I was looking for a bike to replace my VFR and the Rockster, R1150R and the K1200R are the three bikes from BMW that look like they may be a good fit for me.
For the last few years I was riding a VFR and a Monster. I sold the Monster for a ST1300 and love the ST. Great all around bike. However, the main reason I had a 2nd bike was to have a bike available for friends and family to ride and for that I would like a bike much lighter than the ST.
The main reason I sold the VFR and Monster were because the pegs were too high and tight and a bit too much weight on the wrist, even with bar risers or higher clip on's.
The K1200R is probably out of the question even if it was comfortable enough due to cost and the sheer power is too much for some of those who could be riding it.
BMW dealers are scarce here and the one that is withing 45 minutes has very limited inventory.
Any feedback you guys can offer about the comfort of the Rockster, R1150R or K1200R would be very helpful. Coming from a VFR and Monster that were not comfortable enough for me, I would like to find something with similiar characteristics, but more comfortable.
I'd have thought something like a Suzuki SV650 or Kawasaki ER6F (or similar) would be far better suited to occasional usage by people who don't know the bike very well.
BMW's are far heavier than these middleweights and are rather quirky for people who don't use them regularly.
If I had to pick between the 3, I would pick the r1150r. The riding position would be a little more relaxed.
Like Riceburner said, a 600cc Jap bike would probably fit the bill. Cheaper, lighter, and still has enough power to hang around.
FZ6 is another choice.
You might want to look at the R1150RS which has a more upright and lower peg position. For guest riders this would be a much better bet than any of the K's.
the k1200r is too evil for occasional use. I had one on loan for 1 day while getting the rockster serviced. Needless to say due to near freezing temperature and potential for ice on the roads (it was March) I decided NOT to go anywhere with the 160 odd BHP available on the rear wheel.
duke wrote:the k1200r is too evil for occasional use. I had one on loan for 1 day while getting the rockster serviced. Needless to say due to near freezing temperature and potential for ice on the roads (it was March) I decided NOT to go anywhere with the 160 odd BHP available on the rear wheel.
heh... heh... heh....
Bry
I work so much to afford the toys I don't have time to use!
heh... heh... heh....