I see the GS and RT threads but no R. How about it? Who's got the R, the most underrated (or unpopular) BMW bike, yet the most versatile? And why do you ride the R? I'll start. I ride the R because it's the best in BMW line up. Yes, I said it.
Never had a GS. Had 2 RT's (1150 & 1200) but never connected with them. Not to say I didn't enjoyed them while I had them, but they were short lived. Recently acquired a 12R and experiencing instant bonding...
I have a R1150R Rockster. The ONLY new bike I've ever bought new, love it so much, Over 50k miles. Riden it to several states AND to the job everyday (when I'm not out of state), in the rain and shine. Friend has a r1150r and he also takes it to work EVERYDAY as well. I have out raced MUCH faster bikes on the twistes, out performed GS and other Dual sports off road, and out run many "cruisers" on the open road. That being said, REALLY like the r1200, but since I'll never trade or give up my Rockster, guess that leaves more r1200's for everyone else. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigote/7708446276/" title="BMW by El Bigote, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7708446276_c15bd58294_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="BMW"></a>
Though I don't own one, I am of the opinion that this is easily one of the best looking new bikes out there. It's definitely my favorite BMW.
12R's are pretty hard to come by. Not many dealers have them in stock. I found mine last week in Texas last week. Had the owner meet me half way in Tenessee. We did a swap with my 12RT. Rode R back in 32 degree temp on a 500 mile journey back home in 9 hours. I would've been grinning all the way if I wasn't freezing my balls off...
I had a R12R. Put a Scout fairing on it. After customizing the mounting and tweaking the height and position...it was perfect smooth airflow on chest and head, and lots of wind everywhere else. The perfect combo, IMO. I sold it, then regretted it. The guy that bought it was considering selling it so I went a rode it again. It's a really nice bike, but a bit bigger than what I want for everyday riding. Here's a trip I took...
Fun topic here guys and gals, I to have the ****R bike crush. Had a 04 1150R,,enjoyed it,fun to ride! had it for 2 yrs,,,wanted to try a 650 Vstrom, great bike, enjoyed it for 4 yrs, just Sold a '05 1150RT after only owning it for a short time period... The RT wasn't what I had hoped it to be,, a better version of the 04 1150R, I didn't think it was.. Just not as much fun to ride,,,,,.. Just starting to look for a 1200R or maybe another 1150R,,, would love to hear any comments from owners who have ridden both 1150R and 1200R,, guessing the 1200R is a significant upgrade from the 1150R?
PHP: It's a really nice bike, but a bit bigger than what I want for everyday riding. Agreed. I ride my bike to work, but if I'm "Having Fun" in the CITY (you're from Nor-cal, so you know which city I refer to), it's all about a smaller bike, in my case (as you can see under my signature, more cc's, but SO much smaller!) However, for YEARS it was always the Rockster, and no lie, they do GREAT jumping up/down curbs and hitting ALL the massive potholes in the streets.
I have the CBR250R now as my urban and weekend fun-ride bike. Perfect going into The City; perfect for half-day jaunts out through the Delta and Lake Berryessa and Napa... But my "trip" bike is under construction and should be ready by spring...
I've heard some good things about the little Honda CBR. Does it pull (I mean the torque) as good as they say from that little motor?
Everyone who's ridden both says so. So much improvement, they say. I cannot confirm it as I have not ridden 1150R, but I can confirm 12R is the best one I've had so far. Feels as light as Ducati GT1000, pulls like it too but fuel delivery, handling and braking are far superior. Plus much comfy riding posture and easy DIY maintenance.