Look what I got my hands on today

It was a beautiful day today and BMW of Atlanta had a open house with lots of demo rides, bratwursts, and ice cold non-alcoholic beer. After inhaling a couple of Brats and beverages I signed up to ride a couple of the demo bikes that were available starting with..........





I've got mixed feeling about the Ducati. The sound of the motor and exhaust was simply intoxicating and the bike was so agile and quick. It accelerated and dropped into turns like nothing else I've ever ridden. I really wanted to like it but unfortunately it felt like I was sitting on a 2x4 and the wind nearly battered me to death when I got on the interstate. In addition to this, the bike was putting out some major heat from the right side making my thigh feel like it was on fire. I realize this bike wasn't built for comfort but I'm only 35 years old and I can tell you right now I wouldn't last more than an hour on that thing. What fun is it owning a bike that costs a fortune and makes you feel like you need a trip to the chiropractor afterwards?

Next Up........



The Ducati Multistrada is an ugly bike in my opinion but it was still fun to ride. It handled alot better than I expected and had much more torque and power than I anticipated. I wish I could have taken it on some winding roads to see what all the bike mag raves were all about but unfortunately I only got to ride it for about 15 minutes. I really wanted to get my hands on a Ducati Hypermotard but unfortunately you had to be working 1 on 1 with a salesperson to ride one of those. From what I hear, riding one is a big let down but nevertheless I still want to take one for a spin.

Last but not least.....



I've always wanted to ride one of these BMW's. I finally got the chance today and all I can say is that this thing is like a tank. The bike is huge and my 5'10" 200lbs ass couldn't put both feet down flat at the same time. This was a fun bike to ride and had lots of torque but is just too big for me. I'm sure I could get used to it after a week or so but I can only imagine how much more ackward it would be to ride this bike when it is fully loaded with bags/cases. I thought about riding the G650GS but decided that after riding the 1200 it would be pointless to wait in line to ride baby brother.

This monster was a customers machine and was not available to be ridden. It is basically a 4 wheeler that is street legal. Not my cup of tea but unique and cool in it's own way.






All in all it was a very fun day and I'm glad I got to ride some new bikes. Riding them made me realize how comfortable and versatile the VFR really is.
After getting off of the 2 "Ducs" and the BMW I immediately went and apologized to my girl "Pearl" and told her I loved her even more.

Regards,
Rollin

 

awesome input on those great motorcycles with demanding personalities.....that first duck is just 4 looking at drinking beer then saying why did i buy this???then you ride it 4 half hour and say sorry i forgot; get the ice for my leg.. hardcore beauty.....wish i had one.. but never will to much money..vfr nothing else to say after those posts just the best bike all around period......

 

awesome. the beemer dealer here had a demo day/open house today too. but unfortunately i had to work.

 

Cool. Nice to look at other bikes every once in a while. Even funner when you actually get to ride them. Thanks for the pics and insights.

 

On the 1198, did you sleep on the tank to ride? Can it be ridden any other way? Looks like they had slicks on the 1198. Must have been some ride

 

thanks for sharing. i've always wanted to try a duc, in fact, a trip to vegas to try one would have happened had it not been for a conflict of sched. glad you had fun!

 

It was a fun ride and good experience but I can tell you that I personally would never own one due to the very uncomfortable riding position. You are 100% accurate that it feels like you are laying across the top of the tank with your balls clamped in a vise. As uncomfortable as it was, the sound of the motor and exhaust were freaking awesome and will haunt me until the day that I can let my V4 properly express itself with a set of unbaffled Staintunes. Now if I can just find a demo day at a Porshe dealer I will be able to rest in peace.

Regards,
Rollin

 

1098-1198 are a different breed all together, then add in the sound. Oh my the only other bike that can compete in the sound department with my VFR. LOL either you like em or not, only way to tell is to do what you did. Me on the other hand love em both in look and ride, there's a reason they're made the way they are, there is a form and function, but yes agree I'm on the fence with getting one, even thou to me isn't about comfort to the same level as you, I do just fine. For me it's more of a total package question, would I use it the way it's meant? maybe. but is it worth it? still on the fence But it's like all exotics, just having one is enough for some. Now that hyper is a hoot and a half, that thing could be trouble in a good and bad way. I'm looking forward to the street fighter now. thanks for Sharing

 

Thanks for sharing, VFR and Ducati are two diffrent bike. They both unique in their own way. I love them both and I do have both

 

Hey Rollin!
Nice meeting you yesterday. No one ever came up to me on my GSXR and wanted to discuss it. Apparently VFR owners love the brand.
OH, your 93 is awesome, but daymn, clean off those rims. ha ha

see ya
bill

 

Something I forgot to mention that blew my mind at the open house. I've been riding motorcycles since I was 12 years old (I am now 35) and nobody ever had to lecture me about wearing safety gear. Even though I have ridden a wide variety of bikes over the years ranging from dual sports to pure sport bikes I still felt a still was a little intimidated by the size and high riding position of the BMW R1200GS. As I previously mentioned, I am 5'10" and weigh 200 lbs and I could not keep both feet flat on the ground at the same time. The dealership is located off of Cobb Parkway in Georgia which is a major road (2 lanes each way + 1 center turn lane.) Right after I finished riding the BMW I see a younger guy in his early 20's getting ready to take the same bike for a ride. He was probably 140-150 lbs soaking wet and was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. I'm thinking to myself what a moron this kid is getting ready to ride an unfamiliar machine on a super busy road with absolutely no gear and shorts on. Then all of a sudden his girlfriend climbs on the back wearing shorts and flip flops. I about shit on myself and couldn't believe the dealership would allow someone to demo a bike like this. I know it's not the dealers responsibility to make sure people wear proper gear but wouldn't you think that the way a person dresses when riding a bike gives some indication of their overall intelligence and responsibility on a bike? If I was the owner of the dealer I would not allowed them to ride this way. What do you think?

Regards,
Rollin

 

I think the dealership was going for "you break it you buy it". Feel sad for the bike that the dealership was trying to get rid of it in that fashion.

What would be interesting to see is if the dealership would allow the same guy on the 1198?