From what I've read BMW's have the lowest cost of ownership, but there is always a risk out of warranty. The '08 Buell has the brand new Rotax produced engine so they have had problems, and I know I swore for cars I'd never buy a 1st year model so probably should do the same. Dang, this is taking too long! lol
Going back to the BMW dealer today. Looking one more time at a 2007 BMW F 800 S and the 2003 BMW F 650 CS. The 2007 F800 is a demo with 27 miles, heated grips, and ABS. I think I may take the dive today.
I wonder how the ABS actually performs on a motorcycle since it's only for the front wheel. If I get into trouble with brakes on pavement, it's usually the rear brake. I've never even come close to washing out with the front brake on a street bike (do it all the time on a dirt bike). But then again, all my street bikes are light, so maybe it would help with a heavy bike. I have a feeling it's a gimmick aimed towards inexperienced riders but I'll wait until I put a couple thousand miles on a bike with ABS before I write it off.
I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 800. The single cylinder 650 may not like it when I'm taking my kids. The 16 year old is `170 and the 13 year old is 195 and they say it'll ride, but won't have much energy. The ABS brakes are on the front and the rear, I checked becasue I wasn't sure myself. Sounds good to me if you hit gravel or are making a quick stop for the jaccoff in the car who didn't see you coming.
I think ABS is aimed at all weather euro riders. The only time I would want it is on a wet road, although I'll admit I've never ridden a bike that had it. What if you were in a situation where you wanted to lock up the rear and lay the bike down?
I forgot which bikes you demo'd but I recall you tried to big Kawasaki sport bike. Isn't that far more capable than the BMW? What about the Suzuki SV 1000? Seems like a great package, poor man's ducati. What's the attraction of the BMW? Seems like it will give up a lot on the highway.
I got a pm to check insurance on the Buell, and I did. Nasty $924 for a year. The BMW 650 is $182, F800 is 394, and checked a 2003 K1200RS for the heck of it and it was only $313. Wonder what the story on Buell rates is?
Is that liability only or comprehensive? Sounds like your insurance company has had a poor history with Buell owners or else it is based on something like power to weight ratio. I can't believe crash parts for a Buell are more expensive than a BMW. Anyway, thanks for the headsup. That's a big difference. Considering all the bikes you've tried, it would be interesting if you could run down the pluses and minuses and why you reached the decision you did.
No , I think it that it is classified as a sport bike on their books. I called another insurance company that has worked with Buell's and they quote me $458. I have to carry full coverage or my umbrella policy wouldn't be in effect when I was riding. Weather has been holding off the rides. Shooting for the Buell Friday and possibly the F 800 tommorow.
Took the Buell 1125R out today. Good riding position for me, no pressure on the wrists, and my back felt fine. A lot of torque, and accelerates quickly. Couldn't do too much as you can't demo on the expressway, but enough spots to open it up a bit to get a little feel for how it runs. Supposed to rain again tommorow so not sure I'll get the BMW out this weekend.