is this the best bike ever?

[dd]

hi.
my silver r is my first and only bike.
i have had it a bit over a year, and am thrilled with her.
i am currently in the process of outfitting her to take a trip from NJ to nova scotia and back, which will be my first real tour.

every now and then, my gaze wanders, and i look at what else is out there.
and nothing looks as cool and generally functional as my ride.

my question is this:

does anyone know of a bike that gives more all around satisfaction than ours?
-just wondering.
-daniel.

[Nakigara]

I can honestly say without a doubt that I bought the right bike. After 5 years of riding my green Rockster I'm still in love. My eye does wander a bit, but even after test riding other bikes I still like mine the best. One more payment and it's all mine!!!!




Dan

[DJ Downunder]

hi.

my question is this:

does anyone know of a bike that gives more all around satisfaction than ours?
-just wondering.
-daniel.

No other bike will...Because the R1150R is the best bike ever...

DJ

[riceburner]

Has to be said - nothing else gives the "All-round ability" and "ease of maintenance", together with "character" that the Rockster has.

[RRDallas]

If I was a bit taller, I would love to try out a GS for a while but I am thrilled with my 2003 RR as I near my first anniversary on it. Last night, on my way home in rush hour, I spied a fellow rider on an 1150RS and thought to myself, "yes, that's a sweet bike." I was digging the fairing. No doubt, we've got a classique.

[Dr. Strangelove]

For what I do, it is the gold standard basis of comparison for all other bikes.

When she gets long in the tooth, I may look at thr r1200r; or if my legs grow a gs

John

[challey]

Danial asked:

does anyone know of a bike that gives more all around satisfaction than ours?

The answer is: There isn't one, with the possible exeption of the R1200R .

Charlie

[jeremell]

+1 - yes, it is the best ever. I haven't had a test ride on the 1200 yet.

[wncbmw]

I would have to agree!

One more payment and it's all mine!!!!

And that only will make it better! The fact that mine is paid for helps me resist the siren song of the only bike that could possibly compete for my affections - the R1200R!

[bjemmavu]

If you can take a slightly more 'weight on wrists' riding position, then the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird is also worth a look as a brilliant all-rounder, albeit a faired, sporty, all-rounder-missile. Then again, I've just part-exchanged my Blackbird for a green Rockster!

No, but seriously, I have lived with 2 Blackbirds for 7 years altogether and am only changing to the (fantastic!) BMW because I was getting worried for my license.... even though, of course, I was always riding on our british roads within the speed limit!

Happy weekend all!

[Klay]

Hi dd & DJ & everyone - cant resist making my first post here & now.
I have had my 04RR for 8 months/9000k's now & i am just so impressed with this bike. i'm so glad i made this choice!
thanks for the great site/forum too guys, you are always teaching me something new about my bike. pete

[mkmd555]

You have made a sound decision by buying the R. Like you I have an R and I am delighted. I have had Royal Enfield, in the earlly '80s. Bmw R100/7. Honda Vlakyrie and a Kawi Vulcan 1500. THe best so far is the R. The second best to me was the Vulcan.

Enjoy!
If possible, to enhance your ride check the valve adjustment.

Regards

M Khan

[MikeCam]

Well, someone has to argue...

Best Bike Ever (tie) Kawasaki Z1 900 and Honda CB350 Four

Best Bike Currently Available: R1150GS

Best Current Model: (many to argue about)

[sjbmw]

After owning 3 other bikes for 5 years, they all seemed to get long in the tooth, and my eye started wandering for a different ride.

The R is different.
I think about new shocks, but I have not considered a new bike.

Of course, since I paid off my R months ago, a 2ND bike is calling....

I just cannot part with her.

[scottybooj]

Cam is such a contrarian.

friend loves his blackbird. the guys at the bash prolly remember that black beast.

our bike may very well be the best all-arounder unless you have to travel fire-roads often. THEN the GS may be the bike, but the KTM is probably better in the muck and the Triumph Tiger will best it in terms of price, ease of use , and reliability. I don't think triumph is (now) having issues like the beemers have been experiencing the past twenty years. our bikes' problems only seem to be relegated to just surging, tranny input shaft issues, final drive failures, hall sensor failures and electrical harness fraying. that's it.

let the flames begin!

[wncbmw]

Best Bike Currently Available: R1150GS

So to argue the point. Been there. No longer have it!

[MikeCam]

I have to agree that the 955i Tiger is also among the best Currently Available All Rounders, but parts availability challenges prevent it being the very best. Another current great bike -- Honda 919.

IF I had to pick a current model best --- hmmmmm?

Not an Aprilia because their U.S. network is spotty for sales, service, parts and such.
Not a Ducati because for all the glamour and for all the performance, they just don't make an ALL Rounder (but I really like the new 696 Monster).
Not Moto Guzzi, so obvious.
Not BMW because the current models have so much electrical stuff and any number of things can leave you stranded while a more mechanical bike can be made to hobble home.
Not Yamahaha.
Not HoHummda (but the 919 is a great bike).
Maybe the Triumph Bonneville or Scrambler variant - simple, versatile, but still a parts resupply challenge.
Maybe the Kawasaki Versys - middle weight, commuter; dual purpose scrambler; sport touring light.

BUT my final vote goes to the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Solid, purposeful, totally versatile, good dealer service when it rarely needs it; mostly mechanical and user friendly, street, road or trail worthy and worth a longer trip. Dead stone number one in most categories that make a difference to the owner.

[wncbmw]

Another current great bike -- Honda 919.

I would agree with that. I really liked the one Jim rode to Bash IV. Found out this year it was his wife's bike!

Mike - is the BMW reliability issues the reason you have a garage full of them? So at least one should be running at any time?

[MikeCam]

Well, I like shaft drive, boxer engines, German parts, and David Robb styling.

[markg]

Close call. Certainly for an all arounder best by far. I also have a 1992 Ducati 900ss, which I bought new, and have 38,000 miles on it. Hi comp pistons, ohlins, Keihin soothbores, lots of other lttle stuff, and it is the best sporting streetbike I have ridden, including a 955sp that I own and 999's that I borrowed. And in 16 years it has never failed me or stranded me, or disappointed me in any way. I have to say that if the garage were on fire my 900ss probably gets out first.

Where the BMW really shines, as you all know, is the all-around capability. Since I have faster sport bikes already, the r1200r has no appeal for me, and the 1150r is, IMHO, infinitely better looking and more comfortable than the 12r. But you all already knew that.