[dbyker]

I happened to spot a Harley today that actually impressed me. It seemed like an older model (how do you tell for certain?) with older rider and pillion, and panniers covered in destination stickers. I can see the appeal of pootling along, chug a chug, in no hurry and taking in the scenery when you have no urgency to get to your destination. Not that I’m ready for that yet.

Not to turn this into a Harley thread, but FWIW I owned a '03 100th Anniversary Road King for 1.5 years and 11K miles / 18K km. At the time I felt like every long-time rider should at least try a Harley once in their life, and the 100th anniversary pushed me over the edge.

Was a fine riding & decent enough handling bike, no issues with it, even took a couple trips on it. Was a fun bike in its own way, a real time machine back to the '50s/'60s or so but with reasonably modern amenities. Ultimately decided my motorcycle & demographic tastes leaned more toward BMW, and I sold the Harley easily & quickly.

OBMWC, not loving the looks of the new R1300R from what I've seen, but that usually happens and they usually end up growing on me.

 

[dbyker]

IMO the ST headlight rendered an otherwise sportiv-looking sport-touring Boxer essentially purchase-proof. It could be considered BMW's "Pontiac Aztec".

Many innocent innerwebz electrons were brutally unalived in fervent discussions on how to de-uglify it (conclusion: unpossible).

It remains a historic milestone in German 'aesthetic prowess' (I'm half-German) that continues to this day (see current R13R discussion).

No offense to ST owners/riders/lovers, but I believe that is the general consensus.

Cheers! Dave

 

[dbyker]

Not sure the market would be there for a smaller boxer - smaller cylinders with less power but similar complexity and cost. The Heritage line of RNineT Camheads still exists for more traditional or analog boxer fans.

As a 45 year boxer lover I've been thoroughly seduced by the R1200 LC smooth easy torque and rider aids like ride modes & shift assist. I wouldn't want to go back to anything less, although I'm always looking for a nice Camhead or Airhead second bike.

Cheers! Dave

 

[dbyker]

I wouldn't trust anything he says. Clickbait, mostly. This is the guy who says don't bother wearing body armour.

I enjoy his videos occasionally mainly for entertainment. Thus "YMMV".

Cheers! Dave

 

[dbyker]

FortNine says:

Who?

FortNine. See the big link?

 

[dbyker]

I love my R1200RS, but any boxer faithful who has not tried a V4 engine is doing themselves a disfavor. I bought a new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 last year, and words cannot describe how fabulous the bike is in every way. Lightweight, and the engine is so smooth and powerful. And then there is that V4 sound!

FortNine says:

"The V4 is the best engine for a motorcycle, period. Near perfect balance allowing for 20,000 RPM, big bore power in a conveniently sized square. Just look at the Moto GP grid - Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda, 20 of the 22 fastest motorcycles in the world run V4s."

YMMV.

Cheers! Dave (secretly working for the 'other' side)

 

[dbyker]

Dave, ever seen a BMW Isetta 250?

Of course, been steeped in all things BMW since 1977.

https://www.bmw.com/en/automotive-life/history-BMW-isetta.html

 

[dbyker]

Motorad's 100th Birthday will be 2023. Hope to see some interesting models come out.

My only Harley was a 2003 100th Anniversary Road King, maybe should have kept it as a cool stablemate for a 2023 100th Anniversary BMW XXXXXX.

Cheers, Dave