Its Summer! Lets talk motorcycles.

[JavaBrewer]

So the weather just keeps getting better. I've been riding the S3 for nearly 10K miles now and though it's been a great relationship I'm ready to make a move to something with a more sporting slant that can still work as a commuter ride. I am very interested in a couple track days this year though those will have to fly under the wife radar as *group* rides...

To further placate I'll need to move the S3 before buying anything so until that happens I have time to ponder the choices. My requirements are something unique, reliable, and fun to ride, and that it's a cash ($9K or less) deal.

Breaking my first requirement I test rode a used 2005 ZX-10 cause...the dealer offered As I expected the bike was glass smooth, easy to ride, and somewhat docile under 6K RPM. I explored 6K+ once and true to the hype the experience was startling. I really enjoy the fat torquey powerband of my S3 and want to stay in that arena where the ZX was (for me) a probable disaster in the making.

Another bike I've really want to consider is the BMW R1100 BCR.



I have not ridden one yet but have emailed with a very nice guy over on the R1100 forum that might be selling his. My concerns for that bike are weight and possible lack of steam (compared to my S3), and $$. Even used they are pricey. The new R1200S looks incredible but again the entry $$ is way over my modest budget.

Next demo ride was on my leading contender, a 2003 RC51. Bike was all stock and had mega miles. Loved the twin, more vibes than my triple, but very heady pull from bottom to top. Again easy to ride and I loved the seating postion. Compared to my S3 the bike felt narrow and I felt like I was sitting on the tip of a dart. I have located several candidates, all 2004 with low miles (<8K), and desireable upgrades (Sato, PC3), for ~ $4K less than a new 05 w/o upgrades.



I do like the dark paint scheme of the 05's though probably not enough to justify the $ increase.



So, anyone out there have experience with the RC51 and care to share their thoughts? I like the fact that it's a twin, looks sweet, has liveable ergos (very similar to my S3) and seems to be a reliable ride. Cons are it's heavy (for a late model sportbike) and has potential issues with cooling which might be a factor for me during the warmer summer months on I-15 in SoCal.

[motion]

David,

The RC51 sounds like the best bike for what you're looking for. I doubt the bike will be subject to overheating; these things are dialed these days. Its a great bike for the money!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Local stealership near me has a couple of leftover RC51s from '03 all the way through '05. Nice bike, I keep going back and thinking about picking one up. Then I realize (a) I call them a "stealership" for a reason and (b) I have enough toys for the time being!

[nostatic]

Yeah, lots of used S3s out there, and the higher miles doesn't help. It'll have to be a bargain price to sell probably. I got $4750 for my Speed Four, but it had 8500 miles and a year of warranty left.

Don't know the RC51, but have you considered an Aprilia Falco? Same type of bike, and they are very sweet.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I think the Falco is definitely a notch less "full-on" racebike. I'd put the '03 RC51 in the same category as an '03 Mille. I'd guess the Mille has probably moved ahead, though; I suspect the Honda hasn't been as rigorously updated.

[JavaBrewer]

Actually I haven't seen many used S3's but then I'm only looking on Craigs and Cycle Trader. I'm currently asking $200 less than I paid for it 10K miles & 1 year ago. I can be $$$ flexible for sure but when I see all the other stuff out there asking $3500+ I don't want to give it away either. That said it's standing in the way of my goals right now so I'm not going to haggle over a couple hundred.

Aprilia - not seriously, no. I sat on one way back when I was shopping for the S3. There is a new shop in Escondido, actually the shop in Oceanside moved there, Duc, Aprilia, etc.. toy store. What I really like about the RC51 is the known reliability, parts, service, and general support where the Aprilia... Sure the RC is a rice bike but it's unique enough to stand out - especially with the Sato exhausts barking out. Like I said I've probably got another couple weeks (hopefully max) to look around and the Aprilia deserves another look.

[David]

I've got an R1100S. I've always liked the BMW's but I've alway been a jap bike rider. When I tore my 930 apart, I bought the BMW so I'd have something fast to play with. I almost sold it a while back to get a Suzuki SV1000, but after looking at the Suzuki I realized the BMW is nice piece. OK, so it vibrates, shifts rough, and surges, but I can't see changing to the Suzuki. Maybe the RC51 is better, but with so many of my friends and co-workers on Harley's (I'll pass on a Harley, thanks) I don't worry about pulling up with them on my R1100. Now Ducati, that's another story. If I don't finish my 930 soon, I'm may end up with a Ducati in the garage.

[Noah930]

No FHE with the RC51. But, ironically, I spent some time talking to a riding buddy about it this past weekend at the Loudon races. He complained that the seating position was pretty brutal--particularly the upholstered cinder block of a seat. That was perhaps his biggest complaint. A great bike, but he didn't miss riding it, he said. And for $10K (new), it was a deal. He's since moved on to Ducati's (had a 998 Bostrom, and now a 999R). He said somewhat similar things about the 998, but he's in loved with the 999 right now. Of course, if you're comfortable on the RC51, then ignore everything I just posted. They sound GREAT!

[JavaBrewer]

I guess it's those thousands of miles pedaling with a skinny leather saddle cause motorcycle seats, even my S3 and the RC, feel pretty *plush* to me

[nostatic]

SInce you've got an Aprilia dealer close (the one in Escondido is good...at least they were when they were in Oceanside) you should consider one. I know there was a Falco down in SD for sale for some time at about $5K. Parts availability has improved tremendously since the buyout, and the new Tuono and Mille are beautiful (to me at least). And even the old Tuono made my Duc feel like a lawnmower. If you want full sport bike find a used RSV Mille.

[1967 R50/2]

The R1100S works real well as a commuter ride. I use it all the time. However, I note several times you talk about $$ and budget. Bear in mind the R1100S is a BMW, and anything wearing the Roundel ain't going to be cheap to own or maintain. Reliable, yes. But when it does break or needs maintenance it will cost you.

If you are really concerned about costs, Honda or another japanese make is the only way to go. However an RC51 as a commuter? I am a bit dubious of that. A nice track tool to be sure, but can you put bags on it? How comfortable are you going to be when you are in slow traffic or going light to light? As you probably know, nothing sucks worse than riding a fast bike slow.

An RC51 also isn't all that unique. You mentioned that was important. At least I don't think it is. Your S3 has way more character and seems to me fits the bill of what you want much better.

[Steve Carlton]

Tuono = crack. Try one. Unbelievable...

[krichard]

sport bikes are cool and all but how about something a little different that handles like a beast? I bought this Husqvarna supermoto a couple months ago and love it:

[JavaBrewer]

As much as it sounds I'm not sold on the RC51.

My S3 is a great bike, I wish I could keep it, but for more sporting adventures in East county it's not cutting the mustard. With its rather tired and lame suspension track days are totally out. Sure I could drop some bucks on updates there but I'm also ready for a different ride.

I never rode a 'comfortable' bike so to me the RC and my S3 are not that bad. Initial feedback is that the RC offers more wind protection at highway speeds than my S3. Both offer a stiff ride. The only luggage needs I for see at this point is a 2-3 day tail bag which I am sure I could fit on nearly any bike. Years of being a road warrior (airline) taught me to pack very light. I can live out of a carry on roller bag for 8 days.

Sure sounds like I'm trying to talk this into a RC only conclusion but I'm not.

I stopped by the Escondido dealer on the way home today. Sat on the 07 (guys says they didn't ship 06's??) Mille and Tuono. Like the Beemer bikes the new prices are in the stratosphere but they are indeed beautifully put together. I'll send an inquiry to two local used bikes on Craigs list, an 01 Mille with 10K miles and a 02 Mille R with 8K miles.01 Mille 02 Mille R

The Mille seems very similar to the RC51 - both in ergos and engine. I am interested in the differences while riding.

[nostatic]

Both of those bikes have been on CL for quite some time (more than a month...I think the blue one even longer). There were some changes in the model years but I can't remember the details. This is the place for info though:

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

Be careful though...once you ride an Aprilia odds are you won't want a Japanese bike...

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by krichard
sport bikes are cool and all but how about something a little different that handles like a beast? I bought this Husqvarna supermoto a couple months ago and love it:

. I love the old Huskys (huge when I was riding enduros) but if/when I go supermotard it will be a CRF450 version. Your bike looks very sweet though.

[kmhemi]

I have a Buell 1200 and I love it. It's not smooth like a BMW or some of the others. It does attract alot of attention though.
I love HD engines.

[fastpat]

Lots of nice bikes, I particularly like the RC51, but the latest machine to capture my fancy is the '06 Yamaha YZF-R6.


It's those titanium valves and 17.5k redline that does it. Of course, the 130 hp helps too. All from 600cc.

[NICKG]

I would suggest a ducati...get a monster, they are fun, light and have great value in them. for what the newer Jap bikes cost, you can get a new duc with no problems. I have a 1000ss/ds and it is remarkable honestly. the power is great (not a huge hp bike like the RC51, which I also was looking at) the maintenece is not bad on the 2v duc at all. I am getting a monster this week in addition to the ss as I am completely convinced on Ducati...they are just the cat's ass

[herman maire]

I love BMW and there cool boxer motor.....
I dont care how capable the jap bikes are they just have no emotional connection
for me, I am kinda stupid that way.

This probably sounds dumb but I would look forward to changing oil, filters ect.. on the bimmer. On the jap bike.... I just dont care.




Next stop is italy for a Duc. If for some reason the bimmer cant cut it... Hands down get a Duc.