Greetings from Northern Virginia

[Catbird]

Hi -

I just joined this forum today in anticipation of my purchasing a 2014 BMW scooter... probably the Sport model.

I've been riding various bikes since the early 1970s and currently own those listed in my signature line. Now that I'm in my mid-60s and my arthritis worsens as time goes on, I am considering downsizing from my 2005 BMW R1200RT with only 5K miles (sell or trade in) to a 2014 BMW C600 Sport scooter. I'm going to keep my Vespa because it's so much fun, but it's not really suitable for those times when I want to travel on the interstate highways. The Royal Enfield maxes out at about 65mph on the straightaway and has significant vibration due to it's single cylinder, however is super fun riding around town.

I joined the forum to learn a few things about both BMW scooters -- both good and bad before I make my final decision.

Here are a couple of pics showing my Royal Enfield and my Vespa ...

 

[Oldscoot]

You can't go wrong with either the Sport or GT. I own a Sport and still grin from ear-to-ear every time I take it out for a spin. Happily I have no issues to date. Best wishes for a great new year.

 

[Doraemon]

You can't go wrong with either the Sport or GT. I own a Sport and still grin from ear-to-ear every time I take it out for a spin. Happily I have no issues to date. Best wishes for a great new year.

Ditto

and welcome to the board

 

[Catbird]

Thank you so much for the welcome(s)!

Quite frankly, neither BMW scooter appealed to me until very recently. I had my BMW R1200RT in for service and the dealer, as usual, gave me a loaner to use for a 24hr. period. Since I like trying new and different things, so just for fun, I selected a C600 Sport that was sitting on the showroom floor. While I can't say it was an immediate love affair, I did like it better than I thought I would. It handled nicely out on the few miles of interstate I had to ride home @ 70-75 mph followed by a few miles of twisties till I arrived home. To be picky, there were a few things that didn't exactly impress me, i.e., the flimsy-feeling doors on the left and right storage compartments. I'm not complaining, it's just something that I immediately noticed.

If I buy one, I've pretty much settled on the Sport model since I no longer "tour" or ride for long distances, I no longer ride 2-up and the slightly lighter weight of the Sport.

 

[SteveADV]

Those are a couple cool looking bikes. I test rode a Vespa a few weeks ago. Lots of fun. You'll find the BMW somewhat different.

 

[Catbird]

Note:

I entered a rather *comprehensive reply yesterday after 2 or 3 of the nice welcomes. It was immediately followed by an admin. message stating that my reply would have to be reviewed and approved by a moderator before it could be officially posted to this thread. That's fine and I suppose that I understand the rationale except now my *reply has completely disappeared. Oh well.

 

[SteveADV]

I've had a couple things disappear also that could not be posted because my login time had expired. Kind of like when you lose a call on your cell without realizing it......You know doggone well you said the best stuff in to thin air.

For whatever its worth, you may find you put a lot more time on the BMW c600/650gt than you did on your 1200. Check out some of JaimeC's comments. He owns one of the 1200 series (don't remember which). Others (most?) on the forum also have multiple bikes.

I'm just a one bike guy now that I no longer do any dirt riding. Of course, I admit you might not know that I no longer jump on any trails by looking at my bike after a long day of exploring. I have found myself off road more than I should be with the tires and clearance on my 650gt.

 

[JaimeC]

It's a 1999 K1200LT, with the inline four engine. Catbird has the R1200RT, which has the boxer twin engine. It's lighter and more powerful than my 1200, but mine does a better job of coddling the rider and passenger. It's why after 14 years and 178,000 miles I haven't replaced it with anything. My passenger prefers the accommodations on the LT more than she did on the K1600GTL we took out for a demo ride.

 

[Catbird]

Note:

Hmmmm. Something is really wrong. A few hours ago, I replied to another thread about inadequate mirrors. My reply has still not appeared; I don't understand. I got the same message as before regarding the fact that it must be moderator approved prior to actual posting.

 

[SteveADV]

Are you also on the "No Fly" list?

I suggest you send a private message to the Admn.

 

[Catbird]

Well, I sorta did yesterday. I sent and received the following emails...


8:58 PM (21 hours ago)

to info
I recently joined the forum and initiated the thread "Greetings From Northern Virginia". I entered the third post to my own thread and received a message that my post had to be moderator-approved before it would actually be posted.

Is that a permanent rule for me? Why?





Dennis Butorac
11:10 PM (19 hours ago)

to me
It's a rule for all members first 5 posts.. Keeps spam under control

Sent from my HTC

 

[SteveADV]

Hey Catbird,

Based on other threads it looks like your posting problem is solved. Right?

 

[Catbird]

Yes, it seems fine now. This probably has absolutely nothing to do with it, but I used "quick reply" instead of "go advanced" for a couple of my initial posts and those are the ones that may have mysteriously vanished. I dunno. All is good now and I am happy, happy, happy.

Thanks for asking!