Impressions of the new R

[cmann]

First, here it is in all its glory:



I've taken it for a few rides, and my initial impression is "wow!"

First, I've been riding honda cruisers (VT750 and VTX1300) since I started riding a couple of years ago, and I was convinced hondas were perfect. I now realize that they are heavy, shakey, and don't handle 1/10 as well as the R. Giving the hondas credit, they were great for cruisers. I rode some harleys and yamahas, and thought the hondas were a lot better.

The thing handles like it is on rails. If a sport bike handles much better, I would be doing any corner at 100 m.p.h. and get myself killed.

The engine is smooth with lots of pep. It blows the VTX1300 away. The 6th gear is nice, but I would only use it to go over 70 m.p.h.

The negative. I don't like the seat so well. It is ok, but I would like a more comfy seat. I believe my bike has the short seat. I would like to try a sargent seat out. Also, my wife wishes the back seat were a little higher so she could more easily see over me.

My problem now, though, is that I have to buy one for her! She was to inherit the VTX1300, but we both agree that we can't go back now. It's like going back to dial-up once you've had broadband. No way! Therefore, I have two hondas for sale.

Casey

[iowabeakster]

your just gonna like it better and better. Although you already sound like a seansoned R rider complaining about the seat and all.

Congrats.

[johno]

Ahh, another black one
A bit hard to see, but it looks like you have the standard seat.
No doubt you will enjoyit as we all do.

[DJ Downunder]

Congrats...try the BMW tall seat..and maybe the BMW comfort replacement rear seat..it's a fair bit higher..and might do the job.

DJ

[BoiseBeemer]

My problem now, though, is that I have to buy one for her! She was to inherit the VTX1300, but we both agree that we can't go back now. It's like going back to dial-up once you've had broadband.

I feel your pain. Note my signature below. We started my new-to-riding wife out with a 1981 Honda Silverwing for the first year (so she could get the inevitable drops out of the way on a $500 machine), but it clearly couldn't keep up (in any way) with the new Roadster. Fortunately, we were able to find a dealer-demo ABS Rockster for her last year--titled new with 3200 miles and price lowered to $7500. She's put on almost 5000 miles in 2 seasons. She's disappointed that it's not more, but I've pointed out to her that it's at least 3000 more than the average H-D rider accumulates in a lifetime, heh.

I rode my bike for about a week before swapping the stock saddle out for a Sargent. Easily the best seat I've straddled in over 250,00 miles of riding, and good for as many miles as I can stay awake. After a 700 mile day a year ago about this time, only the falling snow kept me from finishing the last 300 miles. The Rockster saddle was way too tall for my wife, but the lower Roadster seat that I removed for the Sargent seems to fit her just fine.

Welcome to the dark side. Mine's silver, but black is beautiful.

[wncbmw]

Congrats on the ride and nice taste in color! It is a great machine!

[tor1150r]

Congrats cmann....you picked the slickest colour too!

Enjoy, and many safe miles!

[sittingbl]

Congratulations. Nice ride. like the other guy said any color as long as its black.

[Just-Beeming]

cmann
Your wife will love her R as much as you love yours!.

My Husband has the GS 1200...The R is sometimes thought of as a smaller version of the well respected GS in the way that it handles.

He has absolutely no trouble keeping up with me.

When does she get hers?

Just Beeming

[Just-Beeming]

By the way....Nice color choice!

[yjleesvrr]

Welcome to the "club." The R1150R is a great bike made for a long-term relationship.

You are comparing apples to oranges though. Cruisers aren't made to handle well, whereas the Roadster strikes in my estimation the perfect balance between stability and handling. You'll feel confident blitzing through corners on this bike, as well as taking her on long distance trips.

[MikeCam]

Casey,

Is that you in the picture?

(I suddenly feel very very geezerish).

Welcome aboard. Have too much fun!

Cam

[1150929]

Welcome, too bad you picked the wrong colour though.

It really is a great bike, been three years, still love mine.

[riceburner]

Give her that one and buy a Rockster.

[cmann]

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject:

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cmann
Your wife will love her R as much as you love yours!.

My Husband has the GS 1200...The R is sometimes thought of as a smaller version of the well respected GS in the way that it handles.

He has absolutely no trouble keeping up with me.

When does she get hers?

Just Beeming

As soon as I can get some sucker to buy one of my Hondas. Anyone out there thinking of switching from the BMW to a honda? I'll make you a good deal!

I just read the review of the r1200r -- I could let my wife inherit the r1150r and I could . . . no, must resist.

Casey

[cmann]

Casey,

Is that you in the picture?

(I suddenly feel very very geezerish).

Welcome aboard. Have too much fun!

Cam

Yep. I make up for my youth with ugliness.

[chris]

Make sure the next one is silver...
Welcome!