I think the first one is kinda lame, but that’s just me. Check the specs on these models, high hp, high torque, high comp ratio, light weight, big fuel tanks. I might just have to stop by the bmw dealer and see for myself.
Yes, I agree. And the posted weight (226 kg, 498 pounds) is really attractive too.The new R1250RS looks beautiful.
Some nice bikes in there! How do they keep the big ones so light-weight (compared to my FJR/ST)? No electric bikes in the mix yet - a matter of time of course, can't wait to see what they will come up with
· The 895cc parallel twin that powers the new BMW F900 XR and F900 R makes 103bhp ( 77kW) @ 8,500rpm and 68 lb-ft (92Nm) @ 6,500; compared to the 88.5bhp @ 8,000rpm and 63 lb-ft @ 5,800 ... Or so it says.My son bought a lightly used f700gs last fall. The first time I drove it I thought it stalled when I stopped at an intersection. It was still running. Very smooth running engine with plenty of top end power. My wife has the same motor on her f800st but it isn't as smooth at low rpms. The f900xr looks like a nice bike. I wonder if it's actually 900cc seeing how the f650, f700, and f800 all had 800cc motors?
My newest BMW is a 1993 k75. It works quite well, it's got an archaic FI system, with just a couple of sensors, not known for giving trouble, and no ABS on this one. I'm not too into tech on vehicles, I still use a paper map on my tank bag for finding my way, I use the navigation app for when I really get turned around. Here's a pic of bike, to me it has aged really well as far as styling.
I really like motorcycles I can work on a when needed. The newest motorcycle models are like a new car, complex systems that I can't do much with. I bought a Suzuki dr650 recently, (i posted a bit about it over on the Suzuki section here too). It's really simple, no emission equipment, one carburetor, everything is easy to access. It's the reason I like BMW airheads too. I've had new motorcycles and cars in the past, as recently as 2012, but now I am happier with less techie vehicles.Nice bike, a classic.
I wonder what the future holds for people who like to own and maintain an older bike. Your 27 year old BMW and my 18 year old ST100 are essentially analog mechanical motorcycles that are, relatively speaking, easy to source parts for and easy to work on. Imagine in 2047 working on a bike as complex as the K1600 or the 1250 RT. Kind of boggles the mind and I suspect that most of these vehicles will be extremely expensive to own and maintain over the long haul due to the cost of repairing complex and proprietary electronics that are 100% integrated into the design of the vehicle.
Gives me an incentive to hold on to my "old" ST as it does everything I need in a bike.