Should I get back in?

[Ancon]

First post...Had an 04 R1150R that I bought new and for some reason, decided to sell it in '07. Now I want back in--have been scouring Craigslist and Ebay for the right R1150R. I currently own an 01 Honda VFR which is one heck of a nice bike--good engine, good ergos--but it's a little too much for me. I always feel 'locked and loaded' when I'm riding--feel like I'm doing it a disservice if I'm not at full throttle & full lean even when I'm just commuting to work

Anywho, have any of you 1150R owners come directly from a VFR? Will I miss that smooth, powerful V-four engine? I can't exactly remember the feel of my R from 2007. I want a bike that's a little more comfortable and a little more conservative--actually want to be able to ride to appointments at clients' houses (I'm an insurance agent)--seems people are a little turned off when I pull in their driveway on my screaming red sportbike.

I mainly want a comfortable commuter that can do the occasional weekend getaway and the spirited twisties on Sunday.

Any input would be appreciated.

[curtis]

Well I guess I will chime in with my 2 pence, though I may not be qualified to offer substantial advice.
I recently bought my 1150r and the decision/choice of what bike to get came down to it and a VFR(pre vtec model). I chose the BMW for several reasons, much of what you hit on regarding riding style.
It seems to me you have already answered your own question, and the 1150r is the clear choice.

RC

[RedRyder]

appears that Ron has given you more evidence that the R is a good choice for you. Maybe I can add a few more points. I bought a brand new '07 red/white/blue Viffer while owning an '02 R bike. I thought I needed more pizzazz in my life. The VFR is a truly fine machine and I don't want to get into whether the VTEC ruined it or not. Remember this is the same engine, frame, etc. that Nicky Hayden rode to world championships and many other racers were using it with success. 800 cc and it will do over 150 mph. Makes you smile and pucker at the same time. Problem for me was that all I wanted to do when I was riding it was choke the throttle and listen to it roar. I had the Staintune pipes and it sounded like an italian sports car. pretty f....in amazing. I sold it because of the speed issue and...... the R was just more comfortable, had better luggage and rack, comfort for passenger, multiple tie down points for carrying camping gear, shaft drive and that amazing telelever front end which make it a fantastic cornering machine. Do I miss the VFR? sure, but I miss all my bikes that I have bought and sold over the years.

[Ancon]

Thanks fellers.

Yeah, re-read my post. Looks like I already have myself talked into moving back to the R.

Anyone live near Nashville TN?? --there's a decent looking one on C-list (about 6 hours away from me).

Seems like a good forum here. Already have 1 post and haven't been flamed yet

[angellr]

Thanks fellers.

Yeah, re-read my post. Looks like I already have myself talked into moving back to the R.

Anyone live near Nashville TN?? --there's a decent looking one on C-list (about 6 hours away from me).

Seems like a good forum here. Already have 1 post and haven't been flamed yet

Wait for a few more posts ... we are just trying to determine if friend/foe?! Welcome.

[budH]

I'm fortunate enough to own both.

Purchased my '02 R1150R new (just 57K currently) and found a great used and unmolested '98 VFR800FI (24K) a few years ago. Love the power delivery of the Interceptor's V4 but I also absolutely love my 1150R's boxer motor. The boxer has plenty of low end grunt and I can't say I've ever really wished it had more power. Now that I'm 50, I find the BMW is more comfortable and better suited to sport touring. I've added system cases, Ohlins, touring screen, and a bunch of other accessories over the years. As is expected, the Interceptor responds quicker in every way. It's just a bit more highly strung and has a somewhat narrower focus. Seems to encourage a brisker pace.

As I said, I'm fortunate to have several motorcycles (also own an '84 VF1000F from new, an '08 Yamaha WR250R dual sport, and '94 Mazda Miata). Multiple choices serves to keep the miles down a bit on each (I did 10K per year on the BMW for the first few years.) Forced at gunpoint to keep just one of them, I'd unquestionably keep my 1150R. It's just more versatile. Twisty back roads (Tail of the Dragon), motorcycle camping (PA, VT, NC, WV), dirt roads, slab (when absolutely necessary) errands involving hauling purchases, 2-up (those rare occasions when wife doesn't ride her Piaggio MP3) - my 1150R Roadster does it all. It’s also significantly easier to work on (shaft vs. chain, 8 valves vs. 16, naked vs. faired).

That being said, I've been seriously considering adding a new K1600GT to my small fleet for the really long rides...