Why did you choose a R1200R?

[nonskid]

I just bought a used R1150R and I really like it. My main issue was price (it's a givin I wanted a BMW ) I like the looks and the way it handles and I can do my own maintenance. There is no way I could afford a new bike these days. I've had new bikes in the past but the price of everything goes up except my pay check. So what made you get a R1200R and not the KR or a used 1150R?

[NCGS]

Had a '05 GS.. didn't do much (any) off-roading. Sold it in Jan '06 for medical reasons.

After one short test ride on a new '07 R back in April, I knew when it was time to put another Beemer in the garage that it would be a R1200R.

[r12r-don]

I was all set to buy a used R1150R after selling my '00 R1100RT. Then I test drove the R1200R and fell in love. Way more sport to it, linked braking was smoother and the look of the bike was more contemporary. All in all, it made me throw practicality out the window and whip out the check book.

[hankth]

Hey Skid,
Berlin CT here. I chose the R1200R because of its upgraded performance and it's lighter weight, ( lighter by a lot than the R1150RT I had). It's my third BMW and, by far, the best. A pleasant surprise was that it gets 50 MPG. The fuel injection is all sorted out in this model. It does require a precise throttle hand, but I happen to like that about it too. Just did 2300 miles on it to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. All in all, it just plain works for me, better than any bike i've owned.
Hank

[deilenberger]

All you have to do to answer your question is take a test ride on an R1200R. It's an amazingly good bike. Don't do it unless you're ready to buy one - you'll be very unhappy with your 1150 if you do.

[mechanic savant]

I've had 2 1150r's an 02&04a both very good bikes (previously a k100 ) ..The 1200r is a leap ahead , at first I wasn't sure about the styling , an 1150 IS a pretty scoot ,I got a black one w/pinstripes , since I've had the side pannels & ft. fender striped to match the tank it really made the bike"pop"visually . from a tech. stand point better everything, motor ,handling, brakes.easier to service (no servo-vo-do ) I even think the can-bus sys. will be my friend once I get my mind around they're thought process.. you'll never stop technology's advance (why would ya wanna??) so lets all snuggle up w/a good bunch of emf & head fer the horizon

[ka5ysy]

Like most of us here, I took a test ride and instantly pulled out the checkbook. I had an overwelming desire to not leave without the bike ! Mine was actually the dealership demo bike for the initial release day. I could not bear the thought of anybody else messing with my bike ! (I, and the mechanic who set it up are the only two people to ever ride it)


RR Has great power, great handling (flickable like a crotch rocket), great brake system, great milage (now averaging 53mpg on a tank, and lots of 55mpg days too!) sport bike harrassment ability (that drives the crotch rocket drivers crazy!)


Why no K bike? I don't really care for a fully faired bike. Having the cylinders hanging out in the wind really is cool to me. (literally and figuratively). RR is much easier to work on and save maintenance expenses.

Only real problem for me is that the seat was built for aliens from mars. Im still working on that problem but the Alaska Leather butt pad helps a bit.




Here... have some Cool Aid... its really sweet

[hass]

I had a K1200S but was unhappy with the fuelling issues and I felt I had too much power. I am an average (on a good day) rider and had a hard time not riding at twice the speed limit!

I had kind of decided to try the R1200ST. After test riding the R1200ST I was still somewhat unhappy but was convinced to take the R1200R out for a ride. I reluctantly agreed - I wanted a fairing - but after test riding the r1200R I realised that this was the perfect bike for me!

[AllanCook]

I had an R1150R and thought it was the best motorcycle I'd ever owned. Until I rode the R1200R. The 1200 is everything the 1150 could have been.

[britguy]

This is my third BMW (owned 650 and 1150GS).

Used to own a Buell Ulyssess and before the R1200R I would say it was the best ride I have had. I regretted selling it and was giving serious consideration to the 08 models.

I considered a 1200GS. If I were going on a round the world trip in third world countries then it may have been, but otherwise it just looked to big and awkward for the majority of riding I do.

I sat on a R1200R in a showroom and loved the riding position, reminded me a lot of the Ulysses. Its size was perfect, not too high and not too heavy. Great for around town and has long distance tourance capabilities. Fit a skid plate and some DS wheels and it will likely do as well off asphalt a a Buell Ullysses.

Being a BMW it has a great history of longevity and reliability, plus 36 mile/3 year warranty.........and finaly, the BMW dealer is moving to a new purpose built location which will be about 10 miles from where I live.

[Mr. Average]

I traded my 04 R1150RT for the R1200R. I wanted the new generation boxer engine, something lighter and faster, but also something that I could tour on with my wife. The R1200R is a wonderful motorcycle. For solo BMW riding, I still prefer my R1100S.

[hankth]

[quote="ka5ysy"]Like most of us here, I took a test ride and instantly pulled out the checkbook. I had an overwelming desire to not leave without the bike ! Mine was actually the dealership demo bike for the initial release day. I could not bear the thought of anybody else messing with my bike ! (I, and the mechanic who set it up are the only two people to ever ride it)


I forgot to mention that I really enjoy looking down at those protruding cylinder heads as well!
Couldn't see them on the RT.

[nonskid]

This R1150 R is my 4th BMW. (14th bike total) 1st-94 K75RT. To HOT on a summer day, 2nd-97 R1100RS, I loved that bike but back surgery stopped motorcycles for years. 3rd- 04 R1150 RT. bought this past December. It didn't take me long to realize this was not the bike I craved. I missed the RS. So now the 1150R. This seems to do it for me for now. $ is so hard to come by but who knows maybe someday # 5 will be a R1200R.

[Caroanbill]

I considered the R1150R (new) before and after I had my R1150RS. Before the RS, I went with the RS for the fairing - 246kg faired seemed a better value, more competent bike than 238kg unfaired.

Sold the RS because I couldn't live with the riding position, even with lowered pags and bar-backs, but couldn't see how the 66kw, 238kg R would be a lot better for me than a 37kw, 193kg F650CS .. and the R1150R is relatively slow-steering (albeit with the benefit of stability) and felt a bit ponderous around town. I liked the motor - it just wasn't enough better than the 650 to motivate purchase: I regularly chase R1150XX out of corners (because the overtake me going in!) and the CS, with Staintune pipe, keeps pace surprisingly well.

The R12R arrived almost without fanfare, at least here. 80kw and 223 kg, with faster steering and all the rest ... One test ride and (as we've all found) that was it! It's a complement to the 650, and gets ridden often - whereas the 1150 would've languished in the garage until a really big trip.

[Radar in oz]

I wanted something better suited to two-up touring than my F650 GS and was intending to buy an F800ST or maybe a t***mph ST1050 . As I was walking past the dealer mentioned that the R12R was proving popular and suggested I sit on it. Felt great, test ride (after the 800) and the rest is a familiar story to those here. (Even my passenger doesn't seem to mind it). Apart from the ergonomics, handling and power, nostalgia for the boxer twin played a part as my first BMW was an R80GS (see avatar) which took me from Sydney to the top of Cape York (once was an adventure destination) and which I later regretted selling, but now I'm very happy again.

[Phillo]

Much like Radar in Oz I was intending to buy the F800S but after reading about the 800's on the F800 Riders org I started having some misgivings to put it politely - went back to the dealer test rode the R1200R which just felt soooooooooooooooooo good it just fitted like a second skin - no contest I was in love.

[8b]

I'd like to hear anyone's experiences or any kind of compare and contrast of R12R vs either or both F800 bikes. That may have been my bike if I didnt fall for the R12R. Love to know what I am missing for better or worse. Also, I would have had to wait, since I have a low inseam, the FACTORY LOW FRAME versions of those F bikes would have been required for me, and although they were announced/available per BMW a month or 2 ago, my dealer has yet to see one (lowered).

[ka5ysy]

Here ya go:

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... php?t=3969


Two for one ride report: F800ST and R1200RT.


I liked the F800. Nice bike, but prefer the RR since I own one !


Doug

[famousperson]

Many more years ago than I care to think about, I owned an R50. I loved how smooth and quiet it was after my little buzzy Ducati 250 (my first ever bike). Even though it devoured it's insides on the Connecticut Turnpike, I had terminally fallen in love with the BMW boxer mystique. Over the years I have had many more bikes, but could never afford the one marque I really yearned for.

Four years ago, I scraped up enough money to buy a new H-D 1200cc Sportster. After riding it for three years around town (in no way was it a touring bike) it got to where I couldn't stand the vibration or lack of guts anymore. It was time to move on, but I couldn't see moving up to a big, heavy expensive Harley.

Out of idle curiosity, I visited the two BMW dealers in the area to see what I could see. The first only had R1200RTs amd Ks ( was only interested in Boxers), and I couldn't see hopping on one of those with all that gaudy faring to go to the store to buy milk.

The other had only 3 H-Ds on consignment and one, count them, one! BMW on the floor, an R1200R. (it's unclear to me how this outfit stays in business--maybe it's a front). I loved the lean, mean, naked look of the R. I asked what it would cost me with trading in my Sportster. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse and I made up my mind on the spot without even riding it!

I've never looked back. I put more miles on th R12R in this one summer than I had on the Sportster in three years. It is so much more motorcycle than the sportster that... that... there's just no comparison. That BMW is a whole nother dimension of motorcycling that I hadn't experienced in 32 years of riding.

I am also glad that I waited until this year and didn't get "stuck" with an R1150. From everything I've read here, the R12R is far more bike than that is, as well. It's a real trip riding on something that is the cutting edge.

[Caroanbill]

I'd like to hear anyone's experiences or any kind of compare and contrast of R12R vs either or both F800 bikes. That may have been my bike if I didnt fall for the R12R. Love to know what I am missing for better or worse. Also, I would have had to wait, since I have a low inseam, the FACTORY LOW FRAME versions of those F bikes would have been required for me, and although they were announced/available per BMW a month or 2 ago, my dealer has yet to see one (lowered).

Try this:

http://f650.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t= ... 0st+r1200r

I liked the F800 motor etc - couldn't have ridden it 100miles.