Newbie in Singapore

[billexplore]

Here goes a newbie question...

I live in hot climes, better known to me as the land of eternal summer, beside the equator. No seasons: only sun and the occasional rain. Cars are very expensive here, so, at the tender age of 40, I started to ride a motorcycle (a Piaggio scooter, if you must know). My partner drives a nice 5-series beamer. That's why we call her the boss.

Anyway, since I commute about 5 miles each way to work and have some disposable income, my fantasy is to get a motorcycle: a real one. (Passing my license here is a challenge.)

I would very much appreciate your advice on which BMW motorcycle might be well suited to urban driving in a hot climate. Singapore is about 15 miles by 25 miles. The temperature here is 27-32 C. While I know that I cannot have aircon, a breeze would seem essential, particularly when wearing upper body protective clothing and shoes. I have been looking at the following:
- K1200R: lots of power and punch, but is it suitable for urban commuting (max speed 55mph on the freeway)?
- R1200R: good-looking, with no fairing: breezy
- R1200GS: seems a bit of overkill for an urban commute. Otherwise, nice and versatile (Malaysia is next door, with vast expanses of land and dirt roads).
I have ruled out the RT, LT, GT models, since the fairing would remove the breeze and they are somewhat heavy (less nimble) in an urban setting. I prefer sitting upright to the leaning-over position on S bikes. I am 6ft2in and weigh about 190 pounds.

I would like something superb to drive, preferably with a long learning curve for conquering its capabilities. I would also appreciate generous storage, in the form of a central back case, rather than side saddle bags.

Last, but not least, I can wait to buy until newer models come out. I can even look for a second-hand bike (I just want the pleasure and the reliability).

Your opinions will be very welcome. :)

Thanks in advance.

[jackd]

William, I have spent some time working in Singapore during late 2000 and I went across the bridge into Malaysia for a day trip. I think I understand the cost issue with parking and downtown tolls during peak times.

If I lived in Sinapore I would have a M/C also. In my opinion, an LT, or for that matter, any big touring oriented M/C would not be your best choice. However it surely would give you all the storage you would need. If you had good easy access to get on rain gear you should be able to survive the showers. With a GoreTex or similar based constructed rain gear you should survive the warm and rain transition. I think any bike that came with paniers and/or a top case would do. You just need to keep your stuff dry till you need it. In Singapore you don't need to worry about someone stealing your stuff, however I would be concerned in Malaysia..

In my opinion, I believe that the biggest advantage the larger bikes with all the wind protection is high speed comfort and protection from cold air during less than optimal weather. Yes, the large faring does protect you from rain but to do that you need to be moving at a decent clip to take advantage. With the congestion in Singapore I don't think you will have the opportunity to enjoy that advantage. In constant high temp environments not having the extensive wind protection is a distinct advantage.

In Singapore, if I remember correctly, I only saw small sport bikes and scooter types. In Malaysia, I think I saw mostly scooters loaded down with people and 'stuff' . With the limited exposure I had to Malaysia I would say that maybe a smaller GS type of M/C would be the way to go especially if you could get off the main road and use the GS for what it was intended for.

Only problem I can see, if I remember correctly, is the tiered operator license... A 1200 CC M/C requires lots of training and testing... I know that any M/V in Singapore is expensive and with that no more than 10 year old M/Vs allowed it makes owing any M/V very expensive. Does that 10 limit on age extend to M/Cs?

[billexplore]

Thank you, Jack. Indeed, M/C in Singapore are mostly scooters, with the largest bikes being the Honda CB 400. There are some larger motorcycles, but these are infrequent.

The gear I am looking to store is a helmet, a protective jacket (the inserts being stiff, it does not fold well) and, as you say, rain gear. This will fit into some underseat space and a rear "box". Theft is not an issue (but might be in Malaysia).

If you had to ride around in traffic, light or slightly congested, would you prefer an R (such as the GS) or the K12R?

[billexplore]

P.S. Actually, both motorcycles and cars require a 10-year COE, which is renewable. The advantage is that this is about 10-20 times cheaper for motorcycles. Also, they are taxed less when new and pay less road tax. The overall bill, even for an expensive motorcycle, is cheaper than for a small car.

[CalLT]

I think I'd go with the R1200R. It has a lower seat height than the GS, which means you will be able to transition to it more easily from the Scooter. The K bike, in my opinion, has too much power for an urban environment.

I've been reading good things about the R1200R. Plus you can always add a windshield.

[MattKas]

I live in Arizona and commute on K1200LT almost every other day year around. (I have been to Singapore as well) Although, Arizona has drier hot air (up to 45-50C), LT should also make a good bike in Singapore.

[Bob1200rtc1]

I'm wondering if a R bike would overheat in heavy traffic in high temps. My R1100RT,and my R1200RT both overheated in traffic until I added cooling fans behind the oil coolers. A water cooled bike might be better. Just my opinion. :bmw:

[jackd]

If you had to ride around in traffic, light or slightly congested, would you prefer an R (such as the GS) or the K12R?

I personally don't have any experience with either bike. :(

However, that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion..

I would not buy a bike, used primarily for urban traffic, that did not fit my inseam measurement. Of course it should also fit my stature or at least my brute muscle power. If you know what I mean. ;)

Of course lighter is better when trying to maneuver in traffic and tight places. Especially backing it into a small spot or with the others in that spot near the sidewalk that cars can't use. Only the big guys come with reverse. Good luck on your choice.

I think Singapore is a pretty nice place. The people I met and worked with were very nice. I have said many times if I had to leave the USA and choose a spot to live, Singapore would be one of those places on my short list. I will have to admit that while I was there I was not concerned with the cost of anything...

My employer was paying the bills.. :)

[billexplore]

Comparing Arizona to Singapore, the latter is by the sea, implying a permanent high level of humidity. I originally excluded bikes with a fairing because I like to feel the breeze. Mostly, the speeds are up to 30 mph and 55 mph, both of which provoke little discomfort if there is no wind protection. Moreover, as Jack pointed out, a fairing does little to protect against rain (particularly the tropical downpours) below 55 mph. The other factor is that, when driving during the day, sitting at a traffic light causes the body temperature to rise. Hence, the quest for a breeze. Coming back to Arizona, I would guess that the dry heat allows more opportunity for the body to cool.

For the engine, humidity of the air probably has a minor impact on its cooling. I have often noticed my scooter's temperature rising until it reaches the red and even the cooling fan has trouble bringing it down (and the cooling fan was replaced recently :) ). Thus an additional added fan may well be required. Incidentally, I discovered that BMW, for all their engineering skills (which I appreciate) do not design cars for tropical climates. Basically, after 5 years, all the rubber and plastic plumbing (read: radiator and cooling system) needed to be replaced. This would only have occurred after 10-20 years in Europe. I will let you imagine the repair bill...

So, it looks like this is turning into a quest for a cool bike (pun intended).

With respect to seat height, I must admit that I am a little confused. I very much agree that it should correspond to my inseam length (i.e. leg length). There are two conflicting pieces of information. The first is that some bikes look tall, while others look short. The second is that adjustable seats (or replacement seats) are offered on all models, allowing the seat height to be adjusted. A relevant example is the R12R (looks short) versus the R12GS (looks tall). Is it ok just to get the right seat height, or is that a compromise that turns out not to be ideal? This is further compounded by the seats from alternative manufacturers, which are considered much more comfirtable. I do not currently appreciate the low seated position on my scooter and find that I am uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes. I guess this may all be resolved by sitting on the bikes at the dealer.

Buying the bike will probably be a long-term project. My reason for soliciting your advice is that I could not get much user-friendly info (for actually using the bikes on a daily basis) from the many journalistic reviews posted on the web.

Last but not least: the K vs R question. The K might be both over-powered and too heavy for an urban environment. I take it that the R has sufficient power to make everyday driving (with a bit of extra punch) a pleasure. Would you have any reason to select a R12R over a R12GS, given that they have the same engine and that the latter is more versatile?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions.

Singapore is an excellent place to live. While the stress level is higher than the laid-back image projected to the casual visitor, I am able to get on with my job in a stimulating and rich environment. The fact that it is highly organized makes everyday life a pleasure. Changi airport makes traveling a pleasure.

[jackd]

With respect to seat height, I must admit that I am a little confused. I very much agree that it should correspond to my inseam length (i.e. leg length). There are two conflicting pieces of information. The first is that some bikes look tall, while others look short. The second is that adjustable seats (or replacement seats) are offered on all models, allowing the seat height to be adjusted. A relevant example is the R12R (looks short) versus the R12GS (looks tall). Is it ok just to get the right seat height, or is that a compromise that turns out not to be ideal?

Seat height is not only compounded by your inseam length but the width of the nose of the seat and the width of the bike and the space your mom designed into your pelvis. :D

Ideally you need to sit on the seat with your two feet flat on the ground. That will give you maximum stability in slow speed maneuvers and unexpected anomalies in the surface when you are trying to maneuver under your own power. The LT has reverse but most bikes do not. backing up a bike up a slight incline can be a real chore if you can not get leverage from both legs.

[billexplore]

So far, I have learned a few things:

- heat management is the key; it is not necessarily a matter of removing the fairings, but has more to do with the overall bike design...

- K1200R is a bit to beefy (power-wise) for urban driving

- a water cooled bike will probably better than an air cooled one (I wish I was water-cooled when it's hot)

What has surprised me most is more than one person recommending the LT: the largest (BMW) touring bike. I would have thought this was the antithesis of practicality in stop-and-go traffic and passing cars in dense traffic. I have no doubt that it is powerful and relatively nimble. I also have no doubt that it is very comfortable. It's just the last thing that would have come to mind.

I will also be looking at the offer from Yamaha and Honda, particularly in that 600-900 cc engine range that is a compromise between reasonable power and some urban agility. They will have to be liquid-cooled...

Thank you all for your help so far. If I had one last thing to ask it would be: which model of motorcycle (new or old) would you choose? I have two votes for an LT and one vote tending towards Honda or Yamaha, without a specific model in mind. What about a Honda Deauville?

Anyway, I will cease my rambling. For now, I may very well settle for a Honda CB400: they are practical, easy to service, and easy to sell in Singapore.

The bottom line will be to find something I like and have a passion for.

[PATTERSON]

Bill

You lucky guy you.............

Do the GS!!

Pat