One last bike ?

[hellfishtat]

Over the past 12yrs, I have owned 8 different motorcycles. I owned the '99 R1100s longer than any other, a whopping 18 months.

My wife does not like the buy-ride-sell habit, and a few days ago told me that I could buy "...one last motorcycle..."

That got me thinking, if YOU had to buy one bike, and keep it for the remainder of your riding life, what would it be? How heavy would maintenance and part availability be in your decision?

[RIQUE]

R1200s

[brentw1]

you could trade in the wife.

[ckcarr]

If you want a serious answer tell us more about yourself.

How old are you?
Any back problems, or physical issues yet?

In general, a more upright riding position will make more sense the older you get. Nothing wrong with an F800GS or R1200GS type bike.

You probably won't want an S1000rr for the duration...

[hellfishtat]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

If you want a serious answer tell us more about yourself.

How old are you?
Any back problems, or physical issues yet?

In general, a more upright riding position will make more sense the older you get. Nothing wrong with an F800GS or R1200GS type bike.

You probably won't want an S1000rr for the duration...

No real physical issues. Occasional tennis elbow in my left arm. 52 years old 6'1" and about 30 pounds overweight.

The R11s was about as far leaned over as I want to be.

My current bike the VFR800 is actually a really good riding position for me. I. F. t's very similar to a K1300S which is one of the bikes I'm considering. My biggest concern with the K bike is the amount of maintenance and the cost associated with that maintenance.

I had a cruiser but I've never really been a Harley guy. I rode the 1200GSW out in Colorado two years ago and I absolutely love the bike.


I am also thinking toward the 2015 FJR1300ES. It's a pretty bullet proof engine and the ride is superb. My only complaint is it's a little soulless.

That was one of my complaints about the Honda ST1300...it rode wonderfully, handled like a dream even at low speeds, but it pulled at my heart about as much as my wife's Camry.

Although it would give my wife sticker shock, I honestly think that the new 1200RS would probably be the good bike.

[brentw1]

it is not illegal to have more than one bike.

there is no single bike that works perfectly for all uses.

I would have a r1200rt before any of the large complex 4 cylinders, touring things.

but really you will need to decide no one knows what, how long and where you want to ride.

[op48no1]

The R1200RS does look tempting. But then I ask myself if I would really be $14,000 happier with the new bike, and it's hard to say yes. Especially since I don't have $14,000.

But, really, I've got three very different bikes now, and whichever one I'm currently riding always seems like the best. I think that often the buy-sell compulsion is more about wanting novelty than anything else, IMHO.

-Henry

[Jozef Schumann]

I agree with brent. I have a garage full of machines - every one suits a particular purpose.

I know.. I'm fortunate to have an understanding wife - then again, she's equally fortunate to have a husband who doesn't object to horses, of which she has two.

J.S.

[brentw1]

eg,
I have a r1200rt for station wagon duty and going cross country,
r1100s for running around the local hills and day rides
rc-51 for a sport bike,
and a triumph sprint st that is really a good bike with updated suspension and bags and brakes.
which is closest to a all rounder. but doesn't do any one thing perfectly. closest to the S really
I don't ride off road or I would have a ktm or gs type thing

[hellfishtat]

I ride mostly around central NC. Once or twice a year I head to the mountains (as I am next month).

I am definitely a sport-touring type of rider...twisties at a high rate of speed is what I like.

And I have a 8yr old daughter, so I am forced to be frugal, especially on something that is just a "me" toy.

[wswartzwel]

My wife likes shoes… She understands that motorcycles are like shoes. You need different motorcycles for different riding styles/places/days of the week. My R1100S just doesn't go well with my Dual sport helmet… And my off road riding boots look much better when riding the KTM than say the R1200S…

I Have found the leaned forward position of my R1100S makes my old back feel better, than sitting up straight does.

I may have to look into that S1000RR CK mentioned… But first some sporty leathers to make the wardrobe work well…

[wswartzwel]

Originally Posted by hellfishtat

I ride mostly around central NC. Once or twice a year I head to the mountains (as I am next month).

I am definitely a sport-touring type of rider...twisties at a high rate of speed is what I like.

And I have a 8yr old daughter, so I am forced to be frugal, especially on something that is just a "me" toy.

The R1100S or R1200S would fit the bill perfectly… Either one is hard to beat. The 1100S has a bit better luggage, and 2 up capabilities. When my kids were little and money was tight, having one bike that could do it all was important. Though I didn't ride much during those years, as being involved with their activities was more fun for me, and a better investment.

[hellfishtat]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

The R1100S or R1200S would fit the bill perfectly… Either one is hard to beat. The 1100S has a bit better luggage, and 2 up capabilities. When my kids were little and money was tight, having one bike that could do it all was important. Though I didn't ride much during those years, as being involved with their activities was more fun for me, and a better investment.

I agree completely, spending time with the family comes first. When I ride, its to work during the week and early in the mornings Sat/Sun. I try to leave around 7am and get back by noon. The girls are usually just getting "up" at that point.

I do miss my R11s. I sold it to TJS here. It was a weak moment, as I had only recently put Ohlins on the bike.

[twodear]

For me, if we're limiting choices to BMW, it would be a toss up between an R1100S or an R1100/1150/1200 GS. The 1100S model is slightly more focussed on the Sport part of sport touring but has real world ability of two-up riding where the 1200S does not.

The GS does sporty two-up part pretty well too, with the added benefit of touring/camping/dirty road riding etc etc.

[Chris Canning]

Originally Posted by hellfishtat

No real physical issues. Occasional tennis elbow in my left arm. 52 years old 6'1" and about 30 pounds overweight.

The R11s was about as far leaned over as I want to be.

My current bike the VFR800 is actually a really good riding position for me. I. F. t's very similar to a K1300S which is one of the bikes I'm considering. My biggest concern with the K bike is the amount of maintenance and the cost associated with that maintenance.

I had a cruiser but I've never really been a Harley guy. I rode the 1200GSW out in Colorado two years ago and I absolutely love the bike.


I am also thinking toward the 2015 FJR1300ES. It's a pretty bullet proof engine and the ride is superb. My only complaint is it's a little soulless.

That was one of my complaints about the Honda ST1300...it rode wonderfully, handled like a dream even at low speeds, but it pulled at my heart about as much as my wife's Camry.

Although it would give my wife sticker shock, I honestly think that the new 1200RS would probably be the good bike.

I have run a K1200 for the last 6 years they are an interesting bike alright and the 1300 is a lot more the finished article but they take some looking after test ride one and see how you get on I'm also looking for one last bike I run 4 at this point in time if the rear pillion was bigger probably be an BM XR but Ducati have complicated things by revamping the Multi and it has a lot more room and that's me being 175lbs and wife a lot less heaven knows how larger couples will get on if you only ride one up then the XR is areal option.

[sgoodwin]

Turbo Hyabusa with nitrous or Harley Service Car.

[slowrider]

Dont think I could live with an I-4 as my only bike. It would have to be some kind of twin. If its just one bike for all things, I'd go with the GSW or a Multistrada (or similar tall rounder). That's just me though, I find those bikes so easy and fun to ride.

I've been riding my friends Super Tenere a lot recently, and it impresses me every time. The engine doesn't seem impressive on paper, but for some reason it really clicks with me. I don't have any doubt that his maintenance bill will be cheaper than mine over 5 years.

[Deans BMW]

My best do all and everything bike would be a new BMW R1200GS WC. It will easily keep up with any Sport Bike in these Smokey Mountains, excellent long distant tourer and equally excellent on dirt Forrest service roads. An excellent true Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles.

At 72 years old......I have bought way more than a few "Last Motorcycles".....And no doubt......more to come.

[hellfishtat]

Originally Posted by Deans BMW

At 72 years old......I have bought way more than a few "Last Motorcycles".....And no doubt......more to come.

We have the correct answer! Thanks Dean.

Although I would like to find "one last motorcycle", in reality I know in my heart there will be more than one.

I did thoroughly enjoy riding the R1200GSW I rented from House of Motorrad in Colorado (shameless plug).

[Tirefriar]

Between myself and a buddy of mine, we have owned about 15 Beemers. He owned a much wider variety including several K bikes. He's the type of person that likes to have 1 car/1 bike, because "you can't ride 2 at once". He ended up buying one of the last of the air cooled R1200GSA bikes. He loves it, that's his "it" bike. He loved his K1200S but sold it due to reliability issues.

I have only owned boxers, 1150R and 1100S. They have all been bullet-proof reliable and great bikes to ride. Not too long ago I bought a '90 GS100. Even being that old, the GS gives my BCR a run for the money in the fun department.

I'm still at an age (50) when I enjoy flogging the BCR through through the canyons but I am now leaning towards distance rides and the GS is the bike for me to do that on.

If I had to make a call on the last bike, I'd definitely consider the oil heads, an RT would probably be a great choice.