New owner with questions

[Scriber]

Howdy folks. I pick up my new R12R next Wednesday. Only my 6th bike over the years. (I'm a serial monogamist.) This is my second BMW, the first being a K1200S. I head out for a 3k mile ride on Sept 9, for the latest of many big tours I have done. I have several hours in on my friend's R12R, so I'm pretty familiar with this bike. I have a few questions:

1. My wife wants to ride with me next Saturday on a trip from Olympia, WA to Portland via backroads. Is she likely to be comfortable?
2. I'll need to get 600 miles on it quickly so I can get that first oil change before the big ride. Anything I should consider during the break-in that isn't in the manual before I give it some big miles?
3. It seems this bike really needs a hugger. Don't know if I can get one before I take my trip. And I want to add a Throttlemeister. The bike will have a sport screen on it when I pick it up. This is fine, since I'm coming off a Triumph Speed Triple, and wind blast is not an issue with me. However, is there anything else you folks would recommend that I get for the bike ASAP before I hit the road for the big trip?

Thanks!

Hal

[arp]

With respect to question 3, there isn't anything absolutely essential for your trip in terms of mods, but if you have time I'd suggest the following:

(1) Hugger. As you noted, the bike really needs one. The Ilmberger hugger is worth every penny, easy to install, likely stocked by Sierra BMW and could be easily had before your trip. You will need to trim the existing plastic shroud on the shock.
(2) Cylinder head protectors. The OEM aluminum ones are the best IMHO.
(3) Side stand foot enlarger. Inexpensive and frequently appreciated.

Hopefully the ergonomics of the stock bike are good for you, since you've ridden the bike and are coming from a Speed Triple which I think would be less comfortable. You won't really know until after the trip though.

Bring an extra quart of oil, because it won't be fully broken in until ~ 18,000mi.

[Woland]

As for a hugger that I concur the bikes needs, I have the Ilmberger and if I'd do it again I'd get the Mudsling instead.

[2wheels]

Mudsling far more effective than a hugger! And quick and easy to fit too.

[websterize]

If you're in the Pacific Northwest (and even if you're not), buy the ABDECKRING rubber gasket around the fuel filler. There's bare steel under there on the 2011+ models that is prone to rust. Best $3 you could spend on the bike and is a cinch to install. The gasket is off the S1000RR but will fit your ride. Welcome!

[Scriber]

Mudsling far more effective than a hugger! And quick and easy to fit too.

What makes the Mudsling more effective?

[Scriber]

If you're in the Pacific Northwest (and even if you're not), buy the ABDECKRING rubber gasket around the fuel filler. There's bare steel under there on the 2011+ models that is prone to rust. Best $3 you could spend on the bike and is a cinch to install. The gasket is off the S1000RR but will fit your ride. Welcome!

Thanks! Great to be here!

Can I get the gasket from the dealer?

[Scriber]

With respect to question 3, there isn't anything absolutely essential for your trip in terms of mods, but if you have time I'd suggest the following:

(1) Hugger. As you noted, the bike really needs one. The Ilmberger hugger is worth every penny, easy to install, likely stocked by Sierra BMW and could be easily had before your trip. You will need to trim the existing plastic shroud on the shock.
(2) Cylinder head protectors. The OEM aluminum ones are the best IMHO.
(3) Side stand foot enlarger. Inexpensive and frequently appreciated.

Hopefully the ergonomics of the stock bike are good for you, since you've ridden the bike and are coming from a Speed Triple which I think would be less comfortable. You won't really know until after the trip though.

Bring an extra quart of oil, because it won't be fully broken in until ~ 18,000mi.

Great tips. Thanks!

[hankth]

If you are 6' tall or less, I would get a bar back. I'm 5'8", and this was an absolute necessity for me.
ride safe.

[deilenberger]

If you are 6' tall or less, I would get a bar back. I'm 5'8", and this was an absolute necessity for me.
ride safe.

Or not. I'm 5'7" and no barbacks. My back appreciates the slight lean forward, especially at highway speeds when the wind lifts the weight off my hands.

[deilenberger]

Mudsling far more effective than a hugger! And quick and easy to fit too.

What makes the Mudsling more effective?

I have the Ilmberger - but the Mudsling provides more coverage in front of the rim, and isn't added to the rear-drive, it tie-wraps to the frame. Easy to install, easy to remove for service and way cheaper. If it had been available before I got the Ilmberger I would have gone that route.

[websterize]

Can I get the gasket from the dealer?

Yes. See the part number in CapeBeemer's thread, which was among the first to raise concern about the seam surrounding the fuel filler. If you have a DOHC bike without the gasket, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. The gasket should have been installed at the factory — a big faux pas by Motorrad.

[1200bc]

I found that careful tape off and careful install of a clear marine silicone around the filler trim to be a good fix re any concern with water. Yes, bring oil as the new R1200R will use about a liter for the first 3000km-3500km. Don't forget to run in the higher rpm's!

[Newportcycle]

1+ on extra oil, I just finished a 3600 mile round trip to the VBR3 in Duluth, MN. My R had little over 2k miles when I left, used about a 1/2 quart during the trip. Came home ready for the 6k checkup. I was putting in 600 mile days, I found the stock seat a little uncomfortable after 8 hours or so, I picked up an airhawk cushion for the ride back. I didnt like the wind blast with the sport shield so I installed a wunderlich wind deflector does an adequate job of keeping the blast off my chest and moved it up to about mid face shield. Good luck on your trip and post back and let us know how it went.

[Scriber]

1+ on extra oil, I just finished a 3600 mile round trip to the VBR3 in Duluth, MN. My R had little over 2k miles when I left, used about a 1/2 quart during the trip. Came home ready for the 6k checkup. I was putting in 600 mile days, I found the stock seat a little uncomfortable after 8 hours or so, I picked up an airhawk cushion for the ride back. I didnt like the wind blast with the sport shield so I installed a wunderlich wind deflector does an adequate job of keeping the blast off my chest and moved it up to about mid face shield. Good luck on your trip and post back and let us know how it went.

Will do. I took a 3k trip on my Speed Triple (going up for sale) in early June and the wind blast on that bike was not an issue. I hope I feel similarly about the R12R. I may end up suffering with the seat on this bike on this trip, but I'm willing to deal with it.

How did you carry the oil? I'm going to be using my Kriega packs and am a bit concerned about leakage.

[AncientMariner]

Bob's BMW in Maryland has a great side stand foot expander for short money. Mine is currently installed on its third 1200.

Welcome aboard.

Bruce

[Newportcycle]

Will do. I took a 3k trip on my Speed Triple (going up for sale) in early June and the wind blast on that bike was not an issue. I hope I feel similarly about the R12R. I may end up suffering with the seat on this bike on this trip, but I'm willing to deal with it.

How did you carry the oil? I'm going to be using my Kriega packs and am a bit concerned about leakage.

I used the original container, Mobil 1, 20w-50, double bagged it, one zip lock, other grocery bag, carried in luggage, found it upside down couple of times, no leakage. I love the speed triple, I'm coming off a SprintST myself. I would have probably toughed out, it's the most comfortable stock cycle seat Ive found, but I was picking up a new pair of Combat Touring Boots at the Aerostitch warehouse, they had the airhawk in stock and I went soft. 10 years ago I wouldnt have thought twice about it.

[Scriber]

Bob's BMW in Maryland has a great side stand foot expander for short money. Mine is currently installed on its third 1200.

Welcome aboard.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. Ordered. I've thought about getting one of these widgets for whatever current bike I'm riding. I guess the R12R actually deserves one.

...Hal

[Scriber]

I have a Mudsling and Throttlemeister on the way (in addistion to the side stand foot). I'll be busy later this week rigging up my heated vest, GPS, and moving the Shorai battery from my Speed Triple to the R12R. Fun!!!

[Steve in VT]

Ditto on the Mudsling. Price is right, piece of cake to install, looks almost OEM, and totally works.
Other good bits and pieces:
Versa Turn/Brake/Running light;
Cee-Bailey headlight protector;
Your-choice oil cooler protection - I cut out a piece of 1/4" SS mesh;
As much 3M black reflective tape as you want to slap on. I cut pieces to fit the air guides on the front forks, various places on the luggage, etc., nearly invisible in daylight, bright white in headlights.
I also cut out some clear stati-stick plastic to fit in the knee-holes of the gas tank. The ares is flat enough so you can smooth out the plastic very nicely. It does a great job protecting the paint from gritty knees. I used a piece under my tank bag too, but it wouldn't stay stuck.
I found the stock seat a little strange at first, but after almost 18 K miles, I think it's great. I only weigh about 160, so heavier people might not feel the same way about it.

Enjoy the ride!