motorcycle-usa sport touring comparo

[ronk1200lt]

There is a sport touring comparo between the ST1300, FJR standard and auto, C-14 and the GT at www.motorcycle-usa.com. The rankings are:
1st. FJR 1300
2nd. C-14
3rd. FJR auto
4rth. GT
5th. ST1300

I don't necessarily agree with their rankings, but I think they didn't do a bad job evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. For anyone looking to get into the sport tourer market this is not a bad primer.

[meese]

For anyone looking to get into the sport tourer market on a budget this is not a bad primer.Fixed it for ya. :D

[hoog62]

From the article:

"The Yamaha does nothing wrong and everything well. While its motor can't match the Kawi or BMW, it is a more than capable powerplant. The FJR looks sharp, has impressive fit and finish and is an absolute dream when the road starts getting curvy."

but...

"Many of our impoverished riders whined that if they had the disposable income, the exclusive BMW would be their bike of choice."


That kinda answers Jack's question, huh?

[ronk1200lt]

Fixed it for ya. :D

Ya! I think the edit about says it all.

[misty116]

Did anyone notice the comments on the braking system for the "2008" K1200 GT. How did they get a power brake system. It appears the editor is arranging the test to meet his expectations.

[messenger13]

Did anyone notice the comments on the braking system for the "2008" K1200 GT. How did they get a power brake system. It appears the editor is arranging the test to meet his expectations.I haven' read a comparo yet that got the features of the GT correct as of yet. The '06 and early '07 GTs were the only ones with power-assisted brakes (like mine). There have also been other misinformation reported on the other features that have changed since the original '06. So as soon as I read something that's not "true", how can I regard any of their findings to be true on any of the bikes???

I have yet to see any comparo mention that the FJR's lean angle is considerably less due to it's peg position. Yet that's the first comment I hear when I ride with FJR owners when they're trying to keep up with my GT. In fact, the FJR scrapes pegs about the same time an LT with Wilburs does. And that's way too soon for a sport-tourer, in my opinion..

I've simply decided to stop reading reviews and just follow my own heart. :bmw:

[Lonewuff]

I've simply decided to stop reading reviews and just follow my own
heart. :bmw:



Hey Joe, you going to leave a trail of ice cubes so you can find your way back? :p :histerica

[messenger13]

Hey Joe, you going to leave a trail of ice cubes so you can find your way back? :p :histericaNow that's not nice! :( And don't you know we always have to be "nice" here at bmwlt.com?! :p

[Lonewuff]

Now that's not nice! :( And don't you know we always have to be "nice" here at bmwlt.com?! :p

:histerica :rotf: :histerica

[meese]

Hey Joe, you going to leave a trail of ice cubes so you can find your way back? :p :histericahttp://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/lt_or_sled.jpg

[Lonewuff]

Ouch!!!

Done in with your own photo Joe.
:p :histerica

[XMagnaRider]

Did anyone notice the comments on the braking system for the "2008" K1200 GT. How did they get a power brake system. It appears the editor is arranging the test to meet his expectations.
I noticed the comment about the brakes, and also the comment about the seat, which changed midway through 2007. Regardless of the results, I believe that the authors brought preconceived ideas with them, rather than starting with a clean slate.

[messenger13]

Ouch!!!

Done in with your own photo Joe.
:p :histericaThat's OK. I've aquired a taste for 'foot' every now & again. :o

[bmwhd]

From the article:

"Many of our impoverished riders whined that if they had access to a decent dealership network and even a glimmer of hope that the rear drive issue was fixed, the exclusive BMW would be their bike of choice."




Fixed it to represent this particular FJR owners POV.

[messenger13]

Fixed it to represent this particular FJR owners POV.I can't fault you there Todd. The relationship that I have with my dealer is probably one of the biggest reasons that I stay with BMW ... even after a final drive failure. If there were to close I'd be on a new Connie, you betcha.

[meese]

Fixed it to represent this particular FJR owners POV.I understand, Todd. But I have to say, I haven't heard of any new style final drive failures recently (Rob Nye not withstanding). Maybe the initial 600-mile flush is helping, though I imagine that still leaves quite a few bikes out there that didn't get flushed . . .

[bmwhd]

It pains me that the dealer situation is so poor. Here in the DFW area there are two but I don't care for either. We've lost Tulsa and Wichita (two others I frequented) as well. I'm jonesin' for a new F800GS but I'm afraid of being without dealer support on a bike I'd ride all over creation.

Meanwhile, there are half a dozen Yamaha dealers and the one I use is a dream of personal service and accountability. Bums me out there's not a BMW option like that for me.

As for the final drives, I was lumping the GS in to the mix. I've seen 3 new style GS failures in my little clique in the past 6 months, all costing vacation time. That's unacceptable to me.

[quint]

My brother used to a motoring writer (or muttering rotter, as I used to say). He would bring home all these interesting cars and get me to drive many of them. The problem is, when you get all this new flash machinery, it is impossible to think of it the way you would a purchasing decision. Here are some of the cars I remember (this goes back about 8 - 9 years):

Subaru WRX: fast, fun, cheap, with a cheap interior
Lexus LS430: fast, luxurious but boring
Audi A4 V6 quattro: sweet, fun but a little underpowered
BMW 328ci Convertible: not enough performance to overcome the weight, some scuttle shake
Camry V6: boringly good
Lexus LX450: nice ride, too expensive, too similar to its Toyota brother
Ford Expedition: a little cheap in the interior, but spacious and good value
Porsche 911S: helluva lot of fun with awesome performance, dated interior
Porsche Boxter S: next best sound to Formula 1 car, handles like a go kart
Lamborghini Diablo VT: ridiculous performance, rides like a truck
Ford Focus: cheap but nifty handling and more fun than it should be

See where I'm going with this? It is impossible to really objectively evaluate the "fit for purpose" criteria that most people apply when actually BUYING a car. How can you drive a Lambo one day and then a Camry the next and try to be completely objective? What happens is this: you're completely nonplussed about everything you drive, and when something blows you away, you think "wow". But you can't really establish the same criteria that someone who is actually parting with their own hard-earned cash would do.

So, the BMW K1200GT offers ME... I repeat ME... a find blend of performance, handling, braking, comfort and practicality. Nuff said!

[tmgs]

From the article:

"The Yamaha does nothing wrong and everything well. While its motor can't match the Kawi or BMW, it is a more than capable powerplant. The FJR looks sharp, has impressive fit and finish and is an absolute dream when the road starts getting curvy."

BS, they evidently didn't ride the FJR here in the mountains, My K1200LT does not scrap as soon as the fjr does!
and what a heavy steering bike compared to the (K-GT)

I will say though, I have not heard one time of a final drive failure on the FJR! <g>

Tom

[tmgs]

I understand, Todd. But I have to say, I haven't heard of any new style final drive failures recently

hahahaha hehehehe hahahaha, damn Ken, my coffee is everywhere!


it is winter ya know, less than half the riders are on the roads

<grin>

[jayjacobson]

....And don't you know we always have to be "nice" here at bmwlt.com?! :p
Right--cause someone's panties always start a wadding!