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Which model BMW would you pick?
- Thread starter LDB
- Start date
PittsDriver
Fuse lit....
So many bikes and so little time! I had to have two - one for the big epic rides (K1600GT) you don't seem to be interested in; and one for the fun rides (S1000RR) where I let my inner hooligan out both on the track and out in the hillbilly twisties of W. Virginia. I guess if I was in your shoes though and someone passed a law that said we could own only one bike, it would probably be a K1300S or a S1000R for BMWs or a KTM 1190 Adventure; or a Ducati Multistrada; or a RnineT; or hell, I hope they don't pass that law!
Really, if you're going to keep them forever why not buy two or three? You can't take it with you ya know?
Really, if you're going to keep them forever why not buy two or three? You can't take it with you ya know?
jammess
Jammess
Buy my '04 R1150RT as seen on ebay with auction ending at 1PM PDT tomorrow. It's the biarritz blue beauty with the two tone Russell Day Long saddle. Even includes a trailer-in-a-bag mc trailer if you wish. Such a deal
For a new mc the 2014 R1200RT is mighty sweet with its wet clutch and low center of gravity. Yes sir...mighty sweet.
For a new mc the 2014 R1200RT is mighty sweet with its wet clutch and low center of gravity. Yes sir...mighty sweet.
azgman
Addicted to curves
You didn't mention a budget so my recommendation would be to buy a new Indian. For what you described as your riding routine, it would be perfect and it will be a valuable piece to hand down to your grandson. Now if you DO have a budget, then I would agree with the poster that suggested a Honda. Boxers don't like 100 mile rides in traffic!
Ponch1
Ponch
If it could be any bike, I'd like to have a Versys 1000. Nothing beats a UJM.
osbornk
Old man in the mountains
You can?????????
I REALLY must be doing this retirement thing wrong!
It depends on how you set your priorities.
I've got a '96 GS that I can't see replacing anytime soon but, based on your requirements, the F700GS and the R1200R might be good choices. Is there an F700/800R? Or maybe one of the scooters. The Honda mention previously is a pretty nice bike from what I've seen. I've told others that when I get too old/week to hold a bike up I'd look at a hack or a Spider.
58058D
New member
There you go, Lee!
You need to prioritize riding up to Mendocino more often and staying at our Inn before we sell it and move to Mexico!
BTW, just signed my Caltrans retirement papers today, now I gotta submit them. But, that is from the 'day job', still have the Inn for now...
ricochetrider
Out There Somewhere
+1
I always wonder why in the world folks spend what seems like crazy $$$ on brand new bikes when there are SO many excellent quality used bikes available. Heck you may be able to pick a great used bike up from your local dealership
An Airhead is usually a great suggsetion- BUT in Houston, in summer, perhaps a liquid cooled machine would be better suited to the extreme heat- esp in the type of riding the OP suggested he'll be doing?
AND
[my apologies- hijack in progress]
To suggest that one would not be able to go ANYWHERE one desires on an airhead BMW is ludicrous IMO. One may certainly ride ANYTHING anywhere. If you don't believe it, just read some of the RRs over on ADVrider.com. I personally would not hesitate to ride my R100 anywhere at all, over any distance. As you said, it's easy to work on and parts are available all day long. Suspension upgrades are available as are upgrades for darn near every part of the bike. The one single aspect you'd just have to deal with is low power. But, as you pointed out, many people DID ride BMW airheads around the world... it wasn't not uncommon for folks to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles on them in fact.
[rant/hijack over]
jewels
Living The Dream
F800gt
PLUS 1
Take a look at my signature...I have a good selection of many years....If it was a long trip bike that was needed then I would want my R100RT, light, easy and relaxing.
For the description that was laid out the F800GT is super, for those of you that have not taken a ride on one, do so first before you recommend.
I do find that as we get older the weight of the bike is a factor, I have sold my K100.
PLUS 1
Take a look at my signature...I have a good selection of many years....If it was a long trip bike that was needed then I would want my R100RT, light, easy and relaxing.
For the description that was laid out the F800GT is super, for those of you that have not taken a ride on one, do so first before you recommend.
I do find that as we get older the weight of the bike is a factor, I have sold my K100.
KillerBee
New member
K1200s
I'm a fifty year old in Florida with similar riding habits. I recently purchased a K1200s because it represents the most bang for the buck IMHO. For supply and demand reasons the RT/Gt/GS models, even high mileage, demand a premium price. The K1200S's can be found with very low miles for around half as much. It may not be the most comfortable bike for long distances but 100 miles is fine. At one time this bike held land speed records and is still one of the fastest bikes in the world. The acceleration is indescribable. This will probably be the last bike I own and it is definitely the finest. When my riding days are done my memories of this incredible bike will make me smile. I went out with a bang instead of a whimper. Live life large!
I'm a fifty year old in Florida with similar riding habits. I recently purchased a K1200s because it represents the most bang for the buck IMHO. For supply and demand reasons the RT/Gt/GS models, even high mileage, demand a premium price. The K1200S's can be found with very low miles for around half as much. It may not be the most comfortable bike for long distances but 100 miles is fine. At one time this bike held land speed records and is still one of the fastest bikes in the world. The acceleration is indescribable. This will probably be the last bike I own and it is definitely the finest. When my riding days are done my memories of this incredible bike will make me smile. I went out with a bang instead of a whimper. Live life large!
pjmaszczak
New member
My Last Bike Choice was..........
A C650gs followed by an R100RT followed by an F650GS replaced by an F700GSL I purchased all of these new in 2013(except for the airhead) and most recently a 2014 R1200RT-LC and still waiting for the R-nine-T. Now at the age of sixty-three I realize that my last bike certainly won't be planned. It'll hopefully be a BIG SURPRISE. Keep riding and ride safely.
A C650gs followed by an R100RT followed by an F650GS replaced by an F700GSL I purchased all of these new in 2013(except for the airhead) and most recently a 2014 R1200RT-LC and still waiting for the R-nine-T. Now at the age of sixty-three I realize that my last bike certainly won't be planned. It'll hopefully be a BIG SURPRISE. Keep riding and ride safely.
22600
rsbeemer
A naked airhead
An early or mid 70's naked airhead would be a perfect choice for your particular needs. They are classics now so 20 years from now would make it even more classic, maybe even antique. ha ! Anyway, I've ridden rs100's in South Texas for over 30 years and yup its hot sometimes but not so much to complain about for a 100 mile ride. They are easy to work on and you and your grandkids can learn together. It's also a good investment for the long haul. Buy one thats been somewhat restored by PO and you will save in the long run. My other suggestion would to buy a scooter, 200cc or up and that would be all you need for around Houston. Have fun !
DW
An early or mid 70's naked airhead would be a perfect choice for your particular needs. They are classics now so 20 years from now would make it even more classic, maybe even antique. ha ! Anyway, I've ridden rs100's in South Texas for over 30 years and yup its hot sometimes but not so much to complain about for a 100 mile ride. They are easy to work on and you and your grandkids can learn together. It's also a good investment for the long haul. Buy one thats been somewhat restored by PO and you will save in the long run. My other suggestion would to buy a scooter, 200cc or up and that would be all you need for around Houston. Have fun !
DW
Bike Usage
I, retired in 2005. Having not ridden much in 20 or so years and my only bike being a 1976 Triumph Tiger 750 I, decided to but a used R1200RT with your exact intension's in mind. After ONE YEAR and 22,000 miles I was so Glad I purchased the RT. Next I traded for a new 2009RT saying this would be my last bike and I wanted to start with a new one thinking I would pass it on to my Son. O well now I have a 2013 90th edt. I, have taken 6,000 mile trips and also use it for daily transportation even delivering Meals on Wheels. The saying THE OLD FOLK'S SAY YOU NEVER CAN TELL. Turning 70 real soon. Don't limit yourself The RT will do it all.
I, retired in 2005. Having not ridden much in 20 or so years and my only bike being a 1976 Triumph Tiger 750 I, decided to but a used R1200RT with your exact intension's in mind. After ONE YEAR and 22,000 miles I was so Glad I purchased the RT. Next I traded for a new 2009RT saying this would be my last bike and I wanted to start with a new one thinking I would pass it on to my Son. O well now I have a 2013 90th edt. I, have taken 6,000 mile trips and also use it for daily transportation even delivering Meals on Wheels. The saying THE OLD FOLK'S SAY YOU NEVER CAN TELL. Turning 70 real soon. Don't limit yourself The RT will do it all.
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