Added #4 to the stable this weekend

[G-Rex]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

Where do you live G-Rex?

I am thinking about getting a long distance tourer..but have really no idea what to get.

I'm in Oklahoma City.

As for a long distance tourer, there are many options obviously. I had narrowed my list down to the RT based on a few things a while back before this deal ever came up.

FJR: Good looking bike. 6.6 gal fuel tank. 490 watt alternator output. The FJR was in the running, as it had the important things I wanted. Looks, lots of fuel, and a high output alternator. Only negative with the FJR was alot of complaints about heat.

Concours: 5.8 gal fuel tank. Don't remember the alternator output, but I remember it not being anything super impressive. Love the Concours too, and it would have been in the running, but I wasn't going to upgrade from the Busa for only .3 extra gallons of fuel capacity.

ST1300: 6.6 gal fuel tank. 700 watt alternator output I think it was. Great bike on paper, but it just didn't do anything for me in the looks department. I'm just not a Honda guy.

R1150RT: 6.6 gal fuel tank. 700 watt alternator output. Great looking motorcycle in my opinion. Adjustable seat height also. I think one of the others above had that too, but don't remember which without going back and researching again.

The other benefit for the BMW is this. How many do you see with 300,000 miles, 400,000 miles, or more? Many of them. This tells me they're doing something right. I want a bike that I can put serious miles on and it will keep going with regular maintenance.

Just my .02 cents worth. Maybe this will help you with your decision. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. I've looked at all of these bikes in depth at one time or another.

[CasterTroy]

to echo Tracy

When I bought that RT it was the very first bike I set out to buy specifically purchase.

I did NOT get a killer deal on it….as a matter of fact it was used and was only $2000 under what I could have gotten many new “leftover” models for. But yet I wanted THAT particular bike.
I wanted a specific color as well. So I flew to south florida and rode it back to upper NC like Tracy did. And had a shit-eatin grin on my face all the way back.
I too did loads of research on sport touring bikes prior to my choice. But the kicker was watching “The Italian Job” and seeing those bagless RT’s bein flogged like motards. I thought “yeah yeah, more Hollywood CGI” until I went to the BMW shop and rode a few.
I was SHOCKED! Granted it’s not got the absolute arm ripping torque that the Concours 14 has, but after 300 miles on the concours, your buddy will be asking to ride the RT for the NEXT gas hop I guarantee!
If you can have a sportbike AND a touring bike, there is no question an RT is something to consider. ESPECIALLY one that’s a STUPID deal that you would be kicking yourself in the ass for years if you DIDN’T take
.

[101lifts2]

Originally Posted by CasterTroy

to echo Tracy

When I bought that RT it was the very first bike I set out to buy specifically purchase.

I did NOT get a killer deal on it….as a matter of fact it was used and was only $2000 under what I could have gotten many new “leftover” models for. But yet I wanted THAT particular bike.
I wanted a specific color as well. So I flew to south florida and rode it back to upper NC like Tracy did. And had a shit-eatin grin on my face all the way back.
I too did loads of research on sport touring bikes prior to my choice. But the kicker was watching “The Italian Job” and seeing those bagless RT’s bein flogged like motards. I thought “yeah yeah, more Hollywood CGI” until I went to the BMW shop and rode a few.
I was SHOCKED! Granted it’s not got the absolute arm ripping torque that the Concours 14 has, but after 300 miles on the concours, your buddy will be asking to ride the RT for the NEXT gas hop I guarantee!
If you can have a sportbike AND a touring bike, there is no question an RT is something to consider. ESPECIALLY one that’s a STUPID deal that you would be kicking yourself in the ass for years if you DIDN’T take
.

Troy...what heating stuff is on the RT? When it comes to being cold I'm a pussy. It has to be 80F or higher or I'm cold. Shit...it gets 50F here and I'm freezing riding home with full gear and a neck scarf. IMO, the BMWs look the coolest.

[CasterTroy]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

Troy...what heating stuff is on the RT? When it comes to being cold I'm a pussy. It has to be 80F or higher or I'm cold. Shit...it gets 50F here and I'm freezing riding home with full gear and a neck scarf. IMO, the BMWs look the coolest.

Grips, and you can GET the heated seats on the 05-newer from BMW OR you can get them from Corbin on the 04-olders as well.

The thing about the 04-older RT's is the area you tuck you legs in is completely out of the airstream, and the mirrors block the wind off your hands. Get an oversized windscreen and you're in a cacoon!

Plus with the heat rising up off the air cooled motor, if you angle the windscreen just right, you can get all of that heat as well.

With heated socks, I rode in 26 degree weather for 3 hours last year and was SWEATING when I stopped.

[pauldun170]

Originally Posted by G-Rex

The other benefit for the BMW is this. How many do you see with 300,000 miles, 400,000 miles, or more? Many of them. This tells me they're doing something right. I want a bike that I can put serious miles on and it will keep going with regular maintenance.

Wouldn't that be more a reflection on the typical owner vs the bike itself?

[101lifts2]

Originally Posted by G-Rex

I'm in Oklahoma City.

As for a long distance tourer, there are many options obviously. I had narrowed my list down to the RT based on a few things a while back before this deal ever came up.

FJR: Good looking bike. 6.6 gal fuel tank. 490 watt alternator output. The FJR was in the running, as it had the important things I wanted. Looks, lots of fuel, and a high output alternator. Only negative with the FJR was alot of complaints about heat.

Concours: 5.8 gal fuel tank. Don't remember the alternator output, but I remember it not being anything super impressive. Love the Concours too, and it would have been in the running, but I wasn't going to upgrade from the Busa for only .3 extra gallons of fuel capacity.

ST1300: 6.6 gal fuel tank. 700 watt alternator output I think it was. Great bike on paper, but it just didn't do anything for me in the looks department. I'm just not a Honda guy.

R1150RT: 6.6 gal fuel tank. 700 watt alternator output. Great looking motorcycle in my opinion. Adjustable seat height also. I think one of the others above had that too, but don't remember which without going back and researching again.

The other benefit for the BMW is this. How many do you see with 300,000 miles, 400,000 miles, or more? Many of them. This tells me they're doing something right. I want a bike that I can put serious miles on and it will keep going with regular maintenance.

Just my .02 cents worth. Maybe this will help you with your decision. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. I've looked at all of these bikes in depth at one time or another.

Nice writeup...thanks.