How overwhelming it can be to choose the right bike...

[Hydrilla]

Hello all, I joined last fall but have mostly lurked. I'm a long time rider currently on an older Vulcan 1500. My wife and I love to ride together, and our tastes have evolved away from the cool looking V-twin cruisers, toward complete practicality and comfort for long trips. My bike has been in the shop for some time and I have a loaner bike, a Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, the model with tall risers, hard bags and a trunk (like this- http://www.motorental.ie/bikes/lMoto%20Guzzi%20Breva%201100.JPG ). After putting 2k+ miles on it in the 2 weeks I've had it, we've realized this bike is "close" to what we want. The performance is great, but we're a little cramped, and after about 100 miles it becomes pretty dang uncomfortable- I'm too tall at 6' even, and not enough passenger room.

All that rambling just to say this- I am going to save for a BMW in the 4-6k range. Financing isn't an option so I'm not looking at the newer models. The more research I do, the more I become unsure about what I want. I don't think I'm interested in a K1200LT at this point, as sweet as they are. Couldn't afford one anyway. Some of the BMW sport touring models seem great, like the R1100RT, but I guess I'll just need to sit on some and see how I fit. It will take a good bit of time for me to save the cash, so I will have plenty of time to figure out what I want. Decisions, decisions! :)

[jayjacobson]

Hello all, I joined last fall but have mostly lurked. I'm a long time rider currently on an older Vulcan 1500. My wife and I love to ride together, and our tastes have evolved away from the cool looking V-twin cruisers, toward complete practicality and comfort for long trips. My bike has been in the shop for some time and I have a loaner bike, a Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, the model with tall risers, hard bags and a trunk (like this- http://www.motorental.ie/bikes/lMoto%20Guzzi%20Breva%201100.JPG ). After putting 2k+ miles on it in the 2 weeks I've had it, we've realized this bike is "close" to what we want. The performance is great, but we're a little cramped, and after about 100 miles it becomes pretty dang uncomfortable- I'm too tall at 6' even, and not enough passenger room.

All that rambling just to say this- I am going to save for a BMW in the 4-6k range. Financing isn't an option so I'm not looking at the newer models. The more research I do, the more I become unsure about what I want. I don't think I'm interested in a K1200LT at this point, as sweet as they are. Couldn't afford one anyway. Some of the BMW sport touring models seem great, like the R1100RT, but I guess I'll just need to sit on some and see how I fit. It will take a good bit of time for me to save the cash, so I will have plenty of time to figure out what I want. Decisions, decisions! :)
Greetings Hydrilla! Welcome to the insanity. You're smart NOT to finance. An older LT could be in your price range. Check them all out and good luck in making your decision.

[Hydrilla]

Thank you sir! Oh and uh... I love the avatar! :D I own/have owned the following- G26, 27, 19, 23, and 36. :cool:

[tmgs]

Hello all, I joined last fall but have mostly lurked. I'm a long time rider currently on an older Vulcan 1500. My wife and I love to ride together, and our tastes have evolved away from the cool looking V-twin cruisers, toward complete practicality and comfort for long trips. My bike has been in the shop for some time and I have a loaner bike, a Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, the model with tall risers, hard bags and a trunk (like this- http://www.motorental.ie/bikes/lMoto%20Guzzi%20Breva%201100.JPG ). After putting 2k+ miles on it in the 2 weeks I've had it, we've realized this bike is "close" to what we want. The performance is great, but we're a little cramped, and after about 100 miles it becomes pretty dang uncomfortable- I'm too tall at 6' even, and not enough passenger room.

All that rambling just to say this- I am going to save for a BMW in the 4-6k range. Financing isn't an option so I'm not looking at the newer models. The more research I do, the more I become unsure about what I want. I don't think I'm interested in a K1200LT at this point, as sweet as they are. Couldn't afford one anyway. Some of the BMW sport touring models seem great, like the R1100RT, but I guess I'll just need to sit on some and see how I fit. It will take a good bit of time for me to save the cash, so I will have plenty of time to figure out what I want. Decisions, decisions! :)

don't forget to look at the earlier k bikes like the K100 and K1100's

they are sweet, affordable and extreemly dependable!

they are far smoother than the R bikes

[Hydrilla]

Thanks, I failed to mention that I would be glad to find a nice flying brick, and it would almost definitely be well in my price range. I just haven't sat on any K bikes other than a 75 which is awesome but isn't big enough.

[tmgs]

Thanks, I failed to mention that I would be glad to find a nice flying brick, and it would almost definitely be well in my price range. I just haven't sat on any K bikes other than a 75 which is awesome but isn't big enough.

I sent you a PM

Tom