Initially Posted by rocinante

Nicely…..possibly not totally ignorant however I’m a brand new member right here and plan to purchase a Boxer twin for the primary time. The hundred-dollar query is: What to purchase?

I in all probability need a bike that doesn’t exist. One thing stripped down and easy, however with handy touring options. So I’m fairly certain an RT shouldn’t be for me. I started by wanting on the R1xxxr, noticing that the majority of us have added some touring options to theirs (luggage, windscreen, and so forth). That is thinkable. An ’03 or ’04 R1150r with these options could be discovered within the $3k-$4k vary. Issues like windscreens and luggage could be eliminated for simplicity, or reinstalled for touring.

On the different finish of the spectrum i’m contemplating is a Wethead GS, which could be had for $10-$14K. Superior efficiency numbers, however higher complexity and it has one thing that makes me wish to look away: A radiator. Each motorbike I’ve ever ridden has been air-cooled.

So here’s what I would love from you: Inform me what you favor and why. Airheads, Oilheads, Hexheads, Camheads, Wetheads….. Inform me about ease of upkeep and reliability. Inform me what disasters to keep away from, like broken transmission enter shaft splines (I’ve carried out some homework on this), brake servo failures, and so forth.

I would love to listen to your recommendation and proposals.

Pegs are tight on these, so you are going to wish to put GS pegs on it.

The manufacturing facility windshield is respectable. That stated, the later GS advantages from a complete host of security enhancements and enhancements, in addition to a complete lot extra motor.

In my storage proper now are:

1967 R60/2

1984 R100CS

2005 R12RT

2019 R1250GS

I can preserve all of them, although the GS goes to require some instruments and new information to take action, principally for the valve changes and repair resets. The others have screw and locknut valve adjustment, however on the /2 and R100, the adjustment interval is shorter than the RT.

WRT to water cooling, don’t fret about it. Water cooling isn’t any massive deal as a man that is been working a 1998 VFR800 and, till lately, a 1995 Ducati 916. If something, water cooling means few considerations about warmth, the bike is quieter and can make extra energy whereas making fewer emissions.

I like my previous stuff, however my recommendation could be to purchase the most recent bike you’ll be able to. “Character” is enjoyable if you’re near dwelling, however much less entertaining when “character” makes an look in some distant locale.

Contemplate it like automobiles. Would you drive coast to coast in a automotive from 1984? Or would you choose one thing newer?