There's a new ('07) Bandit 1250S at the dealership near me marked down to $8500. I'm sorely tempted. Might want to check that one out. They're great bikes.

I don't see how you could miss with an '04 R1100S with Ohlins and luggage. Probably run $8K. The R1200Ss are going for as low as $11Kish with Ohlins (a must-have factory option). Quite a step up in every way from the R1100S; most would say the R1100S is more classically good looking. Bars probably a little low for your style, but HeliBars are coming out soon (others are already available, but clunky looking). Two best bikes I've ever owned, and I've owned/ridden a bunch.

I picked this up about a week ago, 2005 R1200RT. I've been away for about 15 years, it's good to be riding again...

Wayne


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Try these links Nostatic, several used Speed Triples for sale at www.thespeedtriple.com , they are hyper Internet hooligans, or try www.triumphrat.net . Can still find some deals on new 2007 at the dealers. Difference between 08 and 07 are Brembos, wheels, mid pipe/emissions/ecu? and color for 08.

I've seen a lot of guys who know what they're doing go to KTM Adventures. That and the Triumph Tiger or BMW GS would make sense, especially if you're tall. Sounds like you should have a windscreen for sure.

If you haven't already, do the MSF Advanced class. Sport Riding Techniques and the Keith Code books are excellent, too.

I'm 6'1" so a Tiger or GS would work. I have to admit that I grew up riding offroad so something that could do fire roads might be interesting. Always had a soft spot for KTMs...they're orange ;)

I have Code's book and Hough's Proficient Motorcycling.

There seem to be a fair amount of GSs around, but I don't know the variations well. Plus I do like R1100S bikes, many seem to be for sale with 30-40K miles on them which I assume is rather low for a BMW.

With a GS, you're looking at 1150s or 1200s, each in base model or Adventure. The Adventures are "cool," but they're Panzer tanks and overkill for 99% of the riders. The new Tiger is highly regarded, but the older 1050 Tiger is a major sleeper and probably a used bargain. They're cushy compared to the GS and KTMs. The Adventure comes in a base model and a taller S, and they come in silver and black as well as orange and are the most dirt-worthy. You should ride some of each. There's even Cagiva Gran Canyons, with an air-cooled Ducati motor. Really cool looking, but supposedly a major PITA to service.

I don't think you save enough money on the R1100S to justify 30-40K miles. '04s have the 2-spark motor and updated transmissions, and don't cost that much more than the earlier ones. You might even find one still under warranty, as a few were sold new about a year ago. The '05s only came as Boxer Cup Replikas with a unique red/white/blue paint scheme. They have Laser exhaust cans, a taller suspension, and a taller, softer seat than all prior. I don't think any came with ABS (which I would highly recommend), Ohlins and luggage might be hard to find on one, too.

Your a GDmed fool if you ever buy another Bike.

I've been called worse...

I saw one of these at the local dealer last week....being an MX'er at heart, I can't help but think this would be a blast to commute on. I found this video after a quick search....kind of stupid rider, but it looks fun. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8515135232523781309

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So have I! But do you want to live up to that moniker?

Todd, you got obligations. Be like every other Harley rider and wait until you're 60 and your kids are grown to get back on a street bike. If you need wind in your hair buy a cab. I highly recommend it.

I love that bike. But they are not legal for the street, although people get around that and they are very fragile. that 550 would be a total blast in the tight canyons.

People who has GSs, love them. I've never been able to get over how they look, but for a future trip to Alaska, thats what I'll be using.(renting) I really like the R/S bikes alot. The R1200S will very likely be the next addition to the stable.

I think they are, they come with turn signals and plate bracket. They do make a similar one that only has a headlight that is definitely not street legal.

Been looking on Craigs list lately and the R1150RS's and RT's are looking better and better. Agree with much that Steve said below. Also strongly agree with the ABS on a bike. It saved my a$$ets a couple of times when I had a R1100RS.

The very first series of this gearbox had noise issues but they cleared that up years ago. The later models of these bikes had the gearbox that the K1100 bike had originally and its very nice.

Hard to beat one of the newer BMW's. Take it for a ride and give it a try.

Joe

Nope. they are not legal. they are overseas, but because of emissions they are not in the states. I looked at them last summer, Aprillia was working on making them truly legal for the states and that may have changed for 08, but I don't think so. WHen they are purchased they are supposed to be for off road use only. Some Dealers will slip the paperwork to DMV with the rest of their other bike sales, Some will tell you it's completely up to you to try to get it registered and won't touch it with a ten foot pole.


I love the bike, but it is not reliable. http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50

I've ridden some of the newer BMW sport tourers and they are sweet....smooth as buttah.

I'd love to have a go on this bike....a work of minimalist BMW art.

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I agree. I should be getting a new R1200RT any day now, cant wait. My R1150RT has served me well for 106K. That being said, I would love to look at the file for my R1150 and total the cost of all the service and maintance. It was not cheap. Lots of tires, rotors, a clutch, a few coils, 2 ignitions, an ABS control module and alot of little things like replacement grips and pegs.

I have to admit that the F800S is attractive, in part due to the belt drive, ABS, etc. There have been some teething problems, but BMW seem committed to the 800cc parallel twin with an F800GS coming out soon as well.

That being said, I can get low miles Monsters that are tricked out for under $7K...