Going to the dealer this friday to buy my bike

[ripe911]

Hello everyone

I am 33 years old and have been riding for 4 yrs now. I already been through 3 bikes (you could say I get bored easily). My 1st bike was a 06 Yamaha YZF 600R which I put 1500 miles on riding through upstate NY and Northern NJ. I felt I need a tourer afterwards so I got a 07 Honda VFR800 which I put about 4500 miles. I started taking longer trips with a lot of my co-workers who have cruisers so I decided to get a Yamaha V Star 1300. I had this for about 14 months and put on 6000 miles but I felt like something was missing while I take the twisties. I like revving high through the twisties and the cruiser is not cutting it for me. Taking the needle to 8000rpm while making those turns gave me a nice rush. You can't rev high on a cruiser. The VFR satisfied me completely and I wish I had my Honda VFR back but its not wise to buy the same bike again so I did some research on the R 1200 R and decided to check it out.

I will be heading to BMW of Manhattan on Friday to really check it out. I have never sat on it so I am curious. I sat on a Yamaha FZ1 and I felt that it was a bit too high. Is this the same riding position as the FZ1?

Also, what price should be good to take out the door? I don't need much accessories just the basics. Is BMW of Manhattan strict on the pricing? Can I haggle them a bit?

Thanks for the help

[TAG-Caver]

The Fizzer is a great bike, but it didn't have the leg room that the R1200R had. I expanded the leg room on my R12R with a footpeg lowering kit. For longer hauls I think the boxer would have a roomier and more tolerable riding position. Frankly, I don't think you'd go wrong with either model.

Kevin

[deilenberger]

You can probably haggle if they have any leftover '08's. A new '09 doesn't have a lot of haggle room in it, but BMW is doing some special finance deals, so if you're not paying cash, that's worth looking at.

[ryansears]

I just bought my r1200r there about 2 weeks ago. As far as deals go, there is a white one in the showroom that they will give a deal on, but other than that they dont budge much. I wanted black, and they needed to get it from the "inventory" somewhere else. There were only 2 left in their stock. if you are fine with the white, you will get the best deal.

I needed to buy a helmet as well, so i told them if they could give me $500 off i would buy my Arai helmet there, and they were fine with that. Overall, they are very nice and since it seems like you have more experience than i did, you might be able to deal a little bit better than i did. this was my first bike and im sure they knew that because of my enthusiasm.

[ryansears]

oh and there were no more '08s left. According to them, there are barely any '09s left.

[phillyboy]

The VFR satisfied me completely and I wish I had my Honda VFR back but its not wise to buy the same bike again so I did some research on the R 1200 R and decided to check it out.

I wonder about this statement. I think it's very wise to buy the same bike again, if it satisfied you completely. I love my RR- it is a great f**ing bike. But if I had a second bike it would be a VFR 800. What do you really want out of your bike? If touring capability is a higher priority, but you want to have fun in the twisties, too, its hard to beat the RR. If you mostly want to rip the twisties, and that kind of road is easily accessible where you live, but you also want to be able to do the occasional tour, I'd be inclined toward the VFR.

I suspect that you may have already owned the perfect bike for you!

The R1200R is an awesome all-around bike, its hard to go wrong with it. Did I mention how much I love mine? Its true, I love it. But it would be a shame to let some idea about not owning a bike you already have owned stand in the way of riding the bike most suited to your needs. The VFR is also a little cheaper, you can get it with ABS, which I'd recommend. The hard bags are a little smaller, though, as is the gas tank.

So there ya go. My .02

[Josh]

This is my first post to the list. I just bought my 2009 black R1200R at MAX BMW last Friday and have the 600 mile service tomorrow. So far it is everything is had hoped for, no disappointments. Mine had to be ordered from somewhere, no R1200R on the showroom floor, Got the saddlebags, tank bag, and touring windshield (which works just fine for me). See some of you at the MOA rally in Tennessee in a few weeks?

Special thanks to Don E. for help and advice during the purchase process.

Josh

[slow]

my last bike before the r12r was a 2003 vfr -- ala vtec like yours. IMHO if you are a revver, twins won't satisfy you. coming from a fizzer -> V4 now you are looking for a twin, you are stepping down in revs. Blasting through corners at 8k on the VFR seems to float your boat, R12r redlines at 6k(or is it 8k i don't remember) and you are certainly not going to get that vtec kick (however small of a kick some may argue... but it is there) nor howl.

VFR is much more visceral compare to R12r. I like my current ride. the physical position just suits my better than the semi sportiness of the VFR. I am also mostly a "chugger". I got my first traffic ticket in a long time right after I got the VFR. was doing 75 in 2nd gear with out even realizing it. too bad the limit was 45. VFR gets you in trouble wheres on the R12r, you get your self in trouble

VFR also gets at best, 38 mpg wheres I am able to eek out ~48mpg or so on avg for the R12. but, either bike will get your the required 190-200miles per tank for touring needs.

based on your riding style, test that r12r inside out... because it is at least double the cost of the vfr even in the used market. lots of investment to not like it a year down the road.

I am going to get chewed out by the people here... but I think R12r is like a higher rev nimble cruiser.

I like my R12r. But, that V4 is a beauty.

[TonyT607]

BMW Manhattan will deal; my buddy bought a new K12GT from them last year and they knocked about $2K off. While we were there they had 2 x R1200RT's that were MSRP'd at over $18K and were both sold that day for $15.5K.

Ask them about the weekend test ride. Carolyn from there calls me every so often and offers me the keys to a GT for the weekend. Pick it up Saturday morning, return it on Monday.

If you don't have a contact there ask for Carolyn Marosey, you'll recognize her right away. She's very tall. Knows her stuff and looks after customers. Tell her Tony T in NJ sent you; she's been after me for a K1300GT......

Good luck !

[parkec]

Congrats! I am sure you will enjoy your new baby.


Two things to remember.

1. Black is the fastest color.
2. We are here to help you farkle your bike.

[michaelb1]

if you're concerned with price I have two words for you:

Craigs. List.

[vodka]

Good luck with new bike.
BTW re options .I have Remote tyre pressure sensing/Computer/Remote suspension adj/Traction control/ABS and they threw in Chrome exhaust. Really all you need is ABS..its a must. When you go the death grip its the difference between hitting at 80kph or 30kph . Just cant lock the wheels. Traction control ASC has helped a couple of times but cant be sure it stopped me going under. The rest,?? ESA depends on going 2 up often. Chrome can...well get aftermarket later.

[bobw]

VFR, at least pre VTEC are very much alike to my Triumph Sprint in the type of ride experienced, very fun indeed. The R1200 motor is a gem, nothing against earlier r's, but this platform will not leave you lacking in any situation we are discussing here. There will always be "a" road were a FJR, VFR, KS or what have you, will rule the day. There are also those roads that a R1200, Duc MS, KTM SD, etc., will mop their asses with the benefits a great twin offers. A great rider will always be a great rider on any decent machine. It sounds like you are still defining what you want in your bikes. There is nothing wrong with enjoying many types of bikes or going back to the one that calls to your smile button the the most. It's about you enjoying your ride, not what your buddy has. BTW, we have monthy meetings of the "I am a Bikeaholic" support group in my area, you are most welcome to join as you appear to have all the traits.

Cheers