I Need Advice on a Major Life Change

[khittner1]

Folks---I need some sage advice from those who've probably walked this path before I.

Some background facts:
---I have ridden airhead BMWs as my primary motorcycle contrivances for the past 32 years; my first bike that I more or less learned to ride on was a then-7yr-old R90S. It was a close call between that and a Honda Sabre--I think I chose the better course of action at that point.
---Since I'm only allowed by SWMBO to have one actual motorcycle contrivance at a time, I've owned a short list of airheads for varying periods of time. Lately, I've also been allowed to retain possession and use of a P200 Vespa in addition to my present airhead, but I don't imagine for a minute that I could trade the Vespa for a second "actual" motorcycle.
---I've owned my current airhead, a pretty nice '84 R100RT, for the last 18 years---I think I've got it as well "dialed-in" as I can.
---The RT remains a great travel tool when weather conditions are below 75F or wet and cold. In Michigan, that means that it's not that useful for most of the summer months---that is no small part of why I've been allowed to have the Vespa;
---It might (or might not) be better/easier to get dealer service with a device that has a (CANBUS?) diagnostic connector.
---I've come to distrust the capabilities of my regional dealers to do significant work on my current bike, which is older than most of their mechanics. I ride or truck it over to Chicago (400 miles roundtrip) for any significant service work.
---ABS brakes seem like they would be a nice upgrade in a driving world of yakking/texting/sexting teens-40-somethings.
---I'm pretty cheap when it comes to motorcycle acquisitions---I've never spent more than $4000 on a motorcycle in my life, and I don't really want to deviate from that practice.
---Relatively low-mile and contemporary oilheads, K75s, etc. can be had for exceedingly modest sums.
---Just yesterday, I got an unsolicited offer to buy my R100RT from an attendee at a regional dealer's "open house", who claimed that he "had a lot of bikes", so, presumably, has enough discretionary income to follow through on his professed interest. I know what the realistic value of my bike is (and isn't), and he rushed to get his name and number into my hand when he heard my "gotta get $_____" price.
---The demographic that might've once been interested in airhead touring bikes (as opposed to fodder for some lame "cafe racer" conversion) is quickly moving into assisted living.

Here's where the advice is needed: Would I be making the mistake of my life by, at long last, giving into the march of progress, selling the airhead, and moving on to an oilhead? K75s seem like a worthy alternative, but are getting pretty long in the tooth, too, and may've reached "weird orphan bike" status in most dealership service departments, too. There's a seemingly nice, low-mile '02 R1150R available locally for precisely the same amount that I'll be firm on with my potential R100RT buyer. There are other candidates, too, on IBMWR in my price bracket.

What to do, and your reasoning, would be appreciated, please.

[Kurt in S.A.]

I started on a Honda 750 in the mid 70s, then got a Honda Sabre in 1982, the first year they were out. I had my /7 by that time, too. The 750 fit me like a glove...wish I still had it. The Sabre was quite a bit more "techy" and I did some things on it that I survived...wouldn't want to go that fast again! Hmmm...the last speeding ticket I got was on that Sabre...hmmm. Probably a good thing that I don't have it anymore.

For me, I strongly doubt I'll ever go for anything "modern" unless it was given to me. I'm not the type to take it to the dealer and "open my wallet". I'd rather be able to take my shot, getting help from the multitudes that frequent the depths of various forums. There's still much about the Airheads that are above my mechanical capabilities, but there is still quite a bit that I can do...or think I can! My feeling is that if I got any more tech than I currently have, that wouldn't be true.

I haven't thought far enough ahead as to what will happen to my /7, /2, and plunger bikes but I figure it might be "someone else's problem". I know there will always be a buyer for them...I just haven't figure out when/if to sell.

It's all a personal decision...I'm a Luddite for sure. I like older things, having become interested in 50-100 year old anniversary clocks. Buying something new(er) doesn't seem to be in my DNA.

Kurt in S.A.

[hal]

hmm..
I don't want to be rude to the commuty here where I've learned a lot, but;
I have two bikes.R90/6 and R850R. Have to admit the /6 spend most of the time in the garage while the 850 is on the road. Having brakes is one of the great things...

Having said that, i know a lot of people that mean that the old boxers are some of the greatest machines build, and I do agree.
Your old bike is probably going to increase in value moneywise, that's another matter.

These are my humble thoughts.

Hal

[Torkwrens]

Can you agree with your wife to buy the R1150R, store the R100RT for a certain period (lets say this summer) and then after that period sell one of the two bikes. This will give you the opportunity to compare and eventually go back.

Your potential buyer might agree with this also?

Bart

[Seth]

I'm 62 and have been riding since I was 15.
I have an R100RS and an R1150RS, and a 94 R100 Mystic, and 5 other bikes. I store and ride an R90S that belongs to a friend.
Lucky to have a wife that understands, enough to allow me to build a 2000 sq/ft garage to support my addiction.
I've only sold 1 of the bikes I've every owned...my first one, a 1966 Harley Sportster XLCH.
That's just background info.

Each bike has a different character, and that effects the way I ride. I ride the Mystic harder than the R100RS, which is a freight train. The R1150RS is big, heavy, and much faster, smoother and less demanding (maintenance). Better brakes and the Telelever suspension absorbs rough roads with no brake dive. A better shifting 6-speed gearbox.

I believe that the vehicle (motorcycle or car) have a certain natural rhythm that influence the way you ride. The vehicle, in conjunction with the road affect how fast you ride.

So the question is, what bike more closely aligns with how you are comfortable riding, or what you want out of riding?

I like the R1150R, being a naked bike. Don't know if you've ridden it yet, but if it has the servo brakes, it takes a little getting used to. They seem to delay just a fraction of a second before engaging, but then come on really strong. I find my R100RS to be a bit top heavy which makes it more difficult wheeling it around my garage. Not a big deal once you get going. The naked bikes have a lower center of gravity which makes them easier to deal with in those situations.

I agree with Torkwrens (you can tell given my "collection") to try keeping both bike, at least until you decide what one you enjoy riding more.

Good luck.

[SteveD]

I went down this path recently...see the thread in "Motorcycling" but I managed to keep the R100Rs too. At some point, you deserve reward for living. I bought something newer to enjoy the thing I like doing. The other option was a holiday abroad, but btdt. All I have are photos and some memories (the experience was great, don't get me wrong).

The K1200R I get to experience and enjoy for hopefully a lot longer!

Research the abs thing lots...

[sprints@pldi.net]

I have a friend with 2 /6 bikes and a k75. He rides the k75 mostly but did say that they are hotter in the summertime and the k100 was even worse. I had an r1000rt once and don't recommend them at all - I think the r1150 remedied much of their design problems.
I agree with the other guys - you really need both (if not more)

[Ken in Oklahoma]

Folks---I need some sage advice from those who've probably walked this path before I.

Some background facts: . . . What to do, and your reasoning, would be appreciated, please.

Hmm, I found your post strangely disturbing, especially the part about what your (She Who Must Be Obeyed) will 'allow'. I don't know the nature of your relationship, nor do I care to do so. But what I didn't read was that you and your SWMBO had talked things over and had jointly come up with the decision that you will be restricted to one BMW motorcycle at a time. And I'm not talking about a 'Yes dear, whatever you say, dear' approach. I'm talking about a mutual weighing of each others' desires on the subject against the mutual impact on your combined resources. And maybe that's what you're alluding to all along and having some fun with your impending decision.

More to your question I've only owned airhead BMW's and find myself satisfied by them, despite their somewhat 'klunky' operation, sometimes questionable reliability, and modest performance. For me my satisfaction seems to come to the mating of man and machine. It's not a 'special' mating from some objective standpoint. It's trite to say it, but it's about measuring the smile on my face.

OK, I'm now going to get off my soap box and try to be more specific. You're going to get tired of or fed up with your later model BMW, or maybe even just a bit bored. Mentally much of the 'shine' of the newer BMW is going to go away. You're going to get tired of it, not in the sense of sick and tired, just in the sense of every riding sensory or experiential stimulus becoming 'old hat' at some point. That doesn't necessarily men that the joy evaporates. It just means that the 'discovery' period is over.

And if you can imagine that you might be able to decide which will please you the most, your quirky old airhead or your not so quirky newer BMW motorcycle.

Ken

[Steve in Golden]

My 2012 R1200GS is by far the best bike I've ever owned. And I've owned a number of airheads, and loved them. But the GS is far superior. You won't get one for 4K though.

If I were you I would avoid the '02 R1150R. I had one of those and it drove me crazy with a surging problem that could not be cured.

[Major Softie]

Unless I missed it, you haven't said if you've actually RIDDEN the bikes you're considering. The K is a completely different bike than the Airhead, there's simply no comparison, so there's no way to know if you'll love it or hate it. The R1150R is much more like a greatly modernized Airhead than the K - less of a "completely different bike."

Personally, I wouldn't consider the 1150R for a second, but only because of one thing: the R1200R is SO much better a bike. Yes, not nearly as cheap, but a way WAY better overall bike and motor: far more perfect running engine, better suspension, and much lighter bike.

The K75 is solid competition if only because it can be found for a tiny fraction of the cost, but it's so much different a bike. The "top-heavy" feel is something that really bothers some people, while not an issue for others. The automotive like engine also has mixed reviews depending on the individual: one person's "smooth turbine-like power" is another person's "soul-less heart-less tool."

My personal take is that the K75 is phenomenally practical and capable, while the R is much more fun while still being practical and capable.