New Bike Options

remedy451 · 01-13-2006, 11:41 AM

Hey Everyone,

I would really appreciate your opinion on the following.

Scenario: I would like to involve my SO more in riding and hence would like to ensure her total comfort when taking long-distance trips/tours. I currently have a 2001 R1100S and have upgraded as much as I can (I think) to make it as comfortable as possible (new seat, handlebar risers). I am considering obtaining a new bike more geared towards the touring side but also want to retain sportiness.

Options:

1. Trade-in my current bike and buy new K1200GT - would likely have to dish out of my pocket $19,500CDN difference (I'm in Canada).
2. Keep my current bike and buy new (or slightly used) Yamaha FJR1300 - I can pick up a new 2005 FJR for $17,120CDN.
3. Keep my current bike and continue to try and make it more passenger friendly (i.e. ask my SO to suck it up!

)

Please let me know which option you would select if you were in the same predicament.

Thanks in advance!

718Rider · 01-13-2006, 12:27 PM

Keep you current bike and buy used bike. I bought an 1100GS for $5500 USD - '98 w/22K miles, corbin, bags, etc. . . the wifey loves the GS for 2 up touring. Very comfy and a cool bike to boot. BTW - she hated riding 2 up on the S!

jduke · 01-13-2006, 12:30 PM

I added a GIVI top case for a backrest and put a Bill Mayer seat on. My wife now rides 500 mile days with ease. She's even thinking of going to Nova Scotia in September for the races with me.

Rapid Dog · 01-13-2006, 01:41 PM

...this thread better served if you post it in the regular section (not for sale section)...

frozen-nomad · 01-13-2006, 01:54 PM

http://www.boxer-design.de/en/sitzbankeer1100s.htm

Just another link to a different seat.

Didn't see anything aftermarket at the bike show last weekend or in any of my internet searchs.

My last SO whined a little about being uncomfortable at times as well. She mentioned trading the bike in to make her happy. I compromised and traded her in. Now I'm happy.

Let me know if you find anything.

Fellow Flames Fan

Rapid Dog · 01-13-2006, 01:57 PM

excellent Nomad! I will post that link on the seat thread...

ExarKunONe · 01-14-2006, 07:31 PM

I'd go with the FJR1300. Those bikes are freakin sweet! If you buy one see if the seller bought the extended warranty. If so its transferable

Yamaha is very generous with thier FJR warranty coverage.

Bob Hancock · 01-15-2006, 05:33 AM

Keep your current S and look for a used R1200GS.....really good ones can be found now with low miles for $13k US. Get the top box for back support so that she doesn't feel like she's flying off the back. If you have short legs then a used R1200RT will do even better, but may cost a bit more. The K12GT sucks according to a few buds who have ridden it, but both R bikes I've mentioned are way better in the twisties than they have any right to be and your wife will be very comfortable.

remedy451 · 01-15-2006, 09:53 AM

Thanks to everyone that responded to my query. For now I have decided to keep my R1100S and add a GIVI topcase and backrest for when my wife rides with me. This option may meet my requirements (won't know until I do it), is the most cost-effective, and I really like my current bike.

Once a test ride of the new K1200GT is permitted we'll go down and try it out and see if, and by how much, its better than the solution implemented above.

Thanks again to all of you for your responses.