r1200r riding in nyc?

[yim4]

About to move to NYC from SF. Thinking about bringing my r1200r along, anyone here ride in nyc? How is it? Too big? Going in storage otherwise:) Thx.

[mogu83]

It's been years since I rode in "The City' it's doable,but risky. If your not a real defensive rider or a crazy aggressive rider you could have major problems - the buses and taxis just don't see you or care if they give you a little bump. I lived in Manhattan and I guess the further you get from there the easier it gets. Riding around downtown (way downtown) on a hot Sunday morning in July or August when the sun is coming up and the air has that hot yellowish look to it is one of my Special motorcycle memories.

Something to consider - keeping a bike in the city is expensive. I wouldn't even think about leaving a R1200R on the sidewalk over night, in the morning all that would be left would be tire tracks. If you have plans to go back to the left coast in the near future think about leaving the R1200R there and buying a 350/500cc trasher to get around the NYC area.

[angellr]

I too would echo what Harry said about driving in the city. Its a nightmare in a car (day parking is $50+), let alone on two wheels. Cabbies are your main problem and the traffic is incredibly manic. As Harry stated, driving way Downtown is much easier, however, some of the neighborhoods have their own localized traffic (Village vs. Little Italy vs. Chinatown vs. Chelsea - you get the picture) issues.

If you have a place to store your bike, the city might be OK, however, its going to be EXPENSIVE. Mass transit is always your best bet - learn, love and embrace the trains (or have enough $$$ for taxis).

Best of luck.

[jonberm]

I work in NYC and ride my R12R in from time to time. The bike is fairly new and I just started researching monthly parking in Mid Town. Send me a PM and I'll get you some info in that area if you need. I'm planning on commuting every day in to town once the Spring hits.

Otherwise, I do agree that it can be a bit nuts riding around Manhattan, but I've done it for years with my old 30 yr. old HD, and now with My R12R, and I look forward to it every time I get on the bike to go.

Parking it anywhere but a safe garage is totally out of the question to me though.

Best of luck.

[hoflix]

I can't say about long term/moving and riding in NYC there, but I rode in Manhattan for one day only October and I can tell you that traffic is a nightmare!
My Beemi was so hot that day the temp gauge was one bar from the top.

You will have a shock. Especially coming from California.. where lane splitting is legal and drivers are used to bikes.

Plus... all the cars are yellow over there.. what's up with that?

Good luck with that!

[yim4]

Thanks guys! Into storage it goes..

[mogu83]

I was trying to remember the name of a bike garage in the City that came recommended to me in the past but couldn't remember the name. Then when I went to the MC show in NYC today, there they were. If you change your mind (or lose it) and need a garage in the city contact these people:
Rising Wolf
East Village,NYC
212-475-5858
[email protected]

They don't advertise their exact location for obvious reasons. I heard good things about this place, but their not cheap.