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

Thinking about moving up from an r1150r to a 1200, but have a question.

My 1150 has a very noticeable buzz in the handlebars, worst right around
4000 rpm which is a perfect freeway rpm on this bike.

Even at 3700 and over, it only takes 15 minutes for my hands to tingle
and start to go numb, and I've got foam sleeves.

What rpms do the 1200's run at 75+ a little?

Thanks for any input.

BTW - do the 1200's have such a high first gear like the 1150's?
I always feel like I'm starting out in 2nd gear, and even after riding
it for nearly 5000 miles, it's still sometimes a little tough to get a
smooth start esp uphill or when the engine isn't fully warm.

Given that my '09 R12R has only 1000km (625mi.) on it, this may change... but I find no significant buzzing at 4000rpm (about 75mph), other than what I would expect. I have ridden it to break it in of course, no sustained 4000rpm engine speeds.

As to the gearing, I think it feels pretty good. No trouble on hills etc., although the extravagant low rpm torque probably helps in this regard.

The only gripe I have is the buffeting. Can't quite figure that out, but it's certainly not a deal breaker.

Go for it, you'll be as happy as I am!

I had an '04 R1150RS with a vibration/buzz in the bars the drove me right off it. The R12R has a slight buzz at around 4k, but nothing compared to the 1100/1150 series bikes. At 4,000 RPM you're doing about 70-75MPH or so.

And it is "high" geared in 1st gear - it scared the crap out of me for the first few months I owned it. It's now a non-issue, I realized all I have to do is ease out the clutch and it will take off just fine without bogging or stalling. It's good enough that when I forget to downshift into 1st at a stop/light - it's simpler to just start off in 2nd then to bother downshifting.

Go take a ride on one. Bring your checkbook. Then show us the photos of your new R12R..

I haven't noticed any buzzing or vibration in the bars. I've done a couple 1,000km day-rides and frequently polish off 200-300km on the average jaunt.

Overall i find the R1200R's gearing perfect. It spins nicely under redline @ 200kph all the way down to a smooth takeoff from stand still. Popular speeds like 60kph/110kph are a perfect 4,000 rpm in the right gear. First is a little higher than some bikes so just give a little more clutch slip for spirited take-offs.

Thanks for the info!

I finally found some real specs and in depth reviews (not much info on BMW site strangely)
and have discovered that engine has a balance shaft added, the 1150 engine doesn't have one.

That would explain considerably reduced buzzing which, in fact, is what one good in depth review
pointed out.

Also I read that BMW has developed and now uses it's own efi controller rather than what previous
models have, and at least one in depth review credited that to "spot on" fueling at any throttle
position or movement.

DARN! All that besides the reduced weight, increased power and torque, and all the nice gadgets
available on the 1200T really make me want to do it NOW!

Well, patience patience. I've just had this 04 bike not quite a year and of course have added some
goodies, so will wait a year or so when my bride can join me more often on joy rides, THEN an r1200rt
will very likely find a place in my carport!