Trade a 2004 H-D Softail Deuce for a BMW R1200GS? Update Price check on '05 GS?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Trade a 2004 H-D Softail Deuce for a BMW R1200GS? Update Price check on '05 GS? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:01:40 AM EDT

I'm seriously considering trading this:

My 2004 Harley Davidson Softail Deuce (Upgraded Stage 1 with Vance and Hines Big Shot pipes),

for a new or lightly used one of these:

I've had my bike for about 4 years, and have enjoyed it and been riding it more and more lately. It's fun, but I think the R1200GS would be more practical, more fun, and better on my commute to work and on long rides. I also think you get more bike for your money with a BMW, and like the added safety features of the newer R1200GS.

I know it's a totally different bike to ride, so I'm planning on test riding one in the near future. My girlfriend also enjoys riding the Deuce, and I'm not sure if the GS will be as comfortable for a passenger.

For those who would say "get both", I really can't justify owning/paying insurance on both bikes and my truck.

Thoughts?

*ETA: I also live in the DC area, and the R1200GS would make a much better BOV.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:04:20 AM EDT

[#1]

I think the Bimmer is neat and all but I like the laid back riding position and height of a cruiser.

Also I don't know if I could get used the sound of a Bimmer. One of the best safety features my HD has is that it's wicked LOUD.

Good luck it's a tough choice.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:06:25 AM EDT

[#2]

bmw > harley

I guess hitler did not think so though video

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:09:16 AM EDT

[#3]

You look cooler on the HD but I bet you'll have a lot more fun riding the BMW.

I would also check out the sport tourers from the Jap companies.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:09:33 AM EDT

[#4]

The R12GS is a fantastic motorcycle, but not particularly ideal for two-up touring. For two-up riding, yes; 3,000-mile trips not so much. I have (and commute/travel on) a 2004 R1150RT. It's a great all-around motorcycle. Sure, it won't go place the GS will go, but it's quite the mile-disposal unit. I'd suggest that you ride both a GS and an RT, with the girlfriend.

The GS is sort of the AR15 of BMW motorcycles. There are aftermarket parts available to take the stock platform to any variation you can imagine. I would like to add a '96-'00 GS to my stable at some point for some potential off-road adventuring, but for the time being, the RT gets the fabled girlfriend and me where we want to do, in comfort, style and a short amount of time.

In before the move to Cars & Bikes.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:10:39 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
You look cooler on the HD but I bet you'll have a lot more fun riding the BMW.

I would also check out the sport tourers from the Jap companies.

Absolutely. The new Kawasaki is a fantastic machine.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:12:50 AM EDT

[#6]

I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:14:50 AM EDT

[#7]

Give the Suzuki VStrom a serious look before snapping on a GS. Ride them both. Bet you won't end up on a BMW if you do.

I had a huge boner for the GS till I really looked into it and to ride both. The Vstrom is 9/10ths the bike the GS is, for less than half the money, and the aftermarket is awesome on the Strom. I think the GS is probably a little more durable & rugged, but the Vee is a more capable street bike.

You have to factor in maintenance and repair costs - and that's where the GS really socks it to you. Nothing is cheap on that bike.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:19:47 AM EDT

[#8]

I personally know two gentlemen with over 100k miles on the odometer on two older BMW bikes. I personally ride a Crotch Rocket of Japanese heritage.

Get the Bimmer....living close to Sturgis, I can tell you that 90% of the Harley riders I am watching right now are wanna-be bikers that trailer their bikes to the rally, and all of the locals (not to mention, real bikers) make fun of. Nothing good going for H-D right now.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:22:53 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
I personally know two gentlemen with over 100k miles on the odometer on two older BMW bikes. I personally ride a Crotch Rocket of Japanese heritage.

Get the Bimmer....living close to Sturgis, I can tell you that 90% of the Harley riders I am watching right now are wanna-be bikers that trailer their bikes to the rally, and all of the locals (not to mention, real bikers) make fun of. Nothing good going for H-D right now.

Au contraire, mon frere! I'm no staunch supported of The Motor Company™, but they've just bought MV Agusta and Cagiva from the Castiglioni family. This will bring an impressive inrush of cash to the struggling Italian firms, and technology to the Milwaukee engineering effort. They got a hell of a lot of insight for the relatively paltry $180 million.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:23:09 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I personally know two gentlemen with over 100k miles on the odometer on two older BMW bikes. I personally ride a Crotch Rocket of Japanese heritage.

Get the Bimmer....living close to Sturgis, I can tell you that 90% of the Harley riders I am watching right now are wanna-be bikers that trailer their bikes to the rally, and all of the locals (not to mention, real bikers) make fun of. Nothing good going for H-D right now.

I've ridden his bike (well, not HIS bike, but basically the same one) and it's plenty comfortable on long rides. If you won't take a bike like that to Sturgis, you won't take a BMW either.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:23:35 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Give the Suzuki VStrom a serious look before snapping on a GS. Ride them both. Bet you won't end up on a BMW if you do.

I had a huge boner for the GS till I really looked into it and to ride both. The Vstrom is 9/10ths the bike the GS is, for less than half the money, and the aftermarket is awesome on the Strom. I think the GS is probably a little more durable & rugged, but the Vee is a more capable street bike.

You have to factor in maintenance and repair costs - and that's where the GS really socks it to you. Nothing is cheap on that bike.

I've owned both. Now I have neither. The BMW is superior in every way to the Vstrom on both street and light off road. The VStrom is by far the better bang for the buck, but it does nothing better beyond straight line acceleration than the Beemer. The Beemer was much more comfortable and much more tractable on a daily basis, but as you said, its part of the cost. As for problems, I experienced none with either. The Beemer was better balanced, had much better brakes (linked w ABS), and the power was very linear. The Vstrom was much more fun twisting the throttle wide open coming out of sweeping left and right handers, the Suzuki 90deg twin is indeed terrific. With that said, the Boxer motor was no slouch either, it just delivered power differently, and I think I attribute some of it to a shaft drive as well. As for maintenance, do it yourself. The boxer motor is extremely easy for scheduled maintenance, everything can be found online.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:23:41 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:26:12 AM EDT

[#13]

Almost had my dad convinced to dump his customized HD springer for a Beemer last year. I wouldn't hesitate.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:28:01 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I personally know two gentlemen with over 100k miles on the odometer on two older BMW bikes. I personally ride a Crotch Rocket of Japanese heritage.

Get the Bimmer....living close to Sturgis, I can tell you that 90% of the Harley riders I am watching right now are wanna-be bikers that trailer their bikes to the rally, and all of the locals (not to mention, real bikers) make fun of. Nothing good going for H-D right now.

Au contraire, mon frere! I'm no staunch supported of The Motor Company™, but they've just bought MV Agusta and Cagiva from the Castiglioni family. This will bring an impressive inrush of cash to the struggling Italian firms, and technology to the Milwaukee engineering effort. They got a hell of a lot of insight for the relatively paltry $180 million.

I just heard that this morning. Hope they don't screw-up MV. I LOVE MV Augusta bikes. The Ferrari of sportbikes.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:28:08 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

I don't care for the seating position, honestly.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:28:56 AM EDT

[#16]

It depends on how you look at motorcycles.

The BMW is the better, more versatile vehicle by far. It can go lots of places a "normal" streetbike won't go. The suspension is amazing stuff. The brakes are night-and-day next to the H-D's insufficient single-rotor setup. The Deuce has better output at very low rpms, but not by much, and they have a narrow useful powerband concentrated on the very bottom of the rev range; the BMW has a boatload of useful torque from 2500 to 7500rpm. The BMW will have a much better selection of tires (something you probably shouldn't skimp on when your contact patches are only a finger or two across) due to the alloy wheels that won't require an inner-tube, as well as being sized in relatively common sizes. The BMW has massive cornering and ground clearance, good for the tight stuff, as well as the not-quite-paved stuff. However, it's a difficult reach to the ground for us non-6'+ folks.

The Deuce is a perfectly nice bike, but it has only about 1/4 the capabilities of the BMW. Personally, I ride everyday, enjoy touring, like efficiency, and do the occasional track day. I'd pick the BMW without even thinking twice. The H-D just doesn't do enough for me, personally. Folks who enjoy the foot-forward, cruiser stance would obviously want the Deuce. It would drive me nuts...

The two are almost as different as motorcycles get. The Deuce is nice and all, but I couldn't imagine emergency braking, swerving, or doing any actual serious riding on it...

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:30:06 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:

Quoted:
You look cooler on the HD but I bet you'll have a lot more fun riding the BMW.

I would also check out the sport tourers from the Jap companies.

Absolutely. The new Kawasaki is a fantastic machine.

I had to talk myself out of signing-up for a new Concours last week. Man I want that bike!

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:33:00 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
The two are almost as different as motorcycles get. The Deuce is nice and all, but I couldn't imagine emergency braking, swerving, or doing any actual serious riding on it...

You need to ride with me..

You're right, though. It all depends on what you want out of a bike. Personally, I'm uncomfortable on anything but a bike with a low seat height, and forward controls.

My softtail is setup kind of high and on Avon rubber, because I loooooove the twisties.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:33:41 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I personally know two gentlemen with over 100k miles on the odometer on two older BMW bikes. I personally ride a Crotch Rocket of Japanese heritage.

Get the Bimmer....living close to Sturgis, I can tell you that 90% of the Harley riders I am watching right now are wanna-be bikers that trailer their bikes to the rally, and all of the locals (not to mention, real bikers) make fun of. Nothing good going for H-D right now.

I've ridden his bike (well, not HIS bike, but basically the same one) and it's plenty comfortable on long rides. If you won't take a bike like that to Sturgis, you won't take a BMW either.

I admit, I really like the riding position of the Deuce. I know both the GS and the RT are completely different.

Quoted:

I have (and commute/travel on) a 2004 R1150RT. It's a great all-around motorcycle. Sure, it won't go place the GS will go, but it's quite the mile-disposal unit. I'd suggest that you ride both a GS and an RT, with the girlfriend.

If I go with a BMW, the RT is a strong second choice. I've actually been looking for your exact bike in my area for a good price; if I found it I'd probably snatch it up.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:36:27 AM EDT

[#20]

My softtail is setup kind of high and on Avon rubber, because I loooooove the twisties.

No doubt in my mind. We all do.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:38:15 AM EDT

[#21]

If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:39:54 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
If I go with a BMW, the RT is a strong second choice. I've actually been looking for your exact bike in my area for a good price; if I found it I'd probably snatch it up.

My local dealer doesn't have any RTs right now, but they've got scads of GSs! Never seen so many there!

Gateway BMW in St. Louis always seems to have a few RTs and GSs.

Fly out to the midwest and ride your BMW home!

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:40:22 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

My softtail is setup kind of high and on Avon rubber, because I loooooove the twisties.

No doubt in my mind. We all do.

Not all do. There is nothing more irritating (and I say this as a Harley owner) than riding with guys on slammed soft tails that putz around corners. The reputation that Harley riders have earned as weekend fair weather riders is not without merit, for sure.

But that's them. I'm me.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:41:07 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:42:19 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

I'll admit to drinking the Harley kool aid (yummy!), but it *is* just a bike, dude.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:42:49 AM EDT

[#26]

Get both

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:43:07 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:43:43 AM EDT

[#28]

I think HD is actually owned by Honda.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:44:48 AM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

And if you've ever bought a Harley then you're riding with foreign brakes, suspension, and electrics.

Quoted:
"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

Ask yourself this, has BMW ever made a Harley? The answer is no. HD can't say that the reverse is true however.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:45:58 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
I think HD is actually owned by Honda.

You thought wrong.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:46:19 AM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
I think HD is actually owned by Honda.

lolwut.jpg

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:47:48 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
And if you've ever bought a Harley then you're riding with foreign brakes, suspension, and electrics.

Not mine, but I'll admit mine's a total custom.

Who specifically supplies brake and suspension to the Motor Company, out of curiosity?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:48:44 AM EDT

[#33]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

How many BMWs have you owned in yours kid?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:48:59 AM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I think HD is actually owned by Honda.

You thought wrong.

I checked on it and it was rumored that Honda was going to buyout HD back in July 2007. Made stocks soar. But didn't happen. Was only a rumor.

Carry on.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:49:00 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:

Quoted:
If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

And if you've ever bought a Harley then you're riding with foreign brakes, suspension, and electrics.

Quoted:
"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

Ask yourself this, has BMW ever made a Harley? The answer is no. HD can't say that the reverse is true however.

I have a shovelhead so everything on my bike is 100% American down the damn seat

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:49:49 AM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I think HD is actually owned by Honda.

You thought wrong.

I checked on it and it was rumored that Honda was going to buyout HD back in July 2007. Made stocks soar. But didn't happen. Was only a rumor.

Carry on.

Yep. I remember the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:49:50 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

How many BMWs have you owned in yours kid?

Thanks for answering my question. Typical Harley bashing BS like usual. Next.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:50:13 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

I don't care for the seating position, honestly.

Yeah, a bike you find comfortable that you actually ride is way superior to a bike that's uncomfortable that you don't bother with.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:51:44 AM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

How many BMWs have you owned in yours kid?

Thanks for answering my question. Typical Harley bashing BS like usual. Next.

Yeah, your question only has validity when you ask it of others, but not when it's asked of you. Got it.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:53:45 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:

Quoted:
And if you've ever bought a Harley then you're riding with foreign brakes, suspension, and electrics.

Not mine, but I'll admit mine's a total custom.

Who specifically supplies brake and suspension to the Motor Company, out of curiosity?

Nissin brakes, Showa suspension. AT least that's what's on the not-available-in-America XR1200, which is a beautiful and apparently well-sorted machine.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:54:39 AM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

Does the one made in Italy count?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:54:56 AM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'd stick with the Harley, but I'll admit to having a strong bias.

I wouldn't. The BMW is far superior.

"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

How many BMWs have you owned in yours kid?

Thanks for answering my question. Typical Harley bashing BS like usual. Next.

Yeah, your question only has validity when you ask it of others, but not when it's asked of you. Got it.

I'm not the one that said the BMW was superior to the HD softtail. So I ask, how can you make such a statement. How many Harleys have you owned in your lifetime to know that BMW is superior?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:54:58 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
Yeah, a bike you find comfortable that you actually ride is way superior to a bike that's uncomfortable that you don't bother with.

You want to know the most comfortable, easy to ride bike I've ever ridden? A friend's 1986 Yamaha Virago. A VERY close second is another buddy's FXR.

I used to describe his FXR as "shaking hands with your best friend". I don't think I'd ever get tired of riding it. The only reason I don't own one, is I don't like the look. Honest truth.

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:56:00 AM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
AT least that's what's on the not-available-in-America XR1200, which is a beautiful and apparently well-sorted machine.

XR1200 -- please come to America!

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:57:41 AM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:
"O is it"? How many Harleys have you owned during your life time?

Does the one made in Italy count?

depends. does it have a heel shifter and do you wear a vest and chaps?

Posted: 7/11/2008 11:59:20 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
I'm not the one that said the BMW was superior to the HD softtail. So I ask, how can you make such a statement. How many Harleys have you owned in your lifetime to know that BMW is superior?

Not a damn one, nor would I. I don't own things because they have a certain name on them, especially when superior options are available at or even below the same price point.

How many BMWs have you owned?

Posted: 7/11/2008 12:01:45 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:

Quoted:
How many Harleys have you owned in your lifetime to know that BMW is superior?

Not a damn one

So what you said earlier was no more then a big truckload full of bull shit right? Right.

Next.

Posted: 7/11/2008 12:04:01 PM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm not the one that said the BMW was superior to the HD softtail. So I ask, how can you make such a statement. How many Harleys have you owned in your lifetime to know that BMW is superior?

Not a damn one, nor would I. I don't own things because they have a certain name on them, especially when superior options are available at or even below the same price point.

How many BMWs have you owned?

Zero. However I didn't make the claim that HD was a more superior manufacture now did I? I usually don't give an opinion unless I have tried both products.

Posted: 7/11/2008 12:06:07 PM EDT

[#49]

Quoted:
Zero. However I didn't make the claim that HD was a more superior manufacture now did I? I usually don't give an opinion unless I have tried both products.

Well...you kind of implied it, here:

Quoted:
If your even considering trading your softail off for a foreign job your not worthy to be on a Harley in the first place.

Anyway, has the OP made up his mind yet?