Looking at a new bike for next season

[av8rdave]

I think it's about time to retire my 2000 Roadstar. It's been a wonderful bike, but after a dozen years, it's time to revisit my riding choices.

I love the ergonomics of the Roadie (with a Mustang saddle), but not sure if I want to stick with the cruiser genre or not, as my circumstances have changed.

Last year, I moved to Ohio. There are actually some great roads around here to ride, although the riding season is a lot shorter. My GF doesn't want to ride a bike on her own. She likes coming along on short to medium length day trips, but nothing longer. So, I'll be solo on my cross country trips. IMO, that really changes the choices on riding.

Lately, I've been looking closely at the BMW R 1200 RT. It looks like it would be a lot of fun on the twisties, but decent for the long haul as well.

Does anyone have any experience with this one? Other suggestions/experiences would be welcome.

Thanks in advance and safe riding to all.

[mojowork_n]

1. In Germany, a BMW bike -- the R series, specifically -- was...

always referred to as a "Gummikuh" or "Rubber Cow."

Between 1955 and 1990, anyway.

Had to look up "Roadstar" to see that it was something that looks
to me like Yamaha imitating Kenilworth or Peterbilt (or Goldwing?)

I've only owned two bikes in my life, but the Kawasaki GPZ that
was my favorite is so different from what you appear to be used
to, the only helpful suggestion I have is....

....look at an American bike first. H-D or maybe a Buell. You don't
have to buy anything you don't like, but give 'em a shot. Like Ed
Schultz is always saying, to back American business and American
workers. And Buell really made some nice bikes.

[av8rdave]

2. The Roadstar is basically a Harley knockoff but better executed

If I were to stay in the cruiser genre, I'd probably stick with the Roadie.

Nothing against Harley - they build a beautiful bike - but I can't justify a 30% premium for brand recognition.

[Ganja Ninja]

3. My local Triumph dealer is knocking $2000 off the Thunderbird models

The top of the line model is $14,800 and the budget model is $13,800 before the price reduction.

[cloudbase]

4. If you're leaving the cruiser community

and will be riding two-up, check out the Guzzi Norge.

[av8rdave]

5. That's a beautiful bike!

[IDemo]

6. I test rode one a couple of weekends ago

I had thought of getting back to a more sporting machine after scraping the floorboards while cornering on my Couch-a-Saki Vulcan 900 one time too many. I hated the riding position of the Beemer and the pegs felt like pencil erasers after having floorboards. I had the same experience the year prior on a Yamaha FJR1300, so I guess I'm officially an old-timer now.

[frylock]

7. skip the bimmer and go with the triumph tiger explorer..

1200cc triple without the cylinder heads hanging off the side. i'm rocking a 2011 tiger 800 xc myself.