Character may be lacking, but...
Of all the motorcycles that I have owned my 2008 R1200RT may be the "most vanilla" in terms of character, style and performance than all of them. Just my opinion... but BMW doesn't have the poser branding/cult following of the harley sect (honestly I can't stand the thought of loyalty to brand and image vs machine and performance and dislike harley's due to the value it's owners place on "image" vs purpose, reliability, etc... ), the performance of a Suzuki or Kawasaki (rockets! Love em, just cant ride them anymore because they are uncomfortable for old guys like me with back problems...) or the reliability of a Honda (lacking in performance and style compared to Suzuki, Kaw, and Yamaha's). However; to me at least BMW is like the perfect tool for the job that I am using it for. When I am riding with a diverse group I know that I have the best mix of comfort, reliability, features and performance (in my opinion). Because of this I have come to realize that riding a BMW touring motorcycle will be my first and only choice for many years to come. It is the perfect "tool" for the job at hand. Maybe there is some character in that!
For the record my recent purchase choice was between a Moto Guzzi California and the BMW R1200RT. Really a decision of style vs function... Love the looks and style of the Guzzi, but for pure riding enjoyment and comfort the BMW was the most logical choice for the type of riding I want to do.
If I win the lottery tomorrow the 2014 R1200RT would definitely be at the top of my list of first purchases.
Of all the motorcycles that I have owned my 2008 R1200RT may be the "most vanilla" in terms of character, style and performance than all of them. Just my opinion... but BMW doesn't have the poser branding/cult following of the harley sect (honestly I can't stand the thought of loyalty to brand and image vs machine and performance and dislike harley's due to the value it's owners place on "image" vs purpose, reliability, etc... ), the performance of a Suzuki or Kawasaki (rockets! Love em, just cant ride them anymore because they are uncomfortable for old guys like me with back problems...) or the reliability of a Honda (lacking in performance and style compared to Suzuki, Kaw, and Yamaha's). However; to me at least BMW is like the perfect tool for the job that I am using it for. When I am riding with a diverse group I know that I have the best mix of comfort, reliability, features and performance (in my opinion). Because of this I have come to realize that riding a BMW touring motorcycle will be my first and only choice for many years to come. It is the perfect "tool" for the job at hand. Maybe there is some character in that!
For the record my recent purchase choice was between a Moto Guzzi California and the BMW R1200RT. Really a decision of style vs function... Love the looks and style of the Guzzi, but for pure riding enjoyment and comfort the BMW was the most logical choice for the type of riding I want to do.
If I win the lottery tomorrow the 2014 R1200RT would definitely be at the top of my list of first purchases.
