K1200R Sport: how do you like yours for sport-touring?

[cbsnbiker]

How comfortable do you find it? How protective is the mini-fairing? How do you like the luggage? What are the top box options? How are the mileage and range?

How do you like yours?

[denydog]

I bought mine for sport-touring, but haven't really tested it yet.  I've done 200 and 110 mile day trips on it, besides the quicker rides.  I love the bike, but don't have much to compare it with, since my other bike is not in the same league.  

The faring protection seems to be all that I need.  I like the riding position, with just a touch of weight on my wrists.  I think I would like it better if the seat had a little less forward slope.  That would allow me to have no weight on the wrists.  As it is now, I sometimes need to use my arms to keep my butt back on the wide part of the seat.  The seat comfort is OK for me, but I need more time on it to be sure.  My legs are good with my instep on the pegs, but if I put the balls of my feet on the pegs, it starts feeling a little cramped.  So far I'm getting only about 41 MPG, but that's mostly local type backroad riding, and the bike is barely broken in.  Tank range is 180 to maybe 200 miles so far.

I bought the small rack that goes on the back right away, and the BMW 51 liter duffel type bag with the curved rigid bottom.  I'll be getting the sport panniers in a couple of months, in plenty of time for WCRM V.

[awlittle]

I'm in the same boat as I've only had it for a few weeks.  I've put almost a 1k on it so far.  I think (so far) the bike is a little more comfy than the viffer.  500 mile day was no problem.  I'm short and tend to scoot all the way to the tank and sit up right.  Bike feels very solid.  Handling wise it is awesome.  Very confidence inspiring to me.  I think it will make a better tourer than the Viffer.  The 1/2 fairing does a great job from the hands up but obviously the legs could get chilly on cold days.  BTW-it is REALLY fast.  

[cbsnbiker]

Thanks for the input. Now go out and ride them some more, so you can give me some more input!  

One concern I have concerning the touring side of the equation is the small capacity of the OEM saddlebags. I just went onto the Givi website, but it's not well set up to find out what's available for an individual model (or I'm not good at extracting that info).

[ksann]

Even though I have the 'S' version, lots of similarities.

If I was mellow, I could average 46 mpg, so depending on how far down you want to take the tank, 160+ miles is within reach. For me, the 'low fuel' light comes on with well over a gallon still left.
Ridden agressively, I often get mid-30's, but 40+ is easily attainable.

I have the factory bags, and like them, simple to use, looks clean when not on the bike, well mounted, and expandable. I think that they are ugly, especially when expanded, but I am not complaining too much.

Being 6'0", I lowered the pegs (using the Evoluzione kit), and that helps straighten my knees.

Good bike.



ken

[Zen Rider]

Same as ksann, I have the K12S, but the bikes are very similar.   I've seen anywhere from 52 ~ 38 mpg, depending on the twist of the wrist.  

The bags are suffecient.  I usually use a top bag if I need more room for stuff.

 

[Jetpilot5]

Another S owner here. The bags work well for me but I only go solo and four days has been my longest trip so far.  I think I'd be OK for a week though.  My mileage runs in the low 40's.

There are other luggage options.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2241/626/

[awlittle]

I wasn't a huge fan of the bags at first but now I love them.  The ability to close them but not lock them is very convenient.  A helmet will fit in each one.  I do long trips and I think they will be just fine (I'll put the tent and sleeping bag across the pillion seat).  Also they are extremely light.  
Didn't get to ride this weekend.