BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

You indicate that the KTM is better from lower revs but the bikes weigh virtually the same (430 lbs + dry), the BMW has 18% more torque and they have virtually the same horsepower levels (109 for the BMW vs. 115 for the orange monstrosity).

What do you think causes the loosely assembled grouping of plastic parts to be more spirited? Do you think the KTM is geared lower and therefore it gets underway more quickly? I've always thought the R1200R seems to be geared a little high. I base that on the fact that starting in 2nd is pretty foolhardy and downshifts to first are warranted if you slow below 20 mph (though generally avoided due to the bone-jarring sound that occurs).

Another possibility is a lighter flywheel that allows the KTM to rev more quickly.

Sander Abernathy wrote:You indicate that the KTM is better from lower revs but the bikes weigh virtually the same (430 lbs + dry), the BMW has 18% more torque and they have virtually the same horsepower levels (109 for the BMW vs. 115 for the orange monstrosity).

What do you think causes the loosely assembled grouping of plastic parts to be more spirited? Do you think the KTM is geared lower and therefore it gets underway more quickly? I've always thought the R1200R seems to be geared a little high. I base that on the fact that starting in 2nd is pretty foolhardy and downshifts to first are warranted if you slow below 20 mph (though generally avoided due to the bone-jarring sound that occurs).

Another possibility is a lighter flywheel that allows the KTM to rev more quickly.

Haven't compared the tech sheets for both bikes so can only guess. I would expect there is a gearing difference, and that the power/torque curves show the KTM delivering max power/torque lower down the rev range. The R12 is definately more docile at lower revs than the KTM , but it has a kick above 5000 rpm. At this point there is no discernable difference between the two.

Funny isn't it, you start to prepare to sell your bike , you reflect on the good times you've had on it ,the qualities of the bike and it's improvements over your previous mounts etc. It actually starts to pull on the heart strings just that little bit more , and you begin wondering...am I doing the right thing?

I took her for a ride to the dealers for a service at the weekend (first ride on the bike since my decision to sell her). It was a sunny , Saturday morning as I hit the open road and I was thinking to myself how great it would be to ride to the coast that day. Also noticed how great the R12 was feeling , relaxed , comfortable, powerful ride just cruising along the gentle bends near my home. It struck me that I may seriously regret selling this bike.

Never had that happen before with a bike. Normally, once the decision is made to move on, that's usually it and no amount of riding the old steed changes my mind, ....except the R1200R, it seems.
It's in the dealers for a few days, and she's left me wondering......


.......(no doubt the bill from the dealer will deliver some clarity on the subject )

Rocket- in the past I had no issues whatsoever selling my bikes and buying new ones. I was actually always very excited about it but now with the BMW R1200R it would take much more persuasion to convince me to trade it. i have been to numerous test rides this year and have to say I was always more than happy with my BMW and there was no way on earth I would have traded it for one of the test bikes. (The test bikes included the BMW 1200GSA/ the BMW F800/ R1200RT... and some Hondas to name but a few).
I really believe you should perhaps rent the KTM for a least a day and give it a proper try out before committing?
Anyhow- good luck with your decision.
Stef.

So, I've been looking hard at carbon fiber rims for my R because of all the benefits to a motorcycles performance handling, torque and top speed, as well as the looks, and various postings on this site.
For about $3500 bones you could significantly (allegedly) upgrade the R versus selling it.
Leo

Thanks for the tips. Will pick the R12 up from the dealer this week. Still unsure, but nice problem to have.
Have taken the SMT out for 3 test rides. Reckon it's the next bike. Question is when.....

Rocket wrote:It struck me that I may seriously regret selling this bike.

Rocket wrote:Thanks for the tips. Will pick the R12 up from the dealer this week. Still unsure, but nice problem to have.
Have taken the SMT out for 3 test rides. Reckon it's the next bike. Question is when.....

REPENT ! Save yourself from all this temptation and angst .

The Devil is messing with you !

You are going to have a double whammy; Buyer AND Seller remorse

You're right. I need to wake up and smell the coffee, see the light of day, come to my senses, have a check up from the neck up and pull myself together.

I should sit tight and wait a while. Ponder the decision for a bit longer. Of course it would be a mistake to trade in the R12,... it's a SILVER one for goodness sake. What am I thinking!



....terrible thing, this fickle bikers disease

One God, one surfboard with one fin, one woman, one motorcycle....except perhaps for the motorcylcle part.