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

Back in November I purchased a new 2011 R1200R. Today, I had it in for the 600 mile service. The dealership gave me a 2011 F800R with 2,500 miles as a loaner for the day. This gave me the perfect opportunity to compare and contrast these two bikes. Both are very nice bikes - you probably can't go wrong with either one. However, by the end of the day, I was thoroughly convinced I had made the right choice in going with the R1200R. Here are some impressions:
* The motor on the F800R is fantastic. I wasn't expecting this (especially given the sound it made). It had lots of power.
* The F8R was noticeably lighter, however, it really didn't translate into any benefits for me. I found both bikes to be fairly similar in low speed maneuvers and city driving.
* No suspension dive on my R12R - I really didn't like the dive on the F8R. In fact, the suspension on the R12R was vastly superior to the F in terms of comfort (both on the highway and in corners).
* Easier to read instrument cluster - This is probably because I am used to the R12R's display, but I really appreciated how easy it is to read.
* Better engine sound on the R12R
* Better looking - Of course this is completely subjective but I think my R12R is stunning. No comparison.
* 800R has much more cramped geometry for my legs - I noticed this right when I got on it.
* More luxurious, better fit and finish, more mature - this is how I felt about the R1200R

The only place the F800R was better was the integrated turn signal. I'm still not used to having one on each bar. Of course the F800R is much cheaper so it is really not a fair comparison. For it's price point, the F800R is a great bike. I am now more convinced than ever that I made the right choice for me.

My 2 cents...

My wife has a 2010 F800ST and there are two things I really like about this bike's engine:
- very flexible power - I was able to take of from the dead stop in 3rd gear without a much problem
- 60 MPG!

To be fair - 2011 was my wives first season as a driver and I think this is a good BMW to start with.

But R1200R rocks and I love it!

I have both R bikes in the garage and get to choose daily what I ride since my girl likes riding her G650GS much more than the 8R...

While I kind of do agree on just a few points you made, and everyone's entitled to their opinions on other points I don't agree with that led you to be happy with your 12R purchase, I have to say though, directly comparing the two bikes is apples and oranges.
Completely different bikes for different markets, and I'd agree with you and say the vast majority of the riders on this forum would say that the 12R is a better bike for them and should be happy with their purchase.

Funny and just goes to show how we're all different as I find the integrated turn signal to be the worst and only thing about the 8R that I hate. It's awkward and clumsy and makes you remove more of your hand from the bars to operate than the far more efficient BMW dual buttons. BMW wants to tap into the younger naked bike/sport bike crowd and folded under pressure to now incorporate it.


Thanks for posting, and welcome to the forum!

I waited and waited and waited for the F800R - more or less 2005 to 2007. I was riding an F650CS and wanted a similar style bike with more capability (the F800ST just didn't suits me). Eventually I gave up and bought my R1200R, and I'm still very glad I did.

Here's why (points of difference, and my own point of view)

BMW three button indicators just work. The press-to-cancel integrated switches are OK, but only OK. I managed with one on my F650, and I use one almost daily on my GTS250 Vespa (my PX150 Vespa is even more idiosyncratic). I feel I'm back home when I'm hitting left-for-left; right-for-right; self-cancel (but up once for my neurosis).

Telelever. The best touring / general riding front end I've ever had (I'm not making a case for racetrack or sportriding). Long days on iffy roads are so much less tiring. Braking into corners (I shouldn't, we all shoudln't, but on a long day we all do). With a decent shock (Wilbers) a telescopic fork can't come close.

Shaft drive. On and on and on. And on. I never ever think about it (yes, it gets serviced properly). I liked the F650CS' belt, but it took a but of cleaning to get grit out of the belt / pulleys. Chain? No, no, no, no - no. O-ring chains never stretch, never need maintenance, aren't oily or dirty ... pffffffft! Try that on Aussie back roads.

Torque. I love the 800 twin, its a great motor with character .... but the way a boxer, especially the 1173 boxer 'lopes' on torque at (seemingly) tickover revs .. aaaaah! More often I use teh R12R's power and engine braking, but some days out on the open rangelands I just drop it into 6th and purr along at 110-120kmh using the bottom end torque to glide, then lift .... blisssssssss!

Brakes the R series ABS wasn't on the F800ST I tested and I haven't noticed whether it's on the F800R - That sysetm seems more like the F650. OK, and they work well ... but the R12R part-integral ABS is the best system I've had in real world use, even 5 years on. Am I now out of date?

Luggage. The R series (and K-GT) panniers are a dream. Best ever. They have quirks, true, but for waterproof, sturdy and aerodynamically "invisible" ... without peer.

I like the F800 motor, and especially so in the detuned guise, I like the R ride position for city and quick rides (can't comment yet about longer ones) I like the bike ('cept the chain and the lack of luggage) .. but I won't be trading my R12R

One thing: it's ugly (front on). I'd change the lights and fairing / screen .. somehow.

I had a F800ST before I switched to the 1200. Great bike and really quick and flickable but my back and wrists couldn't take it

Absolutely love the 1200 though which is, in my opinion, streets ahead as an all rounder.

I love the R1200R but I do find the F800R very tempting because I just think it is a better looking bike. I like the asymetrical headlights with the painted windscreen in particular. I just saw the photos of the new paint scheme on the website yesterday and it looks even better in those colors which are red and either pearl white or silver. (My first two R1200Rs were red and white. One was white and one was red but thanks to my driving they both are dead.) I'm not sure whether the new colors are red and white or red and silver but I am sure I want to get my bike R1200R painted to match.

Clearly, BMW positions the R1200R to appeal to people who want a very traditional looking bike with a single round headlight. You can't blame them since Ducati does the same thing with the Monster and they own the segment. However, the Monster's overall look is street-fighter/"stripped down race bike" while the R1200R's overall look is accountant/"stripped down touring bike". (I almost said retiree rather than accountant but I didn't want to offend the retirees. So I instead inserted accountant since I am an accountant and still working.)

Having said that, the comparative review of bikes in that class which included the F800R panned the bike.

What is really interesting to me is what Husqvarna did with the Nuda. They took the engine out of the F800, increased the displacement to 900cc and changed the head so it very nearly produces R1200R like output figures. They also installed premium suspension components on an upgraded version of the bike. If you put that lump in the F800R and upgraded the suspension components on it, I think it would be tough to argue the R1200R is superior.

Sander Abernathy wrote:I love the R1200R but I do find the F800R very tempting because I just think it is a better looking bike. I like the asymetrical headlights with the painted windscreen in particular. I just saw the photos of the new paint scheme on the website yesterday and it looks even better in those colors which are red and either pearl white or silver. (My first two R1200Rs were red and white. One was white and one was red but thanks to my driving they both are dead.) I'm not sure whether the new colors are red and white or red and silver but I am sure I want to get my bike R1200R painted to match.

Clearly, BMW positions the R1200R to appeal to people who want a very traditional looking bike with a single round headlight. You can't blame them since Ducati does the same thing with the Monster and they own the segment. However, the Monster's overall look is street-fighter/"stripped down race bike" while the R1200R's overall look is accountant/"stripped down touring bike". (I almost said retiree rather than accountant but I didn't want to offend the retirees. So I instead inserted accountant since I am an accountant and still working.)

Having said that, the comparative review of bikes in that class which included the F800R panned the bike.

What is really interesting to me is what Husqvarna did with the Nuda. They took the engine out of the F800, increased the displacement to 900cc and changed the head so it very nearly produces R1200R like output figures. They also installed premium suspension components on an upgraded version of the bike. If you put that lump in the F800R and upgraded the suspension components on it, I think it would be tough to argue the R1200R is superior.

Sander, the anti-dive bar on the R12R has saved me a few times. I love the looks of the 800R, but I would probably create more of an on/off-road bike with it for vertically challenged individuals (my inseam is only 28.5") by putting different tires, a metal engine protector underneath and probably not adjust too many others. The fact that is does not have the "anti-dive" qualities is why I stuck with the R12R by replacing the shocks and making minor changes to it for the next couple of years. I will be saving up for the H2O cooled one when/if it ever comes out.

Originally, my heart and mind was set on the F800R. I couldnt wait for it to be released. Throughout the waiting period I tested all sorts of bikes. I kept glancing at R1200R on the net and discounting it as a credible alternative based mainly on size relative to purpose. But I liked it for many other reasons, shaft drive, suspension, abs, torque, build quality, heritage. THEN the final mistake was made, I test rode the R1200R. It was all over after that. The F800R vs the R1200R is an apples and oranges comparison for sure. The ONLY thing I dont like about riding the R1200R at times, is being inadvertently stuck in traffic when its plus 100^F outside and the pots are trying to burn holes in your chins! You wouldnt suffer that fate with an F800R.

Sander Abernathy wrote:However, the Monster's overall look is street-fighter/"stripped down race bike" while the R1200R's overall look is accountant/"stripped down touring bike". (I almost said retiree rather than accountant but I didn't want to offend the retirees. So I instead inserted accountant since I am an accountant and still working.)

I prefer the term "rebel accountant" or perhaps "street-fighting book-keeper".

Lost Rider wrote:Funny and just goes to show how we're all different as I find the integrated turn signal to be the worst and only thing about the 8R that I hate. It's awkward and clumsy and makes you remove more of your hand from the bars to operate than the far more efficient BMW dual buttons. …

I had the same, allergic reaction to the F800R turn signals on a test ride. Operation of the discrete signals feels safer.

What I really want is for my R12R to get 60mpg. It would also be nice if a back tire lasted more than 7K miles,,, (and no, I don't overuse that thing by my right boot - barely touch it) - otherwise the perfect moto.

My wife wants an F800ST, so maybe I'll get to compare & contrast the 2 next summer.

theresearcher wrote:

Sander Abernathy wrote:However, the Monster's overall look is street-fighter/"stripped down race bike" while the R1200R's overall look is accountant/"stripped down touring bike". (I almost said retiree rather than accountant but I didn't want to offend the retirees. So I instead inserted accountant since I am an accountant and still working.)

I prefer the term "rebel accountant" or perhaps "street-fighting book-keeper".

Depends on the rider. My 12R is a hooligan bike that every once in a while turns into a long distance sport-tourer or dual sport Adventure bike.... When I get that twitch in my wrist or pack her differently.

She plays a sleeper hooligan well, much to the surprise of many Ducati riders have found out after trying to keep up with me.

That's the beauty of the R1200R, it CAN do everything pretty well from being a great cruise around mellow bike to hooligan to long distance tourer, to off tarmac adventure bike.
Cruising to starbucks on sunday is one thing, one flick of the wrist, get that front wheel up, and you have a hooligan bike that is the R12R.

I can go back and forth for days about these two bikes and their attributes or weaknesses. In the end anyone should buy what bikes gets their heart beating hard. Apples and oranges though.

(Professional rider, closed course, DO NOT try at home.)












The F800R on the other hand is much harder to wheelie, definitely not in second at all which is the best gear to ride on one wheel on the 12R IMO.
I've even played with different gearing on the 8R... no luck in improving hooligan performance. (Yes Nancy, this will make it ride easier for you darling)
Hard to be a street fighter/hooligan bike if you can't wheelie on demand, no matter how sexy you sound and look. (like the 8R)



And to be fair.... F800R video: (that I can't embed in this forum )

https://vimeo.com/20970642





(please don't take anything I'm saying too seriously, just talking poo)

I just like the look of the R1200R. It looks so different and distinctive. That's why I also like Moto Guzzi (especially the Griso 8v) but won't buy one because Italian build quality isn't quite the same as German build quality. The F range looks fairly anonymous to me and could be a bike from any manufacturer. There is no other production bike quite like the R. That's what appeals to me. And it's good to ride too.

Lost Rider wrote:

theresearcher wrote:

Sander Abernathy wrote:However, the Monster's overall look is street-fighter/"stripped down race bike" while the R1200R's overall look is accountant/"stripped down touring bike". (I almost said retiree rather than accountant but I didn't want to offend the retirees. So I instead inserted accountant since I am an accountant and still working.)

I prefer the term "rebel accountant" or perhaps "street-fighting book-keeper".

Depends on the rider. My 12R is a hooligan bike that every once in a while turns into a long distance sport-tourer or dual sport Adventure bike.... When I get that twitch in my wrist or pack her differently.

She plays a sleeper hooligan well, much to the surprise of many Ducati riders have found out after trying to keep up with me.

That's the beauty of the R1200R, it CAN do everything pretty well from being a great cruise around mellow bike to hooligan to long distance tourer, to off tarmac adventure bike.
Cruising to starbucks on sunday is one thing, one flick of the wrist, get that front wheel up, and you have a hooligan bike that is the R12R.

I can go back and forth for days about these two bikes and their attributes or weaknesses. In the end anyone should buy what bikes gets their heart beating hard. Apples and oranges though.

(Professional rider, closed course, DO NOT try at home.)












The F800R on the other hand is much harder to wheelie, definitely not in second at all which is the best gear to ride on one wheel on the 12R IMO.
I've even played with different gearing on the 8R... no luck in improving hooligan performance. (Yes Nancy, this will make it ride easier for you darling)
Hard to be a street fighter/hooligan bike if you can't wheelie on demand, no matter how sexy you sound and look. (like the 8R)



And to be fair.... F800R video: (that I can't embed in this forum )

https://vimeo.com/20970642





(please don't take anything I'm saying too seriously, just talking -----)

Finn, after watching that video, you know that bike has 6 gears, don't you? It sounded like you were using only about 2 of them. BTW, nice vid - where were the cameras mounted?

I'm new here and currently own a F800R (and a R1200C but we won't talk about that just now ) and considering a trade in deal for a brand new R1200R Classic ..! This thread is excellent and many of the opinions that have been expressed here are spot on..!

The 800R can do a lot of things and is generally a very 'fun' bike but leaves a lot to be desired as you mention here. The one thing that used to bother me about the 800R is its lack of 'charisma'. Cornering is easy and effortless, but does not inspire a lot of confidence - to me at least. It's got good mid-range power but is no where as close as a Street Triple/Monster . Extended trips (over 300km) are not comfortable, and most importantly I think its gearing is off .. that may explain the need to keep it stuck on 3rd on high revs in corners..

Haven't test ridden a R1200R yet, and i'm willing to pull the trigger on one without a test ride ! That's how much I like it. It looks like it can handle anything you throw at her and more. Styling is superb - no bells and whistles, but just about right.

Once the deal is closed, it's going to take a couple of months to arrive - Can't wait. In the meantime, I'll ride my BMW Cruiser..