K1200RS - any opinions?

[Twinspark]

Because I'm about to pull the trigger on one.

We loved our little Euro jaunt on the Boxer this year - but I can't help but think I want something a little more touring biased for next year.

K1200RS fits the bill - fast comfy barge with better weather protection.

I had considered an R1100RT, too - or even an R1100RS... but the K seems a better bet.

What I do know, is that I want something with Telelever and Paralever, as the setup just suits my riding style - I don't get along with conventional suspension these days.

[f90x]

'apparently' those built before 2007 have a tendency to self destruct. I have no personal experience at all with the K series but Winger became a bit of an expert before purchasing the same model to which you refer and decreed that this was the case. Do a search on pelican, I believe that there is a lot of info on there.

I like the idea of the K1200Rs and wouldn't mind one myself, but frankly the horror stories put me off.


https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=k1200 ... e&ie=UTF-8

[Blackal]

There was another on this site - who I believe suffered an engine seizure on a pre 2007 model (K1200s?).

As a result - I'm sure there are a few around, which have been re-engined with an updated engine. (if the rider managed to stay on the bike )

Those are the ones I'd seek out.

In any event - I think those bikes can be a serious money-pit

Al

[Neil178]

They are all pre 2007! Last year was 2004.
Had one for a few years. Loved it. Silky smooth engine but not the fastest by a long way. Got burnt away by a few cars due to lack of top end.
Chocolate clutch and from memory this was also the case in the USA with a lot of them. Had a problem selling it on. No BMW dealer would touch it at any price.
I remember Kevin Ash slagging it off as the ugliest bike ever. I think it looks great!
Get a bird instead.

[Gromit]

Get a bird instead.

Well said Neil.

Saying that, I quite like the old K12RS - they're very comfy/smooth but they're damn heavy, and because of that the engine's power is seriously blunted.

[Twinspark]

No, I don't want a BlackBird.

I had a VFR800FI and hated it. I persevered with it for a number of years, but it nearly put me off biking for good. So the last thing I want is something that's just a bigger, faster, but less characterful VFR. (I think I stuck with the VFR for so long because of the V4 sound).

As I said - I want something more comfortable than the 11S for 2-up touring (not that the S is bad - it just lacks weather protection, even with a double bubble screen) - but I want to stick with BMW and especially the telelever front end.

The way I see it, that means a K1200RS, K1200GT or an R1100 / R1150 RS.

I'm tempted to save a bit more cash and find a nice R1150RS, but will that be a bit too similar to the R1100S?

[Blackal]

They are all pre 2007! Last year was 2004.

Okay - we've misinterpreted and thought it was this one



I guess it's the "brick" engined one.

Al

[cornishflat]

If you can stretch it the R1150RT is some tool. Great weather protection and not to shabby when she lifts her skirt. Some folks - as they do with the GS range - prefer the 1150 over the 1200. A friend had one and used it for everything as he does,nt drive and it was admirable. He knocked up close to 100k if I remember right and had no issues of any note....a great bike.

[Bikerhoss]

No idea about long term ownership, but I rode an early K1200RS 3500 miles around the coast of Britain
I loved it, Good smooth power and it never missed a beat in some atrocious weather and all day rides. It was a bit thirsty, and shredded it's rear tyre in that distance, Also tended to spin the rear over white lines and banding (pretty scary until you learn to expect it). The weather protection wasn't all that great either to be honest.

The only reason I didn't buy one in the end was the lack of ground clearance, Especially when you've got a pillion. I'd +1 the RT or GT idea instead

[Steve1200S]

If you get an 07 onwards (across the frame version), get it on extended warranty from a dealer.

I've had about 1k worth of replacements since december on my 07 K1200GT, and it's going in for a duff ABS unit tomorrow....

Not had a go on brick version, but people seem to like them. The engine is under powered though.

+1 for an 1150 RT!

[conkerman]

I was looking at those earlier this year.

Hard on clutches due to weight, not particularly economical.

Was too ig and heavy for my needs so went with the R11S again.

130HP aren't they? Should clip along OK, no sportsbike though.

[JamesL]

The 1150RS will definitely tour, and it has good protection. I've seen it described as the Swiss Army Knife of bikes, it will do just about anything.

Personally I'd go for a late model single spark; if you can get a test ride it could be worthwhile.

J

[Gromit]

No, I don't want a BlackBird.

I had a VFR800FI and hated it. I persevered with it for a number of years, but it nearly put me off biking for good. So the last thing I want is something that's just a bigger, faster, but less characterful VFR.

Slightly unfair methinks - I once owned a VFR800 and would agree with your opinion where that's concerned, but the BB's a fabulous bike. I'd also go as far as saying it's probably the bike I actually wanted my VFR to be. Took me a couple of months to get used to it admittedly but it grew on my big style. I've had mine 6.5 years now and haven't a clue what I'd replace it with. It's also a far, far better bike than the K1200RS. Plenty of power, extremely smooth, bombproof build quality and simple to work on. If you don't want one then fair enough, but in my experience it's a superb bike.

The possible dark horse you mention though is the R1150RS - owners do seem to love them, and they're cheap. I'll put money on it being no slower than a K12RS in real terms - it'll handle a darn sight better too.

[slparry]

They are all pre 2007! Last year was 2004.

Okay - we've misinterpreted and thought it was this one



I guess it's the "brick" engined one.

Al

that's a K1200 R-Sport which is a different kettle of fish, duolever front end, basically the same as my K12GT, I test rode one once they're a bit rapid

[Neil178]

If you can stretch it the R1150RT is some tool. Great weather protection and not to shabby when she lifts her skirt.

THIS.

Perfect for your touring needs.

End of thread.