R1200R

When I looked at the criteria for my next bike, I was surprised to find that the BMW R1200R met most of those criteria.

Naked bike
Sporty handling
Removable bags available for touring
Standard Seating Position
Plenty of power for occasional 2-up riding
Something other than a chain for final drive
Laterally symmetrical exhaust
Good after-market support for accessories
Good dealer support for maintenance if needed

The bikes which I reviewed were:
Triumph Speed Triple
Triumph Bonneville T120
Harley Davidson Sportster 1200
BMW R1200R

Triumphs had everything but the final drive

Harleys had everything but the handling and the laterl symmetry
Buell (My previous bike) had everything but accessory and dealer support

I had to let go of the laterally symmetrical exhaust for everything but Buell.

Once I let go of that cosmetic feature, my world opened up.

Shaft drive, US dealer support, widely available acessories:
BMW fits the bill.

Something's Different

 

The packages I get these days look different from my usual fare:

BMW ownership!