living with an r1200s?

[mingers]

my thanks for the thread on the r1200s test-ride. i've been thinking about moving to one from my '03 sv1000s for a while and have just booked a ride on an r12s for thursday. the thing is they're not a cheap bike and so it ends up being a pretty expensive gamble. is there anyone out there who can tell me what the r12s is like to live with? or do you know anyone who owns one? what do they think of it?
any advice would be a big help. thanks.

[Clive]

I have avatars and signatures turned off, so I can't see if people have listed their bikes there.  But I got the impression from the test-ride review thread that a few guys owned R12S's.  I don't have one, obviously, but I've been thinking about the one I tested ever since.  Not a good sign for the bank account ...  

If you test one with the stock suspension (v. the Ohlins), please post up and give your opinion.  Every one I've seen so far has the suspension upgrade.  (Although for $695, it's probably worth it!)

[FKaiser]

Have an '06 R1200-RT.  Certainly different as a two-banger, as it's not as smooth at idle as the 4-cylinder. The power kicks in at higher rpm's, but I like the low center of gravity and the way it handles; find a line and the bike takes it through without fighting back.

Longevity of the motor is great.., 100K miles is not uncommon.  Keep in mind that BMW's hold there resale value as well.

Like to hear your thoughts after the test ride!

[photomd]

Watch what you ask for!

I started test driving BMW's and several years later I started buying 'em. I don't buy new bikes, so mine are slightly used (one 103,000 miles used) and loads of fun. Have a blast on your test ride...just be careful.  

Oh yeah...I have no idea what a 1200 is like to live with.  

 

[cbsnbiker]

I don't own one, but I took one (with the Ohlins upgrade) for a test ride earlier this year. I could seriously see myself owning one if I were in the market for a new bike in that price range. The deal breaker for me was the lack of factory hard bags when it was first released, but it's my understanding that BMW is now fitting the F800 bags to it as an option.

[sfarson]

Check in after your test ride and ask any questions.  Long time R1100S owner and now R1200S.  Have had over the years a few fine sporting rides in the barn here and the R11S/R12S are among the all time best.  Possibly the finest sporting ride for the street, can hang with anything and then some, and no slouch on the track either.  From last Saturday's 400 mile group ride...

[mingers]

i owned an old k75s while i was a student and loved it - although it was a bit heavy & slow. that's why i'm looking at the r12s - + there's no chain!
sfarson - do you have the standard exhaust on it or have you gone aftermarket? what about the other guys you ride with? i'm looking at either a laser or staintune system or an akrapovic can for a whole lot more money (maybe)... do you have the sports pack (ohlins, wider wheel, etc)? do they make any difference? also - on another site there was some criticism about the bmw gearbox. are they as bad as people say?

[sfarson]

Have the Akrapovic can.  Went with the wide tire and Ohlins.  The latter has especially made this a supreme and compliant ride.  New Munich models beginning in 2005 had unimpressive trannies.  They're improved for 2007.  I'm fine with the R12S gearbox.

[goodhawk]

One of the U.S. cycle mags  ( motorcyclist / cycle world / sport rider . . .) had a direct full comparo test last summer - SV 1000 & 1200 S boxer - they were somewhat 'down' on the SV for budget suspension /brakes  ( and noted, fer lot less than $6000. in mods, the SV would be great.) performance wise they are pretty much identical.

[Mr Sunshine]

my thanks for the thread on the r1200s test-ride. i've been thinking about moving to one from my '03 sv1000s for a while and have just booked a ride on an r12s for thursday. the thing is they're not a cheap bike and so it ends up being a pretty expensive gamble. is there anyone out there who can tell me what the r12s is like to live with? or do you know anyone who owns one? what do they think of it?
any advice would be a big help. thanks.

What are you concerns in living with this bike?  That might help in people being able to address those from their experience with a R1200S.

[mingers]

What are you concerns in living with this bike?  That might help in people being able to address those from their experience with a R1200S.

i actually really like the sv - except for the chain. the engine & handling is great, luv the big twin drive & sound, luggage is a bit of an issue for the occasional times i travel but i can get around that ok. so i've got no real problems with the sv - i just don't like chains.

on the other hand, there's something about bmws - especially the boxers. they have a character that other bikes don't. plus ... there's no chain! i don't want to jump from the sv onto a lesser bike in terms of performance, handling, etc so i thought i'd get people's opinions just in case there's something i should look out for.

[FKevenaar]

Hello,

I can imagine your doubts regarding buying a R12S (but please stop having' them as from now on).

I rode a R11S for 4 years and loved it for the looks and handling, however, for I had a 5.5" rear rim, it became less easy to corner as my girlfriends standard R11S (with 5", 170mm). For we do quite a lot of travelling and I was looking for more power and a better handling, I bought a R12ST last year. Everyone told me the R12S would be too extreme and was only good for weepin' around. Besides mounting hardshells on the bike was not possible, one estimated the position would be too sporty. For your knowledge, we both had the higher steering and windshield installed so this seemed logical. So I had a testride on a ST and loved the engine. It felt a bit heavy but only at low speed and I also already during my testride discovered the rearsuspension seemed to be unstable, at least, it felt like that. " Just a matter of finding the right adjustment, no worries" was the dealers advise. This is where it went wrong one year ago.... To make a long story short: I was not able to find the right feeling with the R12ST, really a pity and a shame for I spent so many time in choosing the right bike.

After a weekend(!) testride with over 350km spent, I was convinced of the driving capabilities of the R12S. Couldn't get the smile from my face for the rest of the week, what a bike! Great powerband, great steering and handling and after a days ride, I still did feel as fresh as a morning breeze..... No hurting shoulders, elbows, wrists or back not even after a very molestating tour over bad roads with a lot of curving. OK, I had a testbike that came with the Olhins installed because I wanted to know where the limits were of the bike (frame or suspension) but nevertheless, a perfect match (not compromise!) between comfortlevel, feedback and roadcontact.

But what about the luggage...? I will have to be creative since I'm not overwhelmed with a warm feeling when I have a look at the hardcases. The alternative (an ST that even at firm adjustment of suspension jumps out of suspension at left-right-left-right turn in the Alps) can store a lot more luggage, however, although it is a very nice bike for me it's too much stuck in the middle. (no offense)

I'm sure I will not surprise you by telling I did order a full option 2008 model of the R12S that will be delivered in September. For me, the most surprising thing is that I'm surprised by the fact that I was pusshing the ST to its limits. This is a big compliment (not for me but for the ST) because it feels so easy without being aware of your actual speed and curving.

My advise: judge for yourself and try to have it for two days if you can (Hire it for a weekend) and use it the same way and on the same roads you plan to use it. Also take especially the roads you know so you can feel the difference. I did and it helped me a lot; forget your age (I'm 44  ) and forget what others tell you and enjoy the ride....

Goodluck with your decision, Frank

[mingers]

thanks for all your posts. i took the r12s out for about an hour and here are my impressions:
- so quiet!  
- didn't even feel it slip into first gear the 'box was so smooth!  
- not sure about the non-linear throttle   (but i think i could get used to it)
- suspension made me feel like i was floating over the road; i sort of missed the v-twin vibe but it's soo smoooth!  
- it launches out of corners from  about 3000rpm like i couldn't believe!

i took it up one of my favourite local roads and down another the other side, then turned around and did it all again. i had about 10 minutes until i needed to take it back, so i turnd around and did the same roads a third time! i didn't want to take it back i was having so much fun

so i paid a deposit, ordered some laser pipes and now i'm just waiting for the finance to go through and the panniers to turn up.

thanks for all your help - i'm looking forward to the first dry weekend and getting out and doing some serious miles on a great bike!

[Clive]

- not sure about the non-linear throttle   (but i think i could get used to it)

I actually liked it, after I got used to it.  You can be fairly enthusiastic with your roll-ons without worrying about an abrupt power-on delivery.  When you really want the thrust, though, just roll on a lot and the throttle response goes linear.  For around-town putt-putting, I found the throttle nicely tractable.

[Mr Sunshine]

The alternative (an ST that even at firm adjustment of suspension jumps out of suspension at left-right-left-right turn in the Alps) can store a lot more luggage, however, although it is a very nice bike for me it's too much stuck in the middle. (no offense)

How about just buy a new set of Ohlin's shocks for your ST and be done with it?  That is why the S felt so much better than the ST.

[MilleArp]

One of the things to consider is warranty.  BMW is the only one that offers a 3-YEAR warranty on ALL their bikes.

[keystonejenks]

One of the things to consider is warranty.  BMW is the only one that offers a 3-YEAR warranty on ALL their bikes.

Doesn't Aprilia now offer a 4-year warranty?

Congrats on the new bike. The R1200S is one good looking motorcycle.  

[HexHead]

How about just buy a new set of Ohlin's shocks for your ST and be done with it?  That is why the S felt so much better than the ST.

Yep, that's the ticket.  

[bugslayer]

I’ve just joined up and thought I’d weigh in with my $.02: I’ve had a r12s since the first of December and it’s a great bike for me. All day comfortable at 6’2” 210lbs with all the performance to keep up with my buddies on ducs and a gixxer during the weekend. I’ve had it to two trackdays this summer and while it’s no track tool the bike is not holding me back and is very stable, smooth, and predictable on the track. I’ve logged just about 10k, including a few 500 mile days and leave for a 10 day trip through New England tomorrow. The bags connection cargo bag over the pillion along with a medium size tankbag let me pack all I need for up to a week without doing any laundry (I like to travel light, though). All in all, I’ve loved life with my r12s and look forward to co-habitating for years to come. Red and silver with Ohlins, heated grips, and a 190 rear, btw.

[FKevenaar]

How about just buy a new set of Ohlin's shocks for your ST and be done with it? That is why the S felt so much better than the ST.

Hi guys,

Of course this crossed my mind, however, this will only solve the suspension problem partly. If I recall well, the swingarm of the ST is even 5mm longer compared to the RT swingarm. The geometry of the bike is different and although driving capabilities are very good, the feeling of instability on bumpy and/or waving road remains. What did help indeed was lowering the handlebars which helped me moving body weight to the front thus generating a better feedback.  

I'm fully aware that the comparison is more or less unfair. The S had two advantages: shocks and geometry. On the other hand, it's also a matter of feeling. On top of that, only changing the suspension into Ohlins would make an investment of almost 50% of my depreciation so far.

Regards