Man, What a Ride!

Bonwit · May 5, 2010

I consider myself a novice rider, having only owned my 850 Roadster for about a year. Before that it was dirt bikes as a kid, so take this observation in that context.

I always though my Norton was a pretty comfortable ride, but I've really had nothing to compare it to. I just always assumed that a modern big bore German engineered touring bike would be smoother. Lately, I've been getting the bug to purchase a "modern" machine, good for those all day cross country rides. Saturday, I found myself at a local BMW dealer test riding an R1200-RS. I put about 30 miles on it, back road and highway. Nice bike, but I was surprised that at speed I felt vibration in the foot pegs not unlike my Norton. It wasn't bad at all, but I guess I just expected a glass smooth ride for 20 grand, and I certainly didn't expect it to compete with my Norton in this department!

After having done some Internet research on earlier model BMW's (ones I can afford, like the R1150-RT) I discovered some of the negatives of owning such a sophisticated machine. Namely maintenance! After reading more than one story of ABS brake failure resulting in a $2,000 brake job, my interest in the bike is beginning to wane. Today, I rode my Norton for the first time since test riding that BMW, and I came away even more impressed with my old bike. Sure, it shakes like a wet dog at idle, but get her up to speed and man, what a ride! How they do that?

BillT · May 6, 2010

Bonwit said:
I consider myself a novice rider, having only owned my 850 Roadster for about a year. Before that it was dirt bikes as a kid, so take this observation in that context.

I always though my Norton was a pretty comfortable ride, but I've really had nothing to compare it to. I just always assumed that a modern big bore German engineered touring bike would be smoother. Lately, I've been getting the bug to purchase a "modern" machine, good for those all day cross country rides. Saturday, I found myself at a local BMW dealer test riding an R1200-RS. I put about 30 miles on it, back road and highway. Nice bike, but I was surprised that at speed I felt vibration in the foot pegs not unlike my Norton. It wasn't bad at all, but I guess I just expected a glass smooth ride for 20 grand, and I certainly didn't expect it to compete with my Norton in this department!

After having done some Internet research on earlier model BMW's (ones I can afford, like the R1150-RT) I discovered some of the negatives of owning such a sophisticated machine. Namely maintenance! After reading more than one story of ABS brake failure resulting in a $2,000 brake job, my interest in the bike is beginning to wane. Today, I rode my Norton for the first time since test riding that BMW, and I came away even more impressed with my old bike. Sure, it shakes like a wet dog at idle, but get her up to speed and man, what a ride! How they do that?

If you want to try a modern touring bike or sport-tourer, I would recommend the Honda Goldwing or VFR Interceptor, Kawasaki Concours, or (my favorite) the Triumph Tiger or Sprint.

Of these, the Goldwing is probably the smoothest, with its boxer-6. The VFR is a V-4, the Kawy is an I-4, and the Triumphs are I-3s with balance shafts.
I like the Triumphs because the 3 cylinder has good torque like a twin, but high-revving power like a 4. They're also pretty light for sport-tourers.

speirmoor · May 6, 2010

You are right about maintenance on Beemers especially the cost.

B+Bogus · May 6, 2010

Many years ago I was invited by a friend to ride his BMW K100RS and his 850 Commando back-to-back to see what I thought.

My conclusion was that I thought that the Commando was the better bike for where he lived (landlord of the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub in the Lake District).

His reply was...'Oh good, it's not just me, then!'

The BeeEm came a rather poor second, predominantly because of vibration, but also for driveability.
Funny that 25 years later they still haven't put much distance between them!

steven wardlaw · May 6, 2010

As a previous owner of a bmw k75s I can say that the bmw that I had was way smoother than my 750 commando. That was what I found so nice about these old brit bikes. They vibrate in all the right ways. I found myself bored to death on the beemer. Motorcycles need to have character. Nortons have character.

Flo · May 6, 2010

I had a K75 & it was boring.
I also own a K1200s, completely different, brilliant bike in every area.
For the ultimate exitement, my Fanny B takes some beating :lol:

B+Bogus · May 6, 2010

Flo said:
I had a K75 & it was boring.
I also own a K1200s, completely different, brilliant bike in every area.
For the ultimate exitement, my Fanny B takes some beating :lol:

Flo, that might read a bit 'strange' to our Colonial Cousins :mrgreen:

I've managed to evade the lure of Francis Barnetts so far...

Flo · May 6, 2010

Oh, c'mon, live a little. That bike produces a whole 8.4 BHP. Who could ask for more.
Really though, my problem is that the missus nearly always wants to be on the back, & a good old blast makes the Norton struggle. When I can get out on my own, it is brilliant.