Which BMW? Is the r1200c an option?
 

Ok, I know that nobody recommends the heavier cruiser bikes for long tours. But I have a dilemna: a relative of mine offered to sell his BMW R1200C to me for a good price. He's been into bikes for many years, while I am new to bikes but have traveled a lot. I'm thinking of going down to Mexico and then into Guatemala.

What kind of terrain would I miss out on a R1200C? I know I would need to avoid mud, but couldn't I still travel on unpaved roads? the 1200C has a higher ground clearance than the F650 and the same fuel capacity. Would I really miss out on a lot with the cruiser?

So should I buy the BMW F650 like I planned or change to the 1200C because I'm getting a good deal? My only interest in the bike is for travel and nothing else (I have a car for work). I would hate to pass on a good deal for a sweet bike, but if it can't take the terrain then I would rather go with the f650.

There's also the considerable weight difference to take in to account.

I'd go for the 650 every time over the 1200c unless you're an exceptionally strong dwarf.

Ramon

I think the right bike is the one you want to ride the most, if the big beemer is the one you like then go for it, you might not be able to travel everywhere that you can on a 650 single, but it will make up for it in other ways and will attract other people who like the bike, to come and talk to you, when they might otherwise not bother. The most practical choice is not always the best one and bike travel is about having fun.

I ride a R1200C, 99% on paved roads but some gravel or hard sand is no problem.
You must keep in mind that it has road tires and not the groundclearance of a GS type but for most normaly maintained roads, paved or gravel, it will do fine.

The R1200C has only 61hp but the torque is 98Nm at only 3000 rpm and I like that for touring, with or without luggage. With a low center of gravity and the wide handlebars, it's easy to handle.

It has a 17,5 liter tank and I ride 250km until the fuel light warns me to look for a gasstation but is has about 50km reserve. (my average fuel consumption is 1 liter at 19 km)

A nice advantage is that most people, also non-bikers, love this bike. Last week I was touring in Belgium and stopped to look at my map and someone came out of his house to tell me how much he liked my bike :-) It is a nice way to get in touch with locals.



[This message has been edited by jkrijt (edited 15 July 2005).]

Thanks for your replies. My head is telling me that the 650 is the better bike for my trip. I won't be going offroad but will travel all the small, unpaved roads of mexico. However, my heart (and wallet) tell me not to pass on such a nice bike. Since I can only afford one, I think i'm going to get the 650.

I think you made a good choice. Last week I had my 1200C in for a repair and I got a F650 from the BMW dealer that I drove a few hundred km on. It is a perfect bike for driving on small roads, uses less fuel and is a very nice bike to drive.