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ahpd1992

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am tired of waiting for a revo bagger so I am thinging of getting another bike for my longer trips. I used to own several BMW's througout my riding career and I was thinking about either a K1100LT I used to own one and I have found several in the used market reasonably priced (all under 8k). I also always liked the BMW r1100rt (for those that dont know these are/were the CHP police bikes), again several in the used market but the cost severa lthousand more. Anybody out there have a 2nd bike for longer rides and if so what?

PS dont tell me to make my bike a road rod, because I like it the was it is

Tom
 
#2 ·
Tom, I also rode BMW for years. I am in the market for another BMW R1150RT. The 1100 model ended about 2001. I had a K1200LT last year, but unless you do major touring, it's a bit bulky in town. The new R1200RT is super. It has plenty of power and lots of nice features like cruise control etc that the earlier ones didn't have. As for the 1150s. THe 2002 and 03 had some surging issues. The 2004 was double plugged to help with this matter that the company didn't acknowledge. Enjoy.
 
#3 ·
Tom, Bmer's are great bikes. However I have been loyal to the HD brand for almost 20 years and very satisfied. In addition to an '03 vrod, my 2 up and trip bike is a '99 UltraClassic with a little over 102,000 miles. Rides GREAT and runs like a horse. I use all the Ultra components and added the 1550 kit. Many good options out there but if I were to purchase another touring model it would be the same thing. So why trade? Ride safe.........
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
The problem with the 1150rt and the new 1200rt for me is simply price. Do you realize that the new 1200rt starts at 18k? Granted it is one awsome machine, but that a lot of dough especially for a 2nd bike. Thats why Im looking at the older k1100lt or a r1100rt. In all honesty I like the looks of the r1100rt better than the K bike, but there is several thousand $$ difference in the prices. BTW I found a r1100rt real cheap that was rebuilt after a flood, what is the risk to flood vehicles

Tom
 
#5 ·
The BMW K1200LT is the kink of touring IMHO. I've ridden them on rentals as well as having had a K1200RS a few years ago and they are great machines. Second down the list, IMHO is the Gold Wing. Love it or hate it you can't deny the fact that you can put some serious miles under your but on one of those and get some decent performance too.

Third on the list would have to be either the Ultra or the Road Glide. Both are great distance bikes but compared to the BMW and the GW you're going to have to put a lot of $$$$ into the motor to approach that level of performance and you still won't have the handling capabilities of either of them.

A used K1200LT with < 30000 miles should be in the $10k - $11K range. That's a lot of bike for the $$$$. I think the RT will be a let down from a performance (HP) point of view. At least that was my perception when I rode the new R1200RT.
 
#6 ·
I want a sport tourer also, it is going to be a few years as I am cut off! I was looking into either a BMW R1150RT or a Yamaha FJR1300. The BMW is a little more luxery and the FJR is a little more sporty. We will see once I am allowed to spend money again. It is the wifes turn I have had the last 2 years.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
firemedic said:
I want a sport tourer also, it is going to be a few years as I am cut off! I was looking into either a BMW R1150RT or a Yamaha FJR1300. The BMW is a little more luxery and the FJR is a little more sporty. We will see once I am allowed to spend money again. It is the wifes turn I have had the last 2 years.
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the fjr1300 is an awesome machine too, its real sporty n fast....however i think im too big for that bike, and the money issue comes up as its a very popular bike and the dealers are charging sticker and above if you can find one
 
#8 ·
..Well obviously I'm a little biased here, but you can't go wrong with a Valkyrie Tourer or standard with aftermarket windshield and bags..A ton of bottom end Torque and Great Horsepower on top, Goes a lot deeper in the curves than you would believe just from looking at it, extremely stable at all speeds and angles, balances far easier at slow speeds than any bike I have ever had, actually feels lighter than the Street Rod at parking lot speeds..
 

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#10 ·
For 2-up touring I have a 04 SEEG. I love the bike but you could probably buy two K1200LT's or Wings for the same price as my SEEG all fitted out. I had little choice as the SEEG was the only bike that I felt very comfortable with due to my short stature. My girlfriend also found the SEEG the most comfortable of the three. For sport touring I have a tricked out Honda VFR and the new K1200S (which is more sport than touring). I wouldn't recommend either of these bikes for 2-up touring.
If you test ride a new tourer I strongly recommend you test ride each bike twice for at least an hour each time. If you are planning on 2-up trips then make sure you have your better half with you on the test ride . You will notice a lot more on the 2nd run than you did on the first. I never buy a bike without doing two test rides.
 
#11 ·
The New Street Glide for me!

I'm saving up for a new FLHXI. I really like the look of this new addition to the stable. It is a combo between the Road King and Electra Glide. It is lower for guys that are vertically challenged like me. I can't reach the ground on any of the other big touring bikes.(HD or other brands). I rode an Electra Glide last month, and it was really nice....just too hight for my short legs. I like the new styling and layout of the new "Street Glide" a lot. Maybe next year, I can add one to my fleet for a better 2-up bike; and save the V-rod for nothing but "solo fun". Check out the (favorable) road test of the new FLHXI in the latest Hot Bikes magazine. (page 70) :2cents:
good luck,
redrazor
 
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#12 ·
BushRod said:
..Well obviously I'm a little biased here, but you can't go wrong with a Valkyrie Tourer or standard with aftermarket windshield and bags..A ton of bottom end Torque and Great Horsepower on top, Goes a lot deeper in the curves than you would believe just from looking at it, extremely stable at all speeds and angles, balances far easier at slow speeds than any bike I have ever had, actually feels lighter than the Street Rod at parking lot speeds..
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Its all true. I did a 1000 miler in 20 hours a couple of weeks ago on a standard with soft luggage. The big flat six can do it all.
 

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#13 ·
Depends on what you'll be using it for. I'm picking up a used KLR650 (dual sport) in just over a week. I like the idea of a 7 gallon tank on a bike I can hit dirt roads and trails with. Could a camping bike be any better??
 
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#14 ·
mdrsteve said:
Depends on what you'll be using it for. I'm picking up a used KLR650 (dual sport) in just over a week. I like the idea of a 7 gallon tank on a bike I can hit dirt roads and trails with. Could a camping bike be any better??
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Ooh I like this one too! The stock tank is actually 6 gallons but at 55mpg thats still pretty good range.
 

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#15 · (Edited)
mjw930 said:
Third on the list would have to be either the Ultra or the Road Glide. Both are great distance bikes but compared to the BMW and the GW you're going to have to put a lot of $$$$ into the motor to approach that level of performance and you still won't have the handling capabilities of either of them.
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Agreed, but there were a couple of reasons why I picked the Ultra. It's not the size of the Exxon Valdez-I don't need no stinkin reverse! It still looks like a MOTORcycle. Where's the motor on the other two? HD has options out the freakin wazzu for your personal desires. There isn't an engine where my feet go (damn flat engine config eats space) so I can move them around and be comfortable. It's been evolving since before mankind, so it's the easiest large bike out there to handle at slow speed. Yep, it's not as fast but if you're doing more than 80-85 on a highway today your are going to be nailed by laser. I know, I average 2 tickets per year. I would seriously consider how you intend to ride it. Will you be cruising at 100+ or is 85 with a max speed of 100 really all you need to see the country on? Remember, it's your second bike. You still have the V-rod to soil your pants on. Look close at it you will be surprised. I hadn't even considered it until BIKE mag's tester said the spot in his dream garage that said "Goldwing" had been repainted "Ultra".
 
#16 ·
biedmatt said:
Agreed, but there were a couple of reasons why I picked the Ultra. It's not the size of the Exxon Valdez-I don't need no stinkin reverse! It still looks like a MOTORcycle. Where's the motor on the other two? HD has options out the freakin wazzu for your personal desires. There isn't an engine where my feet go (damn flat engine config eats space) so I can move them around and be comfortable. It's been evolving since before mankind, so it's the easiest large bike out there to handle at slow speed. Yep, it's not as fast but if you're doing more than 80-85 on a highway today your are going to be nailed by laser. I know, I average 2 tickets per year. I would seriously consider how you intend to ride it. Will you be cruising at 100+ or is 85 with a max speed of 100 really all you need to see the country on? Remember, it's your second bike. You still have the V-rod to soil your pants on. Look close at it you will be surprised. I hadn't even considered it until BIKE mag's tester said the spot in his dream garage that said "Goldwing" had been repainted "Ultra".
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I didn't mean to imply that the H-D touring class bikes aren't desirable, they are. I think it really boils down to what type of touring you plan to do and what your requirements are.

For me the power and handling isn't about being able to go 100 mph, it's how fast and manageable the bike is getting there. The last mini-tour I did was in Arizona 2 years ago. We rented and LT and rode form Phoenix to Flagstaff on the western route then back through Payson. The bike performed flawlessly and we had one of the best 2 days on a motorcycle that I can remember. I'm not saying that we wouldn't have had the same enjoyment had we rented an Ultra but coming from a sport bike past I'm pretty sure the LT's ability to handle the curves combined with it's smooth, almost electric application of power would have been missed on some of the high speed runs up 89 and back down 260.

Of course that doesn't stop me from stopping and sitting on the Road Glide every time I visit an H-D dealership ;) There is something about that bike that seems to be drawing me in. A VRSC Road Glide would definately be on my short list once they decide to build it. (and no, I don't like the aftermarket one that's out today, it just doesn't look right and the space ergonomics are all wrong IMHO)

Remember, opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one and no two are alike :surrender
 
#17 ·
ahpd1992, if money is tight, one machine not mentioned so far is a Kawasaki Concours ZG1000, a used one in good shape is a bargain touring machine. Shaft drive, water cooling, plenty of power, long range, excellent fairing, good seat, and proven reliability. Its certainly not state of the art, but its still very competitive.
 
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#18 ·
I have owned an Ultra a Scremin Eagle Electra and currenlty own a K1200LT. If you are not brand loyal and like high performance, handling and reliable brakes, go for the BMW (any of their touring bikes will do). If you have the coin and love HD go for the Ultra, or better yet, the new Screamin Eagle Ultra.

All the bikes mentioned are great for long trips. I drove on my Ultra over 4,000 miles in 2003 to go the 100th in Milwaukee and have driven the BMW around 3,000 miles this year.
 
#19 ·
mjw930 said:
I didn't mean to imply that the H-D touring class bikes aren't desirable, they are. I think it really boils down to what type of touring you plan
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I know that and wasn't trying to infer otherwise which is why I started my post with "agreed". Your second post "what type of touring you plan" offers the same advise as mine "I would seriously consider how you intend to ride it." I just hadn't read that advise in any of the previous posts and wanted ahpd1992 to consider this.
 
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ahpd1992
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