2005 K1200S Talk to me

[2DFlyer]

I'm getting a jones for a GT to commute on - smooth, ballsy, but all day comfortable.  I'd like a XX but don't want to go to Washington state to find one so I started browsing.  I know nothing about these K bikes.  It's pretty pricey so is this something to get worked up about?

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/1435473375.html

[Lawn Dart]

How many points you got on your license?  

[CRFJohn]

A KS will cost alot more to insure than a KGT

[DangerMoney]

At a minimum, I'd compare prices and do some research on the two K-Bike forums. They both list bikes for sale.

http://www.k-bikes.com/

http://www.i-bmw.com/


If you post your question there too, you'll get informed responses.

[Jetpilot5]

A KS will cost alot more to insure than a KGT

I think he's looking at a GT sport bike, like a XX, ZX-14 etc, not necessarily a KGT.  

Anything in particular you want to know about the K1200S?

[Norwegian Blue]

T'aint a cheap bike, but that price is market correct for a K1200S with low miles, ESA, and hard bags.

[2DFlyer]

Anything in particular you want to know about the K1200S?

I'm not so concerned about the riding experience but am most interested in what to look out for, ie model years that had more problems than others etc.  

Also what is the consensus of the BMW and larger MC community?  Is this just an okay bike that lives on the BMW name or a well thought out machine?  The XX is well respected as a bike that Honda put some real engineering effort into.  Did BMW do the same for the K's?  

That kind of stuff.

At a minimum, I'd compare prices and do some research on the two K-Bike forums. They both list bikes for sale.

http://www.k-bikes.com/

http://www.i-bmw.com/

If you post your question there too, you'll get informed responses.

I'll go browse.  Thnx

T'aint a cheap bike, but that price is market correct for a K1200S with low miles, ESA, and hard bags.

I could probably save myself a lot of grief by coming to terms with this first.  The local BMW shop has an '07 VFR w/ 5K miles in RWB w/ bags for $7K.  In this market that bike might be had for a bit less, which would be a good value.  $10K might be market correct but is this a good value in this market?  Is the K bike, like a XX, one of those gotta haves or is it just okay?

[Jetpilot5]

In brief, not as smooth and not as reliable as a Honda CBR1100XX.  I had one before I bought the K12S.  Where the BMW shines?  It's much more comfortable, shaft drive is nice, so are OEM heated grips, integrated (but small) hard bags, and ABS on most bikes.  They have had some clutch, final drive and fuel injection issues, though some bikes have been completely trouble free.  

If I were shopping for a used K1200S I'd try for an 07 or later.  The newer bikes are more likely to be sorted out and with a 36 month warranty you'd still have time to get things fixed on BMW's dime if you have any trouble.  For around $9,000 - $10,000 you could probably find a slightly newer example with a bit of searching.

[2DFlyer]

In brief, not as smooth and not as reliable as a Honda CBR1100XX.  I had one before I bought the K12S.  Where the BMW shines?  It's much more comfortable, shaft drive is nice, so are OEM heated grips, integrated (but small) hard bags, and ABS on most bikes.  They have had some clutch, final drive and fuel injection issues, though some bikes have been completely trouble free.  

If I were shopping for a used K1200S I'd try for an 07 or later.  The newer bikes are more likely to be sorted out and with a 36 month warranty you'd still have time to get things fixed on BMW's dime if you have any trouble.  For around $9,000 - $10,000 you could probably find a slightly newer example with a bit of searching.

Excellent!  Thanks for the advice.  I spent some time over at K-Bikes where there are some seriously PO'd K13 owners but it sounds like maybe they're finally getting it worked out.

[denydog]

I agree with the advice to avoid the pre '07 K1200's.  Ditching the previous servo brake system, and doing some tranny tweaks were the main improvements.

[CRFJohn]

I think he's looking at a GT sport bike, like a XX, ZX-14 etc, not necessarily a KGT.  

Anything in particular you want to know about the K1200S?

I did insurance compairson of KS and KGT in 07, a KS was over 1000$ a year for full coverage, the KGT I got costs 140$ a year, BIG factor in making a decision about any bike

[Jetpilot5]

BIG factor in making a decision about any bike

No question about it, but there are so many variables insurance costs can be all over the place.  I'm under $500 a year for full coverage on my 06 KS.  You've got a great deal going at $140 a year for full coverage on your GT.

[2DFlyer]

I haven't shopped full coverage since I was told collision for my '98 PC800 would be $600/ yr - just the collision part.  I'm definitely with the wrong company cause liability/comp on my 10 year old ZRX is $250 / yr.  I don't want to get into another insurance thread, but where are you getting full coverage at $140/$500 / yr?

[Jetpilot5]

....where are you getting full coverage at $140/$500 / yr?

Pekin Insurance.  

[CRFJohn]

Progressive, I have mulitple bike discount and am an old fart of 49, My RS costs 450 a year, go figure. Anything that ends in S is gonna cost ya!!!!