Silver Roadster
2004 Copper Rockster
1953 Platinum spouse
BoiseBeemer wrote:It's also not a particularly authentic account. I'm always suspicious of autobio's where the author can quote long conversations with strangers with word-for-word accuracy.
Been hanging around more fishermen than women, haven't you?
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
I have ridden old Honda’s for years (CB-F’s) but when I changed jobs and my commute added up to 120 miles a day, 6 days a week I knew it was time to make a change. I was shopping for a small car when I had the opportunity to test ride a rockster. Within two days I ordered a roc and sold my beloved CB750F and 900F. I bought the bike because it was perfect for my needs (Long commutes, taking the kids to school, camping and visiting friends and family).
I am not monetarily wealthy, and for that reason I bought a BMW. I can work on it myself, save on gas and insurance, and know that it will be around for 100k miles or more.
When I had my K75S, I was riding one weekend with a 1/2 dozen other guys, one of whom just purchased an R1100RS. We swapped bikes on a short leg of the ride. I thought my K felt tighter, where the RS seemed slightly rubbery (thru the handlebars). The K felt more aggressive as well (may have been the Staintune pipes) while the RS seemed more relaxed when twisting the throttle. Hard to say now, many years later, on how the K compares to either my Cruiser or Rockster, but I have been curious about saddling one again to get a back-to-back test w/the Rock.
I traded the K for my Cruiser in '99 out of passion, not reason. Couldn't afford to keep both back then, because I also had picked up the Hawk GT in '97. Thought I'd try something different and ended up really enjoying it. I have no regrets, but the K75S is a fine bike that I think is a little underrated.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
I am not far from you, and attended the River City Track event at Thunder Hill this year. I purchased my K75s from a guy in Sac. If you want to ride it sometime, let me know and we can meet in Lodi or something. The Hawk GT must be fun to ride.
Gary wrote:I am not far from you, and attended the River City Track event at Thunder Hill this year. I purchased my K75s from a guy in Sac. If you want to ride it sometime, let me know and we can meet in Lodi or something. The Hawk GT must be fun to ride.
Gary, that sounds like an idea, esp if I visit my brother down in Stockton (which means we can meet in Lodi and ride the short distance to Stockton on your way back to Ripon). Or the other way around if you happen to head northward, like say, Thunder Hill? My dealer is Ozzie's BMW in Chico, which you passed on the way up to the track (only if you took an exit and ride some extra miles). I've considered selling the Hawk several times, but decided to put the Yamaha on consignment instead. The Yam's a nice beginner/intermediate cruiser, but I'm still a fan of sporty naked bikes (yet my R1200C tops my list). You have a nice garage, btw!
p.s. I know some of the guys from River City Beemers, having been a member about 15 some odd years ago. Went to their big monthly meeting this month (1st SAT each month) and reacquainted myself with a few old-timers. You may have seen Chris (the Wild German Rider) on his R1100S at the track. Cheers!
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
I ran a K75 with touring screen and 3 piece hard luggage for 10 years.
Now a similarly equippped 2002 R1150R.
Apart from not having a gear indicator and auto cancelling indicators, the boxer is superior to ride in every way.
Lack of suspension dive, stable handling, easier turn in at mini roundabouts (needs practice) easily adjustable damping and preload. And it's faster once you get used to using that low down torque. I love it!
Sounds good when short shifting at 4000rpm even with ear plugs!
I just got back from a 5,000 km cruise through Quebec, all around Gaspe, into New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail. Then all down the Eastern NS seacoast through most of the two lane twisties. And I mean twisties....no traffic, no police traps, no problems.
Then over to Maine, New Hampshire and back in to Quebec, then home to Ontario. The last day of riding was 1100 Km and I rode every day rain or shine, of 11 days.
Heard lots of complaints about rough roads from people and yes, there were quite a few bumpy bits. The suspension of the roadster gobbled them right up and it held it's composure just fine.
Depends what you are riding, I guess. My bike had a couple of saddlebags and a big red goalie bag tied on the back. Probably an extra eighty pounds of weight and it delivered great fuel mileage even when being thrashed.
Positives about the bike? Heated handgrips! A headlight that you could land a plane with. Moose scamper away fairly quickly. Handling that is real world in every sense. Waterproof saddlebags. ABS brakes. No breakdowns. Gas spilled on the tank washes right off-paint looks good.
When was the last time that you wanted to ride a bike every day?
