Test Ride Feedback - R1200R and R1200GS

[Mark]

First time on this forum - be gentle with me.
Think I put this in the wrong forum before so I am trying to move it.

I'm an F800ST owner but have had the pleasure yesterday of test riding an R1200R and an R1200GS (2007/2008 models).
Thinking about moving from the F800 and these looked like two very nice (but vastly different) options.

So - what were my first thoughts. I'm going to go on a bit now because I need to talk this through, but I would also like to hear any thoughts about in response from more experienced riders of these bikes. Skip to my one liners at the end if you can't stand my babble.

Before riding either - I thought the GS was possibly a little too "trail bike" for my liking. Been there done that, but it did give the height and overall size I am looking for. The look is a love or hate proposition for many and I like it but it had to have more than the look and ergonomics.
The R1200R is a stunning looking bike but just a little naked. I like the ST bodywork. Not too much but some style and protection. In the past I've had a Yamaha XJ900 and it was very nice (for a Japanese bike). Good balance of bodywork and size.
Anyway, back to the BMW's. Both have the shaft drive and the telelever front end that I love. Both are quirky enough to interest me (some would say ugly). So which one or possibly both would go onto or off my short list.

For those of you in my part of the world, it was north on the old Pacific Hwy from Hornsby (nice curves at 80km/h) to the Brooklyn Bridge and then back on the freeway (110km/h on smooth highway tracks).

Took the R1200R out first. New to boxers (other than my Subaru) an the first thing I noticed was the tank sitting there shuddering with the bike at idle (1200 rpm). Told this was normal for the boxer. Then the "stand up" trick when you twist the throttle. That's a cool trick. I suspect I could have it lift up of the side stand if I gave it a good twist.
Saddle was good but at 6'1" with long legs I was instantly thinking about the high seat. The bars are perfect. A little wider and just the right height for a guy who doesn't like head down, bum up and all the pressure on my hands. The moment I rolled away, it was like silk. The gear changes were amazing. I was a little concerned about the difference going to a dry clutch, but it was amazing. The F800 box is a little "agricultural", so this was a pleasant surprise. Also, the engine and shaft drive combination was a nice change from the 800 twin with belt drive. The gear selection wasn't as critical on this. If I go up too high on the F800 it starts to get a bit of slap back and forth as it loads and unloads. Not a problem but a characteristic of the F range with its Rotax engine and box.
I was instantly struck by how engaged and connected I felt with this R12R. The shudder felt at idle disappeared and the feel up to 80km/h was smooth as a baby's bottom. I think the suspension was set quite hard though. Our roads are a little chopped up in this area and I felt each little bump. No ESA on this one. I was amazed by how light it felt too. This is a big bike and although it seems to have most of its weight down low, once I got moving it seemed no heavier than my ST.
Through the twists up the old road it was like I was at one with this machine. The look of the bike from my viewpoint was much more attractive than I had expected too. The ergonomics of the tank profile and the protection this and the big boxer cylinder heads provide is great. Cornering was perfect. Tight bars (possibly due to the damper) and the telelever gives you so much latitude to brake or back off the throttle in mid corner with almost no shift in the bikes attitude. OK - so I'm sold on this bike as a town and country roads contender.
Then I took a turn onto the freeway and opened it up. The power was measured and quite astonishing. The tone of the twin cylinders was reassuring and appropriate as I went from 40 to 120km/h in what seemed like a couple of seconds. There was little wind but I was now aware of the air pushing against me at 110 km/h. Not terrible, but this was something I wanted to get a feel for. I like short touring runs (300-400km on highways) and I was still to be convinced that a naked was a wise move. This had the little sports screen and it gives some protection (mostly to the instruments) but I was very aware of the wing on my upper arms and the stream coming over the screen hit just about on my neck. Noise wasn't too bad. I use a bike to bike system and I could still talk but had to speak louder and slower. My thoughts turned to the high windshield and the possible downside of the higher seat I had been hoping for when I set off. Vibration at 100/110 km/h was not of great concern but noticeable. The view in the mirrors got a little fuzzy but my hands were not complaining. Possibly because for the first time in ages, I didn't have to keep reminding myself to take the weight off. Legs were also not a problem. My knees were engaged with the tank (possibly because it is a little wider) and that felt nice. What would it be like in the cold or wet? With no bodywork, do you just get frozen and drowned o do the tank, cylinder heads and that little screen give enough protection?
After the quick run up the freeway, it was back onto the 80 then 60 streets before getting back to the dealer.
Nice large side stand too (this one didn't have a centre stand).

Now onto the GS. Nice tall position and the same shudder at idle. Possibly a little less noticeable because the tank didn't wobble quite as much.
Don't like the view from the pilots seat quite as much. Lots of plastic bits and the view into the area (more than an arms reach away) under the instruments was a little messy. The seat felt a little awkward but I didn't give it much thought. As with the R1200R, once you get rolling, the smooth boxer engine comes into its own. One thing I did notice was the gearbox was just as smooth to shift but the overall character of the engine seemed less refined. More like a rough edge to it. Perhaps in keeping with the cross-over style of bike that it is. It just didn't seem to have the same power plant, even though I know it is identical.
So, through the local streets it was fine. Through the twists and turns it was also OK but I didn't feel as connected with it as I did with the R1200R. I was also now very aware of my posture. It was as though I was actually leaning back (so I bent my arms a little more). I was also very aware that my bum was not comfortable on this seat.
More importantly, the bars seemed to have a mind of there own. The stiff but responsive feel on the R1200R was now replaced with a lively set of bars that I remember back to my trail bike days. Not that this caused any issues through the corners but it was noticeable.
Turning onto the freeway it was equally quick to get up to 120 but the buffeting from the wind was very noticeable. The wind itself had picked up a little by now but even so, the shield was moving a little and the noise was higher than on my previous run. Legs were nicely protected by the bodywork but the turbulence seemed to form swirls in the vast region between my chest and the instrument cluster.
Back on the slower roads now, the back edge of my bum below my belt has now gone numb. I stand up on the pegs to take the weight off (not that I'm huge - 90 kg 198 lbs). Now I'm starting to see why so many people say they have purchased aftermarket seats. Strange, because the position is fine but the feel is way off.
This bike does have the ESA and I can see that it would possibly be a nice addition if it's not too pricey. Takes the hard edge of the rough roads.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
OK - so what was the verdict?

- The GS is not for me. I could get past the look, but the ergonomics are not right for my style, size and shape.
- The GS seat is horrible.
- This GS (possibly all) was also not as smooth or refined in it's power delivery. I know it should be, but this one wasn't.
- The R1200R is a stand out machine and it's on the short list.

Niggles and concerns about the R1200R then -

- Is it OK out on the highway for longer runs without any bodywork?
- Is the high screen an improvement?
- Is the high seat an improvement for taller riders?
- Is the shudder and wobbling tank at idle normal?

Any comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
OK- that's enough for now. I do want to ask about accessories too, but i'll do that in another post.

[silvermcoupe]

I looked at both bikes as well when I bought my R12R. I previously had a V Strom and did not like the height of the bike at freeway speeds. The R12R with the lower center of gravity is a fun, fun ride. I tried the 1200GS as well. I didn't like the height or the look of the bike. Since I planned to do all my riding on paved roads, the GS was not for me.

When I test rode the R12R I experienced the same wind problems at freeway speeds. The parts manager at my BMW shop recommended the V Tech windshield. I bought the bike along with the VTech and BMW hardbags. I had to wait for a week for the windshield and bags. The locks took another week because I had them keyed to the bike. It's pretty cool you only need 1 key.

I've had my bike for about three weeks and 1100 miles. My impressions are; 1-I love this bike. It's the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle. It's different but I like that about it. After all I also have an M coupe so maybe I just like different looking machines. 2-The vibrations at idle are normal. Once you throttle up the bike the vibrations disappear. 3-The V Tech windshield worked great for me. I'm 6' even. The BMW flyshield does not work for freeway speeds. Have your dealer change them out. I had the bike out today on about an 80 mile freeway ride. There is no drama at 80-90miles per hr. I hardly notice the wind change when I pass tractor trailers. I felt like I was being bitch slapped when I passed them at 70 with the VSTROM and to some extent with the GS. I suppose it's the difference in the center of gravity. I have the low seat and thus far it has not been a problem for me. When I test rode the bike it felt good so i decided to keep it.

By the way last weekend I was at a casino that had a large bike parking area. When I walked back to my bike there was a group of Harley riders looking at it. I received several compliments and a lot of questions about the technology of the bike such as the look of the rear end.

My bike has ABS, computer, centerstand, heated grips but no traction control. The sales manager told me he's waiting for a while to see how it works before he orders it on his bikes. I have had many BMW cars and I know the first years model is the one with all the problems. I suspect it could be that way with the new traction control.

Sorry for the long reply. I should have given you a one sentence reply. Buy the bike you'll love it.

[Mark]

Thanks for the feedback. I love the world wide web.

[Bheckel169]

Sold my 06 1200 RT a few months ago and bought the 1200 R for the roads here in western north carolina. +1 on the Vtech windshield (18 inches) and bought the engine guards which are very attractive (here's the website, http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /3076/594/
I have the low seat (have a 30 inch inseam) so I would definitely recommend the high seat at its highest setting. I don't have ESA and don't feel I need it as the adjustments take a minute and once you dial it in, you're good to go. I do have the ABS brakes which are very good. I can stop on a dime using 1 finger. Have the computer set up, heated grips and center stand as well as the clear lens. That's it and with the windshield, highway riding will not be a problem. This is a superior bike in all ways and feeling as one with this bike is an apt description. I felt I could handle any road the first time even if I was unfamiliar with it. It just carves the turn for you and the balance is perfect and low. I loved my RT but the lighter and quicker 1200 R is the perfect bike for me. Once you've ridden on a boxer engine, you'll come to love the character and special sound as well. Today, as usual I had a number of people stop to ask me about the bike. They always rave about its looks. I think it looks better in person.
Bruce

[Mark]

Any chance of a picture of your bike with the VTech shield or a link to the reseller?

[daveyator]

I have to ditto the things said here regarding test ride except in my case I was replacing a K1200R. I also have the VTech shield with a standard seat and it's perfect for me at 5'11. The ONLY thing I notice is the shield seems to "wiggle" in any kind os gusty winds (yes the mounts are tight) but does not affect its performance at all.

[Paul-from-VA]

Guess the only thing I might add, I had an 1150GS a few bikes back which I really enjoyed. I'm thrilled with the R1200R, but....with the GS...you feel absolutely no pressure to make it look nice, it's an ugly beast (my opinion) and if it is dirty, so what, if the backrest for the wife (Sargent) looks like an afterthought, who cares, it's ugly and tough looking like some old bulldog. Now the R1200R on the other hand.....I really get upset when it gets dirty, I'm staying off dirt roads so far, every addition gets a hard look to make sure it will look just right, I'm having a hard time finding a replacement for the top box to provide a backrest for my wife and my wax supply is taking a real hit.

[silvermcoupe]

Paul that is absolutely true. With my previous bike I didn't care if it were clean or not. I took a 2K road trip on it was half way hoping someone would nab it from the hotel parking lot.

The R12 is different. I too polish and wash once per week. I work from home and cranked up my BMW car this weekend to make sure the battery was not dead. What have we done?

Cheers!

[NCGS]

Welcome aboard, great review.

I had a GS - loved it. Sold it for medical reasons (wasn't sure I was going to be around to ride - but here I am!).

Since I'm not an off-roader, when the time came to replace it, I knew I wanted a boxer Beemer, but wasn't sure which one. I demo'd a R12R - more than once. I looked and looked, but couldn't find a bike I like any better for the kind of riding I wanted to do. So I bought it.

I went thru a bunch of windshields before I found one that suits me (Cee Bailey's 20" screen mounted to BMW's "tall touring" windscreen mount). The first screen I tried was Ztechnik's V-Stream. I love the looks, but found the turbulence to be intolerable. I tried both of their screens, the "standard" and the "tall", and neither worked for me. Too bad, because their workmanship is top notch.

I'm a short guy, 5'9", so the Standard seat works well for me. As tall as you are, you most definitely will need the "tall" seat.

Let us know what you decided to do.

Ride safe!

[deilenberger]

Paul that is absolutely true. With my previous bike I didn't care if it were clean or not. I took a 2K road trip on it was half way hoping someone would nab it from the hotel parking lot.

The R12 is different. I too polish and wash once per week. I work from home and cranked up my BMW car this weekend to make sure the battery was not dead. What have we done?

Cheers!

That's pretty funny.. my M3 also sits in the garage now sometimes for weeks without getting looked at (and I also owned an M-Coupe in '99-'02, Boston Green - fun car!)

My bike since April '07, 20k miles I expect tomorrow. My car since that time - about 3-4k (have to dig out the service records and look..) and that's in NJ where I don't commute on the bike once daylight savings kicks in - too damn many deer, I'd rather hit one in the M3... it's just sheet metal.

These bikes do that sorta thing to'ya.. (made it a goal to ride every day for the past month. Did it!)

[Enjoy-Rider]

Oops......reading all this enthusiastic feed back about the R1200R........it's my first bike since I only got my bike driving license less than a year ago, but I am afraid I'll be spoiled for the rest of my life!

[ka5ysy]

Hi Mark... welcome to the group. You made the same fatal mistake we all did. You sat on the RR and went for a test ride. The current theory of this group that BMW has the seat rigged with nanites that infect us and cause immediate desires to spend a lot of money to keep the bike from escaping our grasp. There is a apparently a new version that is airborne and causes the same reacton from some of our members who simply read these threads.

Test riding an R1200R or reading about them is hazardous to your checkbook!

[Bheckel169]

Mark,

I never got a chance to take a picture but wanted to send you to this website to look at the Ztechnik VStream windshield. I got the 2406 which is the US model number for the 18" windscreen. I'm 5'11" and have no problem with turbulence. The main picture of the windshield is of the taller screen. Down at the bottom of the ad you'll see the#2406 which is the 18" screen.
Here's the site.
http://www.fkn.ca/PDF_files/ZTechnik_R-Series_R-GS.pdf

[mvk]

Hi Mark
I also had an F800 but an S -a lovely bike but I needed to go for a more upright style for the sake of my back unfortunately. I also missed the low down torque of my Commando.
I also live in Sydney and have ridden the old road once or twice...
I am 6'2" and have the standard seat which is just right for me and would not like to sit higher but it is a personal choice.
Also a personal choice is the screen as you will see from the myriad posts on this forum -one person's clean air is another's intolerable buffeting. I have tried the BMW touring screen, the Cee Bailey 18" and the Z Technik -none really work for me so it is back to nothing at the moment. Rode 1000km across the Hay Plains in one day recently and worked fine for me. Not sure what the Vtech shield is (is this a new product guys or just a different name?)

Alternative head protectors which are more subtle and work (don't ask) are from Verholen -see link but I believe A & S still don't ship to Oz unfortunately so you would need to look around. Got mine locally but not sure if they still stock them. http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=44459

The R12R is a delight and so easy to ride -it also likes to play and inspires confidence as you have already discovered. One aspect I really enjoy is winding it on hard and it pulls like a train to about 5500rpm and then it gives an extra kick in the pants as it reaches a sudden rise in the torque curve-very handy for overtaking!

Re accessories -be warned -you will be led astray by the many goodies available -I have a full Staintune system (even sounds like a big twin now), Ohlins suspension (although little wrong with the standard bits), Ilmberger Hugger (works well ,looks even better) and other bits and pieces.

Let us know when you pick it up and we can help you run it in!!!
Michael

[deilenberger]

I'm 5'11" and have no problem with turbulence.

Height alone isn't terribly useful. I have a friend who is 6' tall and has the same inseam as I do at 5'7"..

We need your height, inseam and seat you're riding on to even make a guess where your head position relative to the top of the screen is (and that's the really critical dimension..) It is interesting you're using the lower one and have a good experience. Other people have sold/returned the ZTechnic screen due to turbulence problems.

[silvermcoupe]

Paul that is absolutely true. With my previous bike I didn't care if it were clean or not. I took a 2K road trip on it was half way hoping someone would nab it from the hotel parking lot.

The R12 is different. I too polish and wash once per week. I work from home and cranked up my BMW car this weekend to make sure the battery was not dead. What have we done?

Cheers!

That's pretty funny.. my M3 also sits in the garage now sometimes for weeks without getting looked at (and I also owned an M-Coupe in '99-'02, Boston Green - fun car!)

My bike since April '07, 20k miles I expect tomorrow. My car since that time - about 3-4k (have to dig out the service records and look..) and that's in NJ where I don't commute on the bike once daylight savings kicks in - too damn many deer, I'd rather hit one in the M3... it's just sheet metal.

These bikes do that sorta thing to'ya.. (made it a goal to ride every day for the past month. Did it!)

Don your my hero! Another BMW nut! I have had an M3,(Dakar yellow the fastest ones) among others and finally an 99 MCoupe. Still have it and probably will until I'm too old to bend my body into it. We have had other BMW's for family cars but I have never had any desire for another personal car after the MCoupe. Most of my traveling these days is airplanes and rental cars. In my opinion the R12R is a lot like the Coupe. Just built for fun. I take the car in once per year for service. The BMW guys usually charge me for a yearly inspection. I think at this rate an oil change is costing me $500. Oh well, you can't put a price tag on love and the car still is like new condition. I think that proves there's something too BMW's maintenance programs.

I think the R12 maybe a keeper like the Coupe. My office is in the basement of my house. On some days I think I might like to have a commute so I would have another place to ride too. Wait a minute, I'm just kidding I don't want a commute. I would miss my afternoon naps.

You must have had some interesting rides to pile up that many miles. Where did you ride too?

Cheers,

[deilenberger]

You must have had some interesting rides to pile up that many miles. Where did you ride too?

Cheers,

Lots of commuting (unfortunately 5 days a week, 35 miles a day adds up..) and some longer trips (http://www.eilenberger.net/Trip_Reports/Trips.htm) and some shorter ones (3 day weekend ones) where I got 1,000 miles in on the weekend (not written up..) And basically - wherever I need to go - I usually take the bike unless I'm taking someone with me.

The M-Coupe was a fun car, close to the most fun car I've owned. I've given thought to getting another and sticking it in the garage, but I never can seem to do that. A vehicle needs to be used to be appreciated for me, and having too many of them always results in one becoming the unloved one.

[Johnny the W]

All I can say is the move to my 07 R1200R has been pure love. I bought mine while dropping my F650GS off for an oil change. I too have joined the very shiny bike club. This bike gets looks wherever I take it. Even Harley owners stop for a look.

I'm 5'10" with a 30' inseam and find the low seat just fine and for a stock seat, comfortable for about 3 hours at a time. I ride mine to work and commute on weekends to the Jersey Shore, 140 miles each way and the bike is just great on the highway. I do recommend the touring screen option which includes a beautiful bracket which will allow you to change to any size Cee Bailey screen, just bolt in on and go. I have a 16" screen, should have gone the next size up and might get another when the weather gets colder.

Mine just turned 13,000 and is just hitting it's stride.

JTW

2007 R1200R - Black, no stripes, clear lenses, ABS, computer, center stand, touring windscreen, Zumo, chrome exhaust, side bags, heated grips

[qfman]

Hey Mark -

I'm a Lane Cove resident, Old Rd tragic. Did nearly 6 years up and down there on an R1150R, Saturdays at Road Warriors blah blah. Did a ride day with Procycles last year from Berowra where I got to ride the R1200S and R1200R back to back. Had already tried the GS and knew it was too big and plastic flapped around everywhere. I like to ride fast but I picked the R over the S because of the torque/power balance. The S needed to be whipped to get the best out of it. You notice the difference when you get past Mt White - where the road is closed and it's all dark and mossy. The R12 R eats that stuff up all the way to the concrete slab.

I've done a couple of 800km days on the R during this winter just gone and it is solid solid solid. Forget the vibes etc. I'm 6 foot 34inch inseam and that lowish feeling seat is just right. Now that I'm at around 8K the engine is getting stronger. Seems to want to wheelie more often from lights.

OH yeah - you know those tar snakes all over the old rd from Cowan to Brooklyn? On a hot day they will upset the front wheel of every other quick bike - except the Beemers. This one issue is probably why I bought the R after being seriously impressed by the KTM Superduke. NEarly crashed the thing on those slippery snakes.

Buy the R. You will love it. And just to be controversial I will say don't bother with the ABS.

Tom

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~lonergans/

[Ray R]

Hi Mark,

When I ordered my R1200R, I asked for the tall seat. It does make a difference in comfort, both leg room and butt padding. I also bought the Suburban Machinery peg lowering kit. At 6'4", I need all the help I can get. I ordered the bike with only the center stand, sport screen, and heated grips. No electronic gadgetry for me! The only reason I got these options is I ordered the bike during one of the BMW promotions where you could get $500 in free accessories. Forget the ESA! Buy high quality aftermarket shocks, like Ohlins. I did, and it's the best bang for the buck you can get. I also bought a complete Remus exhaust system with the Powercone. It doesn't do a lot for performance. But it's lighter, sounds better, and cleans up the look of the bike. For me, the sport screen is just right. It keeps the wind off my chest, which is all I'm looking for. If you'll be doing some extensive touring, you'll probably want something larger, like a Parabellum or such.

Happy riding!!!!