Should I...???

a-jay26 · Post by **a-jay26** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:34 am

I might change my r1100s Boxer Cup for a K1200s..... is it a good idea. I have ridden all the new BMW's and I like them all. I have had the boxer for three years now and had twins for yonks...just fancy a 4 this time..

Any thoughts...

Ta

YouTube · Post by **Paul** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:07 am

I had a go on a K1200S last year at the SLM open day. It is a fabulous machine, scarily fast and stable as a very stable thing on stabilisers

If I was doing lots of high milage touring on the continent, I'd be tempted a bit.

What sort of usage do you make of your bike? For my particular circumstances, i.e. commuting, weekend blasts, and 2-3 weekends a year touring, it's an overkill solution. I suspect that my license wouldn't last too long with all that speed and power on tap and I wouldn't really want to risk laying a spanner on a K, whereas the S is fairly straight forward to do simple maintenance on.

Second hand S prices are not too great at the moment (see Ade's recent post) and they are not going to improve when the R1200S hits the street, so if you're being offered a good deal from your dealer...

Enjoy pondering the possibilities

Cheers,

Paul

sandbar · Post by **sandbar** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:39 am

Paul wrote:.........and they are not going to improve when the R1200S hits the street......

Hmmmmmmmmm!!!! I'm not so sure.

My perception is that the value of 1150GS ( particularly the Adventure) has not been much affected by the R1200GS!

sandbar

julian · Post by **julian** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:38 am

I'm the same as you and would like to try a 3 or 4 cylinder bike.

Personally, I found the K1200S too fast to derive any enjoyment at legal speeds, although if I needed a massive mile muncher then it would be a consideration.

I would probably go for a K1200R, Blade, or Speed Triples but think they are a bit small for me. Other consideration is a KTM 950 SM. Problem with them is the massive depreciation and service quality/availablity issues.

Having said that I got on My S yesterday fro the first time in two weeks and it still ticks all the right boxes for its main use - a daily commute through London.

RoLoo · Post by **RoLoo** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:07 pm

…if you are accustomed to the low-rev-torque of the R/S, the K/S (or K/R) will disappoint you…
…did a test-drive on the K/R once, and just didn’t bought it because of its lack of torque…

…IMO there is only one 4-cylinder bike with loads of torque, and that is Suzuki’s GSX 1400 naked-bike…
…I almost, almost bought one last weekend !

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:50 pm

sandbar wrote:
Hmmmmmmmmm!!!! I'm not so sure.

My perception is that the value of 1150GS ( particularly the Adventure) has not been much affected by the R1200GS!

sandbar

Fair point but the GS has, over the years, become something of a biking icon ergo its desirability is still sky high. For exmaple, check out the prices of earlier 1100GS's aswell which sill command loadsamoney. Thing is, the S just isn't in the same ballpark, fine bike that it is of course

As to the K12S - goes like f*ck and handles very nicely indeed. Comfy too but as to me buying one? I have less than sod-all self-control and would therefore lose my license in approx 7 mins...even with a headwind.

Ade B · Post by **Ade B** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:59 pm

Having gone through the same thought process (and not ridden the K12S - brochure downstairs....) I agree with Julian, once the initial buzz of considering a new toy had subsided and miserable realisation that my once exclusive and prestigiously branded pride and joy was worth less than my battered R6, I decided that there is little else I really want or need at the mo. It still comes up shiny.

A non pristine bike is less hassle to pootle round london on and with all the kit I have acquired, a blast across a continent is only a decision and ferry ride away...

Will still sort out a test ride for the K12S (as soon as the weather picks up), you have to know don't you...

Best of luck with your shopping.

Ade

bmwonder · Post by **bmwonder** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:24 pm

I had a go on one at the open day too. It was fantastic I have to say. Solid, stable and fast (very fast!). The reason I didn't is that it was a lot of money for a bike that I would be able to use the capability of. If I had the money to spare though it would be on my list. Inlet howl noise was v. cool. Lots of other 3 and 4 cyl machinery to chose from for a lot less money though!

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:19 pm

bmwonder wrote:Lots of other 3 and 4 cyl machinery to chose from for a lot less money though!

A moot point - I think that with the K12S you've got to really want one because of the badge etc (and 'just because') which if so then fair enough. Trouble is, a very clean 'busa can be had for around 4k which will do just about everything the K will - and lose less money when it comes to selling-up time.

Doesn't stop me liking the K though - I really enjoyed the test ride I had on one, and as you rightly say, it sounds fabulous when giving it some stick.

winger · Post by **winger** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:00 pm

Those with a craving for a four cylinder won't go far wrong with a Fazer thou,you can buy e'm for peanuts,blimey there's no need to even sell a bike,more of an 'as well as' with a decent shock and fork fork re-valve you'll be a brave man to shake one of.

Jap multis are very addictive!!!,it took me 30 years before i got fed up with e'm.

Chris

adamski49 · Post by **adamski49** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:46 pm

winger wrote:Those with a craving for a four cylinder won't go far wrong with a Fazer thou,you can buy e'm for peanuts,blimey there's no need to even sell a bike,more of an 'as well as' with a decent shock and fork fork re-valve you'll be a brave man to shake one of.

Jap multis are very addictive!!!,it took me 30 years before i got fed up with e'm.

Chris

'Tis true. The Fazer seems as planted as the S (now I'm used to it) and any ground lost in a corner to an S would be instantly made up with a twist of the throttle... it's seriously quick, maybe not as quick as a K12S but I don't suppose it'd be far behind on the road.

Wind protection isn't as good the S, I now get cold feet (no cylinders to warm them) and the riding position is more upright but I'm not missing the S like I thought I would.

Roll on the warm dry roads so I can dabble with (read: screw up) the suspension. I think the biggest lean angle I've had so far was last week round Hyde Park corner

Adam

a-jay26 · Post by **a-jay26** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:38 am

Forgot I had posted this!!! Good little chat.

I like my S, and at the moment it is sitting under it's cover waiting for the good weather. I hardly use it as I work offshore, but will have to now as we only have one car.

I agree with everyone....The K1200S is very nice and fast and smooth....but it is mega bucks for what it is. Every time I have have tested the other BMW bikes (ie all of them) I have always got back on my boxer cup and thought that it is just as good. I serviced it myself last time and it ran like a dream...........think I will just keep it........but I am trying to convince my other half that it is a wonderful idea to have a blade and an R1200RT......not getting anywhere though!!!

Thanks folks