Done for the year...

[ponch]

I test rode the BMW. I am still absorbing the ride. It was 48 degrees when I did the test ride. Good thing the bike had heated grips and seat. I am telling you I can't understand why anyone would want to do without it. It's incredible. My hands get cold easily and they weren't today.

go and whoa. While it's not a sport bike, I think it could embarras many quicker bikes. t does have a vibe though, a twin vibe, but obviously not v-twin. It gets up to speed much faster than any cruiser I have ridden. It reminds me of a torquier version of my GPz. Stopping is an experience. That biotch stops better than anything I have ridden and with little dive. Holy smokes can it stop.

The only knocks I have are the windscreen and first gear. Even with the scren all the way up, I was getting buffeting. That would have to be replaced. First gear was really high. I stalled it twice and had to learn how to start off. You have to rev it a bit on starting out. Sounds simple, but it's true. Once under way it's not an issue.

The bike just wants to go. I had trouble keeping it under 90. All I can say is the word that comes to mind is competent. There are faster bikes and bikes with more bells and whistles, but none that seem as well balanced in terms of working together. The Germans have the big picture down pat.

Originally Posted by ponch

I am going to test ride the R1200RT next. If I like it, the shopping is on. Also, the BMW site has a link to Chicago HD and they both are part of BADMC.com or something like that. I think they are affiliated if not the same. Their prices on used Ultras were a couple thousand less than here. They must have a lot of rentals/demos.

[Loafer]

I've not been on one yet. But it sounds good to me. Would you buy one?

[ponch]

May be. probably. We talked money a bit. It lists for 19,450 and I probably can get it for 17,925, which would make it 19K or so out the door with taxes. It's a lot of money, but an Ultra is 22K. An Ultra isn't this.

Originally Posted by loafer

I've not been on one yet. But it sounds good to me. Would you buy one?

[Loafer]

BMW makes good stuff. I went to KBB and looked up a 2009 R1200RT and the price just under $13k. I think that if you like it a 1 or 2 y o model would be priced right. Good luck with your decision.

[ponch]

It's not used though...Brand new bike and it has a 49L trunk. It also has some options. I looked at the KBB and the retail is 16370 plus 695 for ESA. That is the used price. The trunk is around 850 I think and it also has heated grips and seat, cruise control and aux power port. The price he gave me was 17,925. The list was 19,450.

Originally Posted by loafer

BMW makes good stuff. I went to KBB and looked up a 2009 R1200RT and the price just under $13k. I think that if you like it a 1 or 2 y o model would be priced right. Good luck with your decision.

[Loafer]

Well that sounds like you found your new ride. $17,925 is resonable for the bike and options listed. I only mentioned a used price as some people are unable to go new. Keep us informed.

Originally Posted by ponch

It's not used though...Brand new bike and it has a 49L trunk. It also has some options. I looked at the KBB and the retail is 16370 plus 695 for ESA. That is the used price. The trunk is around 850 I think and it also has heated grips and seat, cruise control and aux power port. The price he gave me was 17,925. The list was 19,450.

[ponch]

He said to wait a week to see if BMW comes out with any new incentives next week. So I will wait.

Originally Posted by loafer

Well that sounds like you found your new ride. $17,925 is resonable for the bike and options listed. I only mentioned a used price as some people are unable to go new. Keep us informed.

[glwilson]

I'll bet it was a sweet ride Ponch. I keep telling myself that a Beemer would likely fit my style of riding better that a V-Twin bagger.

I would need the luggage if I got one though -- to pack enough for longer rides.

My problem with them is that I am too short. I can't straddle them with flat feet -- at least the ones I sat on.

I would really like the 1600 they have coming out; but the price is a bit shocking... and again, I don't know if I could reach the ground.

If my back doesn't get better over the winter... I may be confined to a "trike" for my next bike!!!

[ponch]

http://pixplot.com/ergo/

They have all sorts of bikes. It's crude, but a work in progress.

I am still digesting it. On one hand I am getting sh!t from some people on another Kaw forum and the other hand the BMW guys are like, find a deal in Antartica if it's the cheapest, but don't skimp on anything. While it isn't what the HD dealer wanted, it's a lot of money. I called the guy in Chicago and he could give me the same deal on a 2011 that's a comparable rig, minus the 49L topcase. The 2011 is a little different in that the fairing was changed a bit, and the engine is DOHC. Thing is, I'd have to pick it up one way or another. What do you think?

Originally Posted by glwilson

I'll bet it was a sweet ride Ponch. I keep telling myself that a Beemer would likely fit my style of riding better that a V-Twin bagger.

I would need the luggage if I got one though -- to pack enough for longer rides.

My problem with them is that I am too short. I can't straddle them with flat feet -- at least the ones I sat on.

I would really like the 1600 they have coming out; but the price is a bit shocking... and again, I don't know if I could reach the ground.

If my back doesn't get better over the winter... I may be confined to a "trike" for my next bike!!!

[biscuitsngravy]

Hey Ponch! I haven't been checking the forum lately. Whoa, what a surprise! You really got the bug for a new bike. Take a deep breath! Ha Ha. My best to you, big guy!! BnG

[ponch]

Yeah, I test rode an Ultra, Voyager and now R1200RT. The first two are more alike. The last is something completely different. Yeah, I need to let it go for a couple days.

Originally Posted by BiscuitsNGravy aka Dave Mills

Hey Ponch! I haven't been checking the forum lately. Whoa, what a surprise! You really got the bug for a new bike. Take a deep breath! Ha Ha. My best to you, big guy!! BnG

[glwilson]

That's a lot of motor for such a small frame... I'll bet if you shift it wrong, you'll either go straight up -- or straight into the ground.

I got my bike bike late yesterday from its 10,000 mile service and inspection. They also replaced the front fender that was dented. They also replaced the starter under warranty because the powder-coat was just starting to peel on it. Thought that was cool they did that.

Overall, I still like the HD. I put 10,000 miles on it 14 months. (With nearly six of those being in winter storage.) But I am like you... I am getting the itch for something different again.

My wife will likely kill me if I change again. ;)

Regarding whether you should buy that bike... that has to be your decision. I certainly would take the one with luggage. You'll regret not having that eventually.

And I think the other BMW guys are right... you want to get everything you want on the bike when you buy it.

Picking the bike up might be a hassle if it is going to be in the winter. You'll need a trailer -- otherwise, if it is during riding season, I would look high and low for the right price and make a long riding trip out of it if you had to.

[rayski271]

sorry cant put bike away this early still have manteno vets home ride and toys for tots ride to do yet

[ponch]

Funny thing is, nothing steals my heart. I would say that about most things made today. If we were talking cars, the car the does it for me is a 1970 442 W-30 in red or blue. If I could afford one, would I ride it every day? No. The old cars aren't as reliable, but they have soul and gestalt new vehicles are missing. With bikes, I really like the Kz900 and 1000. Again, a classic, but not something you'd ride all the time. It was my first bike, but I wouldn't live with the niggles I did then. So what to do? I don't think there's anything out there that turns my head. May be a Ducati...But I look like a monkey screwing a football riding that...And talk about temperamental...Sometimes the german chicks are ok. :)

Originally Posted by glwilson

That's a lot of motor for such a small frame... I'll bet if you shift it wrong, you'll either go straight up -- or straight into the ground.

I got my bike bike late yesterday from its 10,000 mile service and inspection. They also replaced the front fender that was dented. They also replaced the starter under warranty because the powder-coat was just starting to peel on it. Thought that was cool they did that.

Overall, I still like the HD. I put 10,000 miles on it 14 months. (With nearly six of those being in winter storage.) But I am like you... I am getting the itch for something different again.

My wife will likely kill me if I change again. ;)

Regarding whether you should buy that bike... that has to be your decision. I certainly would take the one with luggage. You'll regret not having that eventually.

And I think the other BMW guys are right... you want to get everything you want on the bike when you buy it.

Picking the bike up might be a hassle if it is going to be in the winter. You'll need a trailer -- otherwise, if it is during riding season, I would look high and low for the right price and make a long riding trip out of it if you had to.

[Loafer]

Ponch, Have you tried the Triumph Rocket III Custom Touring? It has a big seat and an upright style, plenty of power.