Touring bike tips

[mkmd555]

Hi:

I regret selling my R1150R last year. Shortly after selling it I bought a Guzzi California and later a Yamaha Road Star - (it was a buyers market).

I miss the precision and handling of R.

Lately, I became interested in touring.

I am confused by the various models offered by BMW: Phoenix, Montauk, R1200Cl, and 1150 Rt.

Please suggest which is comfortable and reliable bike.

Thanks and best regards,

M Khan

[Ol' Jeffers]

If you miss your old bike but would like something to tour on you should look at the RT (1150 or 1200).
You could of course get another R1150/1200R and fit all the touring options and then when you get to
where your going you can remove the cases et voila a naked bike to have some fun on!

[chibbert]

There is also the R1150RS (no longer made - last year was 2004) which falls nicely between the R1150R and R1150RT.
It has a half fairing and adjustable windshield.


http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2027681 ... host=rides

[morrie]

I think the R1150RS was an excellent bike, which unfortunately did not sell well for BMW. It had a frame-mounted fairing and unlike the 1150RT, had partially-linked brakes so you could use the rear brake independently when it was proper to do so. You didn't have that option with the fully-integrated brake system on the 1150RT. I contend that was a major design flaw and I think BMW has demonstrated that since it has not used that system on any bike it has built since. The RS had a more aggressive seating position than the RT, something of a disadvantage for most of us on a touring bike.

If you can handle the shorter seating position on the R, you can make it a dandy touring bike with the Aeroflow fairing and tank wings, along with an aftermarket seat. I wish it carried one more gallon of gas, but I have done a lot of touring on mine and haven't run out of gas yet.

The Suzuki 650 V-Strom is another fine touring bike, and it's a lot less expensive than most Beemers.

[jcridge]

Hi:

I regret selling my R1150R last year. I miss the precision and handling of R.

And...?

What bike really does everything better then the Roadster? Yeah it's a trick question...

[chibbert]

What bike really does everything better then the Roadster?

Having tried both - I think the R1150RS may be the correct answer.

Although the RS can't hold a candle to the R1150R's ability to allow you to catch bugs in your teeth.