Cobie Fair Posted March 14 Report Share Posted March 14 Since this is a little different, staring a new thread. What bikes (and let's start with sport/sport oriented bikes) are best for the aging rider? Or maybe we include the less flexible? We are of course biased and love the BMW S1000rr. But 2 of my top coaches have requested (more than once) getting a few S1000r (called "single r"). So, what bike do you have/like, and why? All of those that just lurk, don't be timid, chime in 🤔. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cianciotta Posted March 15 Report Share Posted March 15 Codie, Considering sport oriented bikes, naked bikes are definitely more friendly for us aging people (especially on the street) and would be my recommendation. I can tell you that I purchased a 2023 BMW M1000R Competition and I would say it the best bike I have ever owned. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybird180 Posted March 16 Report Share Posted March 16 Its original design would have put it in the Sport category. You’d be surprised what a well-ridden Goldwing could do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpounce32768 Posted March 16 Report Share Posted March 16 IIRC somewhere I saw reference to a "streetfighter" goldwing with knobby tires etc.. a pretty wild rig and a formidable power curve for dirt no doubt. For my part I'm late 50's but don't mind a crotch-rocket. On my old R6 though even in reasonable shape once at 4hrs or in the saddle, core fatigue starts being a difficulty and at 6hrs its a real problem. I do long touring rides so it became a constraint, the cumulative aspect of it particularly so on multiple day rides. I find a standard posture bike leaves me in better shape day-to-day, even on long days 8+ hrs riding. So being a Suzuki guy, I ride a '22 gsx-s1000f. The ~140hp is pretty ridiculous though I do appreciate the torque particularly when going slow. That said, no matter what the bike I do insist on a reasonable if not good suspension; harsh & overdamped makes the ride fatiguing, too soft leaves the bike feeling vague and unstable. The OEM suspension on the gsxs was nearly unrideable, getting decent aftermarket parts in and tuned was job #1 after riding it home from the dealership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobie Fair Posted March 18 Author Report Share Posted March 18 Mike, Haven't been on that exact model bike, but if it's better than the 2018 I rode in Taiwan (I'm sure it is)...I'm sold! The handling was excellent, the riding position, and the mid-range was even stronger! When we first switched to the BMW, it was the release year for the "rr"--2010. We took a little heat on putting newer track riders on what was basically one of the most powerful production bikes made! What were we thinking? Well ,we'd tested the bike, we knew what we had. We keep accurate records of all incidents/crashes--and they dropped over 35% ! The previous bike was a very nice 600. Hmmm....small bikes are safer? The "rr" and it's varying models was such an improvement it caught everyone else napping--traction control, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoffeeFirst Posted March 22 Report Share Posted March 22 For all day rides into the north Georgia and western NC mountains I ride a 2016 BMW S1000XR. A very comfortable upright riding position with decent wind / weather protection and essentially the handling and power of the "RR". I've toured the east coast on this bike and loved it. Also perfect for twisty mountain roads. I've thought about moving to a newer version of this bike many times but just really like this particular vintage. For longer touring rides (including four cross country trips) I've had a few BMW RTs and GSs over the years - all were great bikes - reliable, comfortable, could carry a ton and roll with the best of them! Even had a K1600GT for several years. That bike was a rocket ship but very competent in the twisties for such a big bike. For shorter around town scoots these days I ride a 2018 R9T. Fun bike. Kinda low and small. Has a very old school cafe racer feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobie Fair Posted March 22 Author Report Share Posted March 22 I've not ridden the 1600. Sounds like you'd prefer the XR to the 1600...is that 'cause the XR is a bit lighter...what about it do you like over the others? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoffeeFirst Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 Loved the 1600GT while I had it but definitely prefer the XR. I like having the engine performance and light weight of a "RR" in a far more comfortable ride. Saddle sits me "in" the bike and not "on" it. The windscreen is small but can be moved up in a way that gets me out of the wind and weather so all day rides are enjoyable. Arms are nice and relaxed to the bars / grips. Wheel base length and the front fork rake are still sport bike spec so it is flickable and steering is quick side-to-side. Also has a set of discrete side racks and hard saddlebags for extended travel. Only wish I could go GP shift but unfortunately the structure of the frame makes it impossible which is probably why there are no aftermarket solutions. Surprisingly my brain keeps GP shift on track and standard shift on street straight these days. Go figure. To your comment about a few coaches asking for a single "R" for the track, I have a friend here in Atlanta who has a 2022 and loves it for both street and track. I've heard him talk about why and it has a lot to do with not being all bent forward in the more aggressive "RR" riding position allowing him to more easily achieve the "harmony, freedom and control" body position / movement goals Keith talks about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobie Fair Posted March 27 Author Report Share Posted March 27 Thanks for that, makes sense. Have you ridden a single R yet? I'll be interested to hear what you think if/when you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonger Posted April 24 Report Share Posted April 24 I've owned three XR's and one single R. I'd recommend the XR over the single R for everything except track days. More comfort, and the weight penalty is minimal for the extra luggage capacity. Even if you just toss a duffle bag on the back, it's a great bike for a weekend trip, but it absolutely rips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobie Fair Posted April 24 Author Report Share Posted April 24 OK, got a few questions for you on this: what is your height, and what kind of riding do you do on the XR? I've ridden both (been a few years) and your right, for the track the single R seemed fantastic. For me the XR seemed a bit tall, and a bit of the pendulum effect going front side to side. But I've not traveled on one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonger Posted April 25 Report Share Posted April 25 This is Adam Niswonger, btw:) 6'0 and everything from small trips across town, day rides in the N Ga. mountains plenty of weekend camping trips where we'd base camp and ride each day, and one track day. It wouldn't be my choice for track duty but it can certainly do it. Terrific brakes. My '18 was a lowered chassis version and it made it feel like a traditional sport tourer. It never felt like it was holding me back with regard to cornering clearance. The Two Gen 2's I had were the standard height, and were slightly more compliant over small bumps, but even the low chassis XR was more compliant than my S1kR. Here's a pic from one of those touring weekends with an MRA windscreen in the higher position. I'd also recommend the gen 1, 2016-2019 over the gen 2. They civilized the gen 2 a bit, and while it probably is better with regard to gearing spacing being more spread out between 4-6, the gen 1 seat was way better and it felt more raw, in a good way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris G Posted October 1 Report Share Posted October 1 Cobie this video will give you all the answers.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris G Posted October 7 Report Share Posted October 7 Cobie here is another video and the result will surprise you...or not ! I think the XR is still the best bike of all 3 IMHO...I have ridden all 3 but I dont remember if the R had the same seat to footpeg distance as the RR which would mean no more legroom on the R while the XR definitely has plenty of legroom...Also the R having no fairing/wind protection makes the bike feel fast on the road at semi-legal speeds below 100 mph where the RR still feels slow going at speeds where you are with one leg in jail and the other on the cemetery.But on the track its a different story if the windblast above 100 can induce some unwanted motions into the handlebar/bike.Again the XR has a fairing and plenty of wind protection ! The only bad point of the XR was the seat that held you in one piece but from 2024 on the seat is flat and moving on the bike / hanging off is easy as pie...Handlebar is lower and narrower now too so you should have no problem getting them on the trailer...And the M1000XR has shiftcam for full RR power and lower gearing but I think the regular XR with M-package that includes Akrapovic pipe and ligh forged wheels is plenty fun ! Btw I ride a GS and not a XR and dont work for BMW but would love to see a few XRs making it on your trailer for the 2025 season with my "36 inseam otherwise I might retire...LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobie Fair Posted October 9 Author Report Share Posted October 9 All 3 are great, might be legroom will be a key factor for some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris G Posted Sunday at 05:29 PM Report Share Posted Sunday at 05:29 PM Cobie whats your take on this subject as when legroom is the same on RR / R and only more upright seating position / wider handlebar (good) but lack of wind protection at higher speeds (bad) become factors the XR would be the answer as you get all...More legroom , more upright seating position which is good for more vision , wider handlebar same as on the R for more comfort and easier steering imputs and wind protection at higher speeds not to induce unwanted inputs into the bars because of windblast on upper body...I hope you guys can try one on the track either regular XR with M-package (Akra silencer,forged wheels) or full on M1000XR with RR shiftcam engine,nissin brakes and shorter gearing which would be awesome for taller or older folks as in the 40 plus crowd tired of folding up like a pretzel/cutting off the circulation to knees/lower legs...Or get a few 1300 GS with 17" forged wheels , 320 mm Stylema rotors and full on Akra race exhaust and call it a day...They crash cheaper too as mostly all you have to replace in case of a mishap are valve covers and bar end weights...And get the Brentune flash for a little more topend to keep up with these pesky RRs...LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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