Back in the Saddle

gobozo · October 18th, 2012, 07:27 AM

Hello everyone. Some out hear knew me as Bozo back when I rode on the streets of New York and Connecticut many moons ago.

I did my first track day two weeks ago after eight years off a bike. Needless to say I have my mojo back!

In the beginning I rode on the street, then the trackday circuit, then racing at Loudon, NH, until the crank broke, changed jobs, got married, adopted, went back to school, passed the bar, and rebuilt the bike. (Simple really) I came in second with the broken crank!

Now I'ts time for Dad to update the go-fast tools of the trade. I just can't decide on the 1199 vs the HP4.

I'm passionate about the 1199, but the HP4 has some qualities I can't quite put my finger on.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

TransNone13 · October 18th, 2012, 07:28 AM

I loved the BMW when I rode it, but I chose to go with the Duc because V-Twins having something you can't quite put your finger on...

tholstro · October 18th, 2012, 07:34 AM

I suppose that's like comparing a Porsche to a Ferrari (pardon the country pun)... Can't make a decision by looking at the specs. You must ride them both in different settings. I just sold my 2011 S1000RR for the 1199. The BMW was a great bike but for me, the 1199 is better. So light. So narrow. I can throw it around like butta!

After a month with the 1199 I took my last ride on BMW headed to the new owner. That ride re-affirmed my choice.

Granted the HP4 is more bike than my S1000RR but it's for all intents and purposes the same bike.

My $.02 worth!

Tom

zvez · October 18th, 2012, 09:22 AM

Isn't the HP4 significantly higher price?

I spent two days during a code school on the s1000r and will say if I didn't have the pani, I'd be allover the beemer (not the 12 model year because of the big recall).

THe HP4 is probably even better. I will say, the bmw in the looks dept. just doesn't do it for me, Put just about any bike next to a pani, and people notice the pani, at least from what I've see thus far. And it IS an absolute blast on the track even for a mediocre rider like me!

October 18th, 2012, 07:27 AM	#1
gobozo Junior Member Joined: Oct 2012 From: New York Posts: 14 Thanks: 0	Back in the Saddle Hello everyone. Some out hear knew me as Bozo back when I rode on the streets of New York and Connecticut many moons ago. I did my first track day two weeks ago after eight years off a bike. Needless to say I have my mojo back! In the beginning I rode on the street, then the trackday circuit, then racing at Loudon, NH, until the crank broke, changed jobs, got married, adopted, went back to school, passed the bar, and rebuilt the bike. (Simple really) I came in second with the broken crank! Now I'ts time for Dad to update the go-fast tools of the trade. I just can't decide on the 1199 vs the HP4. I'm passionate about the 1199, but the HP4 has some qualities I can't quite put my finger on. Any and all thoughts welcome.

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October 18th, 2012, 07:28 AM	#2
TransNone13 Senior Member Joined: May 2012 From: Someville, Somestate Posts: 2,182 Thanks: 149	I loved the BMW when I rode it, but I chose to go with the Duc because V-Twins having something you can't quite put your finger on...

October 18th, 2012, 07:34 AM	#3
tholstro Member Joined: Sep 2012 From: Frisco, TX Posts: 81 Thanks: 3 I Ride: 2013 MultiStrada Pikes Peak, 2012 1199S	I suppose that's like comparing a Porsche to a Ferrari (pardon the country pun)... Can't make a decision by looking at the specs. You must ride them both in different settings. I just sold my 2011 S1000RR for the 1199. The BMW was a great bike but for me, the 1199 is better. So light. So narrow. I can throw it around like butta! After a month with the 1199 I took my last ride on BMW headed to the new owner. That ride re-affirmed my choice. Granted the HP4 is more bike than my S1000RR but it's for all intents and purposes the same bike. My $.02 worth! Tom

October 18th, 2012, 09:22 AM	#4
zvez Senior Member Joined: May 2012 From: ga Posts: 1,701 Thanks: 145	Isn't the HP4 significantly higher price? I spent two days during a code school on the s1000r and will say if I didn't have the pani, I'd be allover the beemer (not the 12 model year because of the big recall). THe HP4 is probably even better. I will say, the bmw in the looks dept. just doesn't do it for me, Put just about any bike next to a pani, and people notice the pani, at least from what I've see thus far. And it IS an absolute blast on the track even for a mediocre rider like me!