Is the R1200R perfect?

[Dr. Strangelove]

Hi, y'all

I have been lurking on this part of the board for a while, coming over from the 1150 area and at the risk of starting a lovefest, I ask:

Is there anything problematic about the 1200?

On the 1150 forum there are treatises on clutch spline failures and final drive failures.

There are longtime members who have gone to the baby beemer, the 800--smaller in stature not in influence.

There are discussions about changing the seat; what oil, how often to change it. Recommendations for Throttle body and valve adjustments

There are lights on the dash that sometimes blink mysteriously

Members remove the muffler, replacing it with a stubbie, enjoying the new found growl and the loss of 13 pounds.

There are fewer choices for rear tires because of the 5 inch wheel

and yet with those widely discussed and recurring annoyances most members love their rides.

However, on this board I do not see any discussion of those issues. The most contentious issues involve color.

Wazzup with that? Have all of those issues been corrected with the 12?

Do you not ride enough that wear and tear issues arise? Are they all always pristine and photographed all sparkly?

My Stella! is going on 50k miles, but for a lady of a certain age she remains quite beautiful ( she does love to be flogged). However, much as the 1150 was the gold standard for me when I was in the market, the 1200, with no apparent criticism here could be my next ride when and if... A white one.

So, any insight appreciated and thanks

John

[ShinySideUp]

Well, John, if you haven't found those issues discussed here, you just haven't indulged in the search feature sufficiently.

1) "On the 1150 forum there are treatises on clutch spline failures and final drive failures."

I believe the R12R has a new design that has pretty much eliminated the clutch spline failures. FD failures are not unheard of, but relatively rare. BMW just changed the lubrication spec and that may help.

2) "There are longtime members who have gone to the baby beemer, the 800--smaller in stature not in influence."

Same here: several lively discussions comparing R12R and F800x. Search will find them.


3) "There are discussions about changing the seat; what oil, how often to change it. "

Many many threads about seats, mostly about how hard the OEM is and various devotees' rapturous descriptions of Mayer and Mayer and Corbin and Russell Day Long, and Sargent... ; and when winter comes, way too many threads about oil.

4) "Recommendations for Throttle body and valve adjustments"

The R12R computer handles throttle body adjustments so that's why that discussion is missing. We have many references to DYI valve adjustment resources. We've let you guys hash out the particulars and then, as Nike says, we Just Do It .

5) "There are lights on the dash that sometimes blink mysteriously"

Haven't seen that issue here, except on my bike where the Kissan electronics still throw out lamp faults, despite being updated to correct that problem. I've learned to ignore my dash.

6) "Members remove the muffler, replacing it with a stubbie, enjoying the new found growl and the loss of 13 pounds."

Yes, I'm positive we've had that discussion, because I myself did just that. Loved the growl for about two weeks and now relish the silence again.

7) "There are fewer choices for rear tires because of the 5 inch wheel"

Yes, I imagine that would really limit choices!

8 ) " Have all of those issues been corrected with the 12?"

I suspect many have.

9) "Do you not ride enough that wear and tear issues arise? Are they all always pristine and photographed all sparkly?"

Look for Chitown's photos. I've put only 25K miles on mine and nothing but tires qualify for wear and tear. And I wash my bike about every 6 months whether it needs it or not.

I think our forum could easily match yours for sheer devotion to our rides. Enjoy Stella, but I think she may be close to having a contender!



Bill

[deilenberger]

Dunno how to answer that. I think I ride enough (30,000 miles in 2 years, 3 months). I have had one warranty claim in that time for a screw that fell out of a sidebag hinge. It's been in for service once (600 mile service) and a recall/service campaign once (brake lines and EWS antenna.) Other than that - I just ride it and do all the service myself.

Are there warts? Sure.. low seat seems the most comfortable of the three available, but better is available from the aftermarket. The anti-theft goober gave problems in the beginning, BMW fixed it. No reports seen of failing rear drives, or splines. Brakes are WONDERFUL. Engine doesn't surge, vibration is much less than the 1150 engine, electronics seem pretty bulletproof except for some defective batteries. Suspension is good - but can be great with some aftermarket shocks.

I was asked several times during my recent 2,200 mile ride to two national rallies - If I was buying a bike today what would I buy? My answer was - and is - if the R1200R blew up tomorrow, I'd be at the dealer signing up for a new one. It's that good. Really.

Go ride one. Take your checkbook - you'll need it.

BTW - the rare black with pinstripes is the fastest..

[Caroanbill]

I had an R1150RS (as did Don - same colour scheme, even), sold it becasue it was cumbersome to me (kept my wee F5650CS) and didn't buy the R1150R because it was still too heavy.

While I've hardly enough distance on either to be authoritiative, here are some observations:

Niggles are pretty minor, really - we're yet to see a catastrohpic drive, gearbox or motor failure among our number ..
- some warranty niggles, eg the EWS (Don refers to it as the anti-theft device) & brake lines: most sorted in scheduled servcies, a few (EWS) bikes stuck, problem resolved on new bikes
- fuel guage (part of OBC) is questionable ... mine works sort-of, some are worse - though a few here have theirs functioning well
- OE front shock is an issue for many - lots of aftermarket shocks on this forum
- seat is ghastly - lots of aftermarket or AirHawk/FreedomAir solutions (but I'd say avoid Corbin .. unless you want the one I got but won't use)
- some "basics" are extra $ (centrestand, decent toolkit)
- radiator needs protection IMHO (a few options about)
- rear mud protection is non-existent: needs a hugger (many of us have 'em)
- reports of early corrosion on some parts
- some OE batteries died without warning
- throttle itself is very touchy / sensitive - calls for a steady hand or a throttle control (but it's also responsive)

Improvements (aside from the obvious ... more power, less weight and quicker handling)
- few FD issues on any of the later R1200xx I see about or ride with (and this paralever is way better than my R1150RS was)
- brakes ... sooooooo much better than the powered ones!
- headlight is a great set-up (but get a protector)
- throttle response seems more immediate (not just more power - it lacks the "lag" I felt in my 1150)
- panniers ... absolutely no stability issues, no exhaust cut-out, 100% waterproof

Character is an interesting question ... this bike is a bit less of an old-style BMW than the 1150 - it isn't quite as solid /stable on the road (lower weight and quicker steering) and feels busier than the old BMW 'lope' (that feeling like the motor is just ticking over at legal speeds on the open road). what this bike feels is competent: power + brakes + handling. The way I have this bike tailored to me - barbacks, low seat, lowered footpegs, well-set-up aftermarket suspension, tyres I like (Metzeler Z6s, but that's as much taste as anything) - my riding mates constantly remark that I've never ridden more competently ("You seem just part of the bike.")

Question, I think, is durability: more complex systems (CANBUS, ASC, EBC, ESA) to fail - potentially - and lighter construction (eg plastic rack). But overall, my bike still looks and feels new at 2 years, and has never given a hint of a problem, even stringing some long riding days together. While this is hardly an old all-metal airhead (my former R80 still looks great at 24 years), I have no doubts it'll do a decade easily. It also has fewer painted parts than the 1150 - only the tank, sidecovers and front guard .. no pesky radiator cowl (ooops, I'll be banned from this site for life now).

I'll be looking forwrad to great pics from your next journey with a 1200 in 'em!!

[qgaex]

Nope.

Only Allah is perfect.

But the R1200R comes rather very close.

Cheers

qgaex

BTW the crystal grey ones are the fastest.

BBTW I just lived through an example of what also makes a good bike: Came down a mountain road, came around a corner and found myself face to face with a car that had just left a roadside parking at an oblique angle.
Bloody damn good brakes on that bike! And I object to anybody calling this machine less stable than the R1150R!

[AllanCook]

After riding mine almost three years, I'd have to say it's not perfect, but it's closer to perfection than any other motorcycle I've ever owned.

[tvlawyer]

Only Allah is perfect.

Such pontificating is inappropriate for this message board. Can't we keep the discussion to all things R1200R?

[qgaex]

Mr. Lawyer!

I protest!
(Comes natural to me, being protestant....)

Given the fact that our bikes have so few problems to talk about we need some extravagant statements to enliven the discussions.
(And millions of muslims will tell you that the statement is true, anyhow. So there you have witness statements even....)
And this beemer handles so heavenly well. So you have to go for the top shelf for comparisons.
(Though of course there is supposed to be the thing with the 99 virgins. So maybe their paradise is even perfecter (tech term)).

So please accept that my statement is not inappropriate, but rather bringing things into the right perspective.

Respectfully

qgaex
+lawfullyriding+

[vodka]

The one thing I cant stand about my 1200R OBC/ESA/ABS/ ASC/ Tyre Pressure sensing/ is 1/ I cant spend as much time riding it.
I test rode for 4-5/12 at every bike I thought could cut it Triumphs , Suzie, Hondas, Yamies, even Guzzis and Dukes. . All I remember is giggling during the first 1200R test ride. I was restrained enough to not buy one there and then. One week later with second test ..I was hooked . As you've been warned DO NOT TEST RIDE THIS BIKE WITHOUT ADEQUATE FUNDS AVAILABLE. The issues about seats and screens are just the way a contented few find something to do. I mean you have to do something to the bike ,right? No bike is that perfect......

[gsmoto31]

My appreciation for the R12R improved considerably during the past 3 months. I owned an R1150R for commuting daily to work and really liked the bike, but didn't love it. No problems with the bike, it just didn't excite me that much when I rode it. So, I sold it on Ebay this past spring and graduated to an R12R. Like others, my smile grew wider every morning when I hopped on for a ride. As my excitement grew, the summer arrived and I began my touring extravaganza (Western states, Canada, MOA Rally, RA Rally, regional rallies, etc.) on my R12GSA. During my time away I picked up a Sargent seat, Remus Powercone, and Hyperlites for the R12R.

I am now back home and riding the R12R every day. Boy did I miss this machine! With all of the new farkles (added to a Cee Baileys windshield and bar risers) the bike is perfect for me. Not sure if I would choose the R over the GSA for long distance touring, but I'm lucky that I don't need to make that choice.

[websterize]

Ja.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Thanks for all the input

I really like Stella! and the same pride of ownership you feel I feel, but I do some heavy touring a couple of times a year and do a 75 mile commute a couple of times a week, and I just wonder how bulletproof she may or may not be. So far, so good, but my eye does wander sometimes.

Thing is I have her all set up the way I want her, motolights, extra fuse panel, extra dc plug, sirius radio, zumo, tall screen, etc.
When I was in Utah recently I caught a LOT of rain and considered how the protection of an RT would be nice, but it lacks the charm of a naked bike.

I am neither ready to trade nor test ride--unless my hand is forced, and it is not close to that. But it is a situation I faced before when I was choosing my 1150 as my first bike--if you don't count my Vespa. I kept coming back to it as a basis of comparison, kept trying to find something objectively better and could not. So, that is where I am and right now, since I own Stella! outright, she is in beautiful shape, I am familiar with her innards as personality, etc she still comes out the winner ( as long as she remains good to me and that promise is one she is keeping so far).

There is a LOT less criticism on this forum of the 12 thann on the other of the 1150. members on both show great respect for their machines. But unless the the members of the 12 forum are less astute and technical than the 1150 guys and girls, something I know is not the case, then it must be that the 12 is that much a better bike. The lack of discussion on those issues mentioned is telling.

So, Munich will probably throw me a curve before I buy and put out the successor to the 12. But after all, that is an embarrassment of riches. And for now Stella! and I will roll on.

John

[tvlawyer]

I protest!
(Comes natural to me, being protestant....)

I'm sorry I misunderstood. I assumed you were muslim and preaching to us.

[Lost Rider]

Hi, y'all


Is the R1200R perfect?


Is there anything problematic about the 1200?


Do you not ride enough that wear and tear issues arise? Are they all always pristine and photographed all sparkly?

Yes it is perfect - it's everything I always wished my 1150R would be, but just couldn't.



No, 45,000+ HARD MILES on mine - nothing but tires and normal service items.





Are you kidding?

[Dr. Strangelove]

Gee, Joe...my 1150 doesn't fall down like that

[LumpyCam]

Do you not ride enough that wear and tear issues arise? Are they all always pristine and photographed all sparkly?

Are you kidding?

The R12R loves getting dirty when not racing in the twisties.

[tobes]

A little dirt on the R12R is a good thing



But it cleans up nicely

[celticus]

Odd ways to brag.

Mark

[R1150Rclean]

Well I went with a R1150R because it was less complicated, got good gas millage (50+), and I have to say it looks cooler than the R12R Those tank mounted oil coolers give it a mad max look Have not ridden a R12R yet, but with properly adjusted valves and balanced TBs the R1150R is smooth enough for me. My only complaint is that when I sit on the tall seat in blue jeans the crotch area gets to tight but gusseted pants are okay.

[Dr. Strangelove]

I am talking about replacing the bike and when that time comes it will not be an 1150r, too many worries for me, rare though they may be.

The R12R looks like where I'd be headed today IF I were in the market, but I am not