Thinking of getting a BMW cruiser

Leland Pate · 03-19-2006, 06:48 PM

I'm starting the hunt for a new motorcycle.
At first I was looking to get a Vrod but have since decided I don't want to spend $15K on a bike.

I've always loved the BMW R1200C and have spent some time looking around on-line to lear more. It seems I can get a nice 4/5 yr old cruiser with ~6-8K miles for somewhere around $7-9K.

I was wondering if you guys know of a bulletin board similar to PP for BMW bikes. I found one or two but both appear very slow. PP has a BMW board for touring bikes, but nt the cruisers.

Also, I'd love to hear any experiences and/or things to be aware of when shopping for a R1200C.

How cool would it be to take a 911 and a motorcycle to Germany?!

And a few pics for good measure:

speeder · speeder's Garage

I generally love BMW MCs, but those things, I don't know.

Of course you are the one that has to like it, please be careful out there Leland.

Joeaksa · 03-19-2006, 10:01 PM

Lee,

I bought my last BMW here in the states and got the "european delivery" option. Picked it up new in Munich and rode it all over europe then returned it to the BMW dealer in Frankfurt. They then crated it up and sent it by B747 to CONUS while I flew ahead. Picked it up from another BMW dealer stateside and rode it home.

Savings paid for the trip more or less and was a lot of fun.

Personally I am not a fan of the cruisers. Last "fast" bike was the R1100RS and it was a lot of fun.

Not sure I will buy another new bike. When you look at the values they just do not hold up as well as I would like them to.

Nader · 03-19-2006, 10:10 PM

A buddy of mine has one and I rode it all around Chicago. It's slow (for a bike). I never felt fully comfortable, or safe for that matter, with the laid-back seating position.

Mulhollanddose · 03-19-2006, 11:28 PM

I am thinking about that CHP R1200RT?...Love it, ABS brakes, storage, upright postion and nice and comfy...Looks tough!

Joeaksa · 03-19-2006, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Umm, try here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/

-Wayne

Wayne,

He wants a cruiser, not a sport bike. I thought of the Pelican BMW bike forum right away and Leland mentioned the PP forum for sport bikes in his post above but he is looking for input for the cruiser types. Did not think he was that old yet!

Joe A

Mulhollanddose · 03-19-2006, 11:44 PM

This is the cruiser I have been riding for the last five years. Love it, but I just smashed up the front end pretty good and I would like something a little safer.

Mulhollanddose · 03-19-2006, 11:54 PM

Maybe I spoke too soon!...Now that is some looker!

Joeaksa · 03-20-2006, 12:05 AM

Mul,

Sorta reminds me of a Duc. Which model is that?

Did you have a accident on the bike? Remember seeing a photo of you with a banged up leg.

Check your PM when you get a chance.

Joe A

Joeaksa · 03-20-2006, 12:11 AM

Just answered my question. The R1200R.

Jeez, with 163 horsepower, 94 foot pounds of torque, 6 gears, ABS, GPS and so on this thing could be a monster.

Price at $14k is not that bad considering its a BMW (my last one cost almost $17k) and the things last forever. One concern is of the 13-1 compression ratio. If you got caught out and had to put regular fuel in the puppy it might not be happy...

Might have to drop by the BMW dealer and try one of these out shortly!

Joe A

Mulhollanddose · 03-20-2006, 12:11 AM

K 1200R...163 horsies

Give BMW credit for doing what Japan wouldn't or couldn't do: bolt serious horsepower into a big, comfortable naked bike. This German translation leaves its contemporaries looking relatively underdressed when it comes to technological accoutrements. The Fior/Hossack-derived Duolever front suspension uses the same technology as John Britten's iconic V1000. BMW's new Paralever is still the world's only truly neutral shaft drive, and those anti-lock-powered brakes take some of the pucker from everyday life without messing up a fast Saturday scrape through the twisty bits.

After reinventing the heart and soul of its motorcycle lineup in little more than a year, BMW clearly isn't afraid of thinking outside the box. In fact, we're pretty sure it scrapped the box entirely. Here's an 82-year-old company that doesn't think like one. It's clearly going after buyers who've never considered darkening the door of a BMW dealership before. Buyers who want everything-power, comfort, technology and attitude-in one package. No concessions. No apologies. No kidding.

— Motorcyclist

Mulhollanddose · 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Did you have a accident on the bike? Remember seeing a photo of you with a banged up leg.

Yep, some jackass in an Audi decided to make a left in front of me. Did a little pile driver into the right front quarter panel rendering his A6 flat-bedable, rendering my right knee x-rayable...Still limping a bit, but I predict a full recovery, maybe some longterm arthritis or weather related pains. It appears everything is intact. Will get MRIs to be sure, shortly.

Mulhollanddose · 03-20-2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Check your PM when you get a chance.

Joe A

?

Joeaksa · 03-20-2006, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulhollanddose
?

Sent you a PM. Should be there now...

Leland Pate · 03-20-2006, 10:22 PM

Well I understand that people will have different opinions and that some don't care for the cruiser. I still like it and may have found a keeper.

If anyone is near Newport beach, CA and wants to take a look at this bike for me, I'd be very greatful.

I'll be in Manteca, CA for a few weeks next month and may divert myself a few hours south to pick up this little toy:

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/9/83137149.htm

motion · 03-21-2006, 07:11 AM

Leland - Give me a shout if you'd like me to take a peek at her.

Leland Pate · 03-21-2006, 07:21 AM

Richard,
I'll call on it today and if it's still available I'll take you up on your offer.
Really, I'd just want someone to take a peek at it to make sure it is as advertised. If so, I'm thinking of sending a deposit to hold it for two weeks.

sand_man · 03-21-2006, 07:47 AM

My brother-in-law just traded his BMW "R" for a new Triumph Rocket III. He had the Bimmer for only a few months. According to him the BMW was nice, but sort of uninspiring. The Triumph on the other hand has been a blast for him to ride. I wasn't really a fan of the Triumph in pictures, but in person it's really quite an amazing machine!

chuckr · 03-21-2006, 08:01 AM

This uses a BMW engine....

Steve Carlton · 03-21-2006, 08:20 AM

I'm sure you'll enjoy the bike, Leland. Those boxers have a very endearing quality to them. My understanding is that's one of the few cruisers that actually handles quite well, which sets it apart.

If you're going to be in Manteca, consider touching base with Chris, the owner of San Jose BMW. He's one of the world's premier boxer tuners. He might have a couple of mods for it that you might really benefit from, perhaps the new Power Commander.