Fun Motorcycle Choice....
Posted 07-20-2020 at 09:47 PM by Blondebaerde
Funny predicament: Funny, as in nothing at stake but next bike, sometime in the future, 2021 if the world doesn't collapse. We thought it would in 2009, btw, and I do not know (no one does) if this time is similar. Bought a bike in 2010 and all was well, btw, being an optimist.
I've owned 13 bikes since '87. I sold a 2014 Multistrada early 2020, because I'd not ridden much if at-all for two years: an asset sitting around in my garage. No regrets, I'd tired of the Ducati (great bike, to be clear). Deep experience, racing 1995-97, dozens of track days. Adventure riding in Africa multiple times past five years, on BMWs.
Think I'd like to own my own BMW, but I'm stuck between several. I've had two of their cars, first was great and second not so much. I'm not expecting tons from their quality, frankly. Yes, there are alternatives.
1. K1600GT: monster touring/GT bike. I had a Blackbird for nine years, I know all about monster inlines that are crazy HP: not a problem. This is an inline 6. Smooth, heavy. Upsides: smooth, fast, available used with lots of miles for moderate money. No warranty, maybe ten grand.
2. R1250GS: adventure bike, all around enjoyable day to day bike. I have two Touratech bags from my Duck that will fit and look good. I've ridden these on and off road thousands of miles in Africa with spills on sand only. The electronics will bail you out of all kinds of things. Very slick, very fast for twin, though no inline: an upgrade from the 1200 (1200s were great, too). Only came out in 2019, still expensive by my standards, but do-able if I took out a note. Probably $20K. Warranty.
3. R1250RT: slick touring machine, no doubt, with the new engine. Used, also about $20K. Warranty, 2019 model.
"What kind of riding do you intend to do." If I said, "mostly multi-day cruises" I'd buy the K1600GT in a hot second or a Goldwing. I'm not so sure, though. "Adventure riding!"...likewise that GS. I've done tons and it's interesting, but not a passion here in the US. "General riding, extreme competence and balance" - Now we're at the RT!
We shall see, a First World Problem for-sure.
I've owned 13 bikes since '87. I sold a 2014 Multistrada early 2020, because I'd not ridden much if at-all for two years: an asset sitting around in my garage. No regrets, I'd tired of the Ducati (great bike, to be clear). Deep experience, racing 1995-97, dozens of track days. Adventure riding in Africa multiple times past five years, on BMWs.
Think I'd like to own my own BMW, but I'm stuck between several. I've had two of their cars, first was great and second not so much. I'm not expecting tons from their quality, frankly. Yes, there are alternatives.
1. K1600GT: monster touring/GT bike. I had a Blackbird for nine years, I know all about monster inlines that are crazy HP: not a problem. This is an inline 6. Smooth, heavy. Upsides: smooth, fast, available used with lots of miles for moderate money. No warranty, maybe ten grand.
2. R1250GS: adventure bike, all around enjoyable day to day bike. I have two Touratech bags from my Duck that will fit and look good. I've ridden these on and off road thousands of miles in Africa with spills on sand only. The electronics will bail you out of all kinds of things. Very slick, very fast for twin, though no inline: an upgrade from the 1200 (1200s were great, too). Only came out in 2019, still expensive by my standards, but do-able if I took out a note. Probably $20K. Warranty.
3. R1250RT: slick touring machine, no doubt, with the new engine. Used, also about $20K. Warranty, 2019 model.
"What kind of riding do you intend to do." If I said, "mostly multi-day cruises" I'd buy the K1600GT in a hot second or a Goldwing. I'm not so sure, though. "Adventure riding!"...likewise that GS. I've done tons and it's interesting, but not a passion here in the US. "General riding, extreme competence and balance" - Now we're at the RT!
We shall see, a First World Problem for-sure.
