R1100S and Buell xb12 vs. R1200S

[SamYule]

Howdy-

I've got the R1100S that was hit by the UPS truck and after a long and frustrating struggle with the dealer, adjuster and insurance co. have reached a decent settlement for the damage. The full story is too long and painful to recall, but basically the bike was deemed totaled by the adjuster, when in fact the damage will really only cost about 2K to fix. I was able to work out a $6500 settlement and keep the bike. (which from what I understand can keep a clear title)

My question is:

Should I keep the R1100S, have it repaired and buy a second bike- considering a buell xb12-

or use the add'l $$ toward a trade in for an R1200S ?

I've got MAX BMW where the bike is in for repair scouting out a possible R12-
But have read so many cool things about the buell.. I think the end dollar amounts would be about the same- but one bike vs. two? and my '99 R11 has almost 40K, and could start to have some problems? Though I do love the bike and have lot's of aftermarket goodies-

Thoughts?

[BMWSaint]

1 bike is never enough!

So do fix the S & use the $3-4K to pick up a used Buell (these are an amazing buy). I recommend the upright S over the R. You will have great fun riding it & you'll have lots of money left over for gas! ;-)

[Guest24]

There are a few GREAT R12S's on the market FSBO. Get the insurance to let you remove the aftermarket farkles that they prolly don't include in the adjustment, sell them to the pellicans, take the money and forget the middle man Max. You'll get a better return on the investment.

[ckcarr]

This discussion comes up from time to time.

When you say $2,000 to fix, is that Max BMW's total estimate (labor too)? Or just a parts estimate for you doing the work yourself?

And what would the trade-in value be for the 1200s, bearing in mind that you would then still owe about $8-10K more?

Personally, if they fix it 100% for $2K I'd either just pocket the money and maybe start looking for a second bike.

The Buell would definitely be interesting, I hear they corner like on rails. But it's also going to be a sprinter I'd suspect. Hey, maybe a dual-sport...

[bill pierce]

If you like the r12s here is your chance to get one.

But really were you in love with the 11? I have been watching real good low mileage 11s go for 6k.

Personally I am with Craig. I would fix it.

[Guest24]

Bill, how do you expect Rapid to re-farkle his 11S if you keep talking people into keeping and repairing their bike. Just kidding

[sdaddy]

If it were me, I would fix it and sell it and use the roughly $10K ($4K remaining from the insurance $ + proceeds of the sale) to buy an R1200S. Until a couple of months ago, I had an '04 R1100S and thought that the R1200S wasn't "that much different". Well, it is!! I now have one and can tell you that the R1200S is better in every way.

[AndrewA]

Do you have any interest in selling the bike as-is? If so, I might be interested.

[lymanwhite]

I'm with sdaddy, although I never owned or rode an 1100. Basically, evolution of the species. And my R12S is a really good ride.
As to the Buell, I'm way into HD, but would have to think hard about a Buell.
They run hot. How hot? Hot enough that when you test ride it, in say 85 - 90 deg weather... or 20 guys test ride Buells, like I did at the HD test ride last year at Sturgis... all of the Buells had their fans running constantly!
Stock HD's don't have fans, so you can draw your conclusions.
I think one of the reasons behind the liquid cooled 1125 is that the HD airhead configuration is pretty maxed for power, and so generates lots of heat.

[wswartzwel]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Do you have any interest in selling the bike as-is? If so, I might be interested.

I wondered how long you would last without an "S"

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

I wondered how long you would last without an "S"

Na...I'm just looking for a Winter project.

Even though the GS and I are still just getting to know each other, I'm starting to think that it's the best road bike I've ever ridden, and I've yet to try it off-road for any length of time - so there's an entire aspect of this bike that's yet to be discovered (hope to take it camping in VT in Sept).

The only way I'm getting another S is if someone wanted to trade a R1200S (Black, with Ohlins) for my GS.

[wswartzwel]

You ought to hook up with that Andrew guy from ADVrider... He is local to you and seems like quite the adventurer.

[Dr. Curve]

R12S if at all possible. No brainer.

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

You ought to hook up with that Andrew guy from ADVrider... He is local to you and seems like quite the adventurer.

Yes. I know of who you speak... that guy is hardcore nuts. I'm sure I'll run into him once I fully embrace the adventure lifestyle.

[hawkeyejohn14]

I would either buy another 11S, man there are some clean low mile examples with low mileage and turn the old S into a track or rat racer.

My 1st choice for me though would be to go with the lighter 12S for better handling as a solo bike you don't need a lot of luggage space. Some great deals on the 12S as well.

[slowrider]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Yes. I know of who you speak... that guy is hardcore nuts. I'm sure I'll run into him once I fully embrace the adventure lifestyle.

We can ease into this ADV style gently...e.g. dirt roads and campsites with bathrooms first

[Steve Carlton]

My guess is $2K would be SamYule's cost to fix the bike himself, and I don't know how perfect it would be. I'd compare what he could get for the bike fixed (factor in the hassle) vs as-is vs selling off the farkles, etc.

I agree with Curve- get an R1200S (used, with Ohlins). A lot more versatile with desirable factory options, such as ABS, heated grips, luggage, etc. I almost got the new Tuono, but those features kept me in the BMW camp, plus the wind protection. That said, ride the bikes you're thinking you'd like to have. There's no substitute for getting the one that lights your candle.

[hawkeyejohn14]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

My guess is $2K would be SamYule's cost to fix the bike himself, and I don't know how perfect it would be. I'd compare what he could get for the bike fixed (factor in the hassle) vs as-is vs selling off the farkles, etc.

I agree with Curve- get an R1200S (used, with Ohlins). A lot more versatile with desirable factory options, such as ABS, heated grips, luggage, etc. I almost got the new Tuono, but those features kept me in the BMW camp, plus the wind protection. That said, ride the bikes you're thinking you'd like to have. There's no substitute for getting the one that lights your candle.

+1 or 5 whatever, I totally agree with Curve and Steve, especially about it lighting your candle as opposed to what lights others.

The S is that bike for me but so was my RT and I received more compliments on both bikes especially from non-riders. They really think teh S must be a super sport with the looks and all.

[Guest24]

jc, I'm with all y'all also. Get the bike that is a joy to ride for you not what others say is good, bad or ugly. Taste is what it's about.

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by SamYule

Howdy-

....when in fact the damage will really only cost about 2K to fix.

Thoughts?

How did you come up with that estimate? Is is from Max? If so, you could probably fix it for less than half.

Also, be really careful about the title status. I've never seen a MA insurance company total a bike and not mandate a Salvage Title.

If it does get a salvage title, you're gonna be in a world of pain trying to get it retitled. damhik.

If its a clear title, you should fix it, then decide whether you want to trade it or sell it.

Contact me off line if you'd like. I've resurrected two S's before (both with salvage MA titles).