Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2011 - 06:42 pm:
quote:
BMW HP2 Sport.
A fantastic twin engine, roughly the same amount horsepower at the wheel and a lot more torque, less weight (wet), engineered to perfection with a lot of attention to detail, bolted together with the very best money can buy.
I don't agree. BMW has less power, same torque and weight. And the handling is not in the same league as 1125. I have R1200S, which has the same geometry as HP2S, but a different engine and heavier. I like Buell much better.
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2011 - 10:58 pm:
Just picked up a very clean low mileage '97 TL1000S for peanuts. I had bought one of these new in '97 and had done everything from commuting to touring to racing with it. The only reason I didn't keep it is because I destroyed it in a vicious highside in a race. If I can afford to keep the 1125R and this TL I will - if only one can stay it will be a very tough decision... and that has to say something about the character of this 14 year old hooligans classic!
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 - 11:52 am:
Back to the "twist and go" scoots:
I finally saw a TMax up close, and I was disappointed in its looks. VERY mundane looking. And it comes in any color you want as long as it's black. I was hoping a scooter with the reputation it has would be available in brighter, more vibrant colors (like its sportbike brethren).
I've ridden the big Burgmann and it was impressive (once I got past the fact that left lever is NOT the clutch and bounced my face off the windscreen once). I saw a couple on "His and Hers" Burgmann's this past summer on my cross country trip. Both scoots were loaded to the gills, and his was pulling a trailer to boot. They caught up to me at Wall Drug and I HAD to take a photo:
I caused a bit of an uproar a few years back when I said I had more fun on the Burgmann Demo Ride (at Biketoberfest) than I did on the Ulysses Demo ride because the Buell leaders kept the pace five miles an hour BELOW the posted speed limit. The Suzuki demo leaders had no such compunction.
I hope I get a chance to demo a TMax, but right now I'm leaning towards Burgmann.
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 - 07:32 pm:
If you're considering scooters, did you already look at the Piaggio MP3. I personally wouldn't want a scooter outside of the FL keys but this ones seems interesting:
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 - 07:47 pm:
Ive been thinking about this for a few days now. Ive come to the conclusion that the 1125 is irreplaceable. If something happens to it I will find another. Maybe Erik Buell Racing will change my mind.
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 - 09:59 pm:
The MP3 does look intriguing, and that third wheel makes it more practical for poor traction conditions. However, I understand it has limited storage capability compared to the Japanese "Mega Scooters" and there's that whole "Italian Reliability" thing...
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 - 10:15 pm:
I'd want another liter class twin. I rode a KTM RC8R during a demo ride at MotoGP at Indy. I really liked the bike--suspension was firm but not harsh and brakes were hugely powerful (put the 1125's brake to shame) but mid range power fel down compared to the 1125. A comparo between the 1198 and the RC8 showed that the RC8 made more power for the last 1000rpm or so but the 1198 was stronger everywhere else. I'd have to ride an 1198 to decide for sure. And the rsv4 would also be in the running.
Actually, it would have to be a used 1198--I can't afford a new or used RC8 or rsv4. Or rather, my wife would make me sell my other bikes if I seriously wanted to spend $15-$20k on a bike.
She's just bought me this to go alongside the ZZR1100 and 1125R, I can use this through the winter and do a rolling restore on it ready for next season:
Putting the "Scooter idea" aside for a moment, my other choice would be the BMW F800ST. Belt drive, like the 1125R. Not as much power, but a more sensible riding position for everything but the track, ABS, and several "out-of-the-box" hard luggage solutions from either BMW or Givi (no home fabrication required).
The Ducati 848 Streetfighter has already been placed on my shortlist, still waiting for the user friendliness and cost comparison reports that will show how the 848 compares/rates to big brother, if near, or the same, it will be removed immediately.
