[tkflatau]

OK!!!!

This may not be the most bias place for advise, but here goes.

I’m looking to get a second bike and want it to be a sport touring model. I have always had sport bikes and love them for all they have to offer. Two years ago I test drove a VROD and loved it, had to have one. But I long for a more sporting ride from time to time. I’m looking at a (99-02) ST4 or a (99-02) BMW K1200GT. I’ve lusted after duc’s for years, but the Beemer is a great machine too. I plan on using it for long summer trips and commuting to work daily. I ride in all weather and put on about 10-20,000 miles a summer.
depending on how many trip I take. My wife loves to ride as well, so I have to keep that in mind to. If anyone came steer me in either direction, that would be great.

See Yaa on the road!

96 CBR600F3
04 VRSCA VROD
DUCATI (one day)

 

[YveST3]

OK!!!!

I’m looking at a (99-02) ST4 or a (99-02) BMW K1200GT.

ST4, ST4S or ST4S abs you will find, but BMW K1200GT from those years, i don't think so, it's one new model.

YveST3

 

[Desmo_Demon]

I ride in all weather and put on about 10-20,000 miles a summer.

Service intervals for valve checks/adjustments to be every 6K miles, so you'd probably be looking at 2-3 a year at $600+ for each. If you don't do the work yourself, you'd be looking at an extra $1200+ per year to maintain your Ducati (if you follow the recommended service intervals, some people only do them every 12k miles, especially once the bike gets over 12k miles on it). Depending on the Ducati shop, you are also looking at 3+ weeks of the bike sitting at the dealer for service. Is this additional cost and time away from the bike something you can live with if you buy a Ducati?

 

[airkitty]

Ride them both - then look at the details. This will give your heart and soul its rightful place in the purchase decision- FIRST! My shop(Champion in Chas.,S.C.) has not taken three weeks for any service and was accommodating (usually 48 hour turnaround) for the 3 years I rode the bike exclusively. I bought the Duc after owning a BMW K75c for many years. I will never go back to the BMWs unless it was to complete some future collection. Still two worthy bikes and I wish you luck with the decision.

 

[Desmo_Demon]

My shop(Champion in Chas.,S.C.) has not taken three weeks for any service and was accommodating (usually 48 hour turnaround) for the 3 years I rode the bike exclusively.

Champion must not be too busy, or you happen to take it in when they aren't backed up. I know of several shops, especially this time of the year, that can be back-logged as much as three weeks.....throw in having to order an oddball part, such as an opening rocker, and it may take up to a week just to get that part in.

 

[airkitty]

Champion is very busy. Those guys are real diligent about their appointments and bend over backwards to accommodate. The cases I have run into with additional parts needed (various) have always been accomplished with a follow up visit. The guys (Randy Mech., Quincy Serv. Mgr.) just seem to get it. Have you been using Touring Sport in G'Ville?

 

[allikanbe]

OK!!!!

This may not be the most bias place for advise, but here goes.

I’m looking to get a second bike and want it to be a sport touring model. I have always had sport bikes and love them for all they have to offer. Two years ago I test drove a VROD and loved it, had to have one. But I long for a more sporting ride from time to time. I’m looking at a (99-02) ST4 or a (99-02) BMW K1200GT. I’ve lusted after duc’s for years, but the Beemer is a great machine too. I plan on using it for long summer trips and commuting to work daily. I ride in all weather and put on about 10-20,000 miles a summer.
depending on how many trip I take. My wife loves to ride as well, so I have to keep that in mind to. If anyone came steer me in either direction, that would be great.

See Yaa on the road!

96 CBR600F3
04 VRSCA VROD
DUCATI (one day)

I have an 04 BMW K1200 RS (about the same thing as the GT) and an 05 Duc ST4s. For more comfort touring, especially 2-up, I'd go with the BMW (GT or RS). You should be able to get a good deal on either bike since BMW no longer makes the RS or the GT (pre-05 version). The S replaced the RS and the new model GT replaced the older GT.
The BMW has lots of power, great brakes (most are servo-assisted, integrated ABS) , heated grips, adjustable up and down seat) and a host of other good things.
Check www.I-BMW.com and www.K-Bikes.com for more info and classifed sections.

 

[jbcaddy]

when I tell my dealer that I will be riding the bike in, they schedule me for an early morning arrival. I get there an hour before they open for the motor to cool by opening time. I ride it home that afternoon with the service completed.

 

[Desmo_Demon]

Have you been using Touring Sport in G'Ville?

Touring Sport, and Myers Motorcycles in Asheville, are the ones that I buy my parts from. Touring Sport didn't have a shim for my ST2 at the 12k valve adjustment, but Myer's had it in stock, so I drove to Asheville for it, and they stayed open an extra 15 minutes because I was stuck in traffic after work. Touring Sport is the one that I just ordered my belts and rockers and two exhaust valve cover gaskets from......they had none of the parts in stock and it took right at a week to get them in.....two different orders......two different weeks......I took my time doing the valve check/adjustment on my bike. I rarely let anyone work on my bikes, if I can help it.