• Welcome to the BMW R18 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Classic vs FE: Same ride?

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter JLAS
  • Start date Start date
JLAS

JLAS

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2021
Messages
56
Visit site
Bike
R1200GSA
With all the incentives taking place, the gap between both models is almost non-existent (about $1k). Thus, is it worth buying the FE? Unless the ride is quite different, making the FE a better and more fun ride makes more sense to buy the classic. Right?
 
The First Edition has a larger front wheel and fish tail exhaust but there's no material difference in the riding experience. These bikes may or may not have cruise control depending upon date of manufacture. If you plan to add bags and windshield later, you'll end up spending more than the difference in price between models and likely end up with accessories that aren't as well integrated. You can't add cruise control later. If you prefer the look of the original or plan to move to a bobber or other style down the road, you might be better served with the original.
 
NorCalR18 said:
The First Edition has a larger front wheel and fish tail exhaust but there's no material difference in the riding experience. These bikes may or may not have cruise control depending upon date of manufacture. If you plan to add bags and windshield later, you'll end up spending more than the difference in price between models and likely end up with accessories that aren't as well integrated. You can't add cruise control later. If you prefer the look of the original or plan to move to a bobber or other style down the road, you might be better served with the original.
Click to expand...
Solid summary
 
I agree with the summary but if you can ride them back to back do it. I didn’t ride them back to back because I rode the FE at the end of one BMW demo day and the Classic the next. I thought the Classic road better for me but I also wanted a windscreen and saddlebags. Of course riding is subjective so your experience might be different.
 
Thank you, guys. These were exactly my thoughts but wanted to make sure. Even at a reduced amount, still is quite a bit of money; especially, for a second bike.
 
+1 Both great bikes. Jumped on late FE w/cruise. Otherwise, Classic is well equipped. I do like 19” wheel and like the bagger front fender as next mod..
 
The smaller 16 inch wheel of the classic coupled with the steering damper does give a different feel from the 19 inch wheel of the fe.
 
Ddefoort2022 said:
The smaller 16 inch wheel of the classic coupled with the steering damper does give a different feel from the 19 inch wheel of the fe.
Click to expand...
I had no idea about that, as I thought pretty much was the same ride. I assume the Classic provides a smoother ride?
 
I posted this in the other thread you asked before seeing this thread...

I went with the Classic as I wanted the 16" front wheel and CC. The rest ... spotlights, shield, bags, cans, taller seat, etc. were all bonuses --though I do prefer the fishtails.

Regarding the different front wheel, I had read that it rode and handled better. I agree. There has been some discussion about what fenders may or may not fit. Based on nominal measurements, the tires for the 16" and 19" wheels are within 1/4" of each other in width and diameter. I would think that there should be just about no difference with 1/8" less clearance.
 
Last edited:
Speaking of 16' front wheel, I say again I'm searching to trade my 19 ' for a 16'.
Preferably inside Europe :)
 
burangs said:
I posted this in the other thread you asked before seeing this thread...

I went with the Classic as I wanted the 16" front wheel and CC. The rest ... spotlights, shield, bags, cans, taller seat, etc. were all bonuses --though I do prefer the fishtails.

Regarding the different front wheel, I had read that it rode and handled better. I agree. There has been some discussion about what fenders may or may not fit. Based on nominal measurements, the tires for the 16" and 19" wheels are within 1/4" of each other in width and diameter. I would think that there should be just about no difference with 1/8" less clearance.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, Jeff! This is what I was looking for. I posted here bc the following answers in the other thread were on previous topics. So I wasn't sure.

Now that BMW is offering bigger incentives, I am more tempted to purchase a second bike ( I have a GS). My dealer, unfortunately, only has the FE and with the minimal price difference, it seems the classic is a much better deal. On the other hand, It does not make me feel great buying at a different dealer...
 
JLAS said:
Thank you so much, Jeff! This is what I was looking for. I posted here bc the following answers in the other thread were on previous topics. So I wasn't sure.

Now that BMW is offering bigger incentives, I am more tempted to purchase a second bike ( I have a GS). My dealer, unfortunately, only has the FE and with the minimal price difference, it seems the classic is a much better deal. On the other hand, It does not make me feel great buying at a different dealer...
Click to expand...
When I bought my bike the dealer had sold their last Classic the night before. My dealer was able to get a Classic from a separate dealer and have it shipped to them in a few days. You should ask. It shouldn't be hard to do and you can still give your dealer the sale.
 
Slotheadslim said:
When I bought my bike the dealer had sold their last Classic the night before. My dealer was able to get a Classic from a separate dealer and have it shipped to them in a few days. You should ask. It shouldn't be hard to do and you can still give your dealer the sale.
Click to expand...
When I asked, they just mentioned they had the FE available at a price. I replied that I was looking for a Classic. When I test rode theirs I was not quick enough and they sold it. Of course, now I am glad I waited and it seems is about $2500 cheaper.
 
JLAS said:
I had no idea about that, as I thought pretty much was the same ride. I assume the Classic provides a smoother ride?
Click to expand...
I have the Classic but recently had to borrow the FE for a couple of days. Seemed to feel more nimble but could have been the extra miles on the bike had loosened it up somewhat. Either way I like both but went for the Classic as I would have been buying those accessories anyway.
 
I ended up with the Classic. Coming from a GS, I still have to get used to it, but hopefully, I will get there. The price difference was so minimal that I thought the classic was a much better deal. Both of them are cool bikes in their own way: very similar but also very different (I am not sure if I make any sense).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top