C14 vs. BMW K1200R (or any other semi-naked bike)

[cltsig]

Newbie to this forum, was on the old one.  I had a 2008 Concours and grew tired of getting roasted in the southern heat so I sold it last summer.  I'm now in the market for either a new Concours (may wait until September to see what changes occur in 2012) or a used BMW K1200R the local BMW dealer has.  The BMW is fairly well loaded with ABS, heated grips, OBC, ESA, hard bags and recently had new tires and all service, has 11k-ish miles and can be had for around $9k.  I typically ride an hour or 3 on occasion with an occasional overnighter to the mountains.  Rarely 2 up.  Being cool is a priority.

C14 pros:
-new with warranty
-good wind protection (maybe a con because less cooling wind gets to me)
-I know what I'm getting - smooth, power, good tourer, etc.

C14 cons:
-maybe too much wind protection = not cool enough in summer?
-priced higher
-new redesign in 2012??

BMW pros:
-quick, nimble, fun, fast
-cool (less protection, can swing my legs out to cool my inner thighs)
-ESA - adjustable suspension would be nice but not sure I'd notice too much of a difference

BMW cons:
-no warranty (but can get Zurich 2 year for around $1100)
-leans forward a touch more than C14
-less wind protection for cooler months

Any input is appreciated, especially from those who've ridden both.

[Scaffolder]

I was staring at a 1200R that was riding past my jobsite just yesterday. Those things are sweet looking. It's hard to buy one of those without warranty for nearly $10,000. I love my 3 year unlimited warranty on the C-14. Kawasaki just announced 1.95%fin. on any new Kawasaki over $10,000 and $2,000 off 2009 and prior C-14. If they included the 2010s and 2011s. They'd probably sell out of them.
Good luck with your decision, both bikes are awesome. Maintenence will probably be more expensive on the BMW.

[stevewfl]

i love the semi nakie bikes.

[maxtog]

i love the semi nakie bikes.

I loved my ZRX.  Certainly made mods and maintenance a lot easier.  And a tip over is less costly (knock on wood, no experience with that yet on the C-14).  And in the summer, lotsa air!

However... a naked or semi-naked bike might be great in the summer, but it is really *REALLY* horrible when it is not hot outside.  I was uncomfortable on the ZRX at around 65F, and frozen SOLID below 55- despite a taller windshield, three layers of heavy clothing, heated vest and grips, and even chaps!

The Concours (2010/2011) is not terrible in the summer, but it is a million times better when it is colder.  I haven't had it long enough to ride below 55F yet, but I can already tell, it will GREATLY extend my riding "season".

A non-naked bike is also easier to keep looking clean (unless you get a BLACK bike ), makes mounting certain things easier, and improves performance and gas mileage (less drag), and helps keep you dry if it rains while riding.

[con05]

Just got a 2011 last month. I kept the short windshield from my 08. More than enough air when it's 100 plus outside. The short shield allows the fairing to vent nicely. During cool nights is is nice to have the warmth of the still air.

[cltsig]

Just got a 2011 last month. I kept the short windshield from my 08. More than enough air when it's 100 plus outside. The short shield allows the fairing to vent nicely. During cool nights is is nice to have the warmth of the still air.

Thanks for all of your input  This post highlights my dilemma. I can adapt to the riding characteristics and features of about any bike but these 2 are pretty similar, so it's a tie there. The wind protection is the thing I can't decide whether or not I want it or not. Am I worried about summer heat (winner BMW) or cooler (winner K14)?  I still can't decide whether getting roasted on my '08 K14 was the result of no wind or just made worse due to no wind.

[stewart]

I'm not sure I saw where you live, but I'm in New England and happily ride my 2010 C14 in 36-40 degree weather through to about 90. Since I wear gear all the time, anything over 90 and I feel life draining away.

As for comparing it to the Bemmer, I can't comment. All I can say is having wheels is better than having none at all.

[Scaffolder]

I am also in New England. Up in Maine. I had a Triumph Trident (naked bike). I wouldn't ride longer than 30 minutes under 45 degrees. On my 2010 C-14 I found myself running 1.5 hours at 25 degrees. 35 degrees is pretty comfortable.
 My 2010 C-14 is way more comfortable than my 2008 C-14 was in the heat.

[cltsig]

I'm in Charlotte where summers are hot and winters get very little snow.  I can ride pretty much all winter but the summers are hot, doesn't matter what type of motorcycle you're on.  Maybe I should plan for the 9 comfortable/ride-able months and write off the 3-ish hotter months instead of the opposite.  Plus, spending almost $10k on a non-warrantied motorcycle with a high tendency for repairs and expensive upkeep probably isn't what I'll do.  I'm leaning towards the C14 and I'll wait until September (according to the local dealer who said that's the dealer meeting where they announce next year's bikes) before doing anything.  Thanks again for all input.

[Mister Tee]

I don't know that you could really compare the two bikes - they have different missions.  Personally, I WANT the increased wind protection of the C14 and I don't think you can have "too much" in the Summer.  I mean, hot air is hot air, and a blast of hot air is still a blast of hot air.

A more comparable bike would be a K1300GT, which has similar fairing protection to that of a C14 and in fact was a contender as a replacement to my 1200RT.  I went with the C14 for two reasons:  Price - that was secondary but the C14 is a better value.  I think the quality is at least as good.  The main killer is for some reason the 1300's have had a rash of engine failures, and 40K seemed to be about the life expectancy of that engine.  The K1200 engines are pretty solid as far as I know.

I have no regrets going with a C14 but the single biggest, potential deal killer to me is the lack of cruise control, which the Beemer has (I think a K1200R has one, the K1300GT certainly does.)  To me this is almost a necessity on a long trip.

[Shadowofshoe]

    I actually considered buying that bike as pictured when I sold my 2005 BMW KLT1200 then test rode it :fast,typically great handling BMW---they make great bikes. I was coming off the LT and I was spoiled by a big screen so 70-80 seemed annoying . That doesn't seem to be a factor to you.
      You didn't mention the year-but I sold mine at warranty expiration, research the final drive on that model- it may be fine though. The real thing (which doesn't matter that much if you're a solid wrench and its not warranted) is the cost and time of maintenance and I was lucky w/2 dealers in town.
     All that said they still make great scoots!
   
               Mike
               

[CrashGordon]

I mean, hot air is hot air, and a blast of hot air is still a blast of hot air.

Exactly! Come down to Dallas in the 106* heat and drop your windscreen. Then tell me just how refreshing that blast furnace is that's searing your eyebrows.