Buell XB12XT or BMW 1200GS?

[Blackdog]

I'm going on a 4,000 mile trip with my brother next month. We originally planned on taking our XB12XT's. I wanted to put a bunch of miles on the Buell because it's still under warranty. I put 4,000 miles on it over the last few months just to fine tune it for the trip. I bought a tank bag, Kaoko throttle lock, comfort kit, and GPS mount for it. The fact that both of us are using identical bikes makes this epic trip even more special. Approximately 500 miles will be on dirt roads.

I rode the Buell long enough that I forgot how plush the BMW is. Last week I took the wife to Tri-cities (120 miles) on the BMW. When we got back I started thinking I would be more comfortable on it instead.

I need a new rear tire for the BMW and I need a spare belt for the Buell, both are about the same price.

The wind protection on the BMW is superior. This makes for a much quieter ride. I have a new Seargent seat on the BMW so of course it's more comfortable than the stock Buell seat. Both bikes offer excellent seating positions. BMW is big, Buell is small and more agile. Both bikes have excellent luggage. BMW holds twice as much gas so there is no need to carry a gas can.

I know my brother would be disappointed if I took the BMW instead of the Buell.

What would you do?

[jamming]

Take the one that makes YOU happy.

[socalrob]

:)Its obvious. Give you GS to your brother & buy yourself a new Camhead GS.

Seriously, unless you and your brother are twins, not sure that its real important to be on the same bikes. I guess if you are both on the Buells & you both crash, you could cobble together one bike from the parts to make it home. Not a real likely problem.

If you take the GS, might be nice to trade bikes off so neither gets too misty eyed for the other's bike.

[Arby]

I'd stick to the plan, if it were me.

RB

[panthercity]

Take the one that makes YOU happy.As much as I am stonkered by the XT, I have to agree with Roger.

Kinda like the prosti in Nuevo Laredo who, unpon seeing my equipment asked, "Who do you expect to please with that?"

" Me!" I answered...

[Capt. Blackadder]

If you were taking a solo trip then the choice would be easy... the BMW, because of greater comfort and twice the amount of gas. However, in this case I'd stick with the Buell. Being on identical bikes can pay off in several ways. The same set of spares will work on both bikes, ditto for the tools, you will both need gas about the same time, and there will be no hurt feelings. Plus, I'll bet these bikes sound great in stereo. :) Have a great trip!

[socalrob]

If you were taking a solo trip then the choice would be easy... the BMW, because of greater comfort and twice the amount of gas. However, in this case I'd stick with the Buell. Being on identical bikes can pay off in several ways. The same set of spares will work on both bikes, ditto for the tools, you will both need gas about the same time, and there will be no hurt feelings. Plus, I'll bet these bikes sound great in stereo. :) Have a great trip!

Several good points I missed!

[DarthRider]

Here's another viewpoint, not exactly what you asked, but...

If you have 2 bikes that are so close in character, mission, usefulness, etc. that you have to ask strangers which one to ride, why not keep your favorite & sell the other one?
Get a sport bike, cruiser, dirt bike, real DS bike, vintage bike, Vespa, whatever.
With more variety in your stable the choice will be easier and you won't be missing out on so much of the variety of motorcycling.

Just a thought...

[Blackdog]

Here's another viewpoint, not exactly what you asked, but...

If you have 2 bikes that are so close in character, mission, usefulness, etc. that you have to ask strangers which one to ride, why not keep your favorite & sell the other one?
Get a sport bike, cruiser, dirt bike, real DS bike, vintage bike, Vespa, whatever.
With more variety in your stable the choice will be easier and you won't be missing out on so much of the variety of motorcycling.

Just a thought...

There are no strangers here Dave. :) Hell, I can't decide what to take with just two bikes. If I had any more I'd be really screwed.

[DarthRider]

There are no strangers here Dave. :) Hell, I can't decide what to take with just two bikes. If I had any more I'd be really screwed.

I really meant only 2 bikes, not 1 of each.

[BobFV1]

Take whichever one you really want to ride more - sounds like the GS from what you wrote. But frankly, having done all that work to the Buell and then not taking it on the trip would make me think about selling it - I mean, if you prep it up and wait for the weather to warm up and then decide it isn't the bike for you to ride, then it probably isn't going to get much use in the years ahead. Just my .02

[Blackdog]

The most logical choice would be the BMW. Sooo, I'm taking the Buell.

Taking an orphan bike with a few shortcomings and a great personality is just too cool. Besides, ANYBODY could do it on a BMW. I ordered a spare drive belt but there on back order and aren't expected for 2 months. Seems people are hording parts, I don't blame them. So I'm leaving without a spare belt.

[Arby]

The most logical choice would be the BMW. Sooo, I'm taking the Buell.

Taking an orphan bike with a few shortcomings and a great personality is just too cool. Besides, ANYBODY could do it on a BMW. I ordered a spare drive belt but there on back order and aren't expected for 2 months. Seems people are hording parts, I don't blame them. So I'm leaving without a spare belt.

I did two coast to coast trips on my Buel without any belt problems. Not even an adjustment was needed

Hope you and your brother have a great trip!

RB