My answer to the inquiry was basically: no regrets, no problems, not selling, and no thought of trading it any time soon. (However, I do often consider adding an additional bike to my garage).
The article:
"Which naked bike is best for touring?" was the question posed by "Tourenfahrer". Ten candidates stepped up to the mark to measure their capabilities in ten everyday and touring-related key disciplines. These included the BMW R 1150 R and the K 1200 R. Tourenfahrer finished its comparative exercise by producing a ranking list.
"It must be what it feels like to fly, your arms outstretched catching the head wind, feeling its even current, its fine whistling sound, no turbulence, no buzzing in your ear, just embracing the elements. That´s what it feels like to ride a naked motorcycle. When you take a break, you can witness the contraction of the engine as it cools down with your eyes as well as your ears because there is no plastic cladding to hide the view of the aesthetically designed engine. Pure technology. As close as possible to the origins of motorbiking experience. No noise from the cladding, which is only a disturbance on such a purist vehicle. This is really something."
"But what does real touring capability mean in relation to a naked bike? Let´s take a closer look at this question by measuring how our candidates (selected according to market presence) did in the following disciplines: safety, weight, seat height, engine performance, comfort, passenger capability, load-bearing capacity, price/performance, environmental compatibility and range. This will produce a ranking that will finally reveal the best-qualified naked tourer."
The BMW R 1150 R wins five of the ten disciplines: In terms of comfort and passenger capability it offers the best overall package. It is also right at the top for its low hazardous substance index. It scores top points too for its range and load-bearing capacity. When it comes to safety, the ABS - or a related extra - plays a huge role. However one shouldn´t lose sight of general engine characteristics. A clear victory for the K 1200 R, which offers most advantages for its construction, followed by the R 1150 R.
"The fact is that the BMW R 1150 R has an impeccable engine. For a bike of its weight it negotiates corners with style and agility, is easy to accelerate offer a great deal of comfort, allied to stability and excellent tracking. (...) The advantage of the 1150 boxer comes from its powerful torque at the lower end, making an impression on even the biggest four-cylinder models. ABS option, cardan drive, relaxed seating position, good ergonomics and excellent passenger comfort put the R 1150 R at the top in our naked tourer ranking."
"Radical is the word that best describes the BMW K 1200 R am. The naked version of the Bavarian flagship sports bike, the K 1200 S cuts through the wind with 163 BHP, with a high tech chassis and electronically adjustable cushioning (ESA, optional) and ABS with the latest generation of safety technology. Designed as a sports bike, the K 1200 R nonetheless bridges the gap to the touring vehicle and offers rider and passenger a comfortable seat and acceptable comfort. As you´d expect with a BMW, the K 1200 R can also be fitted with cases (...)."
The final calculations revealed the real winner: "We weight all disciplines equally and come to eth following conclusion: 1st place goes to the BMW R 1150 R. (...) Congratulations. The Boxer-R is a born tourer."
