In Love Again!

[mabden]

I've been thinking maybe switching from my LT (BMW #6 in a row in my life) to a used R1200 CLC. Lighter, easier maintenance, fits the cruiser crowd that I ride with etc. In fact there is one just sitting over there in Seattle waiting for me.

Then today I finish doing the spring maintenance on my neighbor's 2001 Suzuki VL 800 Valusia. Nice to work on. I could easily get to everything quickly.

Then the test ride for about 10 miles up the Interstate and back on the Suzuki. Damn! Get me home and back to "My Ride".

I know they are two different critters. Yet, I could not help thinking how the Suzuki was a bit primitive and pedestrian. Yes, a classic cruiser look and sound. And that's where the appreciation ends from me.

I returned the Suzuki to it's owner and RAN FOR MY GARAGE and then rode 20 of the happiest miles I've recently enjoyed on my LT.

After hearing again the song of the "turbine whine" as I quickly hit 70 mph,

and feeling the power with just a slight twist of my wrist,

and smiling as the large machine handled turns like a pro,

and then grabbing the binders knowing the discs and the ABS would take good care of me,

and remembering almost 43,000 miles of reliable road in all kinds of weather from sleet to sunshine,

...I fell in love again and will leave that CLC in Seattle to it's next owner.

Time now for the LT to get "it's" spring TLC!


Mark

[brantvol16]

:)
i own both a volusia (great starter bike and what HD wants to be ... well not quite) and an 06 LT. Got the LT out for my first ride in 2 months and I can only say RIGHT ON!!!

What a treat - comfortable, warm, fast and way better than couch therapy.

Just ride it!

[jrlakin]

After riding both an LT, and A CLC, I don't think you will be very happy with the CLC. Just my opinion. jrlakin

[Montycs]

Any idea why BMW stopped making the CLC? I really couldn't get an answer out of my dealer

[mabden]

I read an article with the then new North American BMW guy. He called the bike a "poor offering" and cited low sales.

[alindsay]

Low sales.

They must have had warehouses full of them as just recently Daytona and Orlando BMW had brand new '04's on the show room floor.

[Ranger]

The part about the CLC I didn't get was that BMW actually went to the trouble to detune the engine. Are riders of other brands so accustomed to less power? I'm sure it didn't help along with other factors, e.g., BMW not associated with cruisers, for one.

[Route66]

The thought has crossed my mind about replacing the LT with something lighter and sportier. Then I think about the two-up touring through wicked crosswinds, torrential downpours, stinging hail, and gusty hot dust devils, plus the excellant cornering and braking capabilities, plenty of power even at the highest elevations- I might add a second lighter bike but the LT will always be the choice for our long distance adventuring. Come on Summer!!
Terry

I arise in the morning with the desire to save the world, and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day! EB White

[dshealey]

The part about the CLC I didn't get was that BMW actually went to the trouble to detune the engine. Are riders of other brands so accustomed to less power? I'm sure it didn't help along with other factors, e.g., BMW not associated with cruisers, for one.

That was my thought also. I could not figure out why all the other R bikes had 90 plus HP, the CLs only 60 plus. Also, the touted "Touring" model had a very small fuel tank. ??????????

I love BMW bikes, but wonder about their marketing research often being incompetent.