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[Rio]

Hi,
Need some opinions on this one?  Many of you know that I run a BMW Car Dealership.  BMW just came out with a program for employees where I can get a brand new BMW K-1600GTL for about $21,300.00, the MSRP on the bike is $27,599.00 maxed out with the integrated navigation system.  I had a BMW before I got my 1st HD in 2005, I had the R-1200.  I fit on the bike, but not nearly as well as a HD.  They finally made a bike that someone with a 30" inseam can sit on flat footed.  I know from experience the engineering of a BMW, and also from riding one in the past, you can't find a better balanced touring bike anywhere.  I'm going to do my due diligence and take one for a day demo (know the owner) and give it some thought.  Not sure I can dismiss the HD culture, sound, and feeling sitting in the seat and go back to a refined ride and bike like a BMW.  Before you say it, I can't have both!  Need some thoughts here??

[miker]

Flip a coin? 

Can't really do rock/paper/scissors with oneself...

[tlr]

tough choice for sure.  I agree that the fit, sound etc is the most difficult part.  I love BMW's, have a 550 now, but when on a bike, nothing compares with the HD.  good luck with your decision and keep us posted

[jr1000yarder]

I know u said u can't have both. Can't means u don't want to!

Keep the Harley!

Rich

[Vyscera]

If you can get a good test ride in, that should solve your problem. every one has different wants and needs, if the new BMW will do that, at a steal, why not?

[GregKhougaz]

Having this quandary does not mean that you are out of your mind. On the other hand, having it and even solving it does not mean that you are in your right mind.    

The BMW is a great bike but it does not have the panache of a Harley Davidson.  Riding the BMW is like being anonymous. Whenever you ride the Harley, people want to talk to you.  It's not like you can go wrong either way.  

[CVO Brian]

Rio,

I love BMW cars and have had several including the best car ever made 750i. I have seen their bikes , not often, but have seen a few here in South Florida and they look very cool and sure they ride incredible. But are they REALLY COOL ? Are you gonna feel how you feel every time you hit that start switch ? Every time you pull next to a family of 4 and the hot mom in the car looks over at you because she hears the sound and sees the chrome and gives you that little smile out of the corner of her mouth so her nerd of a husband don't see. Are you gonna get goose bumps every time you ride in a tunnel or under an overpass and give it some throttle to hear that legendary Harley Davidson Rumble,
The answer is simple my friend,

NO !!!!!

[WestCoastRuss]

When you park your bike, if you don't turn around to admire it as you leave, you bought the wrong one....

[D-N-D]

Stay with the HD all the way !!!! You will never look back, just because is a GREAT DEAL dose not mean its the right bike for you ? Good luck with your choice.

[CTcvorider]

I own a 2011 RGUSE and a 2010 R1200RT.  I've test ridden the K1600GTL.  I'd trade in the Harley even up for a new K1600.  Even the RT is faster, handles better, and has better weather protection.  The K1600 is a whole other level of power. The Harley is more comfortable on long rides but far less capable in the twistys.  There's nothing that can replace the visceral feeling of that big V-twin engine and cruising on the Harley is more fun, but if you're going to wick it up a bit, the BMWs win by far.  Incidentally, I previously had a 2008 CVO Ultra (anniversary colors) before my RGU and I've still gotten more interest and compliments on the BMW than I ever do/did on the Harleys.

The only way to decide is by doing a long test ride and a lot of reflection on what you like best.  Personally, I'm more interested in how the machine performs then what other people may think of what I ride.  With all that said, the Harleys do have their strong points and I enjoy riding either one of my bikes but the Harley shines when things are a little more laid back and the BMW shines when things get intense.  I suppose if you really wanted to extend this comparison, you should test ride a S1000RR but remove the word comfortable from your vocabulary.

[muddypaws]

BMW is not the way to go. Nothing looks better the a CVO. Never been with a bunch of riders and they admired the BMW.

[grc]

Typical responses so far, all about style and looks and "cool".  I often wonder how I ever became a Harley owner, since I don't give a rat's azz about being perceived as "cool" and don't buy products just to "look cool".  Don't get me wrong, I prefer a nice looking vehicle to a toad, but that's not my main shopping criteria.  To me it's rather juvenile to allow looks to drive the entire process while ignoring actual features, performance, and quality.  Kind of like a 7 foot 350 lb person buying a Corvette or Lambo or Ferrari just to look "cool", even though he can't get in it unless the roof and seat are removed.

If you are a serious bike rider who rides just for the joy of riding, looking cool for the bystanders should be the last thing on your mind.  I'd suggest taking advantage of that full day test ride to wring it out in various conditions and compare the really important stuff like performance, handling, features, and ergonomics.  One area where most other brands trail Harley is in the ease of customizing things like riding position and seating.  If the Beemer fits you it can be great, if it doesn't it can be tough to make it do so.  And if you ride two-up on a regular basis, don't forget the BSR's input.  All the great performance and handling in the world probably won't offset a ticked off BSR.

JMHO - Jerry

[ultrarider123]

When you park your bike, if you don't turn around to admire it as you leave, you bought the wrong one....

X2...very well said

If you are a serious bike rider who rides just for the joy of riding, looking cool for the bystanders should be the last thing on your mind.  I'd suggest taking advantage of that full day test ride to wring it out in various conditions and compare the really important stuff like performance, handling, features, and ergonomics.  One area where most other brands trail Harley is in the ease of customizing things like riding position and seating.  If the Beemer fits you it can be great, if it doesn't it can be tough to make it do so.  JMHO - Jerry

X2 on that, too. 

[Rio]

    I can only laugh    Kind of exactly what I thougt would be the response was WestCoastRuss.  When you walk away from it, do you turn around and give it one more look with a smile on your face.  Yep, I do for sure with my HD and I always have, and thats probably the thought that will occupy my mind the most.  Tomorrows going to be 57*, I'm going to leave work early and check it out.  I had one in 2003, loved the ride and handling, didn't feel comfortable leaning the bike at stop lights to hold it up.  We'll see, I will keep you informed.  I have some minor mods I was planning to make on my bike (exhaust & Day Maker lights) later this month so I will have to think this through.  Good news is that my bike has really held its value considering it was a single year production.  I spoke to a member that sold his with 6,000 more miles than mine and he did well, so if I decide to go forward, I should be able to move mine very quickly...but I better be sure because I will never be able to replace it!

[Twolanerider]

It is a simplistic evaluation but ask yourself the following and see if a considered answer to yourself is helpful:


A) I enjoy riding.

or

B) I enjoy riding the Harley.


If the latter is where your head goes you've got your answer.  If the former you really can choose between the machines based on what they are.