Former BMW Riders
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Stage III
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3
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Former BMW Riders
Are there any of you who put quite e few miles on beemers before switching to Harley's? If you did, what were the main reasons? I started out on Harleys, then switched to Beemers, and still haven't shaken the Harley bug after two years riding my R1150RT, even though it is a great bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
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From: PA
RE: Former BMW Riders
I've owned several metrics bofore buying a harley (although never a BMW) and I'm thinking what you're missing in the Harley is Soul. I can't see myself ever going back to anything other then HD. Just my .02
Novice
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18
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RE: Former BMW Riders
I had a Sportster and wanted to upgrade with out spending nearly $20,000 so I bought
a R1200C. Best bike I've ever owned. Wanted to do some more touring so I traded for
a R1100RT. Great bike but I never could get comfortable on the thing although I did
take a couple of longer tours. Traded it for my present bike-R1150GS. Great bike for where
I live in the mountains of Colorado. But, I'm considering selling it and buying a Road King.
One of the reasons I'm considering trading is the weak BMW dealer network. I'm recently retired and
will soon start more regular touring. I've never had this happen but there are some
spots in the USA where if you break down on a BMW you are 1000 miles away from a dealer. There seems
to be a Harley dealer every 100 miles these days.
a R1200C. Best bike I've ever owned. Wanted to do some more touring so I traded for
a R1100RT. Great bike but I never could get comfortable on the thing although I did
take a couple of longer tours. Traded it for my present bike-R1150GS. Great bike for where
I live in the mountains of Colorado. But, I'm considering selling it and buying a Road King.
One of the reasons I'm considering trading is the weak BMW dealer network. I'm recently retired and
will soon start more regular touring. I've never had this happen but there are some
spots in the USA where if you break down on a BMW you are 1000 miles away from a dealer. There seems
to be a Harley dealer every 100 miles these days.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 167
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From:
RE: Former BMW Riders
I have owned and enjoyed
R850R (years ago)
R1150R( a few years ago)
and currently, an R1200GS, which I think is just an amazing bike.
I am keeping the GS and my Softail Deluxe. They are two totally different types of bikes that do totally different things, altogether. The GS is 490 lbs, tall, quick as hell (same torque as the Harley but 100 hp), has unreal lean angle and I truly can ride it faster in the twisties than the sport bikes I had in the past. AND....I can ride it for 10 hour days, load it up with all kinds of stuff and just go on longer tours. It has 7 1/2 " of suspension travel, so on less than ideal roads, it is really great. Shaft drive. And since it is so weird looking, nobody cares if it is clean and sparkly or not. Just change the oil and keep riding.
The Deluxe is just a whole different mojo. Fantastic sound and feel and esthetics. Love the torque and don't care at all about the "performance" compromises of a Harley, because that is not what it is all about. I will ride it on longer rides, but at this point, would prefer the GS for touring. Plus, I am not sure when (if ever) I will get comfortable leaving the Deluxe outside overnight in front of a motel room. Not ready for a bagger yet, but maybe when I want to tour two up.
The RT is a very capable bike, but just doesn't speak to me. It is smooth, turns great, great weather protection, comfortable for touring, etc. But just not as much personality as I want. There is just NO exhuast note with the RT. Maybe that is what the issue is for you?
Good luck.
Bones
R850R (years ago)
R1150R( a few years ago)
and currently, an R1200GS, which I think is just an amazing bike.
I am keeping the GS and my Softail Deluxe. They are two totally different types of bikes that do totally different things, altogether. The GS is 490 lbs, tall, quick as hell (same torque as the Harley but 100 hp), has unreal lean angle and I truly can ride it faster in the twisties than the sport bikes I had in the past. AND....I can ride it for 10 hour days, load it up with all kinds of stuff and just go on longer tours. It has 7 1/2 " of suspension travel, so on less than ideal roads, it is really great. Shaft drive. And since it is so weird looking, nobody cares if it is clean and sparkly or not. Just change the oil and keep riding.
The Deluxe is just a whole different mojo. Fantastic sound and feel and esthetics. Love the torque and don't care at all about the "performance" compromises of a Harley, because that is not what it is all about. I will ride it on longer rides, but at this point, would prefer the GS for touring. Plus, I am not sure when (if ever) I will get comfortable leaving the Deluxe outside overnight in front of a motel room. Not ready for a bagger yet, but maybe when I want to tour two up.
The RT is a very capable bike, but just doesn't speak to me. It is smooth, turns great, great weather protection, comfortable for touring, etc. But just not as much personality as I want. There is just NO exhuast note with the RT. Maybe that is what the issue is for you?
Good luck.
Bones
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Stage III
Joined: Sep 2005
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RE: Former BMW Riders
Yes, the exhaust note is non existent for all practical purposes and that is part of it. Sparse dealer network is also a factor. I'm 200 miles from my dealer. But whatever the reason for the HD attraction, it hasn't faded after 36,000 miles on the Beemer.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 168
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From:
RE: Former BMW Riders
I used to ride a friend's Beemer back in the 50s and always wanted one. Had 3 japs, then a 91 FLHTC, then an 04 LowRider, now an 06 Ultra. I still have to admit I feel like I want to try a Beemer. Not sure why, but definitely the arrogance of the H-D dealers here in Phoenix is one reason. The jerking around I got trading my 04 for the 06 really turned me off [:@]. When I feel it's time to trade again, I'm really not sure which way I'll turn! I've considered the dealer availability as a negative for the BMW and I don't have a feel for how they treat their customers. If I learn it's not any different, I may not stray. [
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
RE: Former BMW Riders
Not a former BMW rider but a current one. H-D's are great for cruising and touring. My favorite. But nearby there is an abundance of forest roads. Don't want to take the H-D down them. 1200GS is spectacular for them. Oh, there's also all these Rocky Mountain canyons. I reach for the Ducati keys (Talk about soul).
Key is there are different bikes for different roads and riding. Consider what it is you do and what bike is perfect for that. Also, factor in emotion. If it isn't there you will ultimately be dissatisfied.
Key is there are different bikes for different roads and riding. Consider what it is you do and what bike is perfect for that. Also, factor in emotion. If it isn't there you will ultimately be dissatisfied.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 19
From: Idaho
RE: Former BMW Riders
Two years ago I bought a K1200LT and parked my Low Rider. After 6 months of only riding the Harley once, I sold it. I put 12,000 miles each year on the BMW, and enjoyed it. However, althought it was a wonderful bike, I just missed a Harley too much. I bought a StreetGlide in January, and am really enjoying being back. I have since sold the K1200LT, and don't miss it at all. They are indeed two seperate animals. I'm thinking of adding a GS to my stable though.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
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From: Somerset County
RE: Former BMW Riders
Road with a guy yesterday - He has an R 1200C - It is a very capable bike but to me the Dork factor is just too high - He obviously can beat me from a performance perspective but his ride looks weird. The bags are too small, the bike sits too high, the seat sits too low - When you compare sound and looks there is nothing like a Harley. I can buy HP and torque but he can't buy style - At the end of the day we both had a great ride so to each his own - It's all good!