the NATO garage

[BlueSkyJaunte]

The R-S vibes are just as bad as an I4 at anything above 70 mph (the lower limit of sane speed on AZ highways). Yes, this is MHO. But it definitely wasn't just Richard's bike.

Seen in this month's MCN review of the new R1200 ST: "...we'd gladly thank BMW's Chris Bangle to keep his kinkiness off the motorcycle department's drawing tables."

[Steve Carlton]

Did you ride Richard's bike, and do you have experience with the R1100S? In general, twins have stronger vibes than I4s, but I4s often have more of a buzz that I personally find more annoying and prone to make hands numb.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

No, I did not ride Richard's bike. And yes, I have more experience on an R1100S than I care to.

A while ago I took a 2-hour test ride on one of the first dual-plug R1100S's in Arizona. It had been prepped by BMW factory-trained mechanics.

It buzzed like hell and put my hands to sleep before the end of the 1st hour (the second hour was spent agonizingly riding it back to the dealer). In addition the low end torque absolutely sucked for a twin.

I used to ride a '93 Kawaski Concours, so I know all about I4 vibes. The BMW was worse...and cost $7-10k more new.

I think it's great that you love your R-S. But it's not for everybody, and personally I think one can get a hell of a lot more bike for the money.

[motion]

2 summers ago, I put 4500 miles on my new Boxer Cup Prep riding through the Western U.S. in 10 days. Max 500 miles per day. That trip absolutely killed me, and I've been riding for 30 years and had countless bikes, so I'm not a ******* when it comes to long days in the saddle.

Earlier this year, I did 6000 miles down in Mexico on my GS1150 Adventure. One day was 760 miles. An absolute pleasure with no numb hands on any day. So much nicer and different than the S.

The S is a great bike for some, but for others, I'm sure there are far better choices. I loved my bike when I first got it, but couldn't wait to give it away after my long trip with it. Just my 0.02

[Steve Carlton]

Not trying to say the R-S is for everybody, not at all. I was suggesting a test ride from a dealer (where it could be a long one). If I'm not mistaken, the Concours has plenty of vibes. I got a Suzuki Bandit 1200 when I returned to motorcycling after a 17 year absence, and it's well known for buzz. That bike was no fun for my hands, making them numb. Realizing how much I enjoyed motorcycles, I ugraded to a BMW K1200RS, which is as smooth as a Goldwing. Riding some boxers and finding them more vibey than buzzy (if that makes sense), didn't have a problem and switched. In the last 6 years, I've owned quite a few bikes (and ridden tons of others), most of them short-term toys with the two beemers as the mainstays. For my riding style and where I go, the R11S works the best for me.

I agree that a bike that "works" is an personal thing, and I think the vibes issue depends on the individual and has A LOT to do with ergonomics and how one's hands rest on the grips. The boxer cup bikes have lower grips, under the triple clamp (which is fixable). I find buzz on some I4s to be more annoying, even when it's not as strong. I've ridden several 1150s, and IMHO the vibes are only a little better. Usually the 1150s have more relaxed ergos. I hate to see people fault this bike over issues that apply to a vast minority and pre-empt folks like David or Todd the opportunity to consider them fairly.

As far as value, sure, BMWs don't shine there. But they're not as far out of line as you might think. If you value things like a well-built bike that will run well over 100K, that has ABS, telelever front end, shaft drive, heated grips, 3/36 warranty, and slick, integrated luggage, and low APR/5 free payments, then they're well worth considering. I'm sure choosing a Porsche isn't based on lowest price, either.

[JavaBrewer]

Still think I'll check out the Boxer Cup though it's a few $K over what I want to spend. Bikes are like wives, one mans nightmare is anothers fantasy. Thanks for the input everyone.

[Rufblackbird]

been riding daily to and from work for the past couple of months, racking up miles pretty quickly. 6k mile service is overdue With mostly freeway riding I get 35mpg, and mixed city/hwy I get around 30mpg, or around 120 miles when the light comes on.

Lately gas prices have been outrageous ($3.89 for 92 octane) so it's costly nearly $16 to fill the tank...used to be no more than $9. But still better than the $52 to fill the 911 with 1/4 tank left

[nostatic]

my issue right now is I'm broke. And luckily when I get on my Triumph I smile...just for grins I was up in the >10K range on the ride home. While I love a good twin, a screaming I4 has its charms too.

[5axis]

can't resist another photo of my "new" rs

doing my best "motion" on a shoe string budget ..

Speaking of which.
Hey Richard is your TZ back in racing form? I figured I would try the RS as a "two stroke for dummies". Then maybe move onto a TZ if I want to stay with 250's.. I went to a CCS FUSA race and caught some of the USGPRU action.. Pretty cool, several former AMA 250 guys, wow are they fast!

gotta go, long ride in the am. on the 85 k100s

[motion]

Beautiful RS! Man, I love those bikes!!! You're going to have a great time on it. To be honest, getting into the TZ was a mistake for me... I'm over 40 and the TZ is a wicked, unforgiven machine that will eat you for breakfast. The old back doesn't heal as quick as it used to. My TZ is getting closer - I think all I have left to replace are pipes and bodywork. Should have it back out on the track in the spring. But to tell you the truth, the RS is all I really need. Get that thing out for a track day and let us know how it goes!

[JavaBrewer]

Saw this in Tokyo today

No worries about road surface or someone stealing your bike with that.

[nostatic]

new 675 triple from Triumph - 123hp, 363 lbs dry.

[5axis]

I drool all over myself, dreaming of one of these darlings..
http://www.rscycles.com/Bikes/250/02%20TZ250/250cc.htm

[911boost]

Finally getting around to post a couple of pictures. The gray and black R1150GS is mine, and the maroon R1150R belongs to a friend. We had some decent weather, so he rode up and I installed new mirrors, the windsheild, valve cover guards, and trimmed off the huge lame looking fender that comes stock on the R1150R. We then went for a good ride, hopefully not the last of the season!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by nostatic
new 675 triple from Triumph - 123hp, 363 lbs dry.

Whoah. Did I read that right???!!!

[nostatic]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
Whoah. Did I read that right???!!!

yes, and the mags are saying that Triumph is *under* stating the specs wrt hp. The thing evidently is a rocket, and is slimmer than before due to a new frame design. Plus the triple gives you low end grunt as well as top end speed. Sure the R6 will do 18K, but when you gonna get that high? With the triple you can actually use the damn torque and hp.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Hmm....wonder what kind of mileage you can get with one of them 675s? (ponders)

[5axis]

It looks like they are going to let it run with the 6's. Should make for a more interesting meat grinder class.

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?threadid=94241

[ronin]

well, not NATO but still...





oh, and Todd, ain't the single life grand?!

[JavaBrewer]

So Todd...its been a week or so. What's your impression with the MS? Any luck selling the S4?