K1200R, any Good?

[Steve1200S]

Ive almost talked myself into something silly, -

http://www.rainbowmotorcycles.com/Browse.php?reg=YE05UZF

I'm temped to swap in the 12S for something faster, and more fun for just tooling around on (as I have the RT for touring), and I like unusual bikes..... Not sure yet though... I miss having a naked bike too.

Anyone tried one?

I'm assuming the panniers fix to any K1200 including the tourer? I'd probably sell them on strainght away...

[slparry]

I took the K1200R Sport out when I was deciding on what to buy, went for the K12GT in the end as it has the same mental performance but is more wolf in sheeps clothing.

The handling is very good, brakes awesome, performance blistering but ensure all updates have been done AND ensure the £5 cam chain guard has been fitted, it stops potential cam chain jumping a tooth!

Although the panniers look the same I think they're different check on realoem to be sure.

I have extended warranty on my K because I've had several issues and I lost trust in it. It's been OK since mind

[Steve1200S]

Theres a blue K1200RS I like the look of too.... I'd also like a GT, but I've got a full blown tourer with the old RT.

Think it may be worh a test ride.

[slparry]

If I were looking again I'd go for the R Sport as the fairing makes it far more usable, oh and a non esa one for simplicity. Chester Motorrad has one in in silver which looks quite pretty

[Kaze]

IMO the K1200R is a marmite bike in terms of looks, personally I love it Well, in the right colour it is.

I took one out for a short test ride and loved it that much it turned into a much longer one I had an F800GS at the time and would've part ex'd there and then if they'd have offered me a decent deal. However, after doing a bit of homework I got warned off due to expensive failings with the front paralever suspension and common issues with the fuelling and was advised to go for the 1300R instead. Only problem is the 13 is well outside my current budget

Pro's for me, engine is a rocket , handling is supern and it's absolutely great hooligan fun

Problem, other than the wonga that I don't have, is my license would likely become a threatened species

[Boxermed69]

IMO the K1200R is a marmite bike in terms of looks...

Not arf! Looks like Patrick Moore on steroids from the front

[Bikerhoss]

Black/yellow one for me, Only had a go for a couple of days many years ago now, but still remember the literal blast I had. I've been faster on other models (like the S that gives you some wind protection at least), but the acceleration was totally addictive. The ESA was a nice toy, especially being able to alter damping on the move. Brakes are good overal, but initial bite was a bit lacking for my likes.
I was able to explore the handling soon after taking her out, and the riding position suited me well (I'm 6'1", 32" inside leg), Don't think the hero blobs would have lasted much longer, and my licence certainly wouldn't have
If it wasn't for my lack of self control (and funds!) I'd have a K12 or K13 tomorrow

[GRAgusta]

When John Clark Aberdeen dropped my R1100S off the ramp and snapped it they gave me a K12R to use while they rebuilt my bike.

I tired of the naked ness and the buffeting that my helmet took, I suppose I could have slowed down but that engine is awesome.

Bizarly - for my 5ft6 frame - this enormous beast of a thing was very comfortable. I also loved the ESA making adjustments on the move.

I keep looking at the K13S, maybe....

[Kaze]

Beauty in the eye of the beholder.. this beauty does it for me

http://ridethewildwind.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bmw-k1300-dynamic-2010.jpg

[David_S_Walker]

All,

Some experience of this.....2 x K1200S & 1 x K1300S (Sadly the K13 was stolen but up to the point it went it was shaping up to be the best bike I had ever had)

During an extended period I had a loan K1200R for 2 months and also a K1300R for 3 weeks - I liked them both but IMHO the K13R was a bit more refined in the engine department. The K12R was a cracking bike but overall I did miss the fairing of the K12S. A slight downside was that it presumed you to be a bit of an aggressive rider and other sports bikes always wanted to race you and with that engine it was difficult not to react when the circumstances allowed. Personally I thought the ESA was a useful addition and also on the K13S the quickshift whilst a gadget was a super addition when it worked properly.

However a well maintained K12R will serve you well but the only thing I would ensure is that the cam chain tensioner and jump guard has been sorted out as I know of a few on the K forums that have gone bang as a result of this - So maybe make sure you get the BMW warranty with it that will cover this off and give a bit of peace of mind. I had a PCIII on mine with a custom map and also a Dynojet quickshifter which was great and cured all the rough running that some K series bikes suffer from.

By the way - I can absolutley confirm that the K1200 panniers are not interchangebable with the R1200S set-up.

Now I am riding my R1200S everyday I do find it down on power but to be honest it is still fast enough to be useable. I don't really have the ability or the balls to use the power that the K series bikes had so I will make do with the R1200S which I really am enjoying......but I do miss my K1300S with its smooth engine and (on mine) power delivery.

Hope that helps.

Best regards,

David

[Boxermed69]

Beauty in the eye of the beholder.. this beauty does it for me

http://ridethewildwind.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bmw-k1300-dynamic-2010.jpg

It certainly is, and it's a good job we don't all like the same look - wouldn't life be tedious?

Cue sweeping generalisation: Italian = form before function? German = function before form? Perhaps the Germans are keen to prove the point? The consensus seems to be that these 'K' bikes are brilliantly engineered missiles. To my mind, the naked ones are an aesthetic mess. The all black version suits it - looks like a mean and nasty piece of military hardware.

Mike

[Sugarhillctd]

Every time I see the front of a K1200R it reminds me of the robot from Futurama.



Then again I don't like the look of the front of my K100RS- but I can't see it when I ride it.

[f90x]

I've never had one or ridden one and can only go on what I have read, but aren't these a risky purchase without an iron clad warrantee. I believe winger became quite an expert before he bought his 1200r sport (the one i quite fancy)and deduced that anything before 2007 was a mighty risk and it was essential to get a warrantee that covered everything on the engine.

[Steve1200S]

its from a dealer with 12months bmw warranty, so that helps.

a bike that looks like bender is good in my book!

well ive put the S back on the bay for alower price, and im going to go see the k12r and book a test ride, whichever comes first will suit me.

what sort of riding position is it? the bars dont look that high.....

[dave the german]

Wish I could afford your 12S - I'd take your hand off - especially at a lower price but I just can't afford it this year