Why BMW?

[ipokebadgers]

+1 on what everybody said...

I started on a HD 30+ years ago. Knew pretty quickly it wasn't for me. Rode a KZ1000 and liked it but always liked the looks of BMW, just couldn't afford one. And then I got my used 78 R100S. I haven't strayed from the brand since then. I think character is the best answer for me. I am not saying another brand couldn't draw my attention but after three BMWs it would have to have a lot of character.

Sean

[nephets]

I'm 58, I wanted one last decent bike.

I rode the FS800. Then I rode the R1200R. Both much more expensive that I had ever considered "wasting" on a motorbike. The Japanese dealers had really some nice stuff: V-Strom and Versys, at around half the price. But none offered test rides. What to do?

The wife said "to hell with it, just get what you really want". So I did - a R1200R Black with pinstripe. Best decision I ever made, Period!

I'll ride it as long as it puts a smile on my face. I'm expecting one day, way in the future, to be in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest smile.

Steve.

[AncientMariner]

I was very happy riding my '95 K 75 with its 81,000 miles. It is as smooth as silk and plenty powerful enough for an Ancient guy like me.

One day I went to a distant BMW dealer to pick up a new Arai helmet. He happened to have a lowered Black R1200 R in the showroom. When I aked if I might sit on it, they offered me a test ride. In less than a mile, I knew I would have to get an R1200 R. Returning to my local dealer, I ordered a standard height bike in Biaritz Blue. I loved that bike but, at 6,000 miles, it suffered an edge trap disaster and was totaled.

As soon as I received my insurance settlement, I replaced it with a factory lowered Black one, as fate had determined in the first place.

All three bikes are/were great, but right now that Black one is my favorite.

Bruce

[snag]

I've been back on bikes for 15 years. Started with a 1984 GS1150EF, promised myself a Copper '99 Hayabusa if I could find one, found one, rode it. Then restored a '74 CB750, bought a restored '79 CBX and wondered why I kind of wanted to sell them all as they were simply taking up room in the garage. I finally realized that I wasn't happy because I couldn't do much more than go for a ride. I wanted to go riding, get on the bike and go somewhere different, explore. Also thought that the Hayabusa would cost me my license or worse. So sold the Hayabusa and bought the R1200R.

Above all, I wanted comfort, reliability and long legs. The bonus with the R1200R is that I can take off the bags and swap windshields in about 5 minutes and I have a great city bike. Best of both worlds. A two wheeled Swiss Army Knife.

I too, look at the R1200R as my last bike. At 58, I figure I have about 15 years of riding left and the R1200R should go the distance easily.

Doug

[Lep]

Hello everybody, this is my first post here.

I always loved the look and sound of boxer engined BMWs but like others here I couldn't afford one. In 2005 I bought an F650GS and a few weeks ago, after 5 trouble free years I bought an '09 R1200R SE. In Biarritz Blue this is a beautiful machine and the low centre of gravity of the R1200R makes it as easy to ride as the F650. The build quality (that I can see) is excellent and I hope the R1200 series teething problems are now in the past. This could be a long term keeper.

Now then nephets and snag.

You two need to re-calibrate (smilie here if I knew how!). At 68 I'm 10 years older than you two and I reckon I should have another 10 years or so riding left in me. From observing my friends I know riding gets very hard once you pass 80 and only two of them are still riding at 85 but mid to late 70s ought to be achievable for most of us.


Lep

[snag]

Lep,

Duly chastised! Oh, and welcome, it's a great board.

Doug