![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 Jul 2005
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 6
|
|
Which BMW? Is the r1200c an option?
Ok, I know that nobody recommends the heavier cruiser bikes for long tours. But I have a dilemna: a relative of mine offered to sell his BMW R1200C to me for a good price. He's been into bikes for many years, while I am new to bikes but have traveled a lot. I'm thinking of going down to Mexico and then into Guatemala.
What kind of terrain would I miss out on a R1200C? I know I would need to avoid mud, but couldn't I still travel on unpaved roads? the 1200C has a higher ground clearance than the F650 and the same fuel capacity. Would I really miss out on a lot with the cruiser?
So should I buy the BMW F650 like I planned or change to the 1200C because I'm getting a good deal? My only interest in the bike is for travel and nothing else (I have a car for work). I would hate to pass on a good deal for a sweet bike, but if it can't take the terrain then I would rather go with the f650.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 Jul 2005
|
![Steve Pickford's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13346_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
|
|
There's also the considerable weight difference to take in to account.
I'd go for the 650 every time over the 1200c unless you're an exceptionally strong dwarf.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 Jul 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Durham, UK
Posts: 23
|
|
Ramon
I think the right bike is the one you want to ride the most, if the big beemer is the one you like then go for it, you might not be able to travel everywhere that you can on a 650 single, but it will make up for it in other ways and will attract other people who like the bike, to come and talk to you, when they might otherwise not bother. The most practical choice is not always the best one and bike travel is about having fun.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Jul 2005
|
![jkrijt's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13766_7.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
|
|
I ride a R1200C, 99% on paved roads but some gravel or hard sand is no problem.
You must keep in mind that it has road tires and not the groundclearance of a GS type but for most normaly maintained roads, paved or gravel, it will do fine.
The R1200C has only 61hp but the torque is 98Nm at only 3000 rpm and I like that for touring, with or without luggage. With a low center of gravity and the wide handlebars, it's easy to handle.
It has a 17,5 liter tank and I ride 250km until the fuel light warns me to look for a gasstation but is has about 50km reserve. (my average fuel consumption is 1 liter at 19 km)
A nice advantage is that most people, also non-bikers, love this bike. Last week I was touring in Belgium and stopped to look at my map and someone came out of his house to tell me how much he liked my bike :-) It is a nice way to get in touch with locals.
[This message has been edited by jkrijt (edited 15 July 2005).]
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Jul 2005
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 6
|
|
Thanks for your replies. My head is telling me that the 650 is the better bike for my trip. I won't be going offroad but will travel all the small, unpaved roads of mexico. However, my heart (and wallet) tell me not to pass on such a nice bike. Since I can only afford one, I think i'm going to get the 650.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Jul 2005
|
![jkrijt's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13766_7.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
|
|
I think you made a good choice. Last week I had my 1200C in for a repair and I got a F650 from the BMW dealer that I drove a few hundred km on. It is a perfect bike for driving on small roads, uses less fuel and is a very nice bike to drive.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|