Considering an R1150R - newbie

[jclanin]

Hi all,

I'm considering an '04 R1150 - just sold my '98 TBS.... Looking to do some longer rides and enjoy a more comfortable (but still fun) bike.

My concern is that I'll kick myself for not stepping up to the 1200 (there are a few used '07s out there). --But the price difference is HUGE...

Would it be worth it?

Just looking for your thoughts...

thanks!

JC

[MikeCam]

Would which be worth what? Your questions are all over the place.

2004 R1150R - yes. Best all rounder ever. 95% user maintenance possible.

2007 R1200R - yes. 2nd best all rounder ever. Lighter, faster, but more electronically complicated. 50-50 user maintenance.

Price difference worth it? No. The 2004 is a better buy at $6500-7500, depending on accessories. Give the '07s a couple of years to depreciate appropriately.

[cworley5150]

It depends on how much of your own maintenance you do. If you take your bike to the dealer for everything and can afford it, get the R1200R. If you like to do your own work and the satisfaction that knowing your bike was maintained properly, get the R1150R. They are a great bike. It's just my opinion, but somehow the R1150R feels more solid than the R1200R. Could just be the weight difference, but I think there is something about the 1150's that give you feeling that you could drop the bike from the Sear's Tower and it would just start right up without a hitch.

As far as power goes, I think the R1150R will feel a little stronger than your Thunderbird Sport (cool bike by the way) due to the torque of the boxer twin. I don't think you would be disappointed in the power of the 1150. If so, the 1200 should have more than enough. Try to ride both and see how they strike you.

Happy hunting!