Plausible? 2nd car replacement / yacht on 2 wheels in TX

[TechTMW]

I have an '05 R1200GS. I use it for daily commute and 2-up touring. I just did a 3 week 2-up camping trip from Washington DC to New Orleans and back. Did Blue ridge parkway and the Natchez trace. Depending on your stature (if you have a 31" or longer inseam) An r12gs could also be thrown into your list for consideration. Prices on the 1st gen bike (05 - 08) are in a pretty reasonable range. It's a great all-arounder and can haul a a mettric butt-ton of stuff (With my wife and me, and all our gear, we had the bike at 1,080 lbs) If you are not going to o two-up riding, it may be a bit much, but if you find one in decent shape and with the right options for you, It definitely deserves consideration.

Good luck finding your new bike

[Philo]

dr_bar,

In Texas we have a different definition of cold. It's basically anything below 70 degrees. That being said, we do even have a few days every year where the temps dip below freezing, and that can be a bit nippy on a bike. Plus, I am at the point in my life where comfort is of the utmost priority.

[Septimus]

Sorry to revive this thread, but I'm moving from 'thinking about this' to 'planning test-rides and purchases' within the next 30-60 days and figured a quick update wouldn't hurt.

Still like the BMW or the V-Strom 650 but also interested in the Super Tenere. My only beef there is that they're brand new and I was hoping to buy used - the depreciation on bikes is hard to swallow. 1200ccs and a bike that big may be overkill for me too, and $14k sticker makes the F800 look affordable. I'm also going to go check out the Ninja 650 just because my first bike was an EX500.

Any specific recommendations for a good hot weather mesh jacket? I still have my heated vest and gloves from my NYC days though I have a hard time imagining myself needing them down in Austin. I'm also torn on the helmet selection, though I don't want to start a helmet debate -- when I rode I was in a state with helmet laws and preferred full-face helmets anyway since I was doing a lot of freeway riding in cold weather. What do people wear in TX? Any recommendations for either a) a good full-face helmet that breathes very well and is light (willing to pay a premium - my old helmet is great but not light and breathes only a little bit) or b) A 3/4 or modular helmet for the same purpose?

Thanks everybody!

[Wrider]

Hey if you're considering all of those, I'd also check out the Versys. It has a huge aftermarket, especially in the touring/luggage department, and it's the same frame/motor (slightly different cams) as the Ninja 650.

FWIW they do make cooling vests. Ones that have a cooler and circulate cold water. Or you can wet down a shirt and put it under your jacket for a swamp cooler effect.

As for helmets, I haven't ridden in it with hot weather yet, but my new Exo 500 seems to have plenty of circulation when I open up the vents.

[Grey Thumper]

Not planning to go offroad? The F800ST is great, but you might consider the naked boxer Beemers too; R1150R (01-06) and R1200R (06-), especially if you're planning to take a pillion, need capacious luggage, or if you don't like having a fairing.

Since you're not limiting potential choices to Beemers, there are loads of open-class standards (with a small windshield) that make great light tourers, the Suzuki Bandit and Yamaha FZ1 in particular would be pretty versatile.