Back in the bilgepump club soon??

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:15 pm

Well,

I may have lost faith in my GT already

its had so many issues in the last 6months (clutch bled twice, clutch master cylinder replaced, switchgear replaced, ABS fixed but it broke again on my way out of the car park! ABS unit about to be replaced next week) so I'm looking to change.

It's only done 2k since I got it! And the clutch still sucks!

The tipping point however was when I enquired about the next service (36k).....£430!!!!

Anyway, I bought my first beemer because I liked the boxer engine. I'm considering an R, as I've had an S, don't want a GS and an RT is too complicated (I want simple).
My local dealer has a demonstrator 90 year edition, and have to say, its well nice in the flesh! the bike is just engine with two wheels! but it'll take RT size hard panniers for lugging my crap around.

What's the opinion on the R?

If I go for it I'll have to persuade them to part with the demo bike, don't like the colour of the std ones......

Stevie · Post by **Stevie** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:28 pm

Got a good rep. like a road-oriented GS. I fancy one myself, and if I get another bike when I get settled in Houston, it's what I'll look at first.

One thing though, I had a 1996 R850R and fitted a screen as I found my neck muscles couldn't take much more than 20 minutes cruising at "reasonable progress"

cornishflat · Post by **cornishflat** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 8:54 pm

I had a R1150R and it was great. With the addition of the fly screen quick cruising was good too. I,d imagine the 1200 is more...quite a bit more....of the same. If you can live without a fairing I,d say go for it.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 9:33 pm

I've had 3xR1100R's and an R1150R. I love Boxer Roadsters and if I had the cash the R1200R would be sat in my garage. Best bike BMW make imho.

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 9:59 pm

I'm going to give it some thought. 10k is a lot for a naked bike, but you get more than the competition for your money...

Anyone rode one with a biggish screen for long hauls? Any good?

I'm not really after power (I've experienced the K and although it was ever amusing, 160+ bhp is unnecessary for me), more comfort and do everything well is what I want... And reliability...

My S ran really well, so I'm more confident in the R series than the K at the min.

My friends and family won't half give me some stick if I stay with BMW... The word is mud to them after the trouble I've had, but my local dealer is good and I like boxer engines

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 10:21 pm

How about a KTM 990 SMT ?

Cheap second-hand

Al

Boxered · Post by **Boxered** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:47 pm

The R1200R is a cracking road bike, just like a GS is but not as tall, and equally challenging on the eye! I would suggest a R1200ST would suit you down to the ground, again not the prettiest bike, but a very very capable bike all the same, oh, and available for very good money as long as you're not a reg plate snob.

Steve

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 3:30 am

If it had to be a BMW - I'd be sorely tempted to get an R1200GS (2008 on) and fit road-wheels/rubber to it.

I know a lot of people recoil from the whole "GS-ishness" - but they are cracking bikes.

Al

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 5:16 am

I rode a GS and really liked it, but the tyres are an issue. Plus they're very expensive when compared to an R. I see them as almost the same bike, but the R is better value and suits me a little better. Going to test ride all variants and go from there.

It would be nice to own a bike from new too, which is an option for an R, but not a GS or RT.

Other bikes I'm considering are a CB1300S (in red an white) or maybe a VFR1200. Not looked at KTMs, but will have a look around.

f90x · Post by **f90x** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 6:48 am

I test rode one a while back an thought it was fantastic. Great engine and bloody fast actually. I'd have to do something serious with the seat as bolt upright hurts my bum bones but otherwise, given the money I'd have one in a snap.

f90x · Post by **f90x** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 6:52 am

Found it

viewtopic.php?t=14435&highlight=ktm

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 6:55 am

Think your original post speaks volumes...... I've been a BMW owner for 12+ years (still got our 11S) but each time I read posts such as yours and visit the BMW delaerships I come away disappointed as I feel they're charging premium prices for machines which are poorly finished and reliability seems to be a bit hit or miss. Don't get me started on their prices for servicing etc...... I've read on Boxertrix that if you're gonna buy a 'modern' BMW bike then tis well worth forking £350-ish per year for extended warranties etc

Dare I suggest (on the Trixter forum) you go out and have a road test on the new Kawasaki 1000 Versys

you might be pleasantly surprised.

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:07 am

Everything is a consideration at the moment. There's a lot of pressure to never touch a BMW again TBH. I've had a good look at all the other manufacturers offerings, but nothing takes my fancy...

Should have kept my 12s!

bikemad99 · Post by **bikemad99** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:14 am

Steve1200S wrote:I rode a GS and really liked it, but the tyres are an issue. Plus they're very expensive when compared to an R. I see them as almost the same bike, but the R is better value and suits me a little better. Going to test ride all variants and go from there.

It would be nice to own a bike from new too, which is an option for an R, but not a GS or RT.

Other bikes I'm considering are a CB1300S (in red an white) or maybe a VFR1200. Not looked at KTMs, but will have a look around.

I had a CB1300s for 3yrs,loved it but Gwen didn`t,so I only rode it on my own.Go and ride one,I`m sure you will be impressed,and yes it has to be red & white.The only downside is the price new,I paid £6,000 for mine,they are nearly twice that now.Good luck with your search.
Reg

conkerman · Post by **conkerman** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:58 am

Try a Fazer thou.

You will not be disappointed. They are brilliant bikes. Its one of the 2 bikes I regret getting shut of (along with my lovely ZX-9R).

They are rather nippy