New Buell, or what?

[James Deuce]

The couple of wee rides I've had on BMWs haven't really inspired me to look much further. Will check 'em out, though.

...Does that mean the K1000R is, in fact, a 1300?

No. But the K1200R is now a K1300R.

Does that help?

[jrandom]

In a straight line there's not much between my bike and a GSX1400.

Sounds about right.

A large number of people dissagree with you.

I know. It's kinda embarrassing. I'll ride another one as soon as I can, mmkay? Maybe it'll be, y'know, enlightening. Don't shoot me because I didn't like it. I expected to like it. I wanted to like it. After all, I don't know anyone else who's ridden a Buell and not liked it.

Personally, I wouldn't be so rude.

Oh, c'mon; it's not as though I just called your sister fat.

[Big Dave]

BMW X-country with the 650 rotax is an absolute wheelie monster. MOST surprising captain.

BMW Megamoto was my bike of 08.

[Ocean1]

No. But the K1200R is now a K1300R.

Does that help?

Saw one up paekak last week, thought then I should at least consider it. It IS an IL4, but I've ridden with a guy on one, and it impressed me.

I know. It's kinda embarrassing. I'll ride another one as soon as I can, mmkay? Maybe it'll be, y'know, enlightening. Don't shoot me because I didn't like it. I expected to like it. I wanted to like it. After all, I don't know anyone else who's ridden a Buell and not liked it.

I'll admit to a fetish for things different, and I like innovation for it's own sake. But they really do genuinely do what the label says. The few I rode when shopping did differ a fair bit, the one I bought happened to have a race kit but it also seemed a bit... crisper.

There's a wide range of styles that get a bike around corners, you've only got to watch the fast dudes to see that even quite different techniques work equally effectively. Some styles suit different machinery, simple as that.

As for the 1125... I haven't done that yet. I expect the engine to be a problem for my "style". I'd love to find different.

[Ocean1]

BMW X-country with the 650 rotax is an absolute wheelie monster. MOST surprising captain.

BMW Megamoto was my bike of 08.

Yeah.

This is getting to be a bit of a mission, y'know?

If I win lotto it'll be way easier.

[jrandom]

This is getting to be a bit of a mission, y'know?

Shhhh. Just go ride a Multistrada.

[hospitalfood]

I honestly don't see the attraction in the XB12. I felt that the handling would be more likely to slow it down (and/or send it into a ditch) than speed it up, and that the engine was quite unsuited to a sportbike. It pops and bangs like a cruiser, then you get a reasonable shove that lasts for a couple thousand rpm, and then, woops, redline.

it took me a little while to get used to the handling with mine.
as for the engine it has its good points as well as bad.
it seems to me that everyone i know who has a XB12R loves it to bits and does not want to part with it. which counts for something i think.

[Krayy]

...
I honestly don't see the attraction in the XB12. I felt that the handling would be more likely to slow it down (and/or send it into a ditch) than speed it up, and that the engine was quite unsuited to a sportbike. It pops and bangs like a cruiser, then you get a reasonable shove that lasts for a couple thousand rpm, and then, woops, redline...

I can see how some people would see that on a short test ride, as it's taken me a while to get used to the delivery and how to best use it. The way to ride a Buell through a corner is a mysterious and beautiful thing when done well (and I'm still learning).

1) Quick yank on the front picks just before entry and slight roll off on the throttle (even in long sweepers - you'll see why)
2) tuck crotch into tank to get your weight forward and push in a manly way on the inside bar to drop in to the corner
3) VERY gently start to wind on the throttle immediately after turn in (it does NOT like to be off throttle in a corner)
4) Push on the inside bar as you throttle on to increase lean angle and counter the rear pushing like a Lancia driver
5) Scream "Woooooo-hoooooooo" as the torque wave HURLS you out of the corner and the bugs start hitting your teeth due to the huge-wide grin on your mug
6) Repeat as necessary or until your cheeks hurt

[Big Dave]

Dude with GSX1400 and no licence complaining that an XB runs out of puff - get out!

Different strokes - I like mine long and at 72 degrees.

Others prefer inline fours, no wrong or right, just the rich tapestry blah blah blah.

I have the new Honda Varadero. Very favourable first impression. It's got jrandom length legs to it.

[Blackbuell]

I'll admit to a fetish for things different, and I like innovation for it's own sake. But they really do genuinely do what the label says. The few I rode when shopping did differ a fair bit, the one I bought happened to have a race kit but it also seemed a bit... crisper.

There's a wide range of styles that get a bike around corners, you've only got to watch the fast dudes to see that even quite different techniques work equally effectively. Some styles suit different machinery, simple as that.

As for the 1125... I haven't done that yet. I expect the engine to be a problem for my style. I'd love to find different.

Hi Ocean,
Ive had 2 XB12r & i thought they were just friken awesome & something different that other bikes are not like, i have had my 1125 for a few months now,it is everything a XB12 is plus more,i suggest you go for a ride on one
i think you will be impressed

[Hitcher]

I have the new Honda Varadero. Very favourable first impression. It's got jrandom length legs to it.

What have Honda got these priced at?

[vifferman]

What have Honda got these priced at?

$21950, according to their website....
That's Eggs Zachary how much I wouldn't pay for one.

Interestingly (or perhaps not ) their horrible new DN-01 (a snip at a mere $23,950) is listed as a cruiser AND a tourer, but not as a commuter or scooter.
Four grand more'n a VFR800 (Sports bike and Touring)? *Cough!*

(Sorry - that should have been *FAR Cough!!*)

[Hitcher]

That's quite a bit more than a V-Strom.

[Big Dave]

What have Honda got these priced at?

A fair and reasonable question and one that I am glad you asked. Having said that - let me say this, value is a relative thing.

[Big Dave]

I think they are remiss for not including the DN-01 in all 4 categories.
It's a remarkable vehicle.

The varadero appears to be a firestorm dressed in an drizabone.