BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I sold my R1100RT. I had it for several years and loved the bike, but I could no longer stand the heat riding behind a full fairing with all my gear in the summer months. Now I want a naked bike. The R1150R is at the top of my list, but I’m wondering if there are other bikes I should consider. I definitely want a bike with ABS, but I’m not crazy about the servo-assisted ABS. I’m aware of the many valid arguments for and against ABS, but I won’t buy a bike without it. What other bikes did anyone here consider before purchasing an 1150R? A friend has a Suzuki Bandit 1250S. The R1200R is out of my price range (under $10K). Anyone know of any other naked (or small fairing) bikes I might want to consider? Thanks!

bjk47 wrote: (under $10K). Anyone know of any other naked (or small fairing) bikes I might want to consider? Thanks!

Suzuki VStrom 650. $ 7100 MSRP with ABS the last time I looked. Tough enough to complete an Iron Butt Rally this year.

geo

In addition to the VStrom 650 ABS, they also offer the SV650 ABS naked, and the new 2008 Bandit 1250 ABS semi-naked "standard" bikes.

The Bandit has gotten some good reviews, MSRP is $8800, and it kicks some serious booty.

I am such a traitor.

I'm curious if you can get a good price on the new F800S? Or if they plan on introducing an F800R that may be reasonably priced?

If you want to be Roundel loyal.

If you want hooligan and Euro, the Triumph Street Triple has gotten rave reviews.

Gordium7 wrote:In addition to the VStrom 650 ABS, they also offer the SV650 ABS naked, and the new 2008 Bandit 1250 ABS semi-naked "standard" bikes.

The Bandit has gotten some good reviews, MSRP is $8800, and it kicks some serious booty.

I am such a traitor.

Didn't know the SV was ABS available too. The choice is then the size of the front tire and a little bodywork then. I like the V Strom for its GS (the new 800, not the 1200) like configuration. Don't worry about being a traitor. BMW could sell in these ranges too if they outsourced the production. Since they have been buying parts and engines here and there, its not much of a stretch to do that.

We have a Yamaha Max to keep things in perspective. We love BMWs but there are some things better done with other legends. I see where the new Busa is coming out too.

geo

dragonmojo wrote:If you want hooligan and Euro, the Triumph Street Triple has gotten rave reviews.

Can I get a Street Triple with ABS? I looked at the Speed Triple recently. I think the Speed Triple is one of the best looking bikes currently on the market, but they don't make an ABS version.

Also, I prefer to buy used bikes but would consider buying new if it were the perfect bike for me.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming -- need to find a bike soon. I can't stand having an empty garage for too long.

dragonmojo wrote:I'm curious if you can get a good price on the new F800S? Or if they plan on introducing an F800R that may be reasonably priced?

If you want to be Roundel loyal.

Our dealer still has their original delivery of four 800s if I read their inventory list right. I'll bet they would be very interested in selling them at this point. Haven't seen or heard of an R model, just the 800GS for March 08 delivery.

geo

Last year I was in your position. It came down to the Speed Triple,MG Breva and the R1150R. I own a MG LeMans from the 70s at present and would have liked to have added the Breva, but the RR is now in my stable.

What kind of riding do you do? Local, long distance trips?

Biff's R wrote:What kind of riding do you do? Local, long distance trips?

A little bit of everything. I ride to work as much as possible, usually less than 1/2 hour depending on where I'm working. I try to get out for at least one longer ride on the weekends, and I usually do at least one long trip a year, anywhere from 4 - 10 days. My wife rides with me a few times a year, usually on shorter rides of no more than a couple of hours at a time. So I need a passenger seat but it doesn't have to be the most luxurious passenger accommodations.

I think that the 1150R has the most to offer for what you do. Some bikes may be sportier, some may be better commuters, but none of the naked bikes are going to do nearly as well as a tourer. The R is the true jack of all trades and master of none.

I have an R1150R, absolutely love it, but want to get the GS. Wifey won't let me have both so I would have to part with it. If you are interested, let me know. It's in perfect condition, with 9k miles and it would be less than $10k! Oh, and it does have ABS which has saved my butt!!

See also Moto Guzzi's Brevia and Griso

Triumph Speed Triple or Street Triple don't have ABS, but the 675 baby is getting universal rave reviews in Europe. The Yamaha Fazer FZ6 is considered a good alternative, though I've not ridden one (naked or half-faired).

Honda have just announced their next big Hornet will have the Fireblade engine, but that'll probably too strong for your budget:

CB1000R:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ ... hornet900/

Moto Guzzi are the closest to the BM in my opinion, but your dealer support isn't that strong in the US (yet).


Why not go nuts & get a used KTM950SM ? Probably my next bike...

I dont think there are many alternatives to the R1150R... maybe a MotoGuzzi Griso... but I feel that that is a different type of bike...

I love my R1150R for what it is... a great Boxer engine in a stable chassis... excellent power, awesome brakes... I love the styling of the bike... a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. and IMHO, the bike is fairly "trick"... single-sided swingarm with shaft drive, the telelever front end, steel-braided brake & clutch lines... did i mention it has a boxer engine?!? it's like no other bike on the road.

everytime I get the "bug" and start to look around for what my second motorcycle is going to be (I have a thing for Ducatis and Guzzis), I go back to my garage and behold my awesome BMW motorcycle. and the bug goes away everytime. instantly. and that's saying alot.