R1200s

[Penforhire]

I read MCN's article on the new R1200S.  Are any of you thinking about buying this machine?  I want to know why.
 
What are you thinking when you spend that sort of money (around $15K IIRC) on the sportiest boxer ever?  What does it have that some Japanese or Italian bike does not?  Are you considering any of its competition?
 
Personally, if I think of a bike for my emotional reaction to it (over pure function) I'm probably looking at a Moto Guzzi today.  BMW got me to buy my last bike before the FJR, a 2001 R1200C, by tickling my fancy.  Does this new R1200S really "do it" for any of you?  I'm not getting it.

[cworley5150]

Too much money.  The only reason I am on the BMW I have now is due to getting a super deal.  I have always had Japanese bikes before.  BMW's have always fascinated me.  Guzzi's do to.  In fact a MG will be my next bike.  I've read good and bad about them, but they are generally well liked.  
 
I applaud BMW's efforts of late to give their bikes a needed shot of muscle.  I think it is pretty amazing the performance they are getting out of the 1200 boxer.  Pretty much on par with other sporting twins.  Same for the new K bikes.  Finally have the muscle to mach the Japanese 4's.  Are they better?  I would say probably not.  Especially when throwing price into the equation.  I guess having factory farkles will cost you.  
 
My opinion of hte R1200S in a nutshell:  Good power and handling, but she ain't as pretty as the R1100S (georgeous bike), costs too much, has lost some of the character of the earlier oilheads and a Japanese 600 super sport can spank it.

[Penforhire]

Other twins?  The current Aprilia RSV 1000 R put out 15% more HP, weighs a few pounds less, and should be around the same price. Can't imagine the R1200S handles better either?

[cole]

I read MCN's article on the new R1200S. Are any of you thinking about buying this machine? I want to know why.
 
What are you thinking when you spend that sort of money (around $15K IIRC) on the sportiest boxer ever? What does it have that some Japanese or Italian bike does not? Are you considering any of its competition?
 
Personally, if I think of a bike for my emotional reaction to it (over pure function) I'm probably looking at a Moto Guzzi today. BMW got me to buy my last bike before the FJR, a 2001 R1200C, by tickling my fancy. Does this new R1200S really "do it" for any of you? I'm not getting it.

well I just bought this bike and I can say i felt pretty good buying it.it is a much better bike then any I have had in the past(fjr,bandit,cruiser and so on). When you look and touch this bike nothing comes to mind other then quality. The fit and finish is spot on. And yeah you pay more for this but that is life you can go out and spend 50k on a car but it still only gets you from point a to b just like 20k car does.
As for power some people like to say all kinds of stupid stuff like oh an 600 japanese brand will spank. As far as i know it is the rider that makes a bike go fast not the bike. I would welcome most anyone to come along on a ride and see if they can keep up. You can only go so fast in a straight line and who really cares how fast that is ? is can you go fast in a turn.numbers mean shit.

[tomballos]

Bikes and folks that ride them are funny things.  There are so many different kinds of bikes and so many different kinds of people that ride them.  Every bike sings a different song and every rider sings a different tune.  Wouldn't the world be a great place if every bike was the same and every rider shared the same opinion???  Can you imagine a world where some folks actually liked older bikes,,, you know bikes with two springs on the rear for suspension,,, what could a bike like that have to offer today???  Can you imagine a world where all bikes would have a 58" wheel base and be able to turn a series of 100 switchbacks in a half mile without loosing control or working up a sweat???  Can you imagine a bike with a 7 foot wheel base, hard bags, a tank bag, a high windshield, and/or a 150mm section rear tire???  Can you imagine liking a bike that just turns you on and no one else likes???
 
Can you imagine a world where everyone would be different, where everyone would like a different kind of bike, where everyone's likes and dislikes would be important to them, where people would feel a sense of support for someone with a new bike and instead of digging up the negative articles maybe dig up a few positive ones.
 
The R1200S is a state of the highest technology that BMW has ever put into the best boxer engine they have ever turned out.  Did you neggo's miss that.  Or did you just see that some other bike was different???
 
TomB

[cole]

nicely worded. people always try to put a negative spin on something they do not understand.

[Tilt2Turn]

BMW gets high marks from me for introducing a motorcycle that is a huge improvement over the previous generation. It lost 70 lbs. over the 1100s, and gained about 22 hp. Handling should be improved, as well. It's also a gorgeous bike, while having a unique style.

[Penforhire]

"Neggo"?  Are you talking to me, the happy ex-owner of a R1200C and a R75/5?  This latest bike doesn't tickle my fancy and I'm wondering what appeals to would-be owners.  IMO, BMW needs to justify their premium price, especially on a sporting model like this.
 
Cole gave me a straight answer, he loves the fit-and-finish and this bike matches his skills and preferred pace (my positive spin on his braggadocio).
 
Tilt2Turn, are you considering trading in your VFR on one of these?  If not, then clapping at their effort doesn't mean much, does it?  BMW does not exist in a vacuum but sometimes they act like we have no other choices.
 
My R75/5 was a mechanical marvel of reliability in its day.  My R1200C was less so.  I still have some emotional attachment to the brand so I hope to justify a future purchase.  Right now I'm feeling cold toward their offerings, emotionally detached.

[cworley5150]

well I just bought this bike and I can say i felt pretty good buying it.it is a much better bike then any I have had in the past(fjr,bandit,cruiser and so on). When you look and touch this bike nothing comes to mind other then quality. The fit and finish is spot on. And yeah you pay more for this but that is life you can go out and spend 50k on a car but it still only gets you from point a to b just like 20k car does.
As for power some people like to say all kinds of stupid stuff like oh an 600 japanese brand will spank. As far as i know it is the rider that makes a bike go fast not the bike. I would welcome most anyone to come along on a ride and see if they can keep up. You can only go so fast in a straight line and who really cares how fast that is ? is can you go fast in a turn.numbers mean shit.

Cole, I agree.  BMW's handle extremely well and their fit and finish is top notch.  The R1200S is a crowning achievement for BMW.  You've got an amazing bike there.  I love to see the look on the local Rossi wannnabees faces when the old fart on the BMW  is hot on their heels through the twisties.    High speeds in a straight line do nothing for me either.  
 
I absolutely love the way the boxer twin makes power.     The additional top end rush that the 1200 has over the older 1150 is very nice and was needed.  I wonder if BMW has maxed out the performance potential of the boxer at this point?  
 
I'm still not so sure that the R1200S would not be handed it's arse by a bike like an R6 or CBR.  True, numbers on a piece of paper don't always translate well to the real world.  I would like to see how they would compare with the same rider, same track kind of camparison.  I still think that a newer 600 Jap bike would have a slight performance edge, but it would however be a much closer race than with any previous BMW.  
 
But really, who cares.  We are not racers.  Just guys that love to ride.  You have an awesome bike there.  I'm not bashing it in any way.  Ride safe.

[Bry]

Yep, I like it... I'd have one...

but I got the faster one..

Even for the sports bike it's amazingly comfortable. Gearbox is sorted and it's really an amazing boxer!


Bry

[Tilt2Turn]

Tilt2Turn, are you considering trading in your VFR on one of these?  If not, then clapping at their effort doesn't mean much, does it?  BMW does not exist in a vacuum but sometimes they act like we have no other choices.
 

I'm not in the market for a new bike, but it really is nice to see a company come out with a bike that is a substantial improvement over the previous generation. Yes, this is a direct shot at Honda's 6th Gen. VFR. There is nothing really wrong with the 6th Gen., but it was mostly a cosmetic change, and actually added weight over the 5th Gen. Adding V-tec didn't give it any more horsepower or better economy. BMW has been adding new bikes that are exciting additions to their lineup. Frankly, Honda has been dragging their feet. Who knows, maybe in a few years, I will be in the market for a new bike, and BMW seems to be going in the right direction.

[sfarson]

but I got the faster one..
 
Bry

Maybe in a straight line.  Zzzzzzz.

[sfarson]

Well since there isn't a picture of one yet.
 

[Bry]

Maybe in a straight line.  Zzzzzzz.

Touche...

Bry

[Boxerdawg]

.........My opinion of the R1200S in a nutshell:  Good power and handling, but she ain't as pretty as the R1100S (georgeous bike), costs too much, has lost some of the character of the earlier oilheads and a Japanese 600 super sport can spank it.

+1  My thoughts exactly [I LOVVVE the look of my R1100S..... more than the 1200S.  Wouldn't mind the extra power, lower weight, better handling. But the price bump? Too much for me.  Of course, if I could just convince my son to quit NYU and go to community college....then maybe I could afford one.  
Before the S, I had an Aprilia Falco.  Top notch performance all around, but I find the R1100S is just easier to ride and ride fast - at least on the roads I frequent.  BMW's are just different in ways that are not easily quantified and that's what makes them work so well for some riders.

[cworley5150]

I find the R1100S is just easier to ride and ride fast - at least on the roads I frequent. BMW's are just different in ways that are not easily quantified and that's what makes them work so well for some riders.

This is so true.  The Rockster I have is not really a "sport bike", but I have no problem keeping up with and even pushing guys riding much more "sporting" equipment.  And while I'm doing it I can turn on the heated grips, listen to my XM radio powered from the bike and check out my average speed on the gps, also powered by the bike.  Riding it fast is just so much easier than any other bike i have ridden.  
 
I once past up a great deal on a R1100S Replika.  Should have grabbed it.  Some day I will add a black R1100S to teh stable.  hopefully a prep or light model, black and no ABS.  

[Nesbocaj]

If you can afford the BMW, get one, if you can't, get one anyhow. It is simply that nice a bike.

[Orson]

Does this new R1200S really "do it" for any of you? I'm not getting it.

I've always been a fan of cafe racers so, I like the R1200S. I'm not looking for inline 4 power. I enjoy riding a bike if its character speaks to me.
 
I like the term "sport twin" not sportbike. Comparing it to an Aprilia or a Ducati twin would be like comparing apples to oranges.
 
I haven't ridden the R1200S but from what I've read, I'd probably enjoy it.

[sideshow]

Some people want THE sportbike.  The fastest one on the street.  The one with the most bang for the buck based on the throttle and the manufacturer's dyno.  
 
Some people are able to look at bikes outside of the track numbers.  Some are able to make judgements on bikes that aren't about what other's think.  Some care about the whole bike rather than just its numbers.  These are the types of people who get the R12S.  I'm not talking about the R12S like some talk about their VFRs, Stroms, or RC45s.  I'm not saying that people who like the R12S are smarter/wiser/better than those that 'don't get it.'  I'm just saying that there's opinions that come from within and some people don't care about what else is out there when every bike on the market is capable in some way.  
 
Yes, it's underpowered.  Yes, it looks nice.  Yes, a 600 is faster in a straight line.  Yes, it's pricey.  Yes, it doesn't come with luggage.  Yes, it doesn't have an 11 gallon tank.  Yes, I want one too.

[Orson]

Yes, it doesn't come with luggage. Yes, it doesn't have an 11 gallon tank. Yes, I want one too.

actually, BMW is offering a tail bag and tank bag for the R1200S
 
I thought I should mention that before BMW-fahrfenuggen discovers ST.N is back up