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#21 ·
I switched in '02 from a '97 Ultra with 58,000 miles on it to the 1800 Goldwing. I am still a Harley guy, I've owned lots of them and ridden them on the job for 20 years (retired motor cop) but after I took a ride on one of the 1800 Wings, I was sold. My impression is that it's a big sport bike with lots of luggage. Its at least as fast as the V-Rod, handles as good as the Buell's (had one of them too), comfortable, well accessorized, damn near bullit proof and easier to keep clean. I've turned 47,000 miles and only had to change the oil and put tires on it. True, the recalls were a pain, but what manufacture of any vehicles today hasn't had recalls. The only down side is the "stealership". Just like HD once they get your money their attitude changes. You become less important. You won't be disappointed with the Wing if you decide to go that route

Vulture V-Rod
'03 100th Anniversery
'02 1800 Goldwing
'04 Yamaha 650 V Star (for sale-see classifieds)
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
Ive found several K1100lt's on Walnecks Cycle.com all were under 8k. I called my local BMW dealer's service department who told me that those k motors are good for 100k+ miles. Im confused, I also found a low mileage r1100rt for 8K. The rt is the flat twin which I have always loved, now im really confused
 
#23 ·
The BMW "oilhead" twin cyl. "Boxer" motor the RTs have will not be as smooth as a water cooled four cyl K bike. I also owned a R1200C oilhead Cruiser BMW which is now extinct. I have also owned a Valkyrie. Sold it last year to a fellow cop. I traded my ElectraGlide in on this VRod. One thing I have to say for BMW's in general is the handling and safety features they add. That ABS braking system is awesome. I had an idiot do the left turn thing directly in front of me in Baltimore last year at 45mph. That big K1200Lt stopped in an amazingly short distance with no skid, hop, dive or anything negative. I'm sure none of my 8 different harley's I've owned would have done it. Having owned about 18 motorcycles, I've come to appreciate all of them for their unique features.
 
#24 ·
Before I bought my SEEG with its factory 103, I had a 03 Ultra with its stock 88. I hated the 88 for my style of riding. It just didn't have any roll-on especially 2-up. I did a 103 biuld on it that went bad thus came the SEEG. I have always felt that the electraglide should have had a 103 from the start. I could have saved a lot of time & money if I could have been able to ride the Wing or the LT (I'm too short). If the Wing or LT might are anything like my VFR or K1200 they are a lot easier to maintain and clean when on the road. All that plastic cleans up quicker than you can clean one piece of the shinny stuff on the H/D.
 
#25 ·
Hi all, first post on this forum!

I have had all three in the last couple of years - a 2003 R1150Rt, 2003 K1200LTE, 2003 Road King 100th, and currently have a 2004 Electra Glide Classic. Before these I rode an HD Shovelhead FLH for 20 years all over the east coast. Out of all of them I would say I liked the performance of the RT best. It handled well and had THE best brakes of any vehicle I have ever ridden/driven. The KLT is a beast in slow manuevers and is very top heavy. The power band is kind of narrow too but it's all business once you get it going. It is a just a big beadt though - we called it Moby Dick, lol. The Road King is the best touring bike for me. Easy to handle, decent power (after Stage 1), and just feels good. The Electra Glide is all that with a fairing and a radio :)

FWIW, I just took my first ride on a V-Rod today and I am now VERY interested in owning one. Problem is my wife and friends don't think I will like it after the initial novelty wears off and don't want me to get it due to depreciation. I am still thinking about it. -Frank
 
#26 ·
Tom: If I were to stay H-D, it would be a Road Glide. For me though, I like the uniqueness of the Excelcior Henderson Super X. Heavy like a Road King with a monoshock softail frame. Long Range and geared high. Turns 3000 @ 80. Just like American!
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
Dragon41 said:
Tom: If I were to stay H-D, it would be a Road Glide. For me though, I like the uniqueness of the Excelcior Henderson Super X. Heavy like a Road King with a monoshock softail frame. Long Range and geared high. Turns 3000 @ 80. Just like American!
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I appreciate evryone's input, however HD's are waaaayy to expensive(I thought the market had gone soft on em) otherwise I'd get a road king or electraglide. It seems BMW's (of which I do have an affinity for) are more in my price range if I find an older one, like from the mid nineties. Anyway I guess the good thing is Im not in a hurry, but its fun looking. BTW if anyone on the forum knows someone looking to unload a bike and you think I might like it PM me

Tom
 
#30 ·
So many possibilities, of course the obvious HD Ultra Classic, Honda Gold Wing (just can't like it though), BMW K1200LT or R1200RT, but just saw a new mag this week and on the back cover was a photo of the Triumph Rocket 3 two up. Had not previously considered it as a touring bike but it has merit. Some Ultra type accoutrements and it would be a touring "tour-de-force"
 
#31 ·
Kawasaki ZZR1200 with 1.5" rise bars and hard bags - used ones go 6-7k regularly. A cheaper alternative to a FJR1300, and I little faster I believe.

No, I don't own one - was deciding between that and the V-Rod and got the V-rod.....
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
gunnysgt said:
The BMW "oilhead" twin cyl. "Boxer" motor the RTs have will not be as smooth as a water cooled four cyl K bike. I also owned a R1200C oilhead Cruiser BMW which is now extinct. I have also owned a Valkyrie. Sold it last year to a fellow cop. I traded my ElectraGlide in on this VRod. One thing I have to say for BMW's in general is the handling and safety features they add. That ABS braking system is awesome. I had an idiot do the left turn thing directly in front of me in Baltimore last year at 45mph. That big K1200Lt stopped in an amazingly short distance with no skid, hop, dive or anything negative. I'm sure none of my 8 different harley's I've owned would have done it. Having owned about 18 motorcycles, I've come to appreciate all of them for their unique features.
Click to expand...
I found a 93 k1100lt with 11k original miles. Asking is $5500 and it is supposedly in MINT condition (its in california and Im in Chicago). Maybe I found me what I been looking for
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
After searching for a few weeks I found an 02 BMW R1100RT, 7500miles, top and side cases, glacier green metallic, $8100. I decided to pull the trigger after much prodding from my wife (its her favorite BMW in her favorite color). So now Il soon have two in the garage. Its funny four years ago when I traded in my BMW for my first Harley (Chicago BMW and Chicago HD are owned by the same guy right next door to each other) the BMW salesman just smiled, thanked me for the business and stated "You'll be back". I guess he was right as I always loved their bikes.

I want to thank everybody for all their input and opinions, The RT definately fits the way I like to tour. I like to go a long way before I hafta stop, due to fuel or comfort concerns and I prefer to ride at high speeds when escaping Illinois (state motto: were, long, flat and always under construction). Im keepin my vrscb as it never fails to make me smile.
 
#36 ·
Congrats lets see it!
 
Discussion starter · #38 ·
diomedes said:
Nice choice the R1100RT is an awesome sport touring ride. I have been looking at those myself... now I'm jealous! :) Enjoy!
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I got the bike from San Jose BMW and shipping is being arranged as we speak. Im told it can take up to 14 days using a motorcycle transport service. (I debated flyin out to San Jose and riding back, but I dont have the time on the books at work). Il try and post pictures when I get the bike, (Ive never done that before), otherwise if you wanna see the bike just got to San Jose BMW's website and check under pre-owned bikes. They have a good selection, at good prices

T
 
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