[Lowrez]

First post and I actually had time to read the article? What's going on here?



Nice to see well made cruisers getting the respect they deserve. Personally, I'd take the H-D, just something odd about the BMW that turns me off.



I'd like to see what HackFu and Minime would do the the H-D if they had it as a long term test ride. I bet the handling and braking would be tweaked quite a bit.

 

[backroadbandit]

OK, OK, they're just *Cruisers*..........I've owned two softails (butt-busters for sure) and rode a R1200C for 35 miles, west of Yosemite a couple of years ago. I like the oilheads, and own one, but not some dumb cruiser. R1100RS, there's a motorcycle.



I hate to see BMW building cruisers, when they could take the nice pinstripes and oil cooler covers on this bike and make a really really nice street bike out of it, no lie. But they don't, they're playing corporate cruiser wars..........waste of time, and they will find that out, soon.



Rather be out riding my Bandit 1200.

 

[SamBlob]

Re: Why would I want...

You WOULDN'T want a cruiser! YOU would want a sportbike with lots of power, lots of grip, lots of cornering clearance. And you HAVE what you want.

What you do NOT have, however, is what I want, which is a Honda Nighthawk 750.

Cruiser fans want CRUISERS, and who are WE to tell them that THEY are wrong to want what THEY want???

Everyone rides for their own reason, and the reason chooses the bike.

 

[SamBlob]

Re: BMW Cruiser

Well... there are people as biased toward cruisers as much as you are biased against them, and this is probably the only way any of those people would consider owning a BMW.

I personally think the R1200C is UGLY, but that's just my opinion, and BMW actually makes a bike for folks like me (or rather folks with my tastes but with enough money to put where their mouths are). It's called the R1100R.

One interesting thing BMW has done with the R1200C is to chrome the Telelever suspension components. The Springer of the future! I like that; pity the rest of the bike is so UGLY!

 

[SamBlob]

Re: Cruiser comparo...

When are you guys gonna do a comparo between the Honda Rebel 250, the Yamaha Virago 250 and the Suzuki GZ250X?

 

[wingdave]

After actually driving both (well.. not the phoenix and the deuce.. but an FX and 1200c..both 98's.. both happened to be friends' scoots)

I gotta tell you, the beemer was hands down a better ride.

More of a sportbike handling wise and braking, it felt like the famed landspeeder from starwars (now there's a ride) to the harley's (for lack of a better term) harley-like handling. The beemer, in my experience, had like the article states, a somewhat zen like feel to it.. solid, stable, and predictable. It inspired a hell of a lot of confidence even at 100 mph plus. I couldn't take the harley past 80 before I started to lose confidence in it, and it probably didn't help that I drove the bmw first. I guess, depending on your riding style.. you could find pro's and con's of each..but what do I know, I ride a lumber tourer.

If I had the bazillion-de-eight clams to lay out for either, I'd fly a Beemer..

My two cents.. and before the flames begin, this was my experience, not yours. Just puttin' it out there.

Shiny side up squids..

 

[x1lightening]

Re: I don

Well put!!!! There are very few people out there that actually know the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle. There are even more people that think you are crazy for just getting on one! Be it a cruiser or sportbike or whatever, at least you are enjoying what you are doing! Riding!!

 

[backroadbandit]

Ja wohl, Herr Skwidt. Ah, maybe you are out ridink your 250 today?

 

[Wingman]

I agree although I have to give the nod to BMW for creating a cruiser that is not a clone. I ride a Goldwing most of the time and have been seriosly considering the new Yamaha or the Suzuki for a little adrenaline in the twisty stuff

 

[backroadbandit]

Don't miss 'em. Didn't like the part about the carb manifold coming apart while traveling. The chicks dug it though.....are they smart, or dumb?



Bandit hauls A$$.

 

[backroadbandit]

Yup, and my KLR looks cooler than any Harley, if I were ever to consider how it looks, which is mostly, DIRTY.



Better wheelies, too.

 

[backroadbandit]

I agree. They are kind of .......... nerdulent.

 

[donzi]

Re: HD "list" prices

I bought a fxdx @ list in october from TSI Harley in Ellington, CT. New London County Motorsports in CT also sells at list price. Other dealers around me sell over 4k above list.

 

[lexs]

Just FYI, I know a guy who put 220K on an early 'wing without doing anything but oil & filter and tire changes. Last I saw him he was at 240K and mad a the bike because it needed a head gasket at 220K. No air cooled bike by any manufacturer is even close to a good (GL, BMW K bike, etc.) water cooled bike, it just isn't possible. Even the BMWs need at least valve work by 100K. They might still be running but they are well past their prime.

 

[AcesN8s]

Re: Why would I want...

Thank you. It's amazing how many childish posts I had to read through before I found someone who understands that not everyone is interested in the same thing.

 

[1163]

Re: aghhha

Gotta tell ya, it's a whole lot of fun riding the Road King wearing my full face Arie Quantum /F and one-piece AreoStich suit. I don't wear it all the time as OK is an adult choice state but I have actually had folks (ok they weren't H-D riders) comment on how refreshing it was to see a "Harley" rider wear protective gear. I've never been a lemming and just the thought of looking like everyone else kinda freaks me out. I just wish the Valk had worked out better for me. Loved the bike cause it IS so different. It just didn't fit. My Road King actually feels small in comparison.

"Cages are for HAMSTERS!"

 

[Iman01]

You are missing the point. If I wanted to ride fast I'd buy a Busa or something.



I love the way Harleys look, I love the way my bikes fit me. I enjoy adding parts to it. I have a 1983 Sportster, damn thing is always breaking, that is part of why I love it so much.

 

[Iman01]

Right on the Duece is the worst looking Harley I have ever seen.

 

[Homer]

Went to Sturgis from eastern PA in '97 with my bud. I was on a 97 HD FLHTC w/ 5k miles. He was on his 84 HD w/ 92k miles which has never been apart. No problems. I maintain all my bikes and ride about 15k a year. Oh yeah, I also have a 84 Yamaha XV1000 and a 01 HD FXST. I don't think after 40 years of riding I could do the 4040 mile one week trip to Sturgis on a sport bike. The FJR1300 might be a different story. Ride what you like. I like anything with 2 wheels and a motor.

 

[RalphKramden]

Hey- I can afford anew bike every couple of years as long as I don't buy a Harley or BMW. That way I get the new technology and waranty instead of riding around on a 16 year old bike that will never turn into a collectors item.