BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I really close to pulling the trigger on an 04 RR. I currently have a KLR that I've ridden for several years, but have come to realize that I just don't have any need for its off-pavement capabilities. I am also considering a Moto Guzzi Breva V1100 which, I think, has similar characterisitics to the R1150R (roadster, shaft, well put together).

My primary use of the motorcycle will be commuting (40 miles RT) and some long distance highway travel (50% interstate). I will be doing some two up riding with my wife and some with my 11 year old son. How is the bike two up for long distances.

The 04 I'm looking at has ABS which reading this forum and Adventure Rider has me a little concerned, expecially since I'm coming from a KLR where the brakes are poor. Is there a steep learning curve for the ABS? I don't want to make an investment in the bike and no be happy with it.

Has anyone ridden the 06 Moto Guzzi Breva V1100 and have a comparison of the two? I know that some of the concerns with MG is dealer support, but I have both a MG and BMW dealer really close by.

I realize that this is my decision and that only I can make the final choice and that riding both bikes will help me with my decision.

Anyway, I would appreciate any input from you all.

Welcome!

I don't have any knowledge or experience with the Guzzi so I really can't address that one.

I put 42K on an 03 r prior to losing it in an accident and now have an 04 with ABS. I had concerns with the abs after reading some posts but have found the adjustment to be nearly nonexistent. The 03 had amazing brakes and the 04 is that much better.

I have done a fair amount of two up riding with my wife but don't do much anymore due to her having a minor back issue but when we did ride together she was reasonably comfortable.

I have taken my 03 on some 500+ mile trips and really enjoyed it. It's a great all-around machine!

Good luck in your decision!

Wayne

I have ridden Moto Guzzi's for greater then thirty years, still have a 78 Le Mans in my stable, I really wanted a Breva last year. Took it for a long test ride, liked it fine. Then I test rode many other bikes and finally rode a R1150R. It is now in my stable and my primary ride. I own two Guzzis and two BMWs. The RR is the only bike I really ride. The ergos and handling are right where I want to be, now that I am in my late fifties, oh and I did race WERA in my twenties. I can ride all day on this bike, something that I can't say for all the others. My RR has non AVS brakes and they are great, perfect control in all conditions. I would say that the ABS I rode was almost as good, but i would give up some control, and more work to service. Th eBMW is I feel better for real long rides and the Guzzi is a bit more of a sport machine.
Ride both the Guzzi and the BMW and let one of them speak to you, both are great and very well mannered machines that will outlast most others.

The ABS issue is over-played by many. While the servo brakes may take some getting used to (not long I would guess), riding a bike with ABS should be no different that riding one without, until you make a panic stop.

My concerns with ABS (which I have, BTW), is the cost of maintenance and the increased chance of problems due the complexity of the system. The trade-off for perhaps keeping rubber side down in treacherous traction conditions. Only once would pay for the brakes!

Than said, my '02 has never given me a moments trouble. And in my years of riding it, the ABS has never come on unless I was practicing braking. I don't think about it. The brakes are wonderful, non-ABS or ABS.

Has anyone disconnected the servo assist and kept the ABS? Is this even possible?

Nope, not possible. There have been reports of GS riders scrapping the whole ABS/Servo system, leaving plain old brakes.

There have been reports of GS riders scrapping the whole ABS/Servo system, leaving plain old brakes.

Which is my plan if I ever need a $2000 repair on the ABS system!

obviously a subjective statement, but the finish on the Breva did not look as good as the finish on the RR. The RR just looks sharper, imho.

John

outnabout

In answer to your questions as I have ridden both the Breva and owned an RR.

Character they are about the same
Seating is much better for the passenger in the RR
Yes, there is definitely an aclimazation process with the ABS/servo brakes from where you are now.

The rest is personal preference.

May I suggest that you talk to the dealer and take the bike out for a weekend? Or rent one. That will give you an opportunity to come to terms with the bike's personality.

Best of luck and keep us informed......

Welcome Outnabout,
I am Italian so my judgment between Guzzi and RR could be a little biased!
In effect I am biased: there is no comparison!

The RR is much better looking, has a class of its own and rides better (apart from some glitches you can find in the various threads!) than the Guzzi.

So go ahead and choose the RR
ciao
Lq

Thanks for all the information. I went with the R12R as I found a nice used one. I really liked the Guzzi, but the dealer I would have dealt with gave me a very bad feeling and wouldn't allow test rides.

Any should pick up the bike next week.