rocinante
New member
Well.....maybe not entirely ignorant but I am a new member here and plan to buy a Boxer twin for the first time. The hundred-dollar question is: What to buy?
I probably want a bike that does not exist. Something stripped down and simple, but with convenient touring features. So I am pretty sure an RT is not for me. I began by looking at the R1xxxr, noticing that most folks have added some touring features to theirs (bags, windscreen, etc). This is thinkable. An '03 or '04 R1150r with these features can be found in the $3k-$4k range. Things like windscreens and bags can be removed for simplicity, or reinstalled for touring.
At the other end of the spectrum i am considering is a Wethead GS, which can be had for $10-$14K. Superior performance numbers, but greater complexity and it has something that makes me want to look away: A radiator. Every motorcycle I have ever ridden has been air-cooled.
So here is what I would like from you: Tell me what you prefer and why. Airheads, Oilheads, Hexheads, Camheads, Wetheads..... Tell me about ease of maintenance and reliability. Tell me what disasters to avoid, like damaged transmission input shaft splines (I have done some homework on this), brake servo failures, etc.
I'd love to hear your advice and recommendations.
I probably want a bike that does not exist. Something stripped down and simple, but with convenient touring features. So I am pretty sure an RT is not for me. I began by looking at the R1xxxr, noticing that most folks have added some touring features to theirs (bags, windscreen, etc). This is thinkable. An '03 or '04 R1150r with these features can be found in the $3k-$4k range. Things like windscreens and bags can be removed for simplicity, or reinstalled for touring.
At the other end of the spectrum i am considering is a Wethead GS, which can be had for $10-$14K. Superior performance numbers, but greater complexity and it has something that makes me want to look away: A radiator. Every motorcycle I have ever ridden has been air-cooled.
So here is what I would like from you: Tell me what you prefer and why. Airheads, Oilheads, Hexheads, Camheads, Wetheads..... Tell me about ease of maintenance and reliability. Tell me what disasters to avoid, like damaged transmission input shaft splines (I have done some homework on this), brake servo failures, etc.
I'd love to hear your advice and recommendations.