I think she's still sexy!

[Rolando33]

When I saw the new R12R, it kind of made me feel a little like my R was a 'has been.' I don't know what it was on the new R: the sporty 'S' rims, the new engine, the machined aluminum front shocks I wanted in the first place, the sweet looking instrument panel. Damn, the new version just looked really like I wanted mine in the first place. The 'classic' just pushed it over the top (except for tube tires---WTF???). And then tonight I took my sport windshield off of my R (I ordered a tall BMW version for touring), and just looked at my 'classic.' Hot damn---she's still got it. I know these pictures aren't perfect (point-n-shoot with garage lighting), but she still has the aggressive roadster look with out the shield, the necessary battle armor for street-fighter times (I challenge any Ducati Monster), and the beautiful classic BMW roadster pinstripe paint work to have her look good at a formal event. What can I say------"I just love my R1200R Roadster!"


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[Rolando33]

Oh, one more question for my Roadster friends. Has anyone swapped the extra long turn signal arms for the rear ones? I think the front turn signals stick out too far, but I am afraid to oder the BMW rear ones to replace the front ones, and find out they have some special attachment connection that doesn't allow a swap. Anyone have experience with this maneuver?

[websterize]

… I think the front turn signals stick out too far …

You might look at the BMW LED turn signals — stub-like compared to the factory signals, yet highly visible. They run about $50/each and are plug and play on later model years.

[deilenberger]

I think your first thoughts were correct.. old POS. And I'll give you $50 for the exhaust system..

Hey - I really like the looks of the new bike - but certainly still like the looks and performance of MY bike - plus the new one doesn't come in the real retro black/white-pins.. just that skunk look. When the one I have gets worn out (I'm working on that as hard as I can.. whatever happened to the guy who came here asking about one with 97,000 miles on it he was looking at?) - or if I decide to go bi-coastal (east and west where my son lives..) THEN I'll think about a new one. Until then - the one I've got is a keeper..

[hjsbmw]

I like the new models. If I was in the market and had to decide between an old and the new model I'd go for the new one. To justify an upgrade and the associated cost, however, I find the changes too tame. IMHO, they are mostly for the Roadster geek's eye. If I got a new one without changing the color I doubt anyone would realize.

I haven't tried the new engine in any model but would like to. It may not be a revelation in terms of power, but I am wondering if it runs more quietly with the new valve train. Also, on my past bikes with shimmed tappets, once the engine was run in, I still checked the clearances but found I never had to adjust anything.

[bmwk100]

I like your Specialized bikes too. I've got a Cannondale that I ride almost every morning and then I get on my R. Two wheels is the way to go.

[Boxer-Lust]

Roland the "new" one is nothing more than the old one with a little lip-stick...
The new/old R1200GS/ST/S fork looks good,yes
You can save the extra expen$$$e for an aftermarket exhaust system because the stock one will already sound very good,better than most aftermarket systems If you can go by how the DOHC-1200GS sounds...
Hexhead vs Camhead A wash.The hexhead is cheap and easy to adjust yourself.The camhead will need fewer valve adjustments.The performance The same
The new instruments are o.k. Nothing great.The remind me of the old plasticy R100R pods.
The could have done better
Still no K1300S LED taillight,LED blinkers,stock...
Wire wheels look very nice but tubed tires;W.T.F.
The old 1993 R100R already had nice looking tubeless rims...
R1200RT or R1200S rims They both look nice...
Put a Wunderlich-S fairing and lower handlebar on yours and you will be in love again...

[Rolando33]

Yea, you guys are right. I will ride this one for quite some time to come. Probably until someone damages/steels the present one or the new R1250R comes out (what is the cc limit on these things?). I really enjoy this one. And I will have a large windshield for the long hauls, but love the aggressive naked bike look when I want to rumble on the streets. She is a keeper until I really need the extra horses. At present, that is not the case with the new model.

As for the turn signals.....I do like the LED ones, but how noticeable are they for the other drivers? I did called my dealer and found out they have smaller stems. I think that will be worth the $30 experiment. Update on that next week when I get them from the dealer.

PS: bmwk100----two wheels are always the way to go. Like the saying says "Four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul!"

[r12gecko]

I'm not convinced by the photos. Looks like another piece of rubbish in the garage.

C'mon someone, let's see a beautiful effin' bike in this thread!!!

[Boxer-Lust]

You will like the LED signals.They are brighter and don't stick out as far.
While you are at it,get the K1300S-LED taillight,too...
Performance wise there is really no difference between the hc-and the dohc engines.
The dohc have a little more bottom end torque off idle to 4000rpm,but that's it...
Definately more beneficial to GS riders going off-road plowing away at low rpm...

[Rolando33]

I would love to get the LED tail light, but I don't like the two-tone glass. I want the 'classic' look with the tank paint job, and still have modern features. I wish there was a replacement LED bulb I could stick in the back socket.

I will get a sweet shot for Gecko this weekend. Heavy work week means I get home when the sun is already down. And no, where I work I do not ride my bike to work. I will never see it again. I just bring my gun instead!