Modern Vespa

I totally agree with you that the 1200RT is the best all around touring bike. I too would pick it over the Goldwing BUT the final drive issue took it out of the running for me. This is a well documented issue that BMW does not seem to want to own up too? By the way congratulations on getting an excellent bike![/quote] Hi there! The final drive issue has been discussed at length on the forums BMW, but like everything else, 10 people can make a lot of noise, Maybe its a few more - but I'm playing the odds. 66000 miles on my gs and no problem with its drive(they supposedly had problems with them too). The new bike is great! I wasn't really really sold on the look, but the bike fit the riding I do. Now the more I ride it the more I love it. As in Vespa the more you look at it the more you realize the engineered thought that went into the product!

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2008/08/vtwin-maxiscooters-expected-fr.html

beautiful bikes

I've spent some time on a 1200r, nice bike. Kind of front end heavy and dives a bit too much for my liking under braking. Overall a really solid bike cruising along and handled the twisty's when you wanted to throw it around a bit. A sport/cruiser by nature. Best of both worlds IMO.

I spent some time on an FZ1 today and it was a blast. Got it up to about 130 in a straight going down Ortega Hwy 74. I have a heavy touring bike so getting on this light bike was a treat. Man I would love to have 2 motorcycles and a scooter in my stable! Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

Jess, what sort of Guzzi you got?

Oh sweet baby Jesus - an 800cc V-twin maxi-scoot with a BMW badge?! I can't imagine where the MSRP on that one will land...

That is a great site - saw more stuff coming down the pipeline there than in any brand specific site! Thanks for that info!

If they really do it - it may mean the end of motorcycles and scooters as we know them today! It could be the best of all worlds two wheels don't you think?

For the record the R1200GS is BMW's most popular model. It is a great bike.
A high seat height and equally high price are the only down sides. I like my scoot but there's no way it could replace the GS.

Ok I know it's late in the game but Jess, BMW riders don't wave at other cycles..period! Never have one waved back when I have waved first. Too scared to let go with one hand i guess. Shit if my bike cost $15K i probably wouldn't wave either.

Oh that must be a west coast thing- In 35 years of riding a BMW I have always waved to any one on two wheels, as has anyone I have known on a BMW. Harley riders on the other hand usually never acknowledge another bike except a Harley. If you start looking around at pricing on motorcycles BMW isn't that far off from a lot of bikes on the market. Look at some of the Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Harley, bikes.

BMW riders wave to me all the time.