New Bike Dreaming

[martywj]

As many of you know I ride '96 Kawasaki Voyager XII. It has about 65K on the clock so I am not thinking of trading right this instant. I will probably try to go to about 100k, but I am starting to consider my options. I my case the 100K mark is only a couple of years away.
I was very excited about the pospect of a new Voyager as I had heard that a new one might be coming out based on the Concours 14. BTW, I test a C14 and the 32.1" seat heighth is just to tall for my 28" inseam, although it is a sweet bike. Well, Momma Kaw threw us a curve and came out with V-twin Vulcan 1700 Voyager.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=379
I wasn't really wanting a V-twin, nothing wrong with them just don't want another one. I am not totally condeming this one yet, I will wait and see. Maybe try and con some dealer into a test ride. Kind of depends what the seat heighth, they have not published that info yet. I wasn't really wanting a cruiser style bike either, but that seems to be all that the manufacturers make for us that are inseam challenged.
Well, we went into BMW of Ft. Worth this past Saturday. We went there they had a deal the Olympia Patton Jackets on sale for $99. I bought on in the bright orange. Anyway the wife and were looking around at the bikes. I have always liked BMW's but they were always too tall for me. That seat heighth thing you know. I found out that they now offer the R1200RT with low seat option as well as a low suspension option according to spec sheet on the BMW web site the seat heighth can be as low as 29.5"!!
Now that's getting down to my level. I am glad some builder is listening to us vertically challenged folks. I might have to go back and see if wrangle a test ride.
What do you guys think?
Marty

[Sir Limpsalot]

What do you guys think?
Marty

Shouldn't be any problem getting a test ride, BMW tend to be pretty good at that. Take the ride, then tell us what you think. One small point to bear in mind the boxer engine does take a little getting used to, but it grows on you (and then some).
Cheers,
Si.

[Gord]

Have I mentioned lately how much I frikkin' love my K1200S? No jonesing here for anything else...

...okay, the Triumph Street Trip is worth a look...

...did you say Ducati 848?...

...Victory Vision...

[socalrob]

Rumors kicking around is that there will be about a $700 price increase either on 09 models or Jan 09, not sure which, for BMW's. I understand this has to do with the $$ exchange as much as anything, as when the dollar dropped earlier I don't think BMW raised prices much of anything here in the US. OTOH, the way the economy is they may have some stellar sales programs out next year.

RT is a great bike. For 2 up it would be hard to beat in my book. IMO it is a great tourer that when you get to your destination, you take off the cases and have at least a comfortable "sporty" bike. I think the RT fits that bill much better that the LT or Goldwind, while still giving great touring performance. I wonder if BMW has upped the HP on the 08's like they did the GS's & GSA's? Any changes coming for 09?

I would get the cruise control were I to get an RT. Just my 2 cents.