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I wish that BMW would make an 800 with most of the bells and whistles of the R1200RT - shaft drive, electronic windshield, decent saddlebags, integrated cruise control, and the like. As more dedicated riders begin to age, shaving off even 100lbs of weight, but retaining the luxury seems important (to me at least).
This is part of the issue I wanted to point out earlier - reducing engine size while keeping the bells and whistles does not appreciably reduce the weight or cost of the bike.
It's the bells and whistles that cause the higher weights.
But you still have your Bonneville SE. Sweet.
For what it's worth, I too vote with the scooter crowd. They are, in my opinion, completely undervalued here in the U. S, the two problems being 1) gas too cheap, and 2) wimp image. But for practicality, they can't be beat. Even 250 models will easily cruise at 70mph, and do it smoothly and quietly. The small tires are a welcome relief in cost. Gas mileage is usually very good. The seats, and this time both the passenger and driver, are far better than just about all motorcycles. Great weather protection. Simple transmissions with CVT belt drives. The built in storage is also a nice bonus.
But the absolute best part of riding them comes down to two items: That great step through frame that does away with swinging a leg over a bike like you are training for the high hurdles every time you either get on or off the thing. And the ever present enjoyment of never having to work a clutch and shift gears. Just twist the throttle, and off you go. Over and over again. They are the perfect commuter machine, as most people in Europe have known for many decades.
Yes, people will sneer at you. Harleys won't wave back. But for most people, and especially women, they make a lot of sense.
And really, if you are already riding a BMW, you don't care what people think.
My wife is talking about getting her own bike and asking me what models she should be looking at. I've done some searching, and I've come to an interesting conclusion: the 1200RT is about the smallest bike out there that is suitable for long distance touring. Yes, I know you can tour on anything, but I'm talking something comfortable - plenty of fairing, windshield, and luggage.
I find it odd that considering the aging population and number of women who are climbing off the back seat and onto their own bikes, there isn't someone making a shorter, sub 500lb touring bike. I'd think there'd be a good sized market for a smaller bike that a woman or older man could feel comfortable on.
Have I missed any models of bikes? Is there something out there under 500lbs and suitable for touring?
I remember when the CB450 was one of the "big boys"
But the NT700V weighs almost as much as an RT, and they both have 31" seat height which is stretching it for the average female (pun intended).
I had a CB160 in high school, and my buddies thought it was a 'big boy'. Course they were riding Super 90s. And then Eddie Callus' dad bought him a Black Bomber...
My wife is talking about getting her own bike and asking me what models she should be looking at. I've done some searching, and I've come to an interesting conclusion: the 1200RT is about the smallest bike out there that is suitable for long distance touring. Yes, I know you can tour on anything, but I'm talking something comfortable - plenty of fairing, windshield, and luggage.
I find it odd that considering the aging population and number of women who are climbing off the back seat and onto their own bikes, there isn't someone making a shorter, sub 500lb touring bike. I'd think there'd be a good sized market for a smaller bike that a woman or older man could feel comfortable on.
Have I missed any models of bikes? Is there something out there under 500lbs and suitable for touring?[/QUOTE
I have been riding for a few decades plus I'm a 5'5" woman rider who has struggled to find suitable bikes because of height and bike weight challenges. I've ridden all over North America... on Viragos 1983-500, 1994-750, 1996-1100 cc, Vstar 2004-1100, Goldwing 2006 (didn't last long), Victory Vision 2009 1800 cc, BMW 20013 F650GS and now on an BMW 2015 R1200RT. So believe me when I say that I've made many adjustments to every bike except the Victory which fit me perfectly, just had major mechanical and electrical problems. They are not in production now and it was way to big a bike for a woman who is just starting.
Well meaning people are making all kinds of suggestions, some of the great and some not so much. I suggest that your wife, take the Rider Training (safety) course where they provide small bikes, to determine if it's something she wants to and can do. Then after sitting on various types of bikes will have a better idea of what feels comfortable for arm reach, seat height and bike weight. Warning, some bikes have a rake that makes the bike handle heavy in the hands ( some Suzuki & Honda cruisers) That can make for more opportunity to drop the bike in slow speed turning.
I know this is a BMW forum and if you're looking for a BMW the 800GT and 800R has been suggested by others. My challenge with them was the riding position. The lean forward on my hands was too much and the seat was still too high. The F700GS comes lowered and with bags makes a really nice package. The BMW F650GS was not comfortable for long hauls. I rode to & from Cape Breton to Niagara Falls and couldn't get off the bike quick enough. Great bike for all kinds of terrain but not on highways for a length of time. I even had a better seat, bigger screen, Verhoylen bar backs etc... sold it as soon as I came back.
The 2015 RT that I'm on has been lowered using Ted Porter's TracTive shocks and springs. After having another company here in Ontario totally mess up my suspension, Ted Porter (BeemerShop) and my dealer totally fixed the problem. I now have a lowered bike that works well with all the ESA settings. I love the bike. However, you are correct it is a big bike for someone starting off. So if the F7000 or 800 series suits your wife, just get the factory lowered version and low seat, depending on her inseam.
There are other lower bikes but not necessarily lighter out there that work well. Do take at the Kawasaki 650 cruiser for instance. I have a friend who is just starting to ride and she loves it. She's added all the touring bags etc to it and is ready to go.
I hope this helps in some way.
Good luck!
Its pretty hard to ignore any of the smaller displacement cruisers ( 650-750) as a ride for a new rider. They are low to the ground and build confidence in a new rider. Yes they are not as agile at low speeds as non cruiser bikes are, but they are stable at speed. If you plan on slabbing it you'll like need a larger displacement engine, but otherwise they are fine. Any of the non cruiser bikes, get top heavy and couple that with a short inseam and light weight rider, low speed riding gets really interesting.
The majority of women I see riding are on a cruiser of some description.
Being a former motorcycle instructor, I fully support the taking of any of the learner rider courses before you buy a bike. You'd be surprised by the number of partners who have bought the bike they think their partner wants, rather than let her/him decide. Then what happens is the new rider gets scared first time out and the bike sits. Treat your partner as an equal and support her bike buying decisions.
Remember what worked when you rode together on the same bike, if the passenger is happy the rider is happy.
My wife is talking about getting her own bike and asking me what models she should be looking at. I've done some searching, and I've come to an interesting conclusion: the 1200RT is about the smallest bike out there that is suitable for long distance touring. Yes, I know you can tour on anything, but I'm talking something comfortable - plenty of fairing, windshield, and luggage.
I find it odd that considering the aging population and number of women who are climbing off the back seat and onto their own bikes, there isn't someone making a shorter, sub 500lb touring bike. I'd think there'd be a good sized market for a smaller bike that a woman or older man could feel comfortable on.
Have I missed any models of bikes? Is there something out there under 500lbs and suitable for touring?[/QUOTE
I have been riding for a few decades plus I'm a 5'5" woman rider who has struggled to find suitable bikes because of height and bike weight challenges. I've ridden all over North America... on Viragos 1983-500, 1994-750, 1996-1100 cc, Vstar 2004-1100, Goldwing 2006 (didn't last long), Victory Vision 2009 1800 cc, BMW 20013 F650GS and now on an BMW 2015 R1200RT. So believe me when I say that I've made many adjustments to every bike except the Victory which fit me perfectly, just had major mechanical and electrical problems. They are not in production now and it was way to big a bike for a woman who is just starting.
Well meaning people are making all kinds of suggestions, some of the great and some not so much. I suggest that your wife, take the Rider Training (safety) course where they provide small bikes, to determine if it's something she wants to and can do. Then after sitting on various types of bikes will have a better idea of what feels comfortable for arm reach, seat height and bike weight. Warning, some bikes have a rake that makes the bike handle heavy in the hands ( some Suzuki & Honda cruisers) That can make for more opportunity to drop the bike in slow speed turning.
I know this is a BMW forum and if you're looking for a BMW the 800GT and 800R has been suggested by others. My challenge with them was the riding position. The lean forward on my hands was too much and the seat was still too high. The F700GS comes lowered and with bags makes a really nice package. The BMW F650GS was not comfortable for long hauls. I rode to & from Cape Breton to Niagara Falls and couldn't get off the bike quick enough. Great bike for all kinds of terrain but not on highways for a length of time. I even had a better seat, bigger screen, Verhoylen bar backs etc... sold it as soon as I came back.
The 2015 RT that I'm on has been lowered using Ted Porter's TracTive shocks and springs. After having another company here in Ontario totally mess up my suspension, Ted Porter (BeemerShop) and my dealer totally fixed the problem. I now have a lowered bike that works well with all the ESA settings. I love the bike. However, you are correct it is a big bike for someone starting off. So if the F7000 or 800 series suits your wife, just get the factory lowered version and low seat, depending on her inseam.
There are other lower bikes but not necessarily lighter out there that work well. Do take at the Kawasaki 650 cruiser for instance. I have a friend who is just starting to ride and she loves it. She's added all the touring bags etc to it and is ready to go.
I hope this helps in some way.
Good luck!
Good words of wisdom. I believe, and I know others may disagree, that the best bike for comfort and control has standard seating position, not a sport nor cruiser. Therefore I would highly recommend a bmw F700GS with lowered suspension. And she really needs to choose her own ride. Why not get her comfortable on a small dual sport first.