Test rode a R1200S today

[TUONOANDY]

Hi, test rode a R1200s today and would like to hear any comments from owners - what's it like to live with, problems, popular mods etc.

Coming from my Tuono found the riding position quite sporty with great handling and exceleration. The power delivery not as brutal as the Tuono mind!

Only fault I could find was the BMW indicators! Still, what I've heard you get used to these in about a week!

John Clark BMW in Dundee are selling 2007 registered bikes (with zero miles) at between £7495 and £7995 depending on spec which seem a bargain.

Comments please.

Cheers,

Andy

[Boxered]

Hi Andy, I am a big fan of that 'prilla engine, it has to be said that it's more civilised than our boxers, but, once you've ridden a boxer for a full day, you'll get more of a feel for it. I have a 1200s and I LOVE it I dont think I could ever get used to that daft jap indicator system again though
Price wise, those you have quoted are good vfm, if you push a little for included extras etc, you will land yourself a great bike.

any hoo, welcome aboard mate.

cheers

Steve

[Blackal]

Welcome Andy - I guess you are from Scotland somewhere?

The 1200s owners will be along soon, but I would guess that the absolute "must-dos" are:

1) Get rid of the baboon's arse exhaust can.
2) Rear hugger
3) Belly pan


Oh - and get the one with the Ohlins/fatter rear wheel

Al

[Stevie]

Welcome Andy. John Clark's have had a large number of R1200S's for some time so push hard for discounts, and as Al says do not accept anything less than the full sports package and heated grips.

Essential mods are:
1. Hugger (the back gets covered in sh*te in 0.01ms without one)
2. Paint protection for the tank centre panel in front of the seat

Popular mods are:
1. Double bubble screen
2. Bar risers
3. Getting rid of the baboons arse
4. Haven't seen many with a belly pan, but Al has been out and about more than me so take his word for it.

[Blackal]

Do a search for RoLoos R1200s in red/silver stripes with matching belly pan - looks good.

Al

[bluemanc100]

Had mine for a couple of months and agree with the other comments, Love it!!

The Hugger is a must!! The rear shock and battery tray get it with even the slightest damp on the road

Immberger for me when i have saved up!

theres an 06 plate with sports pack on fleabay with a buy it now of £5999 in silver though........... Last time I looked it was up to £5099

[exoticices]

I've found my R1200S to be a cracking road bike.

You need to use the final part of the throttle to get the big power but that's not a major issue because (a) it makes the bike nice to ride when not riding at 100% and (b) you don't need to use that big power to make very quick A-B progress anyway - the torque makes the bike very rapid on most roads.

The handling is a revelation on British roads, the way it absorbs bumps, potholes, etc.

The main irritation I have with it as a road bike is the complete absence of storage space, but that's the price you pay for underseat cans! Also the screen is a bit low (I'm 6'+), but I can live with that.

The end-can change is largely a matter of taste (and cost!), but I'd seriously recommend getting some aftermarket headers that take out the cat. It doesn't necessarily make the bike quicker, but it does make it feel a lot more crisper and responsive.

You'll need a rear hugger but bear in mind that some of them require the rear wheel to be removed for fitment.

I alternate between normal and super unleaded and haven't noticed any performance issues with the lower octane stuff.

I've only had one minor problem which was sorted easily under warranty.

I use obscene amounts of WD40 and ACF50 to keep it clean, which I expect/hope will keep it in good nick, given the lack of fairing protection.

It's a very comfortable bike, in sportsbike terms.

The indicators are (arguably) irritating, but that's life, it's not the end of the world.

I rarely do any track stuff but feel that the R12S would only start to suffer if you're a genuine 'fast group' rider, where the suspension might be a bit too biased towards the road. But I'm speculating here and, no doubt, it can be stiffened up for such racy shenanigans.

I find it a very attractive and distinctive bike, in contrast to this year's Jap sportbikes that seem to be in an ugliness competition.

I don't think the paint thickness is great, but it's certainly no worse than the Japs are doing now.

I used to have a '01 Mille, which I guess is similar to the Tuono, and would say that the R12S is as good a road bike in terms of performance and day-to-day 'usability', but does things differently, which I like. As you're used to twins, I'd suggest that you would love the R12S. I hope you buy one because they really are very enjoyable.

Hope this helps,
John

[bluemanc100]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-R-1200-S-ABS- ... dZViewItem

[TUONOANDY]

Chaps thanks for all your views (you seem a friendly bunch).

Blackal - I'm from Dalgety Bay so may see you around.

Anyway's here's to that deal.

Cheers,

Andy

[PBBoxer]

Welcome Andy
I used to run a Tuono Racing and I loved it.
Have to say though, given the choice now I'd keep the 1200s.
Its definitely quicker than the original Tuono, especially above say 110 and it handles similarly.

I do miss tha Tuono mind you!

[andrew s]

Welcome Andy,

I live in Cairneyhill so not far from you. If you fancy a meet at some stage (when you get that 1200S) give us a shout.

I am sure I can round-up a few more Trixters.

Andrew

[paulR]

The end-can change is largely a matter of taste (and cost!), but I'd seriously recommend getting some aftermarket headers that take out the cat. It doesn't necessarily make the bike quicker, but it does make it feel a lot more crisper and responsive.

I'm thinking of changing the headers on my R1200S, which ones did you fit John? I find the bike a bit flat low down the rev range, mainly when pulling away, did you find the headers improved this?

[English]

Whenever anybody asks me how I like the 1200S, I usually answer with the fact that I've had many bikes over the years, but there's nowhere to go from here - this is it . I like it that much.

I got mine with 700 miles on it. It has the 190 rear wheel, factory Ohlins, and was already fitted with a Remus full system.
I'm currently at about 15,000 miles - all in the twisty mountain roads, for which it seems made. I'm mostly riding with 600 and litre Japanese sports bikes. They stir the gearbox and rev like mad, and the trusty beemer just sits in a gear and goes "blaaah" through the turns with all that delicious torque - they can't lose me .

Only problem I've had so far was a battery that went dead on me and left me stranded in the hills (remember this is "Deliverance" country - fortunately, I heard no banjo music ). It was replaced under warranty.

In short, I LOVE this bike.

P.S. Unbeknown to me, someone took a video of me on the 1200S the other day.
It's on this page (the one called "following Alan/English down 60).

[Blackal]

The end-can change is largely a matter of taste (and cost!), but I'd seriously recommend getting some aftermarket headers that take out the cat. It doesn't necessarily make the bike quicker, but it does make it feel a lot more crisper and responsive.

I'm thinking of changing the headers on my R1200S, which ones did you fit John? I find the bike a bit flat low down the rev range, mainly when pulling away, did you find the headers improved this?

I put the lethargy at low revs down to a tall 1st gear?

Admittedly - I only had the bike for half a day

Al

[Stevie]

I think it's down to the silly eccentric cam on the throttle. Gie it the berries and it's fine.