thinking of getting a R1200R

[GS George]

new guy here, first post. was at my local dealer last weekend and the BMW fleet truck was there. i had a look at a new R1200R with the low suspension/low seat. i currently ride a little 650GS but am thinking of getting the R12R to use for extended trips on the interstate, which is the one area the F650GS lacks in. i would like to get the bars up a little higher as well as back and have researched this a little and was glad to see there are some bar backs/risers available. has anyone put a set of bars from a 1200GS on there R12R? what kind of mileage/range can i expect with this bike? will it go 200 + miles before i have to look for fuel? i love the look of the Parabellum Scout fairing, for those that have this how well are you protected from the elements and wind buffeting? if not the scout what other fairings are you guys (and gals) using? i really did feel very comfortable on the bike and i am sure once i have it set up properly for the type of riding i do i will love it. just trying to get some input from anyone who went from the F650GS to the R1200R.

thanks
George

[TAG-Caver]

On the highway I get well over 200 miles on a tank of gas, but I cruise near the speed limit. I love my bike now that I have barbacks, lowered footpegs and I just got the BMW high comfort seat. Much nicer for all day rides.

Good luck with your purchase!
Kevin

[craigleo]

I owned an 03 F650 Dakar prior to getting my 09 R1200R. The 650 is a great bike. I recommend it for every kind of riding except freeway riding. When you switch from the 650 to the R1200R you will giggle unconrollably for..., daily. The R is actually easier to thread through urbanville than the 650 and has effortless power and stability at very high speeds for anything you need to do on the freeway.

I have the small sport fairing and I'm 6'2" at 220 lbs. The bike fits me perfectly and I do not feel the need for any additonal wind protection. Admittedly I do not like fairings because I have never had an aftermarket fairing yet that didn't make the bike feel weird.

If you go from 650 to the R1200R you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. It is, by the way, the best motorcycle (IMHO) available today.

[rockbottom]

I bought one yesterday and so far have only ridden it home from the dealer. I expect to have 300 miles or so by this afternoon, so will reply then.

[redwing]

I bought one yesterday and so far have only ridden it home from the dealer. I expect to have 300 miles or so by this afternoon, so will reply then.

sans money...sans credit cards... sans wallet...but you'll be alright

Robert

[celticus]

I bought one yesterday and so far have only ridden it home from the dealer. I expect to have 300 miles or so by this afternoon, so will reply then.

Welcome

Mark

[lynnboyd]

...what kind of mileage/range can i expect with this bike? will it go 200 + miles before i have to look for fuel?

I did about 1,300 mile to the Blue Ridge Parkway and back last month and my mileage ranged from 236 to 280 per tank. That was before I started reading about all the problems with the miles to empty reading (fuel strip problem) so I don't think I'll be trying to go 280 on a tank again.

if not the scout what other fairings are you guys (and gals) using?

I have a Givi A760. It works well - keeps air off my chest and no buffeting, but installation is a project.

[GS George]

great stuff, keep it coming. that Givi windscreen looks great, i can't wait for the day i can post pics of my new bike, hopefully it will be sooner then latter.

[Radar in oz]

I came from an F650GS to the R12R for similar reasons. Basically the 650 wasn't ideally suited to 2-up freeway use which was becoming more of a feature for many of our longer trips. The R12R is much better for this purpose whilst still being light and fun. The R1200GS was a bit taller than I preferred so I had hesitated on getting one, then the R1200R came along in 2006. I found it a very easy transition, and after making some mods to the pillion section of the seat, we've never looked back!

Cheers
Peter