BMW needs a light weight, more easily handled RT. While the R1200RT is a wonderfull bike and the leader in it's class...it is ...just to big.
The old R80RT or R100RT were of a more average person scale. Easy to get on, everyone could flat foot them to roll them back, of stand up easily on both feet to stretch at a stop light.
The F800 is the right size. While some will say the F800ST fills this bill, I disagree.
Its ergonomics is that of a sport bike, too much weight on the wrists for long days, feet on pegs too high, knees bent so they aik after an hour, etc etc.
The F650GS has perfect ergonomics in my opinion. The lowered version is better for me, 5"10 28 inseam.
My recommendation:
-F650 chassie and bar lay out of great ergonomics
-Keep 19inch front wheel for great rough road and dirt road handling
-Long flat seat like the currest std seat....so you can slide back and forth to change positions on long days
-Low exhaust pipe and muffler so they allow low center of gravity bags
-Good BMW hard bags...like BMW knows how to do
-The belt drive from the F800ST
-A better rear shock/spring , adjustable to handle heavier riders, load, high speed damping.
-A great center stand
- And MOST IMPORTANT OD ALL a BWM aerodynamically designed full fairing. Great wind protection, great rain protection including legs
-Electric adjust windshield is nice but manual adjustment is ok if cost is an issue
-A 5 gallon tank
-A 500 watt alternator
- LED head lamps with option LED fog/visabiliy lights
- The 85hp engine
- F650GS gear ratios and gas milage
It is important to keep the wet weight well under 500lbs
That is my dream. What do you think?
Come on BMW do it
The old R80RT or R100RT were of a more average person scale. Easy to get on, everyone could flat foot them to roll them back, of stand up easily on both feet to stretch at a stop light.
The F800 is the right size. While some will say the F800ST fills this bill, I disagree.
Its ergonomics is that of a sport bike, too much weight on the wrists for long days, feet on pegs too high, knees bent so they aik after an hour, etc etc.
The F650GS has perfect ergonomics in my opinion. The lowered version is better for me, 5"10 28 inseam.
My recommendation:
-F650 chassie and bar lay out of great ergonomics
-Keep 19inch front wheel for great rough road and dirt road handling
-Long flat seat like the currest std seat....so you can slide back and forth to change positions on long days
-Low exhaust pipe and muffler so they allow low center of gravity bags
-Good BMW hard bags...like BMW knows how to do
-The belt drive from the F800ST
-A better rear shock/spring , adjustable to handle heavier riders, load, high speed damping.
-A great center stand
- And MOST IMPORTANT OD ALL a BWM aerodynamically designed full fairing. Great wind protection, great rain protection including legs
-Electric adjust windshield is nice but manual adjustment is ok if cost is an issue
-A 5 gallon tank
-A 500 watt alternator
- LED head lamps with option LED fog/visabiliy lights
- The 85hp engine
- F650GS gear ratios and gas milage
It is important to keep the wet weight well under 500lbs
That is my dream. What do you think?
Come on BMW do it