Late night thoughts - help!

[crashfaster]

Ok guys, I was going over my list of desired mods (I just got some GS handguards to install this weekend; I'm planning on installing crash bars, PIAA lights and a top box soon), and something occured to me. Am I trying to turn my beloved RR into a GS?
I love this bike, but I have been looking lustily at both the GS and GSA lately.
I'm planning on going on the Four Corners trip this summer, and I'm doing all I can to prep my Yellow Jacket, but I can't help but think a new 1200GS may be better suited for a 15k, round-the-country tour.
What do you guys think?
Anyone trade their RR in for a GS? Better or worse?
Anyone done a trip of that consecutive magnitude on the RR and have any suggestions?
All input is appreciated!

[towerworker]

Crashfaster--

I guess it's a matter of personal preference and the depth of your wallet.
I bought my 03 r 4 years ago and shortly installed the touring shield, system cases, gs handguards (which are invaluable I might add), top box (which I seldom keep on the bike) and a tank bag -- another good investment that stays on the bike.

I have never made a trip as your planning although I would like to think one day that I will. I have gone on 1000 mi hops and was very happy with everything.

I looked at the GS 4 years ago and still look at them but the 5K difference back then was more than I could justify. I have 30K on my r now and plan to put alot more on it. I bought mine 4 yrs ago for well under 9K, I understand they are near 13K now.

Good luck with your trip, if you come thru the Shenandoah Valley in Va look me up!

Wayne
03 r

[celticus]

gs handguards (which are invaluable I might add),

In what way are they invaluable? I am thinking of putting them on my R1200R. I've heard that the KTM hand guards work well also.

Mark

[riceburner]

Have you thought about Stanton Head Guards instead of the crash bars?

better looking (imho).

[DJ Downunder]

Yeah sure..the GS may be better...but...I can look at my RR and think..'I'm in love'.

When I look at the GS I think..'has anyone got a paper bag'.. ...I'm sure your RR will do the job just fine.

DJ

[rdsmith3]

DJ

I agree with you -- the Roadster is a better looking bike. If you are not going off road, why would you pay more for an off-road capable bike? I do like the fact that the GS is taller, and has a less cramped riding position. I am also grateful that many more GS's are sold, and a lot of their accessories fit our bikes. But all things considered, I am happy with my Roadster.

Now over on the Adventure Rider forum, they criticize this forum because we care too much about looks. Hmmm, what would you expect the owners of ugly bikes to say?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194078

crashfaster,

Why not an RT if you are going to be doing a long tour like that?

[Samiam]

In all fairness, the only post suggesting that we care too much for "looks" came from Beemerphile, who has extensively modded his RR to reflect his needs for touring. The majority of ADV ignores the R1150R because it is not widely used for "Adventure Touring" which is the thrust of that board.

Having said that, I tend to agree with Beemerphile in that any mod for the purpose of the owner's needs is OK. When I had my Sportster, I added a huge "tractor seat," HD side cases, oil cooler and quiet pipes (gasp!) so that I could take long trips. Harley types took offense at most of my mods and I ignored their comments. Sportster riders, at that time, were loners who did their own thing, not following the "bad ass" image that HD tried to project.

Beemerphile suggests that the Roadster is aimed at entry and re-entry level riders and I agree. Mod away on your "R" and make it fit your needs. It's not going to be a GS but with the right mods it may fit your needs even better than that machine and with the added benefit of "better looks."

[Capt. Blackadder]

Your RR is certainly capable of such a trip and your planned mods will make a good bike even better for that purpose. To resolve your quandary though, nothing will tell better than a side-by-side comparison. Take a short trip on your RR, say 100-200 miles, and then go for a long test ride on an R1200GS, until they come looking for you. Take notes on your likes and dislikes with each bike and then decide. Just be prepared, should you go with the GS... the resale value on RR bikes is not good.

[rdsmith3]

In all fairness, the only post suggesting that we care too much for "looks" came from Beemerphile, who has extensively modded his RR to reflect his needs for touring. The majority of ADV ignores the R1150R because it is not widely used for "Adventure Touring" which is the thrust of that board.

Having said that, I tend to agree with Beemerphile in that any mod for the purpose of the owner's needs is OK. When I had my Sportster, I added a huge "tractor seat," HD side cases, oil cooler and quiet pipes (gasp!) so that I could take long trips. Harley types took offense at most of my mods and I ignored their comments. Sportster riders, at that time, were loners who did their own thing, not following the "bad ass" image that HD tried to project.

Beemerphile suggests that the Roadster is aimed at entry and re-entry level riders and I agree. Mod away on your "R" and make it fit your needs. It's not going to be a GS but with the right mods it may fit your needs even better than that machine and with the added benefit of "better looks."

Well, fnfalman said:

I do agree with Beemerphile that a lot of people at the R1150R.net forum seem to be obsessed with the looks of their bikes and the accessories. '

I fancy myself a rider so the looks aren't all that important to me. If a bike is awesome yet look like dog poo, I'd still own it and ride the piss out of it.

So at least one other person thinks that we here only care about looks.

[geothepencil]

In all fairness, the only post suggesting that we care too much for "looks" came from Beemerphile, who has extensively modded his RR to reflect his needs for touring. The majority of ADV ignores the R1150R because it is not widely used for "Adventure Touring" which is the thrust of that board.

Having said that, I tend to agree with Beemerphile in that any mod for the purpose of the owner's needs is OK. When I had my Sportster, I added a huge "tractor seat," HD side cases, oil cooler and quiet pipes (gasp!) so that I could take long trips. Harley types took offense at most of my mods and I ignored their comments. Sportster riders, at that time, were loners who did their own thing, not following the "bad ass" image that HD tried to project.

Beemerphile suggests that the Roadster is aimed at entry and re-entry level riders and I agree. Mod away on your "R" and make it fit your needs. It's not going to be a GS but with the right mods it may fit your needs even better than that machine and with the added benefit of "better looks."

Well, fnfalman said:

I do agree with Beemerphile that a lot of people at the R1150R.net forum seem to be obsessed with the looks of their bikes and the accessories. '

I fancy myself a rider so the looks aren't all that important to me. If a bike is awesome yet look like dog -----, I'd still own it and ride the piss out of it.

So at least one other person thinks that we here only care about looks.

I'm obsessed with the looks of BOTH my RR and GS ! As for which to tour with, I did a long RR trip last summer and had a great time. All I added was an Alaska Buttpad over an Airhawk and it was good for as long as I cared to ride and it kept up with an playful KRS piloted by my wife.

Honestly, there are dozens of questions I have to give me enough info to offer an opinion on your question, but either way, good luck on your adventure.

geo

[GJBushman]

I went from an RR (03) to a GS (02). My motivation was leg room. The GS certainly helped me in that area. It also had ABS while my RR does not. I also preferred the wind protection on the GS, more options for upgrading the windshield. After having the GS for a few months I put some RR handlebars on. The stock ones gave me problems with my left shoulder. I was comfortable on the GS and did some two-up touring. Ultimately I sold the GS and moved to a K1200RS. I have had it for more than a year and do not see myself changing anytime soon. I still have the RR, my wife rides it. I prefer the ride on the RR to the GS. I like it better in the twisties. I am not an adventure rider and found the center of balance on the GS too high. I also did not like the limited tire options on the GS. Having both would be nice but my garage is not that big. If I returned to an R bike, however, it would not be the RR or the GS, probably the ST. Of course, I'm stuck on the K-bikes for now.

Oops, forgot one other point. As much as I liked the GS Handguards on the RR, they do create a good deal of bad air/turbulence. They are a must in the colder months but I always pulled them off as soon as I could.

[wncbmw]

I had a GS and switched to the RR (with a K75 in between due to finances) for the opposite reason some of the tall guys like the GS. The extra leg room
comes at the expense of a high height. I had too many drops on the GS. More in 18 months than 16 years on my RS.

The RR can do most of what the GS will do, except that a set of Jesse's luggage looks right at home on a GS and out of place on the RR. Although it can be done! Cuts down on cornering clearance though.

If I got another GS, (the thought crosses my mind now and then), I would budget for a set of shorter shocks from the start! For now, I love the Roadster and it is paid for!

And I noticed the comments on Advrider also! I wish beemerphile would come back to visit. I enjoyed his modifications and experience. In all honesty though, his comments on this board were probably not correct. I would venture we have as many 'real' riders on here as ADVrider has 'adventure' riders, on a percentage basis.

[yjleesvrr]

The only real thing a GS has that the Roadster doesn't have are tires suitable for off-road riding. I've taken my Roadster on dirt/gravel roads many times in western VA and guess what? She does great.

[OU812]

A few extra's, and you will be ready for any long haul. I like a tall shield, and a set of J-PEGS, and I am off for a ride anywhere.

[TicTac50]

crashfaster.
I had the same dilemma during the first year of owning R1150R. When I was looking for a motorcycle, all I wanted was a BMW with the boxer engine. I purchased a new R1150R 2002. In about a month, I realized that I got the wrong bike. The seat, riding position, wind noise. The more I rode the bike, the more I disliked it. I realized that I really needed a "TOURING GS". My wife did not like to see me upset over the bike and arranged a test ride of the “GOLD WING” at the local HONDA dealer. After riding R1150R, riding the "GOLD WING" was like driving a pool table.  . I test rode another two “HONDA” bikes but did not like ether one of them. I think I was in search for the bike that did not exist. At the end of that day I went back to the BMW store and start looking at GS and RT, and LT. ALL those bikes where excellent in their own class and I liked them all. I liked the riding position of the GS, the wind protection of the RT and the comfort of the LT. I did not like the look of the GS nor did I like so much the plastic on the RT and the LT was too heavy. After few years of trial and error, I finally ended up with the bike that I really enjoy. My bike (R1150R 2002) took me (2-UP) from Miami to Los Angeles via Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. I rode (2-UP) to Canada Rally and Rally in Vermont. From Vermont Rally we rode to Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Buffalo, Atlantic City and back to Miami. We just came back from the Winter Rally at the Lake Kinsley in Florida. My wife likes to take half of the house with us, when we go on the bike trip. (No wonder she was looking at the "GOLD WING). In my preparations for the Winter Rally, I’ve decided to weigh my loaded side cases and the top GIVI case. It came up to 132 pounds. I am 225 pounds and my wife 125 (was 27 years ago). With that kind of load, was my bike overloaded? I think it was. Was I comfortable riding it? Yes, of course. R1150R is a very capable bike and thanks to the "AFTER MARKET”, we can turn our bikes into the machines that suit our needs very well. You can do Four Corners or Eight Corners on R1150R, as long as you can comfortably ride that bike for 10-12 hours a day. If I understand your question correctly, you are not challenging the mechanical capabilities of R1150R; you are concern about the comfort, off road ability and cargo capacity of that bike. Here is what I did to my bike to make it more suitable for traveling.
AeroFlow Touring Screen $520.00
Russell Seats $650.00
Top GIVI Case E52 with top rack $450.00
System Cases with liners $800.00
Touring Handle Bar w/b/b $170.00
Police Kit to lower the muffler $120.00
Crash Bars $370.00
Some other toys (MAYBE) $200.00
towerworker sure did hit the nail on the head. It is up to you and your wallet to justify the upgrade. You can spend 3K to make you bike tailored to your needs, or you can get a new GS. It is sure temping to get a new GS. Since you brought it up, now you got me thinking, AGAIN!!! Thanks a lot!!!
If one of your Four Corners is Miami, you are welcome to stop by for a coffee.
Good luck in your decisions and have a safe trip.

[johno]

tic tac 50, I have been in a similar position.
The 1st Boxer I had was an R1150GS. Loved it, a bit top heavy, especially with panniers loaded, tank bag etc.
I traded it on an R1150RT. Fantastic tourer, brilliant in rough weather.
In between( more like at the same time) I had a R1100RS.
Good sports tourer, fun to ride, but a bit too "wristy" for me.
Had a XT600 Yamaha, XTZ660 Tenere, but now have the R1150R.
I would say it is the pick of the Boxers I have had. Panniers, top box, speedster screen( took the Givi off), plus go fast goodies make it a great bike for a variety of tasks.
Unfortunately, the mind wonders a little, and I am thinking the R1150RS
with decent seat, and bar risers maybe my next choice.
The perfect cross between an RT, and an R.
Too many choices out there. and so little money.

[toolinalong]

Read any of the many accounts written about the Iron Butt Rally.
A while back I was curious as to whether anyone had done the Iron Butt on an R, and when I went and checked I remember finding at least one.....you could ask him.

Many of us have done multiple long days, though not the 4 Corners.
Many of us have configured the bikes the way we want, while keeping aethestics of the bike in mind...sometimes function follows form, and sometimes not...

bottomline is: you have the right bike for the trip .. just make it yours and you will be fine. Best of Luck!

[socalrob]

Crashfaster,

I did an IronButt 1000 miles in 24 hours (took me 19 hrs) on my '04 R1150R (I have not sent in the paperwork, so its not official, but I did do it) as a part of about 3,000 miles in 5 days.

If $$ are not a big object, I would suggest the following:

1 - Buy a R1200 of some type, be it GS, GSA, ST, or RT or RR. The 1150 motor, at least mine, has enough vibration in the bars that after several thousand miles a smoother 1200 would be nice.

2 - Be happy with whatever level of wind deflection you settle for. I like the R1150R with the BMW Sport Shield, but alot of others complain about that.

3 - Get an Ipod with sound isolating earplugs & get the Ipod wired up in an electrified tank bag.

4 - Get a heated vest.

I'm kind of kicking around buying a R1200GSAdv. Seems to be the best touring bike that I would own.

[crashfaster]

Thanks for all of the comments...
I think I've been talked down from the ledge on this one...
I love my RR, it's easily the best-looking and best-feeling bike I've ever owned. It's got character. I love toasting squids in the twisties on an un-assuming, bag-ladden bike. AND this board is AWESOME. The knowledge and insight floating around here is incredible.
I installed the GS handguards last night (along with some K1200RS mirrors), and the bike looks (and even kind of feels) new again.
I'm going to go ahead with the rest of my planned touring mods (Sargent seat, engine protection, driving lights, top box).
I'm going to relax and have faith that this amazing machine will get me where I want to go.

[Just-Beeming]

Glad we talked you down....If you have any further doubts, check out this fellow forum contributors trip..... on his beautiful black R 1150 R. 2 up accross canada and back.

http://www.cyclebahn.com/motorcycle-overland/route.html

I agree with TicTac...customize the bike to be your own.

Since it is too cold here to ride, I spent afternoon yesterday just playing with it out in the 'bike barn' added some farkels and a new givi topcase.
The beauty of the bike gets richer and with the new case is amazing....
as I always say; it just gets better and better!