Twin Cam R1200GS for Twin Cam R1200R

[THE DOGS]

Hi folks,

Just joined as looking for a much info as i can get on owning a naked R1200R.

I'm looking to set up a 2 bike trade-in for next years twin-cam bike which I think will be better than my current twin-cam 4/2010 GS (never been offroad). To get the deal i want to trade it in along with my 08 XJR1300....there is a cash-back element in it as well so I'm not out of pocket.

This would be my sixth beemer and fifth boxer, but i reckon this possibly will be the last generation boxer development of the old engine as we know, as 2012 will see the watercooled version.

Does anyone out there think I'm bonkers or making the right move?

THE DOGS

[deilenberger]

Hi folks,

Just joined as looking for a much info as i can get on owning a naked R1200R.

I'm looking to set up a 2 bike trade-in for next years twin-cam bike which I think will be better than my current twin-cam 4/2010 GS (never been offroad). To get the deal i want to trade it in along with my 08 XJR1300....there is a cash-back element in it as well so I'm not out of pocket.

This would be my sixth beemer and fifth boxer, but i reckon this possibly will be the last generation boxer development of the old engine as we know, as 2012 will see the watercooled version.

Does anyone out there think I'm bonkers or making the right move?

THE DOGS

Considering we all know how superior the R12R is to the R12GS - I wouldn't think you're bonkers..

BTW - "This would be my sixth beemer and fifth boxer, but i reckon this possibly will be the last generation boxer development of the old engine as we know, as 2012 will see the watercooled version."

This rumor has been floating around since airhead days.. and since the hexhead and camhead engines are liquid (oil) cooled there is no big advantage to water cooling a boxer engine, and a downside of lots of additional complexity and chances for leaks. I wouldn't wait for a water cooled boxer from BMW - they wouldn't have bothered with the camhead engine if that was the next step (usual BMW engine runs are about 6-9 years between changes..)

[ContraMoto]

This rumor has been floating around since airhead days.. and since the hexhead and camhead engines are liquid (oil) cooled there is no big advantage to water cooling a boxer engine, and a downside of lots of additional complexity and chances for leaks. I wouldn't wait for a water cooled boxer from BMW - they wouldn't have bothered with the camhead engine if that was the next step (usual BMW engine runs are about 6-9 years between changes..)

I would tend to agree. BMW's target buyer with the "R" bikes isn't looking for 150+ HP. They have the K bikes for that. And the only reason to water-cool a motor is to get more HP out of the same casting -- by allowing higher tuning and higher revs.

Keep in mind, for every one HP that comes out of the engine crank, TWO HP's need to be dissipated as waste heat. 110 HP = ~200+ HP of heat. 150 HP = ~300 HP of heat! That's why HP tops out around 100 for air-cooled motors.

Anyhoo...if BMW finds a market for standard bikes, or multipurpose bikes, at 150+ HP, they'll drop the K motor in there.

[THE DOGS]

I spent a total of 10 years working at a BMW dealership, first as a Service Adviser and then a Service Manager, and then later as a Warranty and retail administrator. I always had strong ties with Bracknell (UK) and was always aware of the latest developments. The enevitable introduction of the watercooled boxer will not be for the need for speed, but from the pressure of eco groups and there drive for cleaner emissions. Check other manufacturers air/oil cooled bikes, they've been pulled from production. All of them are making strides to take their airheads to the next level, and to do that, they have to either water cool them or, discontinue the model. But hey, appreciate your opinion and advise, i would'nt of joined your site if I wasn't up for a good discussion.

THE DOGS

[USMCDad]

I spent a total of 10 years working at a BMW dealership, first as a Service Adviser and then a Service Manager, and then later as a Warranty and retail administrator. I always had strong ties with Bracknell (UK) and was always aware of the latest developments.
THE DOGS

Of course we know how accurately dealer employees made the call on the R1200R going to the overhead cam engine and coming to the U.S. in 2011.

Check other manufacturers air/oil cooled bikes, they've been pulled from production.
THE DOGS

Really? I seem to recall there's some manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee that still makes a few ... also some Italian manufacturer ... red bikes ... can't remember their name either ... but what do I know? ... I don't work at a BMW dealer.

[qgaex]

Well.
These Dogs might not be all wrong.
In Germany the talk is that we'll see water in 2014.
And, yes, it is supposed to be for noise regulation reasons.
Sodding shame....

Sorry

qgaex
+whowillprobablythenbuyanewrin2013+

[Boxerpunk]

...And, yes, it is supposed to be for noise regulation reasons....

Ah, that's a perfect reason; the less you hear your valves rattle, the better you can hear your "silencer" !

[AllanCook]

Well.
These Dogs might not be all wrong.
In Germany the talk is that we'll see water in 2014.
And, yes, it is supposed to be for noise regulation reasons.
Sodding shame....

Sorry

qgaex
+whowillprobablythenbuyanewrin2013+

Noise regulation? On a Beemer?

[deilenberger]

Noise regulation? On a Beemer?

Does seem a bit odd doesn't it - especially since they changed the exhaust on the GS to make it noisy..

[THE DOGS]

Shall we call it a day on this one...eh?

[ka5ysy]

Actually, the next generation from BMW will be a maglev engine using superconductive magnets and wiring (canbus 2.0), full autopilot, satnav, collision avoidance radar, integrated helmet steering sight (look where you want to go, and think of the speed/acceleration you want). The bike also uses an adaptive windscreen that customizes to your individual needs, and the actual speed and temperature you are operating in so as to have no buffeting. Using the maglev technology avoids the problems with traction, singing tires, final drive failures, which oil to use, and windscreen choices. There is one optional accessory known at this time: due to the silent nature of the maglev engine, the designers realized that to attract Harley converts the bike needed to make a lot of muffler noise (safety feature, loud pipes ...) so for the low price of $20,000, there is a chrome plated, leather tassled 10kw stereo boom box amplifier/speaker shaped like mufflers. There is a selection of exhaust noises to simulate any known exhaust system combination from any manufacturer, and rumor has it that Apple has an app on the iPhone that allows you to generate customized sounds. The good news is that for this low price, there is an upgraded alternator and battery to power the setup, as well as floorboards and forward controls.

To avoid all the bad internet whining about price, it will be at the amazingly low price of $3500.00 otd (except for the muffler upgrade). Some people will still say it is too expensive.. The only downside I see is that we will need to install dewar tanks for the liquid hydrogen the superconductors require. The long term rumor is that BMW is developing a room-temperature superconductor, so we all might want to wait for the second generation system so as not to be the "beta testers" for the first-year bike.

Oh.... the most important part of this.... The service interval is 1,000,000 miles


UPDATE: It is confirmed that it will be Black with white pinstripes just for Don


Merry Christmas everyone !

[ipokebadgers]

Sweet! I should have waited! We all know, though, that they only offer black on the end of model years....