Test rides - is there a way to tell in a short amount of time?

[Philbie]

For some strange reason, I've become keen on a Yamaha MT-01.

 

It hits the spot for all the right reasons, nice engine, nice naked frame (i like naked bikes) and modern design that feels snug and easy to ride.

 

I rode one on the weekend, liked it but had a few set-backs.

 

After my 1150rt - it felt harder to lean into corners..and I didn't have the chance to ride it for a good amount of time at 100km/h to see what the wind hitting me was like.

It's been many years with a fairing and I am worried I might not like the lack of wind protection.

 

Short of a day ride, which isn't possible, Just how do you tell if the bike is the right one for you?

 

Given that the 1150rt feels right in every way, could it be that I'm allready on the best bike for me, and i'm just feeling greedy for wanting a change?

 

My biggest reason for feeling the need to change, was a lack of touring with the rt as I use the bike more for commuting and the occasional ride on a Sunday afternoon.

 

The MT-01 felt smoother for commuting, and is not as heavy either.

 

Confused.....

[Knifemaker]

People have a tendency to dream to much before they buy...Nothing wrong with this until reality snaps them back and things end up differently than the dream...

 

Look at you bike purchase as you would a real need...Think about how you will really ride it in your REAL world not your dream world and pick the type bike and features that will satisfy your needs....

 

Dreaming about all you can do with a new toy is fun but if the reality of the new toy does not meet your real world needs then you may end up hating it.

[T__]

For some strange reason, I've become keen on a Yamaha MT-01.

 

It hits the spot for all the right reasons, nice engine, nice naked frame (i like naked bikes) and modern design that feels snug and easy to ride.

 

I rode one on the weekend, liked it but had a few set-backs.

 

After my 1150rt - it felt harder to lean into corners..and I didn't have the chance to ride it for a good amount of time at 100km/h to see what the wind hitting me was like.

It's been many years with a fairing and I am worried I might not like the lack of wind protection.

 

Short of a day ride, which isn't possible, Just how do you tell if the bike is the right one for you?

 

Given that the 1150rt feels right in every way, could it be that I'm allready on the best bike for me, and i'm just feeling greedy for wanting a change?

 

My biggest reason for feeling the need to change, was a lack of touring with the rt as I use the bike more for commuting and the occasional ride on a Sunday afternoon.

 

The MT-01 felt smoother for commuting, and is not as heavy either.

 

Confused.....

 

Phil, one thing you might do is find a well versed web site on the make/model you are looking at.. Do some research there on some of the common & not so common complaints that current riders are complaining about. Then when you take that short test ride you can look specifically at those complaint areas to see if that is (or is going to be) a problem area for you also..

 

Twisty

[Mike]

Dear Confused in Moama--

 

Count yourself lucky to have been able to take the bike you've been lusting after out for a test ride. It seems to me that this brief flirtation, while a bit disloyal to your RT, has actually told you something. Now you just need to listen, not only with your heart but also with your brain.

 

Part of the magic of the RT, indeed that of much of the BMW product line, is her versatility. She can dance a lusty jig, yet settle down for a serious cross-continent assault, though her panniers may make her look a bit more broad in the beam than the tart with whom you had your brief fling.

 

I'd urge you to heed your initial impressions of the Yamaha. Though you were beguiled by her looks, it seems that your brief fling identified some serious shortfalls. You must cast her aside and never look back.

 

If, after doing this, you still find that you are dissatisfied with your current relationship I'd suggest staying a bit closer to home (the qualities that attracted you to the RT, for which you apparently still have some feelings). Rather than wholly abandoning your ties with the BMW family, perhaps you might be able to find a partner who's a bit more interested in the "sport" side of the sport-touring equation, but who is still willing to indulge your occasional interest in something a little more, shall we say, long-distance.

 

In conclusion, it seems to me that you need to look at something that is a bit more sporting, but which retains some of the traditional BMW virtue of versatility. I found it in the R1200ST. You might be able to find one, but with production coming to an end, that may be difficult. Another BMW worthy of consideration is the K1200R Sport, a model that is decidedly faster than your RT, but which can be set up very nicely for the occasional tour.

 

If neither of these options works for you, I'd suggest you and your RT seek counseling.

[UberXY]

Life is short. get it. if it doesn't work out, it's not like you are married to it.

[Philbie]

Thanks Guys for the interesting information. there were some really good points brought forward by you all, giving me the good reason to question my "real needs" and if changing partners would be a worthwhile long term exercise.

 

In the end I can't find any reason to change......None.

 

My BMW roots are over ten years of blood, sweat and tears to have her parked in the garage for my every whim and desire.

 

maybe a little more relaxation whist she does her thing, and i might just learn to appreciate her that bit more.

 

The grass is green everywhere.......how big is the paddock?

[Timmer]

My biggest reason for feeling the need to change, was a lack of touring with the rt as I use the bike more for commuting and the occasional ride on a Sunday afternoon.

 

I felt the same way about my '02 R1150RT and so I acquired the R1200ST. After 20 years on an R100RS, the ST was a natural for me. It's a great compromise between the full fairing of the RT and a naked bike.

[Stir]

For me, a short ride will not tell me if I like a bike, only that I don't like a bike.

 

After that, it is a crap shoot.

 

M

[ShovelStrokeEd]

I have only taken 4 test rides.

1. My K100RT, rode it to Dallas and back from Kansas City and bought the bike.

2. My K1200LT, rode it 5 miles and knew I wanted it. Signed the papers that day.

3. My R1100S, rode it to the end of the parking lot and bought it on the spot.

4. My Honda Blackbird, took it out on the highway behind Bob's, whacked the throttle open in second, caught third, caught fourth, soiled myself, brought it back to Bob's and signed the check. Actually, I had a certified check with me for the amount remaining after my deposit before I flew up there, helmet and riding gear in my hand baggage.

[bmwk100]

I have only taken 4 test rides.

1. My K100RT, rode it to Dallas and back from Kansas City and bought the bike.

2. My K1200LT, rode it 5 miles and knew I wanted it. Signed the papers that day.

3. My R1100S, rode it to the end of the parking lot and bought it on the spot.

4. My Honda Blackbird, took it out on the highway behind Bob's, whacked the throttle open in second, caught third, caught fourth, soiled myself, brought it back to Bob's and signed the check. Actually, I had a certified check with me for the amount remaining after my deposit before I flew up there, helmet and riding gear in my hand baggage.

 

Sounds like you are the poster child for dealers giving test rides!

 

I test rode a used 2000 K1200RS at my dealer and shortly thereafter purchased one from a private party. Loved the bike!

 

Test rode a dealers demo Triumph Sprint ST and purchased a new one from them two weeks later. (My current bike.)

 

I have test ridden a R1150R and R1200R and did not like the rides. R1200R two weekends ago.

 

Thus, I believe you can get a general idea if you like a bike with a short test ride. (30 minutes minimum.)

[UberXY]

What's a test ride?

 

I've had three BMWs over the last 21 years - 86 R65, 99 R1100S, and my 2005 R1150RT - and did not test ride any of them. My only regret is that I sold the S to buy the RT - in retrospect, I should have kept the S AND bought the RT.

[bakerzdosen]

My only test ride was on an r1200st... The owner told me to go out and ride one (they had two in stock and I couldn't decide on the color) while they filled out the paperwork for me so I didn't have to wait around doing nothing. So, I'm not a great person to ask either.

[PAndie]

Easy peasy - you clearly need . . .

 

 

 

 

 

BOTH!

[wellcraft]

in my experience test rides only wet your appetite for a bike and nothing more. i test rode my KS twice for about 30 minutes each time before deciding to buy. immediately after i purchased the bike i noticed things i never noticed on the test ride. i don't think the average test ride allows you to really pick up on a bikes pluses or minuses because test rides are so short. my first test ride on my KS was solo but i didn't push the bike because i wasn't familiar with it. my second test ride was with an escort from the dealer and i wasn't able to push the bike to see what she could do.