'07 R1200R

[SportyRedhead]

Been wanting one for some time now... test rode one 2 weeks ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since.

I started riding 6yrs ago, first bike was an '04 Harley Sportster. Not typically the bike one starts out on but, after a few modifications, the bike has served me well and fits me even better (5 ' 4 on a confident day!).

Although I love the Sporty, I always knew it really wasn't the perfect bike for me. Unfortunately, due to my lack of height, my choices were severely limited. The boyfriend was steering me toward the F650, which is a great bike. But, after the Harley, it felt too much like a dirt bike, not enough like a street bike (at least to me). If I had a few more inches of inseam, I would've jumped at the 1200GSA (love that bike!). Then I test rode the R1200R 2 weeks ago... wow! What a great bike!

Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to buy new. If I were, I'd definitely order the lowered suspension since the standard (with a low seat) left me a little tippy-toed at a stop.

Dealer has a nice '07 standard on the floor with only 2300mi. Says he can get the guys in the shop to lower it for me ($1200).
Add luggage for $850... So, basically, for $13K I could have a close version of what I've been dreaming of... pretty quickly.

Then I just spent some time in the "Reliability" thread and am now a little concerned since a few of the bikes listed there (with not so great maintenance records) were the '07 model. Hmmmm...

Anyone else with an '07 R12R have input?
Also, any opinions on having the shop guys do the lowering?

I'm all ears!

Thanks,
Robyn

[michael Tobias]

I have an 08 that has only had 1 issue and that was the fuel strip in the tank and that is recent. I could be off but you could probably get a brand new R1200r lowered from the factory with bags for not too much more than that one.....

it is a wonderful bike whatever you get I am sure you will be grinning from ear to ear all the time.

[deilenberger]

Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to buy new. If I were, I'd definitely order the lowered suspension since the standard (with a low seat) left me a little tippy-toed at a stop.

Dealer has a nice '07 standard on the floor with only 2300mi. Says he can get the guys in the shop to lower it for me ($1200).
Add luggage for $850... So, basically, for $13K I could have a close version of what I've been dreaming of... pretty quickly.

Then I just spent some time in the "Reliability" thread and am now a little concerned since a few of the bikes listed there (with not so great maintenance records) were the '07 model. Hmmmm...

Anyone else with an '07 R12R have input?
Also, any opinions on having the shop guys do the lowering?

I'm all ears!

Thanks,
Robyn

Hi Robyn..

Don't worry about reliability. There are lots of us who have been riding the tires off these things with really minimal problems or annoyances.. my sum legitimate warranty claim was a fuel-level sensor strip recently - even though the old one sort of self-healed.. that's in 3 years/36,000 miles. The only real problem with the bike is getting off it - I don't like to - I wanna just keep riding.

As far as the deal from a dealer.. that's a tad high, but if it's a BMW dealer it's not awful. You can with a bit of patience find used '07's from about $9,000-11,000 - sometimes with bags. I would need more info on what the dealer intends to do to lower the bike.. if it's putting stock low shocks on it for $1,200 - you can do better with aftermarket. Same $$ but better quality shocks (I'd suggest Hyperpro - it's what I've used and I'm very happy with them, and they are superior to BMW's lowered shocks.) Putting them on requires really minimal mechanical skills and tools - takes me about 45 minutes. Might take someone doing it first time an hour or two.. but not a big deal. A low seat can usually be had by offering to swap a seat with someone who wants a taller one.

Brand new bags are advertised on Ebay all the time for around $380/each - the dealer is charging full list. You can easily get 20% off list on new bags by ordering from Chicago BMW mail-order. You still would want them key'd to the ignition key, which a dealer might charge an hours labor for.

Does the '07 have options like ABS, centerstand, On-Board-Computer? The ABS is almost a must with a BMW - they are hard to resell if the bike doesn't have it.. plus it's a huge safety feature. Any other options on the one the dealer has?

There are also several R1200R's on Ebay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0430599880 - '07 in California with 2,500 miles, asking $10.5 or best offer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0490262572 - '07, also California with 11,500 miles, bid is at $8,500 - but reserve hasn't been met.

And for the real trick in locating a used one - http://vehicles.oodle.com/?q=r1200r - Oodle searches Ebay and classifieds all across the country.. if you put that search in you'll find about 10-12 of them for sale across the US.

Good luck with your quest - I suspect you'll be riding one before long.

Oh - quick edit - my local friendly dealer has a VERY low miles '08 for sale - $10.2k from memory. Nice bike has all the nice options on it. I'm in New Jersey..

[daveyator]

The only issue I had with my 07 is leaking clutch seals. I've had no other issues including the battery. $13K is too high even with bags. There is a new 2010 model here in So Cal for $10.7k or so. Actually that was 2 weeks ago so it might be gone but still you should work on the price but don't hesitate on account of the bike.

[rokinrider]

That 07 is like brand new!! I reccomend calling around to some other dealers. I live in Iowa and no used ones anywere and no base models. Loaded touring models were $14,500 out the door. Honz down is St Louis "Great Dealership" had an 09 leftover I got for $11,500 after a BMW rebate.. Shop around!!!

[AncientMariner]

Robyn,

Bike sounds fine and don't worry about the reliability. Nobody posts on the forum to say they have never had a problem. BMW's in general are light years ahead of Harley's in reliability and durability. I'm just sayin'.

The price is high. I walked away from a brand new '09 R1200R at Max's last fall with lowered suspension, bags, ABS, etc. There were 8 miles on the odometer, of which I had just put on the last 5. Their initial price was $14,000. A week later they emailed me an offer to sharpen their pencil.

The bike was black, but my heart was set on blue. I got my blue one for about $16,500. It had the touring package, highly recommended, but standard suspension. I got the color of my choice plus chromed exhaust (turns out to be a good thing) for only $2,500 extra. How's that for being true blue? I'm looking forward to the day can lower the suspension.

Bruce

[Pompeybob]

Robyn, I have had 07 R1200R from new and wouldn't change it for anything.Has all the optional extras, Cant speak for the lowered ride though . I have recently added the the Comfort Seat on mine and have fitted Givi Panniers/Top Box and have the BMW Navigator IV Sat Nav.Great bike and reliable. Bob W.

[Lance]

Robyn,

Last year I bought a new leftover 2007 R12R and just did the 6000 mile service last week. In that time I've had no issues at all. As for a price comparison, I got it with zero miles, the side cases and rack included for $13K flat.

Regards,
Lance

[sandycruz]

In 2008 I bought a used 2007. Its been fine, no complaints, no problems, except the battery. I replaced the battery in 2009 when it went dead. Luckily I had been reading this forum so I knew the stock Exide battery was not likely to last. So I had a Deka power sports battery sitting on the bench and ready to go.

The R1200R is a fine machine. The best I've ever owned. I too was had by taking a test ride. Could not think of anything but the "R" after that ride.

Good luck whatever you decide to do,

David in Santa Cruz, CA

[SportyRedhead]

Wow... thanks for all the great replies and info.
I've really been struggling with this decision... not because I'm unsure about the bike, but more about buying the only bike I can seem to get my hands on right now.

After reading through, I think you guys have helped me decide... I'll wait until I find the bike that I can't walk away from.
Unfortunately, it may be awhile... low suspension is real tough to come by... especially at this time of year. But, the way I see it is, it'll be worth the wait to find just the right one... since I'm certain that this one will be a keeper!

If anyone knows anyone selling one please keep me in mind and shoot me a PM any time!

Thanks again... you guys are great!

[AncientMariner]

Recently the BMW Northeast Regional Manager came to make a presentation at my local dealer. He told me that when BMW originally offered the F650 with a lowered chassis, they did not expect too many sales. Now BMW's lowered chassis account for 40% of sales worldwide.

Don't worry Sporty, there's a shorty out there somewhere with your name it.

It will be worth waiting for.

Bruce

[AllanCook]

I have an '07, and I haven't had any problems with it at all. The bike is a tank; it just runs and runs, and it seems to get better over time. The original battery lasted until this spring, which ain't bad for swelteringly hot Texas. I had the recall work done, and otherwise it's just been routine annual maintenance and a set of tires. At 5'4" you're definitely going to want to have her lowered, though, since the seat height is 31.5 inches. The price does seem a little on the steep side. I'd bet NADA or the Bluebook would have more accurate values.

[mribiker]

Hi. I have an '07 R1200R that now has 30,000 miles on it. It's a great bike that's capable of long distance riding as well as carving, and can do both comfortably. I'm 5' 8" and 58 y/o. I needed to lower the seat hight and get pullback bars to get the bike better set up for me. I bought an aftermarket seat with better foam that lowered the seat about 2". A lot better than the stock seat. I don't know anything about lowering the stock shocks.
I added a bar that came 2" closer to me, but that wasn't enough, so I added a set of risers that gave me another 2". Now it's perfect. I'm not leaning too far forward, and still have a good position for the curves. I had the BMW shop reroute the front brake hose to allow the bar to move back. No problen with the electrics.

[vroomr]

mrbiker, which bars did you get, the Wunderlich?

[craigleo]

Hello Sporty,
About how far 'short' do you believe you are on a standard R? If you can confidently rest the balls of your feet
on the ground on both sides you should be OK. Perhaps a more reasonably priced fix could be some kind of shoes/boots that give you more 'confidence' in the height department.
Leo

[mribiker]

I got the Flanders A22 bars, med tall. I said that the risers I put on were 2" back, but the receipt says 1" up, 1 1/4 back, so sorry for the mis info. I actually found that the bike tracked better in curves with the risers than without. They were from Creative Cycle Concepts.

[SportyRedhead]

Hey Leo,
I rode the standard model with a low seat and was also wearing a 1.5inch heel... I was on my toes at a stop so I think there's little else to do but to go lowered.

still searching... she'll turn-up eventually!

[craigleo]

Sporty,
OK, tall shoes not a solution, well then, I think the thing to do is ride the snot out of your current bike as often as possible and keep the short R on your dream list. That way you get to have fun in the present and relish the anticipation of the future.
I bought a less expensive BMW about six years ago when the R was an 1150. I was blown away by the R1150R at the time. Two months ago, I bought the 09 R1200R. I think the having to wait actually made me appreciate this bike even more.
If all I had was a 1967 Honda 90, I would ride it every day until I could get a 'better bike'.
blah blah blah anyway you get the idea, I'm sure.
Leo

[Mollygrubber]

9000 miles, 0 problems. I ride it every day, and trust it enough to be my only transportation.

Buy and ride. Fix when neccessary. Enjoy the fact you're not one of the 'sheeple' wearing identical leather chaps and vests lined up in that ruggedly 'individual' manner, incessantly brapping the throttle for attention.

[murphysr12r]

I have an 07 with 26,500 miles.[bought used with 7,500, 2 1/2 years ago] No mechanical problems. Just a new battery, a couple of lamps, and a busted 12v line going to the speedo/display [repaired under warranty]. Just completed a 4 day 2100 mile round trip to Georgia. The first 1000 was within 24 hours. Two 500 mile days on the return. The only thing I would change is the seat if I were to do that again. That and I would put highway pegs on it. I ride it hard in the hills, never getting past 3rd gear for 25 miles or more. And I ride it at 90+ for a full tank of gas [almost 200 miles] on the superslabs in the desert. This bike loves it all. I can sit forward [almost up on the tank] for a very relaxed arm position, or I can move my rear end back leaning into the handle bars, arms fully extended in a sporty position. I even prop my feet on the passenger pegs and lay on a tank bag with my head behind the after market wind screen [medium height]. It would be even better on longer rides to be shorter, such as yourself so as to be behind the wind screen in the upright position....but I don't mind the wind so much as I live in a hot climate.

Just ran into a retired fellow with a new 2010 model R1200R. He traded his 07 with 150K miles on it. Wish I was retired. But, I am confident that my bike will last until I retire and then some.

FYI .... there are 2 12v lines to the display. One switched and one always on.