I've been ruined...

So on Saturday, I was able to take part in a Demo Day at my local BMW dealership. I rode the S1000RR on about a 15 mile loop. Suddenly my 05 VFR feels very, very dated. When I did a couple of test rides on the Panigale 899 ad 1299, I loved them, but I was good coming back to my ol faithful steed. One ride on the Beemer and I'm slain. The power of the bike, the smoothness of it, save for low revs around 30mph around town. The brakes. Oh man, the brakes. I could do a stoppy with one finger on that beast. I hate to cheat on my friends at the Ducati dealer, but I think I have found my next bike. Granted, the Viffer is more comfortable than the 1KRR, because of the different mission of the two bikes, bu now that I have raised the forks and then dropped my bars down, it's not too terribly different up front, just out back, due to the higher footpegs. Holy crap is that German mistress an instant addiction. Oh and cruise control is a gift straight from God our Father himself! THe bike had the optional Akrapovic exhaust and it sound so damned good! I wish I would have ridden without my ear plugs!

The Panigales are dead sexy looking bikes and super flickable, but I just can't handle my nuts being on a bonfire with each ride. Also, the auto-blip downshift assist on the BMW works better than on the Duc. I'm seriously wanting the 1K. I rode the model with the Dynamic Suspension and even with my weight, fully geared up, the ride was smooth and I never once even thought about the way the bike rode or if it could hold me up. I think that says the most about it to me. Now my VFR feels like I am riding a bike with the wheels mounted directly to the frame. I know Jaime can go a LOONG way towards helping that, but GD do I want that bike now!!!! We rode through a cool canyon road and while I obviously could have gone a lot faster, we still went a good speed and it was super easy on this bike.

Lusting!

( I think my Viffer knew I cheated on her, because my battery died after stalling it when it was hot. Who knew the Japanese could be so jealous?)

 

Have you tried a new gen 8? 10 years difference could make you think twice about a super bike like the S1000RR, not that there is anything wrong with it!!

 

I'd love to pick up a S1000XR, but they're oh so expensive!! You know it's bad when your gal gives you clearance and you still can't pull the trigger.

 

Whoa you're in a pickle, isn't there a gal here that has a s1000 looking at getting a VFR? Yes for sure a Hot bike, but as an only bike na. I agree ,Yes, go try an 8th gen just for the giggles, it just might surprise you. I get the brake thing just something about advancements in technology

 

Although I love my VFRs, they are in no way in the same class as the BMW S1000RR or Ducati Panigale's, however, I am happy with them and do not feel a longing for a better, faster, newer, etc. bike. I'm content with keeping them as I enjoy them and don't seem to be out classed with the folks I ride with who do have the BMW and other newer sport bikes. I have considered an alternative type of bike, re: Adventure/Dual sport or even SUMO, but I don't feel the need to replace my VFR(s) with something like the BMW or Ducati bikes. I guess at my age, the VFR is sufficient, both for fun and comfort.

That being said, if I were in the market for a liter class bike, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory, the BMW S1000RR and the Yamaha M1 would be on the top of my list at bikes to look at. As much as I love the looks and appeal of the Ducati bikes, I think my other choices would be a better option, at least for me. Then again, I haven't ridden any of the fore mentioned bikes! :wink:

 

the fancy sport bike is for kids only- your old bike is much better for you. You need to fix the old bike up

 

I normally won't comment on anything written by you Son, but how exactly is the 2005 tech better than 2016 tech? Have you ridden the various 200HP bikes personally? I have. I am curious of your trolly opinion.

 

you will end up in hospital-too fast for you

 

That could happen on a moped. It is fast. Very fast. But it's also probably the safest bike out there. I value my life and my driver's license too much to ride like a squid on the streets. That's what the track is for and I happen to have access to four of them within a four hour ride.

That comment does bring up something else I noticed when riding it on the freeway. The power of both the RR and the Duc 1299 allows for such effortless acceleration on the freeway. If I need to pass someone, it's a simple matter of a small twist of the wrist and I am around them. No need to downshift and wring it's neck. That is something I realize I really miss after getting back on my bike. I noticed that when I do want even the same passing ability out of my VFR I need to ask so much more out of it. I feel like I am raping the VFR and merely holding hands with the Bimmer. Don't get me wrong, for being so heavy, the ol V4 is no slouch, but it is just not there, for obvious reasons. I will admit tho that I am smitten with the way the V4 sounds. It is intoxicating.

I'm just gobsmacked with the sudden acceleration of the BMW. It has to be experienced to be understood. It can't be explained.

 

I got to ride my friends S1000R from the dealership to his house, long story, anyway even the "street" version of the BMW is pretty much a horizontal rocket! While following my friend in the twisty stuff, I can usually take the turns much faster as he has a tendency to brake real hard coming into the corner and accelerating hard coming out of it. Once he's on the gas, I have to really grit down and accelerate to catch him. If we were on a track, I'd would have to pass him in the corners to get ahead of him. I also ride with two other riders who have the S1000RR and yeah, they're fast! Although I can usually stay with them anywhere but on long straight roads.

 

yep.. street is one thing, track another, no real comparison, I can hang with 90% of the hyper sports on our back roads. Not even going to try on the track, even though I'm willing to bet I'd be on their arse. just no real passing when need be, they have the advantage there. Oh Yes How'd I forget to mention the RSVR Tuono. sweet bike. wicked sweet that is.

 

Sounds like the beemer is your crack Lint, hook, line and sinker.

 

Have you seen the insurance rates on those bikes? No thanks...

 

^ spoil sport.. Though I can say it's what kept a certain Duc outa my garage.

 

Well, I suppose a call to my agent tomorrow will tell me. State Farm has pretty good rates.

 

I'd have to go for the Aprilia personally.

 

Can't compare a pure super bike to a sport tour. I know several people with the 1Krr and they are beasts but with their own sets of issues, especially if you plan on racing or even club racing it. There are better lower cost to operate bikes out there. Have you looked at the BMW K 1300 S? 175 hp and 103 torque and fueled to be more low and mid friendly. All the goodies of the super blike in a much more comfortable riding position (especially with after market bars). Throw on some luggage and for a comfortable tour and you can still clutch up a 100+ mph wheelie and carve the twisties. Just over 500lbs too.

 

See how blondes can sell bikes? lol The RSV4 is a work of art and with a pipe on it, the sexiest sounding bike you can buy. Unless you buy the new Honda........... lol I bet Brad Pit and Tom Cruise will get theirs.

 

Go for a long ride -1500 miles plus- and fall in love all over again with your "dated" mistress.

 

So many bikes, so little time. And money.



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