Other standards

[dougl]

Remember, I have a Bonnie. Actually mine runs very strong when it isn't towing the sidecar around. I can run with an 1800 VTX, well stay with a few bike lengths to 100 or so. Problem is, the Bonnie, just like the KLR feels like a toy compared to the Winnebago, I mean Rocket.

I had a 2004 Bonnie. It was a great bike just like my 1970 version. But it was a bit unstable on the highway with the winds we have around here. I test drove the Rocket once and that was it for the Bonnie.

My Rocket don't like gravel roads and that's what I live on. I always take it easy. Now the KLR likes gravel. I hit the gravel from the pavement and gas it in second and get it sideways. The Rocket would be in a heap with me under it. The Bonnie don't like gravel either. It must be something in the steering geometry, however, the Bonnie with the sidecar attached loves gravel. I can do doughnuts with the Bonnie/Sidecar in the gravel road.

I was able to drive both my '83 Sportster and Bonnie in desert sand. They're light enough so you can keep them upright without too much trouble. I really hate the feeling you get when the Rocket starts tipping over and there isn't a thing I can do to stop it. I've lifted it back up twice. Once drunk, no injuries but the other time I completely disjointed my sacoiliac joints on both sides. That hurt for a while.

 

[dougl]

I've seen this picture before. Still waiting. Anyway, it doesn't look very high tech. Just based on size (1700 cc), compared with the Bonnie (865 cc), it could have 130 hp at the crank.

The V-Max is a genuine standard. You can sit on it without breaking your back. However, the new one is about $18K.

The B-King is a freak show. What's up with that seat? Why couldn't they just make a version that 2 people could sit on comfortably?

 

[GPMAZ]

How about a BMW R1200R??

 

[dougl]

How about a BMW R1200R??

I prefer the R1200 RT. The local cops drive them. Pretty good power. This goes for $16.8K. But for the real power, I would need the K1200 GT. This goes for $18.6K. I think both of them have integrated ABS brakes.

OK, I'll take one of them. What's a 2005 R3 with 12K miles worth?

 

[GPMAZ]

I prefer the R1200 RT. The local cops drive them. Pretty good power. This goes for $16.8K. But for the real power, I would need the K1200 GT. This goes for $18.6K. I think both of them have integrated ABS brakes.

OK, I'll take one of them. What's a 2005 R3 with 12K miles worth?

The RT is a great choice, I had one. I suggested the R1200R since its considered more of a 'Standard'.

Both the RT and GT have integrated ABS. You should take a test ride on both. They are quite different in character. While the GT certainly has more peak horsepower, the RT might surprise you. It would most likely come down to whether you preferred the torque and more upright seating position of the RT or the top end power and slightly more sporting seating position of the GT.

Hard to go wrong with either.

 

[dougl]

The RT is a great choice, I had one. I suggested the R1200R since its considered more of a 'Standard'.

Both the RT and GT have integrated ABS. You should take a test ride on both. They are quite different in character. While the GT certainly has more peak horsepower, the RT might surprise you. It would most likely come down to whether you preferred the torque and more upright seating position of the RT or the top end power and slightly more sporting seating position of the GT.

Hard to go wrong with either.

I like the bags, faring, and shield on the RT. Last time I was at BMW I looked at these bikes but didn't take a test drive.

 

[GPMAZ]

At the risk of turning your thread into a BMW fest, let me add one more thought.

Perhaps the best of the bunch is the R1200GS. If you can handle the seat height (a low seat is available), its probably the most versatile of all the BMWs. The seating is upright and because of the height, more relaxed than the RT. It has the same engine, with more power and torque in the 2008 model. The luggage will hold all a sane person would ever need. If you need more check Jesse Luggage. And, your gravel road problems would be solved. And, there are enough aftermarket accessories available to keep your Visa card maxed out for years. Only problem I can think of is that you have to sneak up on it to get aboard. Its an ugly cuss....

I traded in a GS on my R3T after about 30,000 miles. It was a great bike and I may own another some day. BTW, I've also owned an R1150R and a K1200RS along with the RT and an R80/7.