New bike advice please!
Discussion
I currently ride a BMW R1200GS and although I'm very happy with it, I want something a bit more exciting. The only slight problem is that my knees aren't in great condition, and I can't even sit on a CBR600RR without them locking up...
I had a long test ride on a BMW R1200S on friday, and it was exactly what I'm looking for - fast enough, handles well, looks good. But it seems a bit expensive compared to most other similar bikes (£9500 with some extras and a small discount).
So what do you recommend for a chunky 6'1" bloke with dodgy knees? The bike will be used for occasional spring/summer/autumn commuting (35 miles each way into london), weekend riding and one trip a year to Wales. Previous bikes include SV650S, Ducati Multistrada and BMW R1200GS. Insurance not really a problem with 2 years NCB at 34 years old.
I'd love a RSV factory, even more expensive though... Some people have suggested a 1 or 2 year old R1 as a good buy and actually comfortable - any opinions?
Thanks for your help.
I had a long test ride on a BMW R1200S on friday, and it was exactly what I'm looking for - fast enough, handles well, looks good. But it seems a bit expensive compared to most other similar bikes (£9500 with some extras and a small discount).
So what do you recommend for a chunky 6'1" bloke with dodgy knees? The bike will be used for occasional spring/summer/autumn commuting (35 miles each way into london), weekend riding and one trip a year to Wales. Previous bikes include SV650S, Ducati Multistrada and BMW R1200GS. Insurance not really a problem with 2 years NCB at 34 years old.
I'd love a RSV factory, even more expensive though... Some people have suggested a 1 or 2 year old R1 as a good buy and actually comfortable - any opinions?
Thanks for your help.
Hi - Now don't laugh
With your intended useage - and dodgy knees there is only one real solution - a big fat lardy assed burger!
In other words a Burgman 650 (preferably and Exec model).
This twin cylinder 650 with electronically controlled CVT is a twist and go machine with a difference. Performance wise (considering the cubes) you will neither be dissapointed or disgraced and because of its inherent motorcycle like engine in frame (unlike traditional swinging bouncing everything scooters) this one will remain planted in the twisties.
From both a commuting and touring perspective it has the legs, comfort and storage to offer real convenience and capability. For someone with dodgy kness the ability to be freed from the tyranny of the pegs is wonderful and you can adopt a range of riding styles to ease the pressure on your backside and your creaky joints.
How do I know? Well of course I use one year round (except if ice is forecast) so normally 11 months of the year it is in constant use. I also tour and with the 52 lire storage under the seat (read two full face helmets+) and a 52 Givi topbox it is really useful - it is kitted out with autocomm and GPS so can support a lengthy and complex tour.
Do not be prejudiced by conventional thinking, this 'twist and go' machine allows you the freedom to keep on riding with real style. If you really want a back pocket full of speeding tickets it will achieve that easily too and will accelerate to a true 100mph with ease (and no clutch/pedal work!
My next modification - currently condsidering anyway is -----cruise control! :-)
With your intended useage - and dodgy knees there is only one real solution - a big fat lardy assed burger!
In other words a Burgman 650 (preferably and Exec model).
This twin cylinder 650 with electronically controlled CVT is a twist and go machine with a difference. Performance wise (considering the cubes) you will neither be dissapointed or disgraced and because of its inherent motorcycle like engine in frame (unlike traditional swinging bouncing everything scooters) this one will remain planted in the twisties.
From both a commuting and touring perspective it has the legs, comfort and storage to offer real convenience and capability. For someone with dodgy kness the ability to be freed from the tyranny of the pegs is wonderful and you can adopt a range of riding styles to ease the pressure on your backside and your creaky joints.
How do I know? Well of course I use one year round (except if ice is forecast) so normally 11 months of the year it is in constant use. I also tour and with the 52 lire storage under the seat (read two full face helmets+) and a 52 Givi topbox it is really useful - it is kitted out with autocomm and GPS so can support a lengthy and complex tour.
Do not be prejudiced by conventional thinking, this 'twist and go' machine allows you the freedom to keep on riding with real style. If you really want a back pocket full of speeding tickets it will achieve that easily too and will accelerate to a true 100mph with ease (and no clutch/pedal work!
My next modification - currently condsidering anyway is -----cruise control! :-)
I think you've answered your question in your opening post - BMW. It would seem to suit you so just work on decreasing the cost. Look for nearly new bikes with ridiculously low mileages (I do).
If you're looking for more excitement and fancy something different then try an Aprilia Tuono. Basically, an RSV but in a sit-up position. Easy on the knees and crazy as a box of frogs. If you get the Tuono R then it uses the same top-notch Ohlins suspension as the RSV Factory.
Or for a Japanese option, try a Fazer 1000. Again, comfy riding position but BIG power with an R1 engine in it. I had one as a loan bike and by the time I handed it back my arms were stretched.
If you're looking for more excitement and fancy something different then try an Aprilia Tuono. Basically, an RSV but in a sit-up position. Easy on the knees and crazy as a box of frogs. If you get the Tuono R then it uses the same top-notch Ohlins suspension as the RSV Factory.
Or for a Japanese option, try a Fazer 1000. Again, comfy riding position but BIG power with an R1 engine in it. I had one as a loan bike and by the time I handed it back my arms were stretched.
You appear to have been “brought up” on a diet of twins. (Lots of torque and very few revs.) I would strongly advise you have a good test ride of any multi-cylinder bike you fancy, especially the 600cc variants, as they deliver their performance in a very different way and that may not suit the way you ride.
As has been said. I think you may have already answered your own questions with the BMW. While they are dearer than many other bikes on offer, they tend to hold their value pretty well so may not be so expensive over a longer period. If the R1200S is a strong possibility then you may also want to look at the likes of the Triumphs, or some of the bigger Jap sports-tourers such as the Blackbird, the FJR1300 or the ZZR.
As has been said. I think you may have already answered your own questions with the BMW. While they are dearer than many other bikes on offer, they tend to hold their value pretty well so may not be so expensive over a longer period. If the R1200S is a strong possibility then you may also want to look at the likes of the Triumphs, or some of the bigger Jap sports-tourers such as the Blackbird, the FJR1300 or the ZZR.
Your thread has just come at the right time for me.
I've got an R1200GS too and my previous bike was a Multistrada also.
I quite fancy a change and have exactly the same problem as you because I get cramp in my legs when riding for a period of time with my legs compressed.
Even having a look at the new ZZR1400, when I can get to see one in a showroom somewhere.
Have you considered an FJR?
I'm an old git so insurance isn't a problem - and it's a company bike which helps alot too.
Just don't know what to get.
I've got an R1200GS too and my previous bike was a Multistrada also.
I quite fancy a change and have exactly the same problem as you because I get cramp in my legs when riding for a period of time with my legs compressed.
Even having a look at the new ZZR1400, when I can get to see one in a showroom somewhere.
Have you considered an FJR?
I'm an old git so insurance isn't a problem - and it's a company bike which helps alot too.
Just don't know what to get.
Thanks for the replies.
I had a fairly long test ride on a Sprint ST last summer. Although I liked the riding position, engine and handling, I wasn't at all impressed by spongy brakes and poor build quality. I rode a 3 week old one and it already had corrosion, and various electrical problems.
I'm having a test ride on something tonight that I hadn't really considered as a possibility. Doesn't really fit the bill for comfort or commuting, but I may be happy to purchase something else that is really dull for that if the weekend bike is special enough. All will be revealed tomorrow if it goes well (which I think it will)
I had a fairly long test ride on a Sprint ST last summer. Although I liked the riding position, engine and handling, I wasn't at all impressed by spongy brakes and poor build quality. I rode a 3 week old one and it already had corrosion, and various electrical problems.
I'm having a test ride on something tonight that I hadn't really considered as a possibility. Doesn't really fit the bill for comfort or commuting, but I may be happy to purchase something else that is really dull for that if the weekend bike is special enough. All will be revealed tomorrow if it goes well (which I think it will)
Now that's a bike! Well done indeed! clarkey said:
Done the deal on the new bike - a 2004 Ducati 999R.... 
It is actually very comfortable with a very adjustable driving position, and sounds bloody fantastic.
It's not too late to buy the Burghman...... It is actually very comfortable with a very adjustable driving position, and sounds bloody fantastic.
I thought you had an upper budget! The 'R' is a thing of beauty. The carbon fairing panels ...
Carrera2 said:
clarkey said:
I actually may get a Burgman too, but that is another matter....
I didn't say I had an upper limit, I said I didn't think the BMW was very good value at just under £10k. The 999r at £2.5k more than the BMW is far better value for money.
I didn't say I had an upper limit, I said I didn't think the BMW was very good value at just under £10k. The 999r at £2.5k more than the BMW is far better value for money.
I like your style.
If it was me then I'd definitely be buying something boring too, to take the crappy miles.
I'm tempted by something like this for commuting - www.pistonheads.com/sales/83547.htm
I'm quite lucky in my commute - 5 miles on A roads to the M3 (usually rubbish traffic), 8 miles in back traffic on the M3, 7 miles on M3 in no traffic, 7 miles on utter rubbish on A316, then 7 miles on the A205 to Clapham. So there isn't really enough time to get uncomfortable before you have to stop, and something light and easy to handle would be useful filtering. Not exactly comfy though....
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