We have mid range money to buy a new bike. No exotics, just a great all rounder. Anyones opinion what they would get. New bikes only. I look at lots but just none of them tick all boxes.
I won't sell the GSX, but I'm looking to add a BMW R1250R in the next couple of years. Like the look of it and the engine appeals. Doesn't appear to do anything badly.
Numbskull, I was just about to post that but you beat me to it.
I have a BMW R1200r and I think its probably my best bike overall, it has more power, the same torque and less weight than the 14 but if you rode them side by side the beemer seems to pull better at lower revs. Braking and handling are both superb. The new R1250r adds a lovely tft and self levelling suspension if you go for the full options there's cruise, ABS, TC, Power modes and so much more. I would say it's THE most under-rated bike on the market, I think it's bloody brilliant. Heres mine.
As you know Grog I've got a handfull of bikes but if it came down to having just one I would pick my R1200GS Adventure. It's good for anything and everything. Have to admit though I prefer the air/oil cooled to the water cooled variety. I've a 2008. Bought it new. I've put about 95,000 on it so far.
Also have 2012 R1200RT. Last year of oil/air cooling. Fantastic tourer. So much wind protection it's a little warm to ride in middle of summer. Bought it new. Have 55,000 on it.
Your welcome to have a try on both if you like.
Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 15 April 2020, 07:18 PM
We have mid range money to buy a new bike. No exotics, just a great all rounder. Anyones opinion what they would get. New bikes only. I look at lots but just none of them tick all boxes.
Kawasaki Z900rs. Thinking of either that or the new Triumph Tiger 900 next, about the same money, both get great reviews.
"mid range money" could be anything from $10K=-$20K depending what you are comparing with., The options at those price points are obviously very different.
based in bikesales website -
An R1250R new comes in around $27K. The R1200GS Adventure - second hand - will set you back around $25K
I'd call those a bit higher than 'mid range' - for me anyway.
An M109, getting a bit long in the tooth now, but so is the prospective new owner.
Thanks for replies blokes. I went thru all this about 5 yrs ago, many test rides but always preferred to get back on my 14. BMW offered me $1000 trade in on r1200r. Col, reckon id buy a Hardly over m109 and id never buy a Hardly. Like those Kawas you said Barmy. My wife asked me if i could really be bothered learning, modding a new bike. Would you miss 14. No & Yes. Guess ill go thru this again in another 5 yrs.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Thursday, 16 April 2020, 04:33 PM
An M109, getting a bit long in the tooth now, but so is the prospective new owner.
Burnt my ankle on a M109 test ride - exhaust too close to the footrest :bugga:
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is not to be sneezed at, :whatever: bang for bucks it's a solid allrounder :onya: :clapping: :hat:
The new Africa Twin?
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 17 April 2020, 06:51 AM
The new Africa Twin?
I do like the new Africa Twin - but its a shed load of wonga Col.
new Honda VFR 1200 is nice - shaft drive 'hidden' in swing arm etc. I park next to one regularly. Owner likes it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VFR1200F
Every shaft driven bike I've seen has "shaft drive 'hidden' in swing arm" due to swing arm geometry.
My terminology kay not be the best but have a look at the way BMW and Guzzi do it, then compare with the VFR - Honda is much tidier.
By that way you are right Vlad. Much tidier and much better quality.
Replies are all totally appreciated, big thankyou. My 14 will never get sold, my body has scars from it, burnt leg from exhaust, hammer hit me instead of axle, that bloody sidecover squashed my finger, strong magnets. My wife has exhaust burn from me landing it on her on dirt road. Too much history to ever sell. So as an addition, i would like a V Strom 650. Just seems a great bike.
I was wondering about the new little BMW gs310 as a little town runabout, it looks ideal for getting in'an'out of oxford city traffic when I need bits and bobs for the 14 or my car. :riding:
Yeah a mate of mine has an XJR1300 and his other bike is a v-strom 650 which he rates!
Tally, i also like that little BMW. In comparison though, MT03 Yamaha, same cost, twin versus single, much more power. 3 litre more fuel. Lots of things very similar. Very proven reliability. Reckon id choose the Yammy.
Those mini BMW bikes look like they're straight out of Malaysia :facepalm: :facepalm:
They do GSX, but reckon for a city bike, would work well. As i said Yammy better but a postie bike maybe better again.
GSXKing I was watching a motorcycle show (sky185) and BMW said the little 310 was squarely aimed at the Chinese and indo/Malaysian/Indian markets.
Quote from: VladTepes on Friday, 17 April 2020, 12:43 PM
new Honda VFR 1200 is nice - shaft drive 'hidden' in swing arm etc. I park next to one regularly. Owner likes it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VFR1200F
I speak to the owner pretty regularly, his one gripe is the somewhat
massive turning circle. Wheelbase certainly looks long, and rake is noticeable too as is the limited steering lock to lock at least in comparison with teh 1400. (More hayabusa like and perhaps even less)
I did a little research:
Hayabusa (gen 2) wheelbase: 1480 mm. Steerring angle 30 degrees L/R
GSX 1400 wheelbase 1520mm (59.8in)
VFR1200
I cant find any of the 2020 specs but the 2019 VFR1200F had a wheelbase of 1,545 mm and i thinik the new one is just as long if not more so. Fork angle (rake) is 25 degrees.