That's quite an accomplishment!

I would look at the RT vs the in-line 6s. Proven design. Much faster than many people think. I'm pretty sure BMW has gotten past the final drive issues they used to have. Even at that, I've had hex heads and zero problems in many, many miles. Sometimes you have to look past the internet complaints.

 

Tie breaker...how about cruise control? I don't believe the '14 Connies had it but not sure on '15's. Both great sport tourers though.

Also, great accomplishment on your BBG. It was fun reading your OP. Bike prep and rider focus have to be at an amazing level.

 

Mike Horrell,
That is good information, thank you.
The bike I get will be used for more than just single touring.
My wife rides with me and she isn't a big lady (135), but the load weights get up there with her and all the gear loaded to the back of the bike for a trip.

It looks like pillion and bag loads are causing it.

That would be a deal breaker.

 

I've been schizophrenic on cruise control. When I ride with my bagger buddies it is cool to follow them after they set the cruise. Following and pacing them is a no-brainer. I start to think, man I need cruise!!

Although, I've lived so long without it, I realized yesterday I rarely even used the throttle lock.

You are correct, the Concours does not have cruise and that is definitely on the minus side of the list.

 

Great RR, and congrats on the accomplishment.

I set out early last spring to do my BB Gold, it was only 5C at 5am when I left, I figured it would warm up from there. No chance, by the time I hit the mountains the temp had dropped to -5C. Way too f'n cold to sit on the bike for 24 hrs, after 2 hours I was done. Had to turn around. Failed attempt, I'll try again next year.


Did you look at the Honda ST1300, it's in the same class as the Concourse and FJR, depending on who you talk to, the ST is the better bike. I have friends that swear by all three.

 

I have looked at the ST1300.

They seem to cost a bit more.
And, I don't like the saddle bags. Seems stupid, but the looks get to me.

If I found a screaming deal on one I wouldn't hesitate to buy it though.

Last night with about 400 miles to go. I was bone cold. You have nothing to do but think and I admit one of the thoughts I had was to chuck it and quit. Then I realized I was heading home anyway, I might as well keep moving.

Riding in really hot temps I can manage. But, once you get cold you can't escape it. You just stay cold.

 

I know what you mean about the cold. The one and only SS1000 that I did ended up like that as well. It was dark, cold, raining. My legs were so cold I don't think I could have moved my foot to hit the brake if I had to make an emergency stop. Dangerous riding like that, but we do it sometimes.

 

I guess I don't get the iron butt thing......... It must be like the folks who run marathons just because they can.


Now, throw in some bucks..... as in greenbacks, chedda, I'm in!

 

Glad to hear that, because although I'm lusting after a new Road King, my SS1000 will definitely be on my Super Glide.

Classic response: When Sir Edmund Hillary was asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest: "Because it's there".

 

I admitted in the original post I've never been able to adequately explain to someone why I do it.

Just to prove to myself I can, I guess.

As for chedda... It only costs, it doesn't pay.

The men and women that do it at the highest level, like the Iron Butt Rally I can't hold a candle to. The routing and planning they do is crazy.

A member here sent me the route sheet for the Hoka Hey and there is no way I could ever follow those directions once I was road weary and exhausted.

Give me time and I can plan and do plan almost every detail. But to do it tired, exhausted and on the fly... Damn

Still, I'd still like to try a rally someday, but finding time is almost impossible.