Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: kingoffleece on June 28, 2017, 01:31:50 PM
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A friend has it for sale very reasonable. Pristine condition and 43000 miles.
So I swapped my V7 for his BMW and took off.
What a disappointment. And they call GUZZIS tractors! Yikes. Vibes all over the place, and not in a good way. The bike never gets smooth at any RPM-no sweet spot(s) like my V7.
I will say it carves a turn quite well and had great brakes. Having almost zero experience on BMW's maybe I was expecting too much-BUT-I then took up a offer from my BMW dealer friend to ride a new R9T Scrambler. What a blast THAT was.
If the 1150 was anything like that motor I would have taken advantage of a very fair price for a well maintained motorcycle.
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<shrug> :smiley:
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I am a Moto Guzzi restorer and rider, but one of my favorite bikes I have ever had was a 2001 Harley Heritage Softail. After 3 years, I swapped it for a new 2004 BMW R1150 RT. I took only long trips on the BMW and really enjoyed the bike. My 14 year old Daughter would take rides with me around the neighborhood, and when she sat on the BMW her comment was "I don't like this one... my butt buzzes too much". The Harley was a very smooth ride.
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Go try one of the current BMWs with the 1200cc, liquid-cooled boxer engine. It's a game changer...
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I had one of these back in the day - - 1999 BMW R1100S - - it was OK, but generally underwhelming when compared to my '98 Centauro GT.
I have never ridden a R9T, but I hear good things about them. Sort of like BMW's version of the Griso... :cool: :1: :thumb:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kLg4F5/Screen_Shot_2017_06_28_at_1_00_55_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/kLg4F5)
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That RS must not have been set up correctly if it vibrated significantly. Very important to synch throttle bodies and do the "zero = zero" setup if necessary.
That said, some people just don't like BMWs because they're "sterile". I'm not one of them . . .
An R1150RS should have plenty of torque and should be smooth. Not Gold Wing smooth, but very pleasant.
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My 98 R1100RS had a decent amount of higher frequency vibration than my Harleys of the same era.
After about 40k miles I decided I was never going to really bond with it and got rid of it.
With a few exceptions, since then BMWs have just gotten weirder and weirder and all techy just for tech's sake.
I pretty much gave up on them, though I'd never say never.
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As someone else mentioned, TB sync is critical. Before that can be done, the valves should be adjusted... I've had several BMWs, and 3 of the R series. My 1150RT was closest to the RS, and it was very smooth if I did the tune up, not so much if a dealer did it... Also as mentioned, the waterboxers are amazingly smooth!
Oh, a friend has a 1150RS- with over 220K miles on it...
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Several years ago, a HD dealership had a used 1150 GS that I took for a guided long test ride. the thing was "snatchy" and vibrated a lot. I could not wait for the test ride to end and get back on my BMW K75S, This was before I bought my Guzzi. Come to think of it, maybe the TB's were out of sync and thats why it ran rough... but if it had run smooth, I may have bought it and never gotten on a Guzzi!!!
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I've had a bit of seat time on a 1200Rt wethead. Nice motor.
The thought of getting the bike at a good price was the prime mover in the experience. I have zero desire to spend for a wet head BMW.
My current bikes cover it all for me.
As for the <shrug>, well, it's just a discussion among friends, is it not?
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I have owned a 2004 R1150RT since 2005, never have loved it but it has been dead reliable and a great long distance rig two up. Never noticed any vibes,
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Many bikes have come and gone since I bought my Beemer brand new. Other than my Cali, only the Beemer remains.
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I'm sure the vibes were not "excessive" but they were always present, but not pleasant to me. Rather industrial in nature as opposed to the R9T where they were 'character" like my V7.
Like I said, I wanted to like and buy the bike but as Kev M pointed out, I was fairly sure I'd never bond with it. No harm, no foul.
We do have a R310 ordered which should arrive any day with the understanding that if the Mrs. likes it it's ours. Strangle enough, she is not nearly enamored with the V7 as I am because of the vibration. She much preferred our Bonnevilles (now gone) or the new T100 she test rode last Sat. BTW, I rode a T120 as was very favorably impressed. Great motor and very nice stock suspension front and rear for a stock offering.
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As someone else mentioned, TB sync is critical. Before that can be done, the valves should be adjusted... I've had several BMWs, and 3 of the R series. My 1150RT was closest to the RS, and it was very smooth if I did the tune up, not so much if a dealer did it...
I've had 3 BMW R's, but only one Oilhead.
According to my manometer the balance was fine.
I shouldn't overstate the vibration, it was mostly at highway speeds.
It was the higher frequency that I didn't like. Nothing like an L4, but noticeably higher in frequency than a Harley, and stronger than what you feel on rubbermounted bike (for obvious reasons).
I mean my Guzzis all have stronger vibration too for that reason, but the frequency is lower somewhere between the R's and Harleys. Kinda Goldilocks, just right....
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Opposed twins have a secondary vibration that won't go away...period. Not included with your purchase of a 90 degree single crank pin guzzi.
Where's that illustrated motors website where they put everything in motion, with lines and arrows?
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As for the <shrug>, well, it's just a discussion among friends, is it not?
It certainly is. I meant it as "well, I've been telling you guys this for ever.." I've had two BMWs.. neither was "Zee greatest best engineered motorcycle in zee vorld." <shrug> :smiley: Gimme a Guzzi.
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BMW Canada once loaned the police department I worked for an R1150 Police edition in an attempt to woo us away from The Motor Company. I was the M/C instructor for the Force at the time. It was a terrible bike. When BMW called to see what I thought I said it was terrible, running rough, lurching especially at slow speeds. They came and picked it up to go over it stating it may not have been PDI'd. Well a couple of days later they returned it. It ran much better but in my opinion was not suitable for police work. It was great at highway speeds and during brisk riding but a lack of flywheel weight made it difficult to shift smoothly when just putting around town. Almost had to slip the clutch each shift. Needless to say we stuck with HD. The bike that really impressed me was the F650 police model that they also lent us. Great machine and a local parks police service that I was training bought that one, Think they still have it.
Cheers, Tim
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It certainly is. I meant it as "well, I've been telling you guys this for ever.." I've had two BMWs.. neither was "Zee greatest best engineered motorcycle in zee vorld." <shrug> :smiley: Gimme a Guzzi.
In all fairness...they are two different animals...and yes, gimme a Guzzi anytime as well! :wink:
However, this airhead I owned for awhile was kinda cool - 1978 BMW R100RS "Motorsport Edition." :1: :thumb: :cool: It came with a lot of performance upgrades from CC Products (San Jose BMW), so it handled much better than a stock one! Cool bike!
(http://thumb.ibb.co/mMC9hk/1978_BMW_R100_RS_020.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mMC9hk)
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Last year I rode my buddies R100RT-an oldie but goodie. Great bike.
Guess I'm just a Guzzi guy-and that's fine by me.
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Opposed twins have a secondary vibration that won't go away...period. Not included with your purchase of a 90 degree single crank pin guzzi.
That's actually the opposite of true, boxer engines eliminate secondary vibration by balancing one cylinder against another instead of using a counterweight like a V-twin. Using a counterweight introduces secondary vibration. However (and I agree it's a big issue) the cylinder offset for a boxer is much greater than for a v-twin, which reduces the offset by having both rods on one crank throw. The greater cylinder offset creates substantial vibration for a two cylinder boxer. The non-counterbalanced large displacement BMW boxers of the 1100 & 1150 era are paint shakers, more unpleasant vibration than I find tolerable.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/gaFOQ5/IMG_0366.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gaFOQ5)
I think I may detect some bias on this topic. :wink: After owning it for fifteen years, I still find my R1150R to be the closest I have come to the "perfect" motorcycle. At 500 lbs with the aftermarket can, it feels much lighter, like a middleweight. The motor (properly running with an AF-XIED 02 manipulator) delivers smooth, torquey, tractable power through the entire rev range -- way punchier than a V7/V9, and with much longer legs on the highway. Top shelf aftermarket suspension (Ohlins & Hyperpro) make ride and handling a breeze, and with windshield, hard bags and other enhancements it is truly a "do anything" machine. Yes, there is the rocking couple boxer vibe, but it's a low frequency, low amplitude vibration which i don't mind: it's just the way a boxer is supposed to feel. It's also slightly less than the vibes on a Griso that I rode.
I like Guzzi's too, but as an all-arounder, my trusty R is the best I've had.
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I have to agree with Larry. I've owned a number of BMWs and have ridden even more. I've never noticed more or weirder vibrations than the Harleys or Guzzis that I've owned. Just like Guzzis, certain models have their quirks as they try different things, but the new models are just amazing. If you get a chance, ride the new R1200RT, or something similar. I am partial to the boxer motors (R bikes), but they're also killing it with the K and F models.
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I think I may detect some bias on this topic. :wink:
That's a good bit of self-realization there, and the first step to the cure. :thumb: :kiss:
After owning it for fifteen years, I still find my R1150R to be the closest I have come to the "perfect" motorcycle. At 500 lbs with the aftermarket can,
YOU LOST 52# with the installation of an aftermarket muffler????
The motor (properly running with an AF-XIED 02 manipulator) delivers smooth, torquey, tractable power through the entire rev range -- way punchier than a V7/V9, and with much longer legs on the highway. Top shelf aftermarket suspension (Ohlins & Hyperpro) make ride and handling a breeze
Shut The Front Door! Are you actually trying to claim that an 1150cc 4V twin with higher end suspension makes more power and offers more comfort on the highway than a 750cc or 850cc retro 2V.
In other news, the sky is blue and gravity keeps me down.
</sarcasm> :boozing:
Yes, there is the rocking couple boxer vibe, but it's a low frequency, low amplitude vibration which i don't mind:
You call that low frequency? I mean it's no say Suzuki Bandit, but man, you gotta ride some bikes with some real low frequency vibes...but meh, we're getting into subjective tastes. What's my Italian friend on the XLforum always saying "Tastes must not be discussed" or something like that.
:bike-037:
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I have to agree with Larry. I've owned a number of BMWs and have ridden even more. I've never noticed more or weirder vibrations than the Harleys or Guzzis that I've owned.
I'm thinking the objections are limited to early oil-heads, not airhead, not hexheads... etc. But obviously from this thread it's very subjective.
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Again, I prefer to ride a Moto Guzzi for all the reasons we have discussed, but having previously owned 5 BMW's, airheads and oilheads, (with a mileage of over 100,000 on all five), I personally would have no problem owning another Beemer.
They are really good motorcycles overall. :thumb: :1: :cool:
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<<YOU LOST 52# with the installation of an aftermarket muffler????>>
:bike-037:
[/quote]
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gYCjF5/IMG_0368.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gYCjF5)
Akrapovic claims their titanium can saves a little over 27 lbs compared to the stock muffler.
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Every year for the past 12 years I have planned on selling my R1150RT, the reason is that I really miss the punch of a Japanese in line 4, Concourse 1400, Yamaha FJ, etc...
BUT then I take it out for what it was built for, extended rides on twisty roads at high speeds and I remember why it makes me smile. It doesn't make any sense at city speeds or short trips, but get on it for a week and put on a couple or three thousand miles and it is very hard to beat. Excellent fairing, lots of luggage space, very good gas mileage, fantastic brakes and handling.
My RT is for sale once again this summer :thewife: but it will only be replaced by either a K1300 GT or a K1600 GT / GTL. At least a couple times a year I want a long haul bike that can make a mile when I need to and can scare the crap out of me when I get feeling brave in the twisty bits.
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<<YOU LOST 52# with the installation of an aftermarket muffler????>>
:bike-037:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gYCjF5/IMG_0368.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gYCjF5)
Akrapovic claims their titanium can saves a little over 27 lbs compared to the stock muffler.
Ah I see where you got that number, but what so no truck scale? :boozing:
MCN (Consumer News), back when they used to actually do things like weigh bikes, claimed 552# wet in 2001.
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Ah I see where you got that number, but what so no truck scale? :boozing:
MCN (Consumer News), back when they used to actually do things like weigh bikes, claimed 552# wet in 2001.
I'm inclined to go with the Service and Technical booklet that came with the new bike....
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I'm inclined to go with the Service and Technical booklet that came with the new bike....
Passing the 2.5 decade mark on writing service/repair manuals for this industry, I'm inclined to go with MCN.
But hey, it doesn't really matter. I mean, you probably added some accessories right? A windshield, luggage? And you carry things in it right? And at the end of the day, I mean, you and I aren't bench pressing it whether it's 400# or 600#.
Hell, I believe it, but I'm still impressed at the muffler weight loss even IF it was "only" 27 lbs.
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Passing the 2.5 decade mark on writing service/repair manuals for this industry, I'm inclined to go with MCN.
But hey, it doesn't really matter. I mean, you probably added some accessories right? A windshield, luggage? And you carry things in it right? And at the end of the day, I mean, you and I aren't bench pressing it whether it's 400# or 600#.
Hell, I believe it, but I'm still impressed at the muffler weight loss even IF it was "only" 27 lbs.
In addition to being relatively svelte, one beauty of the boxer architecture is that its weight is also carried very low, making it feel even lighter. it's an elegant design. And FWIW, Akrapovic also claims that the muffler adds about 5 hp and ft-lbs of torque.
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Again, all relative depending on one's perspective.... :laugh: :grin: :wink:
1978 BMW R100RS = about 507+ pounds
1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro GT = about 510+ pounds
1999 BMW R1100S = about 504+ pounds
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In addition to being relatively svelte, one beauty of the boxer architecture is that its weight is also carried very low, making it feel even lighter. it's an elegant design. And FWIW, Akrapovic also claims that the muffler adds about 5 hp and ft-lbs of torque.
My 98 R1100RSa felt heavier than my 96 FLHRI (which was 100# heavier).
Don't get me wrong here I like the BMW R-bikes enough to own 3 of them.
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A funny thing happened on the way to Canada... I rode a 2001 Harley FLHSC for 3 years on long road trips and loved the bike. The counterbalanced (hard mounted) engine was as smooth as can be. But, while stopping by the Santa Fe BMW dealer to pick up a tire for my riding buddy's 650, I laid eyes on a new BMW R1150 RT... the twin plug good one. And it was black, which is always the correct color for BMWs. Loaded with hard bags and power windshield, I bought it on the spot. Doug quickly bought a new R1150 RS. I essentially only rode it on long road trips (for 3 years). On the first trip north with the new bike, we stopped at a turn out in Colorado, and as we got back on and started off in a turn from the gravel surface to the hardtop, I stalled it and fell over at 2 mph. I was so used to the low end torque of the Harley, and hadn't realized that the revs need to be kept up and the clutch slipped on the Beemer, when making narrow starting turns. Of course, being the long time rider that I am, it was the fault of the motorcycle, and certainly not mine. I came to love that bike though... We always traveled at high speed (and I have the tickets from Montana and Alaska to prove it), and so 'vibration' was never a thought. I assumed that my new Stelvio would be just like the BMW for starting off, and the revs would have to be kept up... but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Guzzi is geared lower than the RT, or even the GS's, and has great low end torque. Not as good as the Harley, maybe, but still great. Still, I have loved every bike I have owned... even the 1970 BSA Victor that went 7,650 miles before blowing up. Man! I sure loved that bike.
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A funny thing happened on the way to Canada... I rode a 2001 Harley FLHSC for 3 years on long road trips and loved the bike. The counterbalanced (hard mounted) engine was as smooth as can be. But, while stopping by the Santa Fe BMW dealer to pick up a tire for my riding buddy's 650, I laid eyes on a new BMW R1150 RT... the twin plug good one. And it was black, which is always the correct color for BMWs. Loaded with hard bags and power windshield, I bought it on the spot. Doug quickly bought a new R1150 RS. I essentially only rode it on long road trips (for 3 years). On the first trip north with the new bike, we stopped at a turn out in Colorado, and as we got back on and started off in a turn from the gravel surface to the hardtop, I stalled it and fell over at 2 mph. I was so used to the low end torque of the Harley, and hadn't realized that the revs need to be kept up and the clutch slipped on the Beemer, when making narrow starting turns. Of course, being the long time rider that I am, it was the fault of the motorcycle, and certainly not mine. I came to love that bike though... We always traveled at high speed (and I have the tickets from Montana and Alaska to prove it), and so 'vibration' was never a thought. I assumed that my new Stelvio would be just like the BMW for starting off, and the revs would have to be kept up... but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Guzzi is geared lower than the RT, or even the GS's, and has great low end torque. Not as good as the Harley, maybe, but still great. Still, I have loved every bike I have owned... even the 1970 BSA Victor that went 7,650 miles before blowing up. Man! I sure loved that bike.
Nice to hear from somebody who has liked every bike they've ever had. Wait -- so have I....
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Nice to hear from somebody who has liked every bike they've ever had. Wait -- so have I....
So have I, well at least something ABOUT every bike I've ever had.
Now someone tell Lee he didn't own an FLH. [emoji13]
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Go try one of the current BMWs with the 1200cc, liquid-cooled boxer engine. It's a game changer...
yep
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So have I, well at least something ABOUT every bike I've ever had.
Now someone tell Lee he didn't own an FLH. [emoji13]
Well stated ...:thumb:...and the same for me...all 33 bikes in the last 50 years! :thumb: :1: :cool: I have fond memories of all of them! :cool: :smiley:
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Whoops... What is a Heritage Softail Classic, anyway? But, perhaps I can be humored a little on the designations. My Uncle Armen, a retired butcher in Amityville, Long Island bought a new 1949 FLH when he was 18. 67 years later, he still keeps a tattered photo of himself on the bike in his wallet. Last march, I bought a new Softail, identical to the 2001 that I owned... even down to the color. I always looked back on that '01 with good memories, and thought "why not?". This has started me thinking about the bikes I have had, and I sure miss them all. One that I brought in from Australia was a 1951 Ariel 350 Red Hunter. My parents had a framed picture of my Dad sitting on his Ariel in England, with me as a 3 year old sitting on the tank. He was in the Air Force, stationed at Upper Heyford. He bought the Red Hunter at the PX for commuting to the base, and rode it for the 3 years we were there. In 2004, I bought an identical Ariel. I got my Dad to sit for a pose on the bike, just as he had sat on the '51 (but without me on the bike as well, I am just too big now)... He was then 86 years old, but interestingly, he had the exact same shirt and leather riding shoes that he wore in the earlier picture. I guess that I can honestly say that the first bike I ever sat on was that '51 Ariel.
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F = Big Twin
L = Touring front end/floorboards etc.
H = Touring chassis (Glides/Kings)
ST = Softail chassis
after that letters equal various models.
IIRC Heritage Softail Classic or something like that would be:
FLSTC
I just knew from the counterbalanced motor that it was a ST and not H.
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Interesting discussion. I use my '07 R1200R (current bike) the same as I used a '12 Stelvio NTX (previous bike), long distance touring and camping trips. I bought the Beemer in August, '15 with 58K miles, it now has 74K miles.
It's comfortable on the road (thanks to a Russell seat), has adequate weather protection (thanks to a V-Stream windshield, heated grips and Aerostitch tank panniers), has more than adequate carrying capability (thanks to a set of large Trax cases), has been dependable on the road (no road failures to date) and has more than enough smooth power to keep up with traffic.
The down-side of the change is the reduced fuel tank volume -- down from 8.5 Ga to 4.7 Ga. I have had to make some changes in my riding habits -- probably not a bad thing to get off every 175 miles or so for a walk-around. The up-side of the change is the reduced weight -- 100# -- which has allowed me to manage the bike more easily.
All in all, it's been a good change. Ride safe out there.
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Interesting discussion. I use my '07 R1200R (current bike) the same as I used a '12 Stelvio NTX (previous bike), long distance touring and camping trips. I bought the Beemer in August, '15 with 58K miles, it now has 74K miles.
It's comfortable on the road (thanks to a Russell seat), has adequate weather protection (thanks to a V-Stream windshield, heated grips and Aerostitch tank panniers), has more than adequate carrying capability (thanks to a set of large Trax cases), has been dependable on the road (no road failures to date) and has more than enough smooth power to keep up with traffic.
The down-side of the change is the reduced fuel tank volume -- down from 8.5 Ga to 4.7 Ga. I have had to make some changes in my riding habits -- probably not a bad thing to get off every 175 miles or so for a walk-around. The up-side of the change is the reduced weight -- 100# -- which has allowed me to manage the bike more easily.
All in all, it's been a good change. Ride safe out there.
:thumb:
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:thumb: :thumb: :1: :cool:
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I think the R1200R and Nine-T variants are the nicest of the modern R-bikes! A lot to like there!
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Agreed. I wanted to line the 1150 and even had my money with me when I went to test ride it-but no bond.
The, as I mentioned, I rode a 9T. Great bike and if I didn't have two bikes already with a third on order there might have been a bit of explaining to the Mrs!
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I think the R1200R and Nine-T variants are the nicest of the modern R-bikes! A lot to like there!
Agree.... :thumb: :cool: :thumb: :1: :cool:
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I rode a '94 R1100RSA yesterday, the same one I've owned and loved for 23 years. 75 miles on roads I've ridden a million times and it was still great. The sweet spot for oilheads is around 4K in 3rd gear. Pick a curvy road, stay in 3rd and marvel at how well a 23 year old bike can move. Oilheads and Guzzis make great stablemates, I'm surprised by how many people here are saying the opposite.
I'm taking the C-1400-T out tomorrow and I'll enjoy it just as much, but the ride will be more a cruise and less of a blitz. Really, I can't think of two bikes that compliment each other more then these two. Maybe a Griso and a R1200C?
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My feeling when riding any of the oil heads or later BMWs is of being slightly disconnected from the bike. They have a lot of driveline slop, slightly imprecise throttle control, and depending on model often have abrupt, nonlinear braking feel. The steering and chassis work pretty well, although some have cornering clearance issues, but overall they feel to me like they're designed by somebody who isn't in really tune with motorcycling the way Italian manufacturers tend to be. I do like and respect the earlier airhead BMWs, when compared to their competition in the era they were made.
I rode an R1200R for the first time on Saturday, and it came back to me why I don't warm up to most BMWs introduced since the early 90s. The driveline and brakes generally feel clunky and as mentioned before some of the pre-counterbalanced engines shake hard.
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My feeling when riding any of the oil heads or later BMWs is of being slightly disconnected from the bike. They have a lot of driveline slop, slightly imprecise throttle control, and depending on model often have abrupt, nonlinear braking feel. The steering and chassis work pretty well, although some have cornering clearance issues, but overall they feel to me like they're designed by somebody who isn't in really tune with motorcycling the way Italian manufacturers tend to be. I do like and respect the earlier airhead BMWs, when compared to their competition in the era they were made.
I rode an R1200R for the first time on Saturday, and it came back to me why I don't warm up to most BMWs introduced since the early 90s. The driveline and brakes generally feel clunky and as mentioned before some of the pre-counterbalanced engines shake hard.
After 300K miles on 3 different models of the oil heads ridden all over the planet, I don't believe anyone could have a more opposite opinion of these machines to mine.
Much of the above is patently wrong! Some will believe, pitty!
Not that it matters a bit.
Amazing!
Felt compelled.....
Mike
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First read the thread title and hoped it was going to be about the BMW 2002...
As I'm not a familiar with the BMW motorcycle naming convention :boozing:
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I enjoyed my 97 R1100RS, fit me like a glove, great seat, only bike I owned I could ride 300 miles without butt pain. Hated the clunky gear box and the abrupt off throttle. I still think it is a great looking bike that had held up well.
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Please correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tamburini have a hand in the styling of the R 1100S ? The body work doesn't look quite ugly enough to be German..
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Please correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tamburini have a hand in the styling of the R 1100S ? The body work doesn't look quite ugly enough to be German..
To the best of my knowledge, Massimo Tamburini worked only on Bimotas (as a principal of BimoTA) and brands owned by Cagiva/MV, as director of the Cagiva Research Center, starting around 1985.
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I just sold my 1150gs because it's too buzzy around 4K. Could have been a keeper for life. But frustrating. Tune tune tune. Ahh hell with it. Goose goose goose!!!gave me the excuse to come to the fine red wine side... Prost!
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I have an R1200RS and a California Vintage in my shop. They are both magnificent machines that cover the breadth of the streetbike paradigm quite elegantly. The Guzzi sounds better, but that Beemer can really cut a rug. I feel lucky to have the pair...
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I just sold my 2004 R1150RT, part of me is going to miss it, been dead reliable and took me to a lot of places over the past 100,000 Km.
Looking for a lightly used K1600 GT or GTL to replace it.
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I walked in to a BMW dealership to pick up a tire for a friend in 2004, and spotted a new R1150 Rt, with full bags, in black. It was the right color! I bought it on the spot. 3 years and 60,000 miles (3 long road trips) later I got divorced, and had to sell the bike. I loved it though. The most rewarding part was when we would come upon a group of Harleys on a straight stretch of Wyoming or Nevada and I would crank it up to 120 and blast past them. Wow, was that satisfying (and, I am a Harley Softail rider). The BMW had absolutely no distractions. It was the only dual plug 1150 year... I got lucky. Had the tall auto windshield. It was the perfect bike for me, and I could see no faults at all.
I sold it though. In 2012, I longed for that bike, and so I bought a great used 2004 RT... flew to Arizona and rode it back. It was identical, except for the regular height windshield, and blue color. I took a 1000 mile trip to Colorado and back and hated it. My butt was sore. The windshield seemed all wrong. Sold it right away. Maybe it was the older butt that I have now... or the color. But, what it taught me is that bonding with a bike is a fragile thing. I have learned to not belittle any bike (well, perhaps except Goldwings or BMW K bikes). It is all up to how you feel at the time. Current Stelvio NTX owner, and love it!
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:1:
I rode a '94 R1100RSA yesterday, the same one I've owned and loved for 23 years. 75 miles on roads I've ridden a million times and it was still great. The sweet spot for oilheads is around 4K in 3rd gear. Pick a curvy road, stay in 3rd and marvel at how well a 23 year old bike can move. Oilheads and Guzzis make great stablemates, I'm surprised by how many people here are saying the opposite.
I'm taking the C-1400-T out tomorrow and I'll enjoy it just as much, but the ride will be more a cruise and less of a blitz. Really, I can't think of two bikes that compliment each other more then these two. Maybe a Griso and a R1200C?
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The most rewarding part was when we would come upon a group of Harleys on a straight stretch of Wyoming or Nevada and I would crank it up to 120 and blast past them. Wow, was that satisfying (and, I am a Harley Softail rider).
I can relate to that, my RT was a great Harley Hunter, never came across a single Harley that could ever keep up to the RT on any type of road.
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I've had my R1200R with the DOHC ("camhead") motor for a month or so. Really great bike. PO put on an Akrapovic that changes the tone considerably from the sewing machine OEM can. Can't say enough good things about it.
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I've had my R1200R with the DOHC ("camhead") motor for a month or so. Really great bike. PO put on an Akrapovic that changes the tone considerably from the sewing machine OEM can. Can't say enough good things about it.
I had dinner with my BMW Club friends tonight, and they said the new water cooled R1200R is better than the older R1200R. This was in response to my honest assessment of the older version reminding me of an old pickup truck, loose and imprecise: you sort of keep it moving in the right direction without any great sense of precise control. I should try a new one to see if my reaction is different. I do like the latest wet clutch (in front) design, for service.