|
|
|
Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/7/2006 7:14:30 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 1
|
|
Owned a 2000 K 1200 LT and rode it 42,000 miles in four years. Traded to the 05 GL 1800 for the following reasons:
1) GL1800 is definitely more comfortable in the long hall. BMW's seat is mounted in such a way that as the seat ages the rider ends up sitting with a ridge in the middle of the seat. Much more movement is possible with the 1800 seat than the BMW.
2) No comparison riding at night. The BMW's headlight is a joke. That's why so many have aftermarket lighting added. The 1800's headlight is heavenly after riding a BMW.
3) Less than 200 motorcycle dealerships nationwide for BMW. 3000 or more for the 1800. Discovered that when I was in Jackson, WY the nearest BMW dealer was 250 miles away in Salt Lake City! ! ! (Thank goodness I didn't need them).
4) Definitely more luggage space on the 1800. Bigger trunk, bigger bags.
5) BMW maintenance is every 6000 miles. 1800 is every 8000 miles with first valve check at 32,000 miles. Much less expense with the 1800.
Hope my comments are helpful.
Karl
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Member
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 2:39:21 PM
Posts: 3,215,
Visits: 1,765
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by kmolt
3) Less than 200 motorcycle dealerships nationwide for BMW. 3000 or more for the 1800. Discovered that when I was in Jackson, WY the nearest BMW dealer was 250 miles away in Salt Lake City! ! ! (Thank goodness I didn't need them).
Karl, this is a point I try to make to everyone considering a touring type motorcycle. Triumph and BMW are examples of great bikes with limited dealer support. You can get parts for a Suzuki or Honda even in small cities in South America.
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
Goldwing 03
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
V-Strom 06
Goldwing 03
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:48:02 PM
Posts: 1,722,
Visits: 2,277
|
|
it doesnt matter how many dealers there are or where they might be located.
when you need one:
the nearest dealer will be remotely located, and/or closed.
to properly calculate the chances of the dealer having the parts you need will require the use of imaginary numbers.
the adventure doesnt start till you run out of money and gasoline.
nobody rides half as well as they know how.
nobody rides half as well as they know how.
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:25:17 PM
Posts: 2,059,
Visits: 1,827
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by torqueman
I really don't consider the built in GPS a plus. I change GPSs every couple of years because the technology gets better and more features are added. I expect within a couple of years the real time weather radar maps that overlay your GPS screen will be down in cost enough I will want one (right now a GPS with that feature is around $2700.)
The only positive thing about having it built in is not having to take it off when you go in to a restaurant.
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
Goldwing 03
Torque, have you looked at the GPS on the new Wings? I don't have a GPS so I can't say how good it is, but since you know them I'm interested in your opinion of it. I was quite impressed but for the money it didn't really turn me on. I generally know my hwys and don't have any trouble finding my way. But the GPS comes as the "Comfort Package" and includes the heated grips and seat. That did interest me because I'm looking at the Wing more for cold weather riding. My Harley is great in the terrible summer heat but in the winter its freezin this southern redneck.
OzarkWingGuy
GoldWing '08
|
|
|
|
|
Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/12/2006 12:14:06 PM
Posts: 23,
Visits: 0
|
|
It is all very much personal preference and perception of comfort. What about throwing in another alternative, the new R1200RT?
Those who own it and have ridden it rate it the absolute best Tourer on the market. I also seem to remember it was voted best Touring bike by one of the major magazines.
On Rare Occasions I Find A Little Meaning In My Life...
And Wonder How It Got There.
On Rare Occasions I Find A Little Meaning In My Life...
And Wonder How It Got There.
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/1/2007 7:51:20 PM
Posts: 374,
Visits: 117
|
|
I'm with Torq on the dealer thing, when you are 500 miles from nowwhere it's very comforting to know a dealer who speaks your
bike's language is only a city away. And even if your not on the open road, it opens up your options should the nearest dealer in town turn stupid. For a bike that rarely gets more than 200-300 miles from home it's likley not an issue but when that turns into more like 2-3,000 miles out, it should be more than a passing consideration. For me,
a touring bike should: 1)fit 2) be comfortable 3) be reliable 4) be able to carry my stuff 5)stand a good chance of being fixed anywhere I happen to be and of course, 6)speak to me. That last bit is of course the most difficult to gauge and there
are no universal right anwswers. Even within
RT's, I loved the old one, 'can't stand the new one. The reality is, your unlikely to hit a perfect "10" on all of your key considerations, the question is, which are you most willing to give a little on.
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Member
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 2:39:21 PM
Posts: 3,215,
Visits: 1,765
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by OzarkHarleyGuy
Torque, have you looked at the GPS on the new Wings? I don't have a GPS so I can't say how good it is, but since you know them I'm interested in your opinion of it. I was quite impressed but for the money it didn't really turn me on. I generally know my hwys and don't have any trouble finding my way. But the GPS comes as the "Comfort Package" and includes the heated grips and seat. That did interest me because I'm looking at the Wing more for cold weather riding. My Harley is great in the terrible summer heat but in the winter its freezin this southern redneck.
Nope I have not seen the new built in GPS. I would like to check one out. My only complaint would be the inability to change it for new technology. The minimum I would require for a GPS is door to door routing, download route from PC, built in points of interest, and voice prompts (I would be surprised if it did not | | | |