I am a BMW mean

Message

sapaul · #1 Post by **sapaul** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:52 am

I have been looking for another bike for The Kid to ride. She got a job not too far away from home and not in major highway traffic, so Daddy say's it's OK to ride to work instead of the car.

The Goose was not to happy to let the VFR out of her hands and the GS is too big for her. I use the Grand little for the gym, so the answer was to find something reasonably priced and that she could ride.

After 3 months of looking at Honda's and KLR's and hoping for maybe a Dl to come up, one of our Marshals got his full license and looked for another bike. he wanted a pre owned RT, which he asked me about as I had owned one before.

The dealership was happy to sell him a pre owned RT but gave him a silly trade in price on his existing bike:

A 1996 R 850 R.

Not happy he said that if anyone made him an offer that matched or beat the dealer, he would let it go.

So I did. I think the dealer lost out of a decent profit margin here. The bike is in good clean condition with the exception of the front disk rollers, which I have replaced.

I initially thought that it would be heavy for the 60 KG girls. I organised some time on Saturday and we all took turns to take it for a spin.

DUH, I should have known better. The Goose took first turn with me following on the little. Within 2 kms and pushing at a full 145kmh, I was just left behind with The Goose waiting for me at the junctions with a grin on her face. 20 kms later and we are back home with The Kid hopping around with impatience.

A quick rundown by her Mom on how the indicators work, how the steering felt and brakes and we were off again. Took a bit longer this time but I was soon left behind again.

The torque on the R850R is pretty cool, both girls were walking it off the clutch at idle and it pulls in all gears from 1200 to the rev limiter. It is balanced, sure footed and the wide bars make for easy steering.

Seating comfy and a joy for the shorties coming down to a pleasant 740 mm. Brakes felt strong and reliable with no snatch. Same can't be said for the clutch. It is a heavy pull on the lever and a big hoof with the foot or you end up in between gears. Engine braking is brilliant and you get to use the brakes lightly. Came with top box and panniers, had a major service before he sold, FSH and plenty on the tyres.

Ah well, it is said that the bike picks you. This one certainly did. I do not know how the bucks translate in market dollars your side but for 22 000 Souf Effrican Ronts you normally get a scrapper. Plus minus 3 000 of yours. I will guess that it would have been on the dealer floor for at least 35 000.

Pretty pleased with myself, great all rounder and something my son (who I have not seen in 2 years ) can come on a road trip with when he gets here in November. Will get some pics up when I get a chance.

Any one your side got one ?

redwing · #2 Post by **redwing** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:44 pm

Hi Sapaul ... i got an R1200R and being my first bike all I know is d@mn. The bike seems to do everything really well but then I'm new to riding. I have driven cars for over 40 years and have not sent anyone to the hospital so I guess I'm good with cars. All the major manufactures make good bikes but I'm glad you got a BMW.
Good safe rides for you.

Robert in Hessmer, Louisiana USA

sapaul · #3 Post by **sapaul** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:27 am

Thanks mate,

same to you, although I have ridden the R1200R and I know why it makes you smile, but we will keep that a secret for now shall we.