BMW must be doing something right!

[jfoster]

I've been thinking hard about getting away from a cruiser style bike altogether. Like some have said, "some people can't find a comfortable spot for long rides."

 

I've been looking at the R1200RT, sport tourer, and everytime I find a used one its gone (sold). Maybe its just me but it looks like its not uncommmon to get $2k over nada for them. Unlike, everything else you can expect to loose atleast $1k to $3k from nada.

 

Looking forward to a test ride, hopefully it won't be a let down like the GW was.

[eazyduzzit]

What didn't you like about the Goldwing?

[DragonRider]

This is a real beauty...............

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-K1200-LT-/190405703720?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c55107828#v4-30

[jfoster]

What didn't you like about the Goldwing?

 

I rode a demo with bout 350 miles on it...To be fair, I only road it bout 15-20 miles. To me the front end felt awkard and I expected more out of the full fairing. It had alot of buffetting with the winshield all the way down at 70 mph. I know must recommend alot more miles to truly evaluate any m/c.

[barend]

there was a '99 R1200RT sitting in the showroom in Dahlonega for $3995 with only like 45K miles. ABS was out I think. Pretty green(ish) color. RandyR should be able to get you the contact info if it's still there.

 

That or a LT would be my choice too if I'd get a new bike

[ctraylor]

I purchase a K1200 LT and love it. The only gripe I have is the throttle is harder to turn than the Venture.

[midnightventure]

Just for educational purposes go to Google and type in BMW final drive failure. After you read all that then go to beadrider.com. The guy that owns beadrider has competed in several Iron Butt Rallies. He spends a fortune getting his bike (BMW) ready only to have it fail. I would expect to get on any Yamaha and ride it a 1000 miles a day and not have any thing happen to stop me. I have even read a crash report on one of BMW 650 dual sports where the portion of the forks that the front axle went through snapped off. Of course this resulted in an accident. Also happened more than once.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371650

http://faq.f650.com/FAQS/ForksMaintFAQ.htm#GS%20Catastrophic%20Fork%20Failure

Edited June 18, 2010 by midnightventure

[CrazyHorse]

Just for educational purposes go to Google and type in BMW final drive failure. After you read all that then go to beadrider.com. The guy that owns beadrider has competed in several Iron Butt Rallies. He spends a fortune getting his bike (BMW) ready only to have it fail. I would expect to get on any Yamaha and ride it a 1000 miles a day and not have any thing happen to stop me. I have even read a crash report on one of BMW 650 dual sports where the portion of the forks that the front axle went through snapped off. Of course this resulted in an accident. Also happened more than once.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371650

http://faq.f650.com/FAQS/ForksMaintFAQ.htm#GS%20Catastrophic%20Fork%20Failure

 

I wouldnt worry about it. My buddys K1200lt has been wonderful plus all the extra options bmw has make it worth it.

[OldBear]

BMW builds a pretty good machine. Regardless of engine size, they're built to travel long haul. I swapped out my old Ducati SS for an F650 Dakar and LOVE IT. It is comfortable for long rides, handles great, is light, easy to handle, and will run two up loaded at 85+ all day (and still give more than 55 mpg!!) Not as comfortable as the Venture, but it weighs HALF as much! I also love the RT, what a great sport tourer! Not the fastest, but a Very well equipped long haul machine.

[RandyR]

The one for sale near me is a 99 R1100.

 

http://www.blackmountaincycles.com/cyclelistings/photos/BMW170/thumb_b66550%20bmw%20r1100rt%20(1).jpg

 

http://www.blackmountaincycles.com/

 

BTw. R series BMW's are the old style air-heads. The K bikes are water cooled. Origonal K bikes were either (all) 3 or 4 cylinders on the left side. There were K75(3), K1000, K1100, K1200 and k1300.

 

The new K1200s are 4 cyl transverse accross the front.

[SledgeHammer]

I sold a 2003 K1200LT in 2005 and bought my 05 Venture. There are only 2 things that the BMW had that I wish Yamaha would add to the Venture; fuel injection and a reverse. Here is my opinion from owning both of them. The BMW is a power house compared to the Venture. I believe, but don't hold me to it, that the K1200lt is 116 hp compared to the 97 on the Venture. The amenities on the BMW were nice including the power protracting windshield. It was a smooth, comfortable ride, but not as comfortable as the Venture (my opinion). I especially like the floorboards on the Venture, and find the Venture to be the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. (Yes, I have owned the Goldwing also). The BMW is more expensive to maintain than the Venture and there are far fewer BMW dealerships. The BMW has a more refined look, but I am partial to the classic cruiser style of the Venture. I enjoyed my BMW, and even the Goldwing and my Harleys, but I have put more miles on my Venture than the combined mileage of the Goldwing, Harley and BMW before the Venture. (I only put 5001 miles on the last Harley and it was out of here). I don't think there is a wrong decision as long as you are riding something though. BMW and Wings are nice, but I like my Venture. That does not mean I would not go back to either one of them. It just means I am still having fun on the Venture and I am still satisfied with it.