Damn, looks like I am going to be stuck with a BMW
 

Been trying to rent a H-D in Barcelona. Tried email, no response. Called, got what sounded like a disconnect recording.

Called another place and all they have are Road Kings, and they don't have enough luggage space. Appears a BMW 1200RT is going to be the best I can do.

Anyone have any experience with them?

The police here got rid of their Harleys and now use BMW's. Probably got sick of the maintainance and being outrun.


BMW engines run like a sewing machine, smooth as silk. Much better than a Harley rattle trap.

So not only have you ridden neither bike, you have no idea how contracts are obtained.

Thanks for the input.

high quality, expensive, too big for my taste.

I hear they make good bikes.

Not the same bike - 1200CL instead of the 1200RT - but this might help you.

Go for the one on the left...its almost camo. :1orglaugh

http://www.airbrush.com.au/images/Ve...oses%20500.jpg

That was pretty discouraging. Was hoping BMW would be better than a Yamaha.

However, it does confirm my thoughts about Mr Right.

The bmw bikes i see look top notch. I havent ridden one. But it seems they would be smooth and comfortable just by the look alone...

And yea, the cops here ride them now too...

I know it wont change yoru choice, but I dont think it will disappoint you..

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...son/index.html They don't sound very comfy for touring. Not even a close third.

not the rt

the rt1200 is a great bike. i've ridden my buddie's. it is the bike of choice for a lot of riders.

I seem to recall you have a Harley, true? If so, how does it feel comparatively?

Im waiting to see what bikes these guys have availible while im in Barcelona

http://www.rent-a-dreambike.com/en/index.html

And the Beemer is one smooth assed bike to ride, the boxter engine runs like a top and is very powerful

Ha. This post is so ripe for the picking, but I'll leave it at: it's way, way, way different.

But it's still a motorcycle.

Baddog, hit up Andreas or someone else in Barcelona, perhaps they can do some sleuthing for you. I'm in Andorra, a country away, but I will see what I can come up with.

They do not seem to be in business any more.

I have been in contact with him, but he isn't too familiar with motorcycle rentals out there.

My primary concerns [in order] are:

Comfort for the passenger.
Comfort for rider and adaptability after riding H-D for 35+ years.

I found this site http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/eur...na_rental.html

looks like they have one of these that was close to the HD you wanted
http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/ima...1200lt-big.jpg

BMW K 1200 LT

Dry Weight: 378.0 kg (833.3 lbs)
Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in)
Power: 98 HP (71.5 kW) @ 6500 RPM
Displacement: 1171.00 cm³ (71.45 in³)

Yeah, I talked to a guy in Spain last night. This model is smaller than the RT so not sure if we have enough storage space.

I am going to try and find a BMW dealer in Indiana so goodgirl can check the comfort before we leave.

A motorcycle is a motorcycle, you'll figure out.

Anyone but a committed HD owner would say a BWM is probably the best touring bike on the road, bar none. It's got shaft drive, anti dive suspension and anti lock brakes, it's got less torque but more HP so you've gotta rev it.

The last Hog I rode needed a serious tug on the lever and a lot of rear brake to stop in anything approaching a reasonable distance, on a BMW you can two finger it.

Who cares?? You're on a motorcycle in the summer in Europe. If you need to stop and take a break it's not the worst thing in the world.

I get the idea this post is more about bragging than info.

If you mean I will figure out how to ride it, yes. As far as you having a clue about the rest you appear to not have one.

How the fuck am I supposed to be providing info if I am the one asking the questions? You have absolutely no idea why I have the concerns I do, so do us both a favor and find another thread to troll.

You asked, I answered. One of my best friends has one. I've ridden it several times and I've ridden enough hogs to have an opinion.

From your posts you are traveling from Barcelona to Andorra? Dude it's like 150 miles tops.

How much comfort do you need for a <2 hour trip?

By car it takes about 3.5 hours because of the winding roads but I'm sure Goodgirl wants a comfortable ride since she's riding shotgun.

"Wat de buur nich kennt det fret he nech"

You can ask your german friends, they will know this saying ;)))

Well you win, boy do I feel stupid. I guess I'll go find a hot-or-not thread to surf.

it's much different than your bagger, especially in the passenger area, no backrest, arm rests, etc. as for the rider- you will feel like you are sitting on top of th ebike more than sitting in the bike, like on a harley. it's a great bike and fun to ride but it't a euro sprt tourer, not a full-fledged tourer.

2 words-

gold wing.


this is the opinion of a harley/ducati owner.

You going to go all out and wear one of those fancy matching BMW riding suits?

Your cluelessness is shining through. I will have it for a week. If you think I am going to be limited to a 2 or 3 hour trip you do not know much about me.


She is my concern.

Guess I will have to since freetranslation.com has no idea.

The pics I have seen makes it appear that there is "some" backrest support, but without it, the bike is pretty much useless to me except for a ride the Exotic Gold might take.

:1orglaugh

i have the bmw in the GS version, the cops in LA use a modified version on the RT1200, it is a great bike for touring..and obviously comfort.
i have never ridden a hog but from what i hear they are not all that comfy, though some girls dig the constant vibrating seats..
btw, i have also driven on the roads north of Barcelona (their version of PCH..) up to the southern part of France, it is absolutely beautiful..
Do yourself a favor and visit the beach city of Cadaques, it is a great little spot to spend some time and the drive there is way cool.
Watch out for the local boys on street racers, they dont fool around on the mountain roads..

Not trying to win nor did I think this was a contest, I just happen to be in Andorra and took that trip yesterday when I arrived in Barcelona.

I hope that other attendees of the show will come and visit this little but beautiful country, the shopping is tax free and for those of you who smoke cigarettes or enjoy booze, you'll find both are very inexpensive here without the VAT.

Baddog are you planning to come before or after the show?

how can she ride shotgun on a motorcycle?

round these parts riding in back is referred to as *ridin bitch*

:-)

HA Yeah nice.. i recall seeing the MC vest with the writing on the back:
If you can read this, my bitch fell off...

OK to put the record straight, riding shotgun means you are sitting in the FRONT PASSENGER seat of a vehicle..
The origin of the term is possible from the old western days when the guy in the front other than the driver was there with a shotgun to protect the carriage..

It is a good piece of Americana... and great slang expression also.

BMW is a good choice man, take at

We have reservations for De L'Isard arriving the 11th departing on the 14th.