| Author |
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Sweatmark
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 12:57 am: | 
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Guzzi - no. Too rare, too uncertain. And it's too bad really, because some of the recent bikes have been appealing: MGS-01, Griso. My opinion has no basis in ownership experience, so treat it accordingly.
Beemers versus Buells: a long test ride on the R1200R found it uninspiring; I wouldn't hesitate to buy one though, as the bike is capable of doing most everything you describe. I'm also biased towards the BMW naked bikes, with an R1150R Rockster in the garage, my go-to road trip and crappy weather bike; my wife's riding the R1150R Roadster that I put 20k trouble-free miles on, following another 24k on an R850R. The oilheads are easy to work on and cheap if you do your own service, the crappy iABS system notwithstanding.
The R1200R has gained some accolades: can't be too lame a bike to be crowned "King of the Alps":
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25 8449
BMW 1200 hexheads have a few advantages over the R1150R bikes: lighter, more powerful, smoother, even better system cases, and potentially fewer problems. I would be a stronger advocate for the R1200R if it could be tweaked a bit to resemble a Rockster, specifically the riding position and trackday-ability.
FYI detailed info about both the R1200R and R1150R is available on the Roadster board (www.r1150r.org), which rivals BadWeb for solid info from non-BS membership.
Really love my XB, though. It was originally an XB9SL like yours, but now has regular height suspension components, Drummer, a few other tweaks. Someday it might grown up into a 1250. The XB's elegant simplicity combined with handling prowess make it a keeper, and the Sportster drivetrain is brilliant for real life utility.
My problem with the XB is size: I'm 6ft. like you, and the XBs are too small for significant road trips. The pillion/subframe is too small to carry gear... ok, this is when a BadWebber inevitably posts a pic of an XB loaded with camping gear or stories of Iron Butt rides, but that's not the point. Even the XB Longs are too short. The STT is a move in the right direction, wish the Ulysses would grow on me. Put a beefy subframe on the STT with provision for hard bags? Jam the 1203 motor into the 1125CR with conventional handlebars and pod-like saddlebags? (make the pods the saddlebags!) I dunno, just another malcontent that needs 2 bikes to fit the bill, but really wishes there was a 1-stop solution. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 07:14 am: |
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http://motorcycledaily.com/08october08_2009motoguz zi1200sportv4.html |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 07:18 am: |
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The STT and the Ss are IDENTICAL except for suspension. Actually, the 09 XB12Ss uses the XB12STT suspension, so if you were comfortable on the STT you should be comfortable on the Ss as well.
I've gone touring on the Ss without problems... but solo rides only. Two-up... well, that's what the K1200LT is for. |
G4string
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 08:41 am: |
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I have been out of the BadWeb loop for a couple of seasons......thats what happens when your bike is running smooth with no issues!! With that, I was unaware about the ECM issues for the 08 and 09 bikes until yesterday. I am super bummed about that. I couldn't imagine owning another Buell with out the addition of a Drummer, ECM re-map, and open air box kit. The fact that I can not interrogate the ECM on the newer models might be a deciding factor on whether or not I go Buell. I did spend some time on the BMW forum, www.1150r.org. They had some compelling arguments in favor of the BMW. Basically, I think I have learned all that I need to know in regards to these two bikes............I guess it will boil down to how much I like the BMW when I have a chance to demo one. Seriously........thanks to all for your time and help!!!! |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 08:56 am: |
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From all that I've heard regarding the R1200R, this is a bike that is basically uninspiring, HOWEVER, it will do ANYTHING you ask of it, every day, probably for the rest of your life.
If having a reliable, do just about anything, motorcycle appeals to you then you'll be very happy with it. If you need something that appeals to your gut more than to your head you might be disappointed.
Me? I've got a practical streak a mile wide. If the bike gives me no mechanical problems, runs reliably, handles acceptably, and I can sit on it for hours at a time, then I'm fine with it. Nothing else matters. |
Point_doc
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 10:51 am: |
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Jaimec, sorry...Thanks
(Message edited by point_doc on October 09, 2008) |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 11:19 am: |
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Already posted that link earlier:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/401654.html?1223563880#POST1277188 |
Ironken
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 01:49 pm: |
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G4string....sounds like a good job. It sounded a lot like the Railroad. That's why I asked. Thought I may have a RR brother here. Your job sounds more exciting though....Kenny |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 02:52 pm: |
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Cool to note we all look at the same websites, though! |
Point_doc
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 09:19 am: |
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Moto guzzi griso cafe racer (firestarter)
(Message edited by point_doc on October 13, 2008) |
Dbird29
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 03:25 pm: |
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That's beautiful but kind of engineering for engineering's sake.
If you know what I mean.
 |
Point_doc
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 04:19 pm: |
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Yea...just sharing it for the "Eye Candy" |
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