What’s a good bike to get in retirement?

[FLH03RIDER]

i have a '24 r1250gsa and it is a very good bike.

i am 6'4" and with the seat position in the high/high setting i was getting wind buffeting on my helmet if i put the windscreen up all the way. so i rode with it all the way down, giving my visor fresh air, but also got face blasted with bugs, cold, etc. just installed a wunderlich windscreen which has solved the problem, i can now ride 50mph or under with my visor open, and no buffeting.

i was thinking last night, would i enjoy a k1600gtl? probably. would it be better for my daily? probably not, besides possible better wind protection. better for long distance tours? definitely. what about a r1300rt? that could be better, if it comes with speakers and more wind protection. less suspension travel and not equipped for off road. well let's see in a couple years how much i've gone dirty with it and make a decision then.

The K1600 GT is a killer touring machine but I wouldn't consider it as your primary commuter though or for day to day city use. I'm 6'1" and run the screen about 1/4 up and it's a nice bubble with no buffeting at all. About 90% of the time I run the helmet face shield full open, unless it's dusty or raining/hailing.

 

[moto-rama]

Yes, they are. Start saving yer "duckets", 'cause that prize door opens at about $32K+. With the audio pro that's another $445.00 and the automated shift assistant (no clutch lever) that $935.00! Then there's the tax, license fees so that will add about 10.25% to 10.50% depending where you live.

Hey it's your "Retirement". Enjoy!!!

3.year lease, get something new when it out of warranty?

Tariffs are adding a shit pile to anything from the EU.
The 19K R1250RS I got in '22, now sell for 27k.

OUCH.

Lots of used bikes lurking around now, though. Lots.

 

[mid1965]

I had a 2018 Goldwing bagger that I traded in for a 2019 K1600B and that was a big mistake. On paper the K1600 was better in every category but I think the Goldwing was the better bike in real life. The BMW buffeted at speeds over 80 mph whereas the Goldwing was rock solid up to 110 mph. Visibility on the BMW wasn't near as good as the Goldwing and in slow speed handling, the Goldwing was the clear winner. The BMW was top heavy while the center of gravity on the Goldwing was much lower. Gold wing was also much more comfortable for long trips. The controls on the Goldwing were so much better thought out than the BMW's stupid thumbwheel. I would say the BMW handled better on long sweepers and most twisties but not by very much. My biggest complaint on the Goldwing bagger was that the saddlebags were too small and they opened to the side so all your shit would fall out when you open it, other than that, it was the much better bike, IMO.

I was interested to hear your comments about the K1600 being buffeted at speeds over 80mph. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks and I thought I might be imagining it - but it does feel like that. And at speeds less than 80mph too. The thumbwheel is a bit funky, but I guess I'll get used to it. I do like the stability in the twisties and sweepers tho. My buddy just bought a 2026 Gold Wing, so I'm sure we'll swap rides and I can make a better comparision.

 

[Scrap]

Goldwing all the way. I've got a 2014 deluxe - plenty of storage, eats up the open road miles, all the whistles and bells. I've changed the rear tyre to a "car" tyre and it handles the twisties brilliantly

 

[budman]

Yes, they are. Start saving yer "duckets", 'cause that prize door opens at about $32K+. With the audio pro that's another $445.00 and the automated shift assistant (no clutch lever) that $935.00! Then there's the tax, license fees so that will add about 10.25% to 10.50% depending where you live.

Hey it's your "Retirement". Enjoy!!!

Hopefully a two year old bike will save me some duckets, but I hear you.

My retirement with my kids inheritance. Solid plan there.

 

[dtrides]

My bikes are my kids....and I change them out every so often....is that morally wrong?
DT

 

[tuxumino]

if you're looking for a good do it all bike I'd look at a Kawasaki KLE 500 or Ninja 500/Z500. Not to heavy but with enough power to do freeway speeds, fairly nimble and not to expensive. You might get a bigger bike but I bet you hold on to the Kawi just cus it's fun.

 

[PaulR]

if you're looking for a good do it all bike I'd look at a Kawasaki KLE 500 or Ninja 500/Z500. Not to heavy but with enough power to do freeway speeds, fairly nimble and not to expensive. You might get a bigger bike but I bet you hold on to the Kawi just cus it's fun.

I am definitely interested in the KLE 500
That bike looks fun.
Light easy to park in the garage.
Lane splitting during daily commute or in traffic looks like this bike could do that well.
Has one purchased this bike on BARF?
PaulR

 

[Arminius]

I was interested to hear your comments about the K1600 being buffeted at speeds over 80mph. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks and I thought I might be imagining it - but it does feel like that. And at speeds less than 80mph too. The thumbwheel is a bit funky, but I guess I'll get used to it. I do like the stability in the twisties and sweepers tho. My buddy just bought a 2026 Gold Wing, so I'm sure we'll swap rides and I can make a better comparision.

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed the buffeting. There are supposedly some mods you can do to lessen it but I don't remember exactly what those were.

 

[PaulR]

Goldwing all the way. I've got a 2014 deluxe - plenty of storage, eats up the open road miles, all the whistles and bells. I've changed the rear tyre to a "car" tyre and it handles the twisties brilliantly

That is definitely a great motorcycle …..
Power for days.
PaulR

 

[Scrap]

That is definitely a great motorcycle …..
Power for days.
PaulR

That photo is a Honda Goldwing FB6. Its a bagger style Goldwing - no top box and stripped-down weight a bit further to lighten the load. A better version of the traditional Goldwing for commuting and city use - not that the full version can't be used in the city. I don't own a car and this is my transport - even manage to split most of the traffic if the numpties in cars position themselves on the road properly.

 

[moto-rama]

The Honda Goldwing can’t be beat for 2 up comfort on a long distance trip.
If a Goldwing is too big then consider a BMW R1300RT.

Or....the perfect Geezer SportTourer. BMW R1250RS.
It gets you.

 

[Hooli]

FJR1300.

 

[NATEWA]

FJR1300.

Yes, recommended by riders that have them. Not sure about the weight of them though.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

I figure when I, well, not retire, but reach that age and ideally have a low key job and more free time, I'll have a relatively light sport touring bike and a high string super moto for shorter romps.

 

[NATEWA]

Agree - should be something light and maneuverable. That’s what a motorcycle is all about.

I might take some crap for suggesting this but maybe a convertible? Older friend of the family used to have a Harley. He sold it and picked up a really nice convertible Mercedes. Although it’s not a motorcycle, it’s comfortable for him and his wife.

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https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/models/gt-premium-convertible/

 

[DonTom]

Older friend of the family used to have a Harley.

I used to hate Harleys. I still do, when it comes to MOST models. A buddy of mine, George, (a retired NYC motorcycle cop who died a few years ago at the age of 80) had a brand new HD Dana Switchback. I was riding my Triumph Trophy SE at the time. We traded bikes during a trip for around 30 miles. I hated that Switchback. Even at 100 mph it was nothing but a nut shaker. I just could not wait until the next stop where I could get my TTSE back. And when I stopped, it took around 10 minutes of instructions just to get the side stand down!

A month goes by, and George trades that bike in (as he does often and has owned almost 100 motorcycles in his lifetime but never more than four at one time) for a new HD Road Glide Special. He offers again to trade bikes for a while (I now cannot remember what bike I was then riding). I hesitated, but decided to try it. Well, I could not believe it was a Harley! I loved the feel of that bike (the new larger frame and the new M8 engine). The very next day, I purchased a Road Glide Ultra. About a thousand lbs of bike, the most comfortable bike I own, and even rides well when off the freeways (but I do ride motorcycles much like a little old lady). It's the bike in Avatar here. It has an addicting feel to it, every so often I just have to ride it. Not the slightest bit harsh at any RPMs.

An interesting story about the design of the Road Glide. When the HD engineers tested the very first prototype, they discovered a problem. The exact quote was "I cannot even tell I am on a motorcycle, it is way too smooth". And HD felt that had to be fixed, of course! So they unbalanced the engine just a little. Just enough so "people will know they are on a motorcycle". And I must admit they did a perfect job with such, I consider it an addicting feel, but not harsh at all. But I do wonder about the first extra smooth version. Perhaps was smoother than a Goldwing and I wonder if they should have kept it that way, but I will never know. Can a bike be too smooth? No doubt for Harley.


-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

and more free time

I got into electric motorcycles after I retired. I discovered I enjoy the charge breaks. I would rather type these messages under a shade tree at a picnic table than here at home. Perhaps at Lake Tahoe or Mt. Rose or at the Truckee/Tahoe Airport where I can charge up for free and watch the small planes land and leave as I enjoy a meal--and can be outside or inside.

I always bring a small laptop and my portable Hotspot--and can even bring my Starlink Mini for where where there is no cell service.

I always go between my Reno, NV & Auburn, CA house by electric. EV car for when the weather is bad, or else it's an electric motorcycle. I usually time it so I can be at Verdi, NV for a meal as I get a free recharge there. Or perhaps the Truckee Airport.

FWIW, I have gone on motorcycle trips for up to 300 miles on all free for me to use charging. Not that I am cheap, just that I can, so I often do.

And do NOT need to be a customer at any of these places to get a free charge. Of course, not all charge stations are free to use, but there are many of the free ones in many areas, especially in the Reno area. Includes VA city and Carson City for Level Two (240 VAC input) Charging.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[flying_hun]

FWIW, I am retired, and I find the assumption that the choice should be a Wing or a bagger of some sort kind of bewildering. Right now I own an 1100, an 850, and two 650's, and I feel no need for more power, even two-up. If I were to change anything about those bikes it would be to make them lighter. The rest of that crap that comes on big tourers gets in the way of my enjoyment. Yes, I've owned one.

I like the SV650 suggestions, even though I favor one of its competitors. You do you, but if anything, my next bike will be lighter than those I own now.

 

[gixxerjeff]

I find the assumption that the choice should be a Wing or a bagger of some sort kind of bewildering. I feel no need for more power, even two-up.
if anything, my next bike will be lighter than those I own now.

I could not agree more.
Despite having a few GSXR's, a Bandit 1200 and list longer than I want to bore you with in the garage, you'll also find my son's EX500 Ninja which I adopted. I confess I adore that bike. As the saying goes, "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow." True words, for sure....but the real reason I keep it around is because of it's small size.
Considering all that's going on with my spine, knee and hip I can honestly say I can see the day when that bike may be all the weight I can manage. This of course also confirms the notion that I plan on riding until I finally topple over like Arte Johnson on his tricycle on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.
Anyone who understands that reference knows just exactly how fucken close I actually am to that day.