2021 BMW R NineT Pure - Talk me out of it

[LongRanger_imp]

Stichill, here we go again! To me, the ‘21 V7 hits the bulls-eye in style. That bike really tugs at my heartstrings! I previously owned two V7’s and sold the last one to make room for my CB1100, but now that my CB is gone, that new Guzzi is calling my name. It’s possible the F800GT will have to make way for it (sound familiar?).

Back to the OP, I recently bought a ‘12 R1200R, which has the same engine as the RNineT series. I love the bike and find it to be about as smooth as my CB was, but more powerful, and the gearbox is (surprisingly) just as slick. It weighs almost 100 lbs less than the CB, which is noticeable to me. I expect maintenance to be straightforward — certainly valve adjustments will be easier and less expensive, and I won’t miss the CB’s chain and sprockets — but parts are generally more expensive as you know. At least there’s a wide selection of tires for it! I won’t talk you out of the R9T.

If you Google “R NineT vs. CB1100,” you’ll find lots of comparos.

[Stichill_imp]

Stichill, here we go again! To me, the ‘21 V7 hits the bulls-eye in style. That bike really tugs at my heartstrings! I previously owned two V7’s and sold the last one to make room for my CB1100, but now that my CB is gone, that new Guzzi is calling my name. It’s possible the F800GT will have to make way for it (sound familiar?).

Back to the OP, I recently bought a ‘12 R1200R, which has the same engine as the RNineT series. I love the bike and find it to be about as smooth as my CB was, but more powerful, and the gearbox is (surprisingly) just as slick. It weighs almost 100 lbs less than the CB, which is noticeable to me. I expect maintenance to be straightforward — certainly valve adjustments will be easier and less expensive, and I won’t miss the CB’s chain and sprockets — but parts are generally more expensive as you know. At least there’s a wide selection of tires for it! I won’t talk you out of the R9T.

If you Google “R NineT vs. CB1100,” you’ll find lots of comparos.

Ha ha! Sometimes I look at pictures of my old F800GT and think, "What a great-looking bike!" or "Wow, I looked like a boss riding that thing!" But then I remember all the myriad things I didn't like about it and my nostalgia is immediately terminated! To be fair, it was a reliable motorcycle. I never had any complaints in that regard. It just has so many small and not-to-small executional issues that for me it was overall an unhappy relationship.

[the Ferret]

I rented an R1200R is Europe for 9 days. I thought it was a really nice motorcycle, good power, great brakes, good handling, good shifting, and thought I could live with one if I ever decided to get a BMW, but there were 2 things that really bothered me.. First for me was the way it seems all European bikes are geared, which is really tall. I like to run in the 2500 to 3500 rpm range and the BMW liked to run in the 4,000 and up range. No way to change it on a shaft drive bike. Seemed strange to be taking corners I would be taking in 3rd on my Japanese bikes, taking them in 1st on the Beemer, and not being able to get into 6th until I was flying on the Autobahn.

The other was the turn signal switches being on opposite sides..left hand for left signal, and right hand for right signal. That may have changed by now on the Beemers, but it was definitely weird for me.

I've ridden 3 Moto Guzzi's, a Breva 750, a V7 111 and a Griso. They are just too quirky for me.

[GoldOxide_imp]

This a reason why Harleys are so popular in North America. Riders just wish to beat with them. It is an understandable experience.




P.S. In fairness to HD riders out there, don't read to closely into my statement. Be kind. (yeah, even to HD riders).

[rboe]

I thought the R9T was BMW's response to the Griso. Only a bit different. There is a lot to like and if speaks to you then you should do it. Especially if it fits you.

[bigsheep_imp]

I don't mind the looks of the Guzzi, have never ridden one, but the specs look like a GS500, the newer ones, just shy of an SV650. It's an 850, Honda was getting the same numbers out of a 750 in '69 and they ran forever.

Hopefully someone who's had the experience will tell me how wrong I am. I do have a friend with an older V7 that has had many problems with it. I don't ride with him often and have had to push him several blocks to a friends house til he could get the bike in the morning. (so it didn't end up in someone's van) and I've had to wait with him for a tow. (Also not fun). I guess if you're not keeping the Honda, I'm voting for the BMW.

[Houtman_imp]

If you want to stay fit than I would advise you to buy a bike you have to push a lot otherwise stay with your CB 1100.

[Gone in 60]

I won't try to talk you out of it. I loved my BMWs, even with the quirks others here have mentioned.
But when they start to go downhill, they'll take your wallet with them.
And if you don't get friendly enough with your local dealer for the routine servicing, you will with warranty and recall visits.

[rboe]

Guzzi's can (like any other bike) give you some problems. Once sorted they can run through your children and grandchildren. But it does help if you can wrench yourself. They do have a lot going for them, but can also drive you nuts.

I've never owned a BMW (wanted to at one time, but now, they seem to have jumped the shark and gotten too clever by half) so I can't speak to them.

But we all have bikes that speak to us and when they do I think we should listen.

[Indypikes_imp]

Good luck with your decision. You could do a lot worse than a R Nine T. I've certainly read many good things about the bike. It sounds like you have a good dealer and trade in opportunities as well.

As for the new 850 V7 Guzzi also mentioned by others....I believe that they will be a huge hit. The current V7 small block has done well and many just love them. The styling on the new model is simply gorgeous and the motor has already proven itself in the V85TT. The question with Guzzi is always the same as to the questionable dealer network and potential warranty issues, quirks. Both of my Guzzis have been trouble free so I'm biased. Once you've had a well sorted Guzzi it's hard not to have one around. And man, this one is a looker!