There was never any question about staying with BMW. Never even thought about it anything else. And I was pretty much sold on Boxers. I gave the F800ST some consideration and even found one in Atlanta, only about three hours away. But when the place told me I wouldn't be given the luxury of a test ride, my interest dried up. That's an expensive mistake I can't afford to take a chance on. So I kept looking and found a lovely '04 R1150RS about seven hours away. That's a long drive for a bike I've never ridden. I was really debating driving over to Greenville, SC when an '02R1150RT with 17K miles popped up in Chattanooga at Pandora. That's less than 2 hours away and I'd ridden an RT and knew it was quiet.
So I drove over there and it was gorgeous. Three piece luggage practically never used. ABS. Heated Grips. Little chrome covers on the brake and clutch master cylinders. Brand new Avon tires. (Don't know much about them but the reviews are good.) The only flaw was a scuff on the right rear brake-light housing and the right mirror, like it had been dropped. But they weren't crushes and there were no other marks anywhere on the fairing, etc. It looked more like something had scraped against it. It started up cold perfectly and idled real nice. Checked the final drive and it was smooth as silk. The test ride was sublime. Naturally, I bought it an rode it home in 40 degree weather.
After a week, I LOVE the RT. Except for the fact that I can't flat-foot the bike, I am absolutely satisfied. The only place I don't like it as much is in the driveway. It is a little heavier to move around and I'm more on my tiptoes. On the road, it feels more stable thanks to the fixed fairing, and for me it handles every bit as good as the R, if not better. Again, for me. Maybe it's just the lack of the noise that is giving me more confidence, but I do think I made the right choice. I will probably go with some Ohlins or Wilburs and have them lowered an inch. If that isn't enough, I'll get a low Sargent seat. I've heard that's the solution. Speaking of which, did these bikes come stock with Showa shocks?
So there it is, I joined the ranks of the old men hiding behind the massive fairings. Sadly, it means I have to sell my R1150R. I will always have really fine memories of that bike, especially when it is quiet and I can hear my ears ringing! If anyone is interested, it's a very nice Dakar Yellow and Ferro '02 with heated grips, ABS, luggage, throttle meister, Wunderlich Touring handlebars, Aeroflow TankWings, and the quietest windshield not made. I will also be selling separately a rear-seat cover, and an extremely robust, solid metal, rear rack by BestRest. They don't make this one for the R1150R anymore and it's the best one I've seen anywhere.
I still plan to contribute to this site mechanically, as the R and RT share a lot of commonality so I'm not disappearing, just preserving my hearing. BTW, my son and I went for a ride today, me on the RT and he on the R (he's 19 and a very good rider) and he said it was extremely quiet. Oh well, I guess it really is just me.
John
Steeds In The Stable...
