Not trying to start brand war, or insult anyone with the question but trying to determine how the two would compare - a R1150R to a Harley Davidson Dyna. This is a follow up to my earlier post "R1150R Good All Around Bike", but more specific. I'm Looking for primarily for a bike that will cruize, along with some spirited riding. Occasionally throw in some solo touring & possibly some track days.
Harley Pros:
they got character, gotta love that engine sound, plenty of modification capability, newer ones are reliable, can load up w/ saddle bags & tour
Harley Cons:
70 Hp & 640 lbs., low tech, don't handle as good, track days out of the question?
R1150R Pros:
sophisticated bike, 80 Hp & 428 lbs, good handling, get one used cheaper than a Harley Davidson, can load up w/ saddle bags & tour
R1150RCons:
None technically, other than it does not have the character that a Harley does. I realize that this is subjective, and there are many that will disagree with that statement.
I know that I am stretching what any one bike can do well, but it was hard enough to get my wife to agree to me getting one bike - getting several won't happen! My concern is that as I start riding again, I will start riding more aggressively, and will even want to do some track days. Obviously the BMW is much better suited for this. Don't even think that I would be able to do a track day on a Harley.
Does anyone have experiance with both bikes that can comment?
Thanks!
R1150R vs. Harley Dyna
Moderator: Moderators
You really should try to find some dealerships that will allow you to test ride the bikes. That would probably help so much, because even once you narrow down your choices, until you actually ride the bike you won't know if it is a good fit for you. Plenty of people switch rides soon after buying because they realize it wasn't a good physical fit for them.......... or do extensive modifications just to get the bike to fit right. Even between the Rockster and Roadster, there is enough of a fit difference that I had to go with the Roadster. The Rock's bars made it just too wide of a grip for me to be comfortable.
I wouldn't decide on a bike based on it's "character" either. "Character" fades as new bikes come out and as yours ages. I don't know what area of the country you live in, but where I live Harley's are everywhere, so their appeal to me is on the low end. If I never saw/heard another one.......... (won't go there).
I know you want to make sure you get the right bike since you can only have one. We all do that. But even when you get whatever bike you decide on - even if it is the perfect bike............... you'll still want more. You can't get away from it. We all do that too. And even if you can only have one bike - that only means 'one at a time', right?
I wouldn't decide on a bike based on it's "character" either. "Character" fades as new bikes come out and as yours ages. I don't know what area of the country you live in, but where I live Harley's are everywhere, so their appeal to me is on the low end. If I never saw/heard another one.......... (won't go there).
I know you want to make sure you get the right bike since you can only have one. We all do that. But even when you get whatever bike you decide on - even if it is the perfect bike............... you'll still want more. You can't get away from it. We all do that too. And even if you can only have one bike - that only means 'one at a time', right?
Kristi
05 Granite Grey
05 Granite Grey
I am still the new guy here, but I can make comments on the Harley side of things.
I have owned, ridden, and restored/built custom bikes since 1991. Two in the Dyna class and four in the Touring class plus a total custom Sportster.
I am here (on this board) because I am considering adding an R model to the garage as a summer fling/project/longer term trial...
Here is the truth.
the Harley IS heavier, but this is both good and bad. It just feels good on the highway. It is stable and never twitchy. Never buzzy either. Far less, vibration, and what there is, is at a totally different frequency and direction. Sure it shakes at idle, but open throttle and it is smooth.
Low tech--- I think not. Think appropriate technology. BMW's boxer is as aged as Harleys V-twin. Both have progressed since the 1930's. Both have great fuel injection/management systems. Both have 6 speed transmissions- well at least the new R12R does... H-D has had it a for a year or two.
Track days are certainly possible, but you will not pretend to be "Johnny Rocket-Boy Racer" on the Harley.
Two-up riding is not only far more comfortable for both of you on the Dyna, but will be a fun, easy experience. Not only that you can move it around in the parking lot or garage, it is far lower in the center of gravity, and well- its just easy to live with.
Maintenance you can do yourself. The more I read about BMW's the more I am surprised at the cost of living with them. My Road Glide is a 2002...I tour. We have been all over the west. I change the fluids every 5,000 miles. I had a new rear tire put on at each 10,000 and replaced rear brake pads... once...that's it. And I neglect nothing! It does not leak either. The base gaskets do not weep. The cylinder heads do not weep. If it should fall over... pick it up. There will be no marks. You do not have to buy "protectors".
I test rode a R12R (see review over in their threads) and that was on Friday. Today is Sunday- my wrists still hurt. The buzz at 70 was irritating. The CG is high and even the salesman looked uncomfortable wheeling it out of the showroom.
Character... now I need to disagree, with great respect, with Gypsy... (I loved your article by the way- great job on the bike and on the article).
Real character does does not fade away. It grows. You love the beast for what is but also for what it says about you and for how it works.
Believe me, both bikes have character. Both bikes have irritations. Both have characteristics that cannot be changed but over time have become "features".
Both bikes have followers who cluster in groups, and group affiliation is a large part of both ownership experiences. Harley is far more than than the biker image, and far more than bar-hopping cruizer.
But seriously- how many track days a year will you ride? One/two?
While this reply seems one-sided, It is based on what I know. I feel confident the BMW veterans will argue their side as well.
Having said all that you also might want to consider the economics. The resale value of a used Harley is tremendous. The market for my 2002 is enough to sell and buy a new R12R...? Seems crazy.
I love Sportsters too, but highly recommend the Dynas. If you shop for Sportsters look only at the 1200's. They are amazingly fast, and infinately personalizeable... but not as comfy as the Dyna when dressed for touring.
Good luck, and try to shop with an open mind. If yo have any questions, let me know.
Bob
I have owned, ridden, and restored/built custom bikes since 1991. Two in the Dyna class and four in the Touring class plus a total custom Sportster.
I am here (on this board) because I am considering adding an R model to the garage as a summer fling/project/longer term trial...
Here is the truth.
the Harley IS heavier, but this is both good and bad. It just feels good on the highway. It is stable and never twitchy. Never buzzy either. Far less, vibration, and what there is, is at a totally different frequency and direction. Sure it shakes at idle, but open throttle and it is smooth.
Low tech--- I think not. Think appropriate technology. BMW's boxer is as aged as Harleys V-twin. Both have progressed since the 1930's. Both have great fuel injection/management systems. Both have 6 speed transmissions- well at least the new R12R does... H-D has had it a for a year or two.
Track days are certainly possible, but you will not pretend to be "Johnny Rocket-Boy Racer" on the Harley.
Two-up riding is not only far more comfortable for both of you on the Dyna, but will be a fun, easy experience. Not only that you can move it around in the parking lot or garage, it is far lower in the center of gravity, and well- its just easy to live with.
Maintenance you can do yourself. The more I read about BMW's the more I am surprised at the cost of living with them. My Road Glide is a 2002...I tour. We have been all over the west. I change the fluids every 5,000 miles. I had a new rear tire put on at each 10,000 and replaced rear brake pads... once...that's it. And I neglect nothing! It does not leak either. The base gaskets do not weep. The cylinder heads do not weep. If it should fall over... pick it up. There will be no marks. You do not have to buy "protectors".
I test rode a R12R (see review over in their threads) and that was on Friday. Today is Sunday- my wrists still hurt. The buzz at 70 was irritating. The CG is high and even the salesman looked uncomfortable wheeling it out of the showroom.
Character... now I need to disagree, with great respect, with Gypsy... (I loved your article by the way- great job on the bike and on the article).
Real character does does not fade away. It grows. You love the beast for what is but also for what it says about you and for how it works.
Believe me, both bikes have character. Both bikes have irritations. Both have characteristics that cannot be changed but over time have become "features".
Both bikes have followers who cluster in groups, and group affiliation is a large part of both ownership experiences. Harley is far more than than the biker image, and far more than bar-hopping cruizer.
But seriously- how many track days a year will you ride? One/two?
While this reply seems one-sided, It is based on what I know. I feel confident the BMW veterans will argue their side as well.
Having said all that you also might want to consider the economics. The resale value of a used Harley is tremendous. The market for my 2002 is enough to sell and buy a new R12R...? Seems crazy.
I love Sportsters too, but highly recommend the Dynas. If you shop for Sportsters look only at the 1200's. They are amazingly fast, and infinately personalizeable... but not as comfy as the Dyna when dressed for touring.
Good luck, and try to shop with an open mind. If yo have any questions, let me know.
Bob
Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
Nice write up Hopz. If I was going to look twice at a Harley, it would be the V-Rod. But usually, I'm just looking straight ahead over my windscreen.
I agree with you about true character of a bike. I was referring to implied 'character' that can cause impulse buying, and did not make myself very clear. You are so correct about true character, which is proven over time.
I agree with you about true character of a bike. I was referring to implied 'character' that can cause impulse buying, and did not make myself very clear. You are so correct about true character, which is proven over time.
Last edited by GypsyRR on Mon May 14, 2007 8:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Kristi
05 Granite Grey
05 Granite Grey
-
Just-Beeming
- Basic User
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:39 pm
- Location: Pacific Northwest
I understand why you would want to consider both bikes. I had a Dyna.
I owned it one season then bought the R. I have had my R for over a year.
Of course when you post to the R 1150 R forum you will get a lot of PRO R comments vs the Harley.
My Harley was fun. It was great for going to starbucks and hanging out around town. Sort of like a classic car, people are drawn to the chrome and the 'muscle' of the machine. But I want to RIDE....long distance and with assertiveness...I found the Dyna slow, fat and loud.
It beat me up if I rode more than 100 miles. I have had 500 mile days on the BMW. Really it is not much of a comparison.
My honest 2 cents.
Just beeming
I owned it one season then bought the R. I have had my R for over a year.
Of course when you post to the R 1150 R forum you will get a lot of PRO R comments vs the Harley.
My Harley was fun. It was great for going to starbucks and hanging out around town. Sort of like a classic car, people are drawn to the chrome and the 'muscle' of the machine. But I want to RIDE....long distance and with assertiveness...I found the Dyna slow, fat and loud.
It beat me up if I rode more than 100 miles. I have had 500 mile days on the BMW. Really it is not much of a comparison.
My honest 2 cents.
Just beeming
# 490
04 Black R1150 R...
06 Black F650 GS
72 Honda CT 90
Life It just gets better and better!
04 Black R1150 R...
06 Black F650 GS
72 Honda CT 90
Life It just gets better and better!
Have been riding for over 20yrs, and have had access to a great number of bikes and even more opinions. I'll put it to you this way, if you feel you are going to want to ride at a more spirited pace, which it sounds like to me. Don't buy the Harley! You will be disappointed with its ability to handle a quicker pace. As for the buzz my RR has very little if any at all, just keep them tuned. Also HD's used values are starting to come down as the market is becoming more saturated, and don't let that make your decision for you! It's about the ride not the name on the tank. I'm not trying to bash HD which it sounds like. And don't count out the other companies either. You need to find what works for you.
OU812... cool tag...
The Oil tank under the seat is peculiar to the Soft Tail models. The Dyna's oil is contained low down essentially under/to the rear side of the transmission.
The H-D is loud if you put loud pipes on it, but then so is the BMW. If you DO want to change the pipes on the H-D you have about 200 choices... on the BMW you will have two or three.
500 mile days on my Road Glide are a nice warm up... and When you arrive for the night- you can still walk around and straighten up... and your arms are not sore in the wrist.... of course this is a 63 year old talking... your actual mileage may vary.
The Oil tank under the seat is peculiar to the Soft Tail models. The Dyna's oil is contained low down essentially under/to the rear side of the transmission.
The H-D is loud if you put loud pipes on it, but then so is the BMW. If you DO want to change the pipes on the H-D you have about 200 choices... on the BMW you will have two or three.
500 mile days on my Road Glide are a nice warm up...
and When you arrive for the night- you can still walk around and straighten up... and your arms are not sore in the wrist.... of course this is a 63 year old talking... your actual mileage may vary.Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
-
combustor777
- Basic User
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:37 pm
- Location: Sharpsburg, GA
No question that the harleys are beautiful, often chromed out works of art. A lot of my buddies ride harleys but watching them constantly polish makes my elbows hurt! For eating up the interstate there is no doubt a road king would be as relaxing as a K1200LT.
As a guy who loves machines, the roadster's engineering is what I find beautiful. I'll wash it if I can't ride, but it gets pretty dirty between casual wipe-downs. It will run thru the mountains at 9/10ths pace of a knee dragging sportbike rider without the goofy cricket-humping-a-jellybean ergonomics, while also not requiring a trailer to take it where you want to ride. While it isn't a pure touring machine, long trips are certainly tolerable although I take more breaks than a goldwing guy would. It draws a lot of questions and attention almost everywhere it goes in a sea of harleys and generic sport bikes.
I took my girlfriend to a few wineries in the GA mtns one weekend and met several other bikers there. They skipped one winery because it was down a dirt/gravel road. Sure enough when we got to this winery we were the only bikers! It handles unpaved, washed out gravel roads just fine (a lot of those in north georgia), even two up!
Maintenence isn't such a big deal as some have portrayed IMHO, and as someone who is slightly mechanically inclined but relatively new to motorcycles, I have found any repairs or maintenence thus far to be simple and inexpensive with the help of this message board.
I too am someone who can't justify owning more than one motorcycle at this point. If I had a touring machine I'd probably only take it out on longer jaunts, and not on the short errands and joy rides. If I had a sport bike it would be great for the country roads and track but not much else. With this thing I take it out at every opportunity. I'm still neglecting obligations sometimes just to ride, and I always have an excuse for my girlfriend as to why we can't take a car.
As a guy who loves machines, the roadster's engineering is what I find beautiful. I'll wash it if I can't ride, but it gets pretty dirty between casual wipe-downs. It will run thru the mountains at 9/10ths pace of a knee dragging sportbike rider without the goofy cricket-humping-a-jellybean ergonomics, while also not requiring a trailer to take it where you want to ride. While it isn't a pure touring machine, long trips are certainly tolerable although I take more breaks than a goldwing guy would. It draws a lot of questions and attention almost everywhere it goes in a sea of harleys and generic sport bikes.
I took my girlfriend to a few wineries in the GA mtns one weekend and met several other bikers there. They skipped one winery because it was down a dirt/gravel road. Sure enough when we got to this winery we were the only bikers! It handles unpaved, washed out gravel roads just fine (a lot of those in north georgia), even two up!
Maintenence isn't such a big deal as some have portrayed IMHO, and as someone who is slightly mechanically inclined but relatively new to motorcycles, I have found any repairs or maintenence thus far to be simple and inexpensive with the help of this message board.
I too am someone who can't justify owning more than one motorcycle at this point. If I had a touring machine I'd probably only take it out on longer jaunts, and not on the short errands and joy rides. If I had a sport bike it would be great for the country roads and track but not much else. With this thing I take it out at every opportunity. I'm still neglecting obligations sometimes just to ride, and I always have an excuse for my girlfriend as to why we can't take a car.
Re: R1150R vs. Harley Dyna
Yes - Yong has a Harley Dyna, a Suzuki SV650, and the R1150R. I'm sure he'll chime in soon! He'll be able to god a good comparison of the two. Search for his posts and harley.MMH wrote:Does anyone have experiance with both bikes that can comment?
Thanks!
When non-motorcyclists talk to me about which bike to buy and they mention a Harley, I tell them "if a Harley is what you want, then don't waste time buying other bikes - there is no substitute. If a MOTORCYCLE is what you want, then consider other brands/types".
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Dude save the yourself the time/money and agro now...
Dude save the yourself the time/money and agro now... Get R1150R.
I have a 1200 sportster now, i have owned it for a year. I have taken long rides on Road Kings, 1150GS and i recently bought the r1150r.
No comparison. Besides the cool sound, the harley looses. Much harder to handle in tight turns, not as safe w/o ABS. BMWs are made for riding first, looks seconds, harleys are made for looks first, sound second, riding doesnt even make the cut.
I love the way my sportster looks, mean, cool, sounds great. Dont kid yourself, unless you are going to be riding in a straight line all the time and ABS safety isnt important to you, get the beemer.
ill bet that if you do buy the harley, youll buy the BMW within a year...
I have a 1200 sportster now, i have owned it for a year. I have taken long rides on Road Kings, 1150GS and i recently bought the r1150r.
No comparison. Besides the cool sound, the harley looses. Much harder to handle in tight turns, not as safe w/o ABS. BMWs are made for riding first, looks seconds, harleys are made for looks first, sound second, riding doesnt even make the cut.
I love the way my sportster looks, mean, cool, sounds great. Dont kid yourself, unless you are going to be riding in a straight line all the time and ABS safety isnt important to you, get the beemer.
ill bet that if you do buy the harley, youll buy the BMW within a year...
One, well, maybe two more thoughts...
If you want the best brakes... go BMW no question about it.
As for price drops... I came to this board because I am in the market for a used BMW. I set $5000 as my price point (max). (Hey- for me its a toy anyway)
I have found a considerable number of BMW in this range... You can't buy a basket-case Harley for near that. No matter what the year.
I agree with what all the people say. If you want a sportier bike the R bikes are great choices.
I love my Harley... I like the BMW's...
If you want the best brakes... go BMW no question about it.
As for price drops... I came to this board because I am in the market for a used BMW. I set $5000 as my price point (max). (Hey- for me its a toy anyway)
I have found a considerable number of BMW in this range... You can't buy a basket-case Harley for near that. No matter what the year.
I agree with what all the people say. If you want a sportier bike the R bikes are great choices.
I love my Harley... I like the BMW's...
Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
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dwayne
- Lifer
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- Location: Bradford, Ontario Canada
- Contact:
Actually the R 1150 R was a six speed since its inception, Harley only started the 6 speed in '05 wasn't it? Someone who knows more about HD can chime in with exact dates I'm sure.Hopz wrote:...Both have 6 speed transmissions- well at least the new R12R does... H-D has had it a for a year or two...
If I could just offer my $ .01... Not ALWAYS true, but HD's and their copies SEEM to appeal to the Bikers, where as the Beemers tend to appeal to Motorcyclists... If you see yourself as a biker or motorcyclist will determine THOUGH NOT ALWAYS what your going to ride.
For the record I've been in both camps over the years, so no Pre-Madonna over here.
Just my own observations, again this is NOT always the case, but if I was a betting man...
'05 R 1150 R Dark Ferro, with blacked out motor Member # 507
HOPZ, I ride almost always with Harley's around me. Yes, a BMW can be made loud, but ONLY if you take the can off, and leave it alone. Most after market cans do not come anywhere near the Loudest of the Harley's. Not even my 1150 W/O the can is close to a set of Rhinehart's. 
RIDE TOO PRETEND, PRETEND TOO RIDE. 
89 Oldwing, 07 WR250R, 14 KX250F
89 Oldwing, 07 WR250R, 14 KX250F
Hey guys, I agree... my wife asked me why are you thinking about a BMW?
I said it was a better bike. She said- better how? I said better every way...
and went through the list...
We love the Harley.. she said If you want to get the BMW, do it, but I'm not comfortable on the BMW (as passenger)- it will be your solo bike.
We have sat on them many times over at the dealer, and just mounting, for her, is an ordeal. Its too tall, its to shaky, the side stand looks like it wont hold up etc... don't get me started.
I even said maybe a Honda ST1300?... she said.. (and I know you guys are pretty sophisticated over here so I will have to paraphrase..) I'm NOT riding a "Forking" Honda... sort of settled that pretty fast.
Hey, cant we all just get along...? I'm here because I like the BMW...don't hold my past against me.
I said it was a better bike. She said- better how? I said better every way...
and went through the list...
We love the Harley.. she said If you want to get the BMW, do it, but I'm not comfortable on the BMW (as passenger)- it will be your solo bike.
We have sat on them many times over at the dealer, and just mounting, for her, is an ordeal. Its too tall, its to shaky, the side stand looks like it wont hold up etc... don't get me started.
I even said maybe a Honda ST1300?... she said.. (and I know you guys are pretty sophisticated over here so I will have to paraphrase..) I'm NOT riding a "Forking" Honda... sort of settled that pretty fast.
Hey, cant we all just get along...? I'm here because I like the BMW...don't hold my past against me.
Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
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cworley5150
- Basic User
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- Location: Princeton (not NJ but in the other armpit) WV
"Forking Honda" - She sounds like a true BMW girl and well researched on bike construction. BMW's do not have traditional forks like a Honda! She'll love it!
The ST1300 is a great bike and should be pretty comfy for her if she had a backrest of some type. Sort of a Goldwing "light". I do not see why an R1150R with a backrest would be much different than any other bike either. Get the BMW and a top case with a backrest pad and she should be happy.
The ST1300 is a great bike and should be pretty comfy for her if she had a backrest of some type. Sort of a Goldwing "light". I do not see why an R1150R with a backrest would be much different than any other bike either. Get the BMW and a top case with a backrest pad and she should be happy.
No matter where you go, there you are.
Boxers Rule! Umm. . . the bikes, not the underwear.
Boxers Rule! Umm. . . the bikes, not the underwear.
Like last Wed. night, I had a past beer that came back to haunt me! 
Bikes are very different on the road than in the showroom. Get the bike that you desire, not necessarily the one that's the 'logical best choice'. Chances are an aftermarket seat will improve the passenger (and rider) comfort, but it's not a guarantee.Hopz wrote:but I'm not comfortable on the BMW (as passenger)- it will be your solo bike.
She said the 1150R would be the 'solo' bike - does that mean a two-up bike would be in the garage too?
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Wait a minute.......... I'm confused now. Wasn't it MMH who was shopping for the bike? And it was Hopz who was just giving advice, right? You already have a Harley for two-up, don't you Hopz?
And what did MMH decide? I'm getting lost in the different threads he has started about the different BMW's vs other bikes. I am giving up on trying to follow.
Just buy the BMW and post the photos.
There.
Done.
And what did MMH decide? I'm getting lost in the different threads he has started about the different BMW's vs other bikes. I am giving up on trying to follow.
Just buy the BMW and post the photos.
There.
Done.
Kristi
05 Granite Grey
05 Granite Grey