Potential North AL BMW Rider

[HuntsvilleRider]

Hi folks. New to your site and have some questions if a few of you are kind enough to help out.

I am a 50 year old ex-rider considering purchasing an R1200 or K1600. I've never owned a BMW, but rode one back in the 90's and was impressed. I've owned a little of everything from cruisers to a GoldWing to sportsbikes (my last bike was a Hayabusa). While thrilling beyong belief, I don't want another Busa because now that I'm 50 the riding position is just too painful. I probably will not be doing any cross-country or anything like that, but at the same time want something comfortable for half-day rids, etc. I currently do not own a bike and have not ridden in a couple of years therefore I have many options.
So,
1) Any prefences out there between the R1200 and K1600? Other suggestions?
2) Where besides Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, or potentially Chattanooga do you North Alabama BMW riders get service?
3) Is there a BMW "local chapter" or club or similar here in North Alabama?
4) My initials are MWB, so how long do I have to keep mistyping BMW?

I know BMW riders are very dedicated riders as are GoldWing riders, so if I decide to opt for a BMW I know I'll be joining a great group of folks.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions provided.

Mike

[Norwood]

Welcome to the forum and hopefully this club.... this weekend the club is having a ride in Nauvoo Alabama...so sure many will join in with suggestions also....may be first of week... I was over tonight for dinner and will return tomorrow...come over if you get a chance...

1. as you stated, the 1600 is a nice touring bike and the 1200 is good middle of road bike...The R1200GS will double as adventure bike and touring bike as well... best to get a demo ride from dealer on the offerings...sure will find one that is suited for your riding style .
2. you about covered the service area... in Birmingham there is a good independent shop and member of this club.. Terry Two wheels... There are BMW dealers in the cities you listed near Huntsville.
3. Huntsville and North Alabama have many members of this club... the Huntsville group does meet at times in local places for dinner...in Huntsville.
4. MWB , sure others will in time respond as well.. look around the web page... we have monthly meeting or get togethers and at any moment somebody will want to meet to eat somewhere as well...

[SteveHebert]

Welcome Mike. The club is very active as Don eluded to. You are on the younger side of the group as I am (46). Many of our riders defy the common definition of "old" and go with the more progressive "you are only as old as you feel" concept. They ride many styles including the K1200S and the GS series or just plain old dirt bikes for fun weekends. Some of these riders are on the north side of 70.

Do as don suggested and demo as many as you can. The difference between the K1600 and the R1200 is vast. You cannot compare them. 6 cylinder mega HP touring machine with all the doo-dads and a 2 cylinder torque monster roadster with bare bones options. The R is WAY lighter and much quicker while the K is a very fast machine at 700+ pounds.

It all depends on your riding style and desire. Look at a GS as Don mentioned. I did not enjoy mine all that much and kept wanting to go back to an RT. So many choices out there. I buy previously owned bikes and have never bought a new one. Just my way of doing things.

[bikertaz]

I just recently purchased the K1600 GTL and like it. My previous ride was a 2002 K1200LTC and the difference is amazing. Handling, power, lighter weight than the LT. Like Steve said, test ride both to see which one you prefer.