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

[Crankitup]

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?

Don't know what prices are like for you there but here in Aus, the BMW is $3790 less than the RSV 1000 R

[marc11]

Bottom line, the R1200s is a complete package, it WORKS!  It has quality built through out, you can see it and you can feel it, and IMHO if you are looking for one of the finer street bikes on the market, this bike is worth every penny.
 
This bike will hang with any bike in the corners and more than hold its own in the straights.  Who cares if a 600 can get to 120 MPH 2 seconds faster?  Not me.

[Lon]

Shamelessly reposting from the other thread (posted by member cole):

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/showthread.php?t=197

They're also fairly attractive.

[cbsnbiker]

I am not thinking about buying one, but I did take one (with the Ohlins option) for a test ride. As others have pointed out, it's the most powerful and the best handling boxer that BMW has produced. Of course, others might argue that that's akin to being the finest ballerina in Galveston.  (To quote Don Rickles.)
 
So, in this message I'll focus on other reasons to buy it, or not to buy it.
 
How many sportbikes offer ABS in the U.S.?...*crickets*... So, if you want a high-performance bike and you want ABS, your options are limited.
 
600cc sportbikes are impressive machines, but they are not for everyone. Their riding postures are radical. Their suspensions are set up to handle smooth tracks better than bumpy real world roads. Although I don't mind high-revving engines, not everyone likes them. Ditto for other sportbikes. For someone who doesn't find the race replicas appealing, something like the R1200S is a welcome change of pace. One can still have fun on it on the racetrack (or so I assume, not having actually done so), yet it's arguably a better real-world bike.
 
There's always the question of dealer service and dealer support. I know that I've been taken care of very well by BMW dealers. The same can't necessarily be said of dealers from other brands. Of course, there are lousy BMW dealers and wonderful Brand X dealers as well, so this depends on the quality of your local people.
 
How does a particular bike fit you? That's very subjective, of course. I found that, for a leaned-over seating posture, the R12 fit me quite well. I wouldn't want to do 800 mile days on it, but I could easily take medium-distance trips on it. Pity it's not set up for hard bags.
 
I'm not in the market for a bike in that price range at this time. If my K were to be stolen or totaled tomorrow, I would be looking at its stablemates such as the R1200ST, K1200R Sport, K1200GT, etc. I want a bike with bags and a bigger gas tank, so the R1200S is not on my list. But if I had enough disposable cash to buy yet another bike of its scope, I would consider buying one, along with various other potential playtoys from the likes of Ducati, Honda, etc. But I sure did enjoy the test ride I took on the uber-boxer.
 
 

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.

[sfarson]

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

What sporting ride would "do it" for you and why?

[Penforhire]

Me?  Well, for looks and twin-ness I am usually drawn to the Ducatis, say a new ST3 (or all the way back to a 907ie).  I know, Sport-Touring, but that's more of how I ride (and the R12S under discussion is not exactly hard-core sporting).  The one's that "do it" to me on looks alone are several of the Moto Guzzi's.  But I have a hard time ponying up that much cash for so-so performance and a goat-trail of a dealer network.  No way I can afford it, or would enjoy the long-term ride, but one acquaintance's MV F4 is lustworthy (even more than his 998R).
 
I put my money where my mouth is in picking my '05 FJR.  It was the most rational choice for me, even if it doesn't light my visual fires.  It has indeed been the best bike I've owned yet and I'm just turning 12K miles on it.
 
I probably would have been happy enough on a ST1300, though after riding my friends' I prefer the FJR (same for another friend's last-Gen R1200RS, which is sexier though).  After owning my R1200C and hearing my R1200RS friend's various warranty woes, BMW had to do more than they did to get me to bite again.  I'm sort of hoping they will evolve and tempt me again some day.  Did I mention my chosen car is currently a BMW?
 
If I wanted a more sporting, less touring, ride I think the VFR might be my sweet spot, having borrowed a ride on one also.  That engine sounds mighty nice with a set of Staintunes.  It felt a little nervous at slow speeds around town but got on some serious rails at speed.

[BMW-Fahrer]

R1200RS?Did I miss anything but I would love an R1200RS after seeing that R1200ST...;-)
I love the R1200S.Looks,handling,quality all there.
Any bike that has 110rwhp and weighing 480lbs wet has enough performance where the rider is the limiting factor,not the bike.So if a GSXR has another 40 hp and 40 lbs less,who cares?I would love to buy one but won't until BMW get's their heads out of their behinds.I have only one bike that must be as enjoyable on the occasional trackday as also the holiday trip two up with gear.The old R1100S was that bike that excelled at both.As much as I would like the additional 25hp and 25lbs less weight unless BMW offers some sport-touring options (hardbags,rack,2upseat,centerstand) I won't buy the new S which is a pity since it would be the best sport-tourer of all!But this is a bad word since BMW tried to make it just as "useful" as all the other sportbikes from italy or japan to gain some "cred" with the image crowd who want to be cool.Alienating their loyal sport-touring customers who otherwise would have been dead certain buyers.Too bad because otherwise it really is a great bike...
I like Guzzis,too.But unfortunately their product sucks.The new MG 1200 Sport is nothing more than a "Rockster" version of the Breva.A little dressed up more than 20 hp down on the beem and 40 lbs heavier...
Too bad they did not bring a tasty new LeMans but for now I'm keeping the R1100S anyways...
Hello again says
BMW-Fahrer

[Orson]

Too bad they did not bring a tasty new LeMans but for now I'm keeping the R1100S anyways...

it's difficult to tell which you hate the most, Moto Guzzi or BMW.
 
since you bad mouth the Rockster and other BMWs, I'll assume it's BMW.

[cbsnbiker]

I assume a misprint: probably an R1150RS, based on the context.
 
I took a test ride on an R1200ST last year. It was everything that my R1100RS should have been.
 
 

R1200RS?Did I miss anything but I would love an R1200RS after seeing that R1200ST...;-)

[BMW-Fahrer]

Orson,I neither hate BMW nor Guzzi and love both brnds.When I said rockster version I meant the new MG 1200S is unfortunately nothing more than a Breva with a little make up applied when it should have been an all new bike as great and exciting as the origional LeMans...
And BMW makes a bike as exciting in form of the new R1200S but unfortunately had the marketing department screw it up by trying to be cool and gain some Sport-cred leaving sport-touring goodies off the options list.STUPID!!"Spec riders" will continue to buy GSXR1 because they get another 40hp more/40lbs less for 70 cents on the dollar,Starbucks posers wait for the new Duc 1098 and loyal BMW sport-tourers will feel alienated by the shortage of sport touring options that made the R1100S so attractive...
I was a dead certain buyer until I found out that the tnk was soo small and could not use it anymore to ride two up or go on a holiday trip on,otherwise I would love the bike...In silver with nice Ohlins and a loud Laser pipe,yummy...
Chris

[Orson]

but unfortunately had the marketing department screw it up by trying to be cool and gain some Sport-cred leaving sport-touring goodies off the options list.STUPID!!"

so...it's more of a passive aggressive hatred rather than an all-consuming hatred.
 
maybe you need to try yoga?
 
or burning incensce
 
ohmmmmmmmmm

[valdoo]

I like toast.

[Penforhire]

Sorry, misprint, I meant K1200RS, just not the current model, the prior blue-and-white sex machine with uber-fat bags.  I tease him about his fat @ss and he keeps talking about getting the City covers.

[cbsnbiker]

Gotcha.
 
Well, as an owner of a "fat-ass" K1200RS , I can say that it is a very good bike for what its real job is, which is a bit different from how it was originally marketed. It's not a great canyon-carver: too big and heavy for that. It is a good sport-tourer.
 
Mine has needed work--understandable for a bike that has well over 70K miles on it--but has not been a shop queen. My previous bike, OTOH, should have been painted yellow....
 
Two annoyances in the K1200RS of my bike's generation: the left saddlebag is small to accommodate the high muffler; and BMW offers only a top bag farkle, not a top box. But that's still better than what's available for the R1200S.
 
 

Sorry, misprint, I meant K1200RS, just not the current model, the prior blue-and-white sex machine with uber-fat bags. I tease him about his fat @ss and he keeps talking about getting the City covers.

[hass]

It is interesting how numbers don't always reflect riding experience. Especially for someone of just average skills like me...

I went from a K1200RS to an Aprilia RSV100R Factory (The ultimate handling bike for many)... And boy it did handle well!! The K1200RS felt like a whale by comparison. However, I missed the stability of the RS on bumpy roads.

Then, last summer, I swapped the RSV for a K1200S (I missed the wife on the back)... The first 10 miles the K12S felt like a tourer!!!

However, as I swapped bikes some 300 miles from where I live I had a nice long ride to compare the bikes (300 miles there on the RSV + 300 miles back on the K12S).

I rode back in 75% of the time  it took on the RSV!!!  Partly due to the fact that I could ride longer between rests but even because I rode faster on the same sections of road. The K12 just isn't unsettled by bumpy road conditions and inspires enormous confidence. And the engine is just plain addictive - it begs to be ridden hard in a way that even makes the RSV seem tame!

The K12S is the best comprimise between a pure sportsbike like the RSV and the old RS. It has all the stability but none of the wallowing or heavy steering. All in all it is a wonderful road bike!

So what I am trying to say is; I can fully understand if boxer-lovers prefer the R1200S over many other sportsbikes. In real road conditions, with average riders, I am sure it will often out-perform many (on paper) better bikes.

[sagerat]

I have a GS and an R90/6 but the new R1200s just doesn't do it for me.  
 
I want a bike I can sport tour with which for me requires hard bags and a centerstand.  I had Cor-tech soft bags on my '02 Viffer and they were fine.  After using the GS with its system cases I found I prefer hard bags.
 
YMMV.

[sfarson]

I have a GS and an R90/6 but the new R1200s just doesn't do it for me.
 
I want a bike I can sport tour with which for me requires hard bags and a centerstand...
 
YMMV.

For those wanting a sportier boxer than the R1100S, Munich offers the R1200S.  For those wanting a more touring capable yet sporty boxer, the R1200ST is offered.  Just order it with bags and center stand.

[weedking]

Not since the first time I saw and heard a Duc Monster, has a bike pulled me in so strongly. Reasons why its on my next bike list? No idea, it just is.

[Lon]

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.

I had a 2000 Kawasaki ZX6E before the 01 BMW R1100S.  The designed-in-1993 ZX6E is a faster bike, riders equal.  It has a greater lean angle, carries a bit less weight, and cranks down a few more ponies to the wheel.

But... the Kawasaki was scary as hell to ride hard in corners for me.  I still don't understand why.  I did all the usual tweaking; suspension adjustments, body position... nothing.  Still scary.  New seat, bar risers... nothing.  I clicked with that bike exactly twice in the time I owned it: once going up the Appalachian Gap at ESTN in 2005 and once riding with Jetset up around the hairpin on the Kanc, 2-up, dragging hard parts.

I liked the bike a lot anyway.

Enter R1100S.  I carried higher corner speeds on R1100Ss on my test rides down a familiar road than on the ZX6E - with less ... emotional discomfort.  It really was sad to have a great sportbike like a ZX6 and ride it at non-scraping-cruiser-speeds.  I miss the wailing 14000RPM redline and the 9k->14k "oh, you want to GO, eh?" top-end rush.

Not all bikes fit all people.  The R1100S works great for me, though.

The R1200S... I bet... would be even more awesome, but costs too much for me.  So, I won't even ride one for fear of falling in love.  That's also why I won't ride an RC51 or a Ducati 1098, for that matter

[Lon]

For those wanting a sportier boxer than the R1100S, Munich offers the R1200S.  For those wanting a more touring capable yet sporty boxer, the R1200ST is offered.  Just order it with bags and center stand.

Just to cover all the bases: The R1200ST is more powerful, faster, and lighter than the R1100S.

It's considered by some to be the actual successor to the R1100S in spirit and function.

It's also a whole lot more expensive, and they need to sell it with one of those carbon fiber bats so you can beat the ugly out of it