BMW R1200S Help!

Big Tav · Post by **Big Tav** » Fri May 01, 2015 11:00 am

I was just going to get a TLR as I always liked the look and sound of them ever since they came out. Not a lot of money either for a lot of bike.

exoticices · Post by **exoticices** » Fri May 01, 2015 11:38 am

Hi Tav,

You're right that the sports pack does seem to help the price.

I agree with Popsky - you need to look in the nooks and crannies. I've seen more than one R1200S (even at BMW dealers) that are nice from a distance but look like they've been kept in a garden pond when you start looking really closely.

Also, whilst I like the 1200 engine, and it does go better than the 1100, I never found it an 'exciting' engine in the way a V-twin usually is. I even preferred the 'feel' (not power) of the older 1100S engine. All subjective of course, but you do really need to ride one first. As you say, if you buy one, don't like it, then sell it, you'd be looking at a £grand+ loss probably.

John

dave the german · Post by **dave the german** » Fri May 01, 2015 2:33 pm

they sell really easy IF you find a person that wants one - I bought mine without riding it BUT I'd wanted one for ages and I am certainly not disappointed. Came with the sport pack and I'm quite a bit heavier than the seller but the Ohlins seem so plush. Made me plan to replace the BCR suspenders with Wilbers or something similar. I love both both bikes and think both will be keepers and £5000 ish isn't too much for a bike compared to what's out there new (IMHO)

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri May 01, 2015 9:27 pm

Lots of good input on this thread - to which I'll add my 2-penneth (FWIW).

If you want to...

1. Carry passengers
2. Carry large(ish) amounts of luggage
3. Really have an authentic BCR

Then you should buy the BCR.

If want a better bike which is...

1. Faster
2. Smoother
3. Better handling
4. Just...well...better

Buy the 1200.

My last BCR - an '04 RWB bought with 2k miles on the clock - was lovely. PB let me have an afternoon's spin on his then new 1200S across the Yorks Dales/Moors. Getting back on the 1100 felt like trying to drive a truck.

I'd get the 12 - every time.

Big Tav · Post by **Big Tav** » Fri May 01, 2015 11:40 pm

I really like the look of the BCR I think it has to be the 1200 for me now

f90x · Post by **f90x** » Sat May 02, 2015 7:38 am

I loved my 11s and it had just about every mod going. It was a brilliant machine (and I still miss the instant torque) however the moment I got on the 12 it was clearly the superior bike. The 11S is a great looking bike and the BCR paint makes them look even better but it's a 17 year old design now and if you want a modern riding experience it has to be the 12. I miss the 11 but I'm very glad I got the 12.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Sat May 02, 2015 9:22 am

It's been said already in previous posts, but I will chip in anyway.

There are better bikes than the 12s. There are certainly better value bikes, but if you like something a little esoteric, something that will always draw a crowd, and something that will polarise opinion then the 12 could be your bike.

Prices seem to have levelled out at £4 to £5k dependant on spec. I think the 12 will hold their value reasonably well now. I paid £5.5 for mine in 2008. I have lost £1k for 7 years riding!

Desirable options for me, I would have like the bigger wheel for looks alone. The Ohlins suspension would have been nice, I think, never having tried it. That said, the standard suspension seems fine to me. There are no chicken strips on my bike and the handling seems excellent.

Given that the bikes are now 9 years old, suspension is something you might want to look at anyway and there are several good quality aftermarket options.

If I was buying it again I would hold out for a bike at the higher end, with Akra, Abs, sport pack and heated grips, but I would prioritise on overall condition. You can always save up for upgrades.

If you buy a 12 get used to people telling you what they think. Half will tell you it's a monstrosity, the other half will tell you it's stunning.

I have thought about selling mine on occasion, but I can't really think of anything I would replace it with. RC8 or RSV maybe? But there really is something about the 12 that gets under your skin. That's why mine is still in the garage after 7 years.

brokenwasp · Post by **brokenwasp** » Sat May 02, 2015 10:40 am

I have both the bikes you're talking of. I've had the TL for years, and while the TL will show the R1200s a clean pair of heels any day of the week the BMW is by far a better road bike. The BMW is also the one I ride the most which speaks volumes.
I found the R1200s to be expensive for what it is and you'd have to really want one to justify it. I did really want one. That said I think it'll hold its value well.
I did hold out for a sports package model and I'm very glad I did. Once set up it handles very well. I've never ridden a standard one but as the sports has the wider rear wheel and I had concerns with ground clearance at the time that was the one I went for.
But In saying all of this, if a mint TL came my way cheap enough I'd be very tempted. They all get modded to death these days (mine included) So clean ones are getting harder and harder to find. Who knows, maybe one day they'll be worth something too.

Big Tav · Post by **Big Tav** » Sat May 02, 2015 12:02 pm

I am so jealous! I can't believe your have one of each!

brokenwasp · Post by **brokenwasp** » Sat May 02, 2015 12:23 pm

The TL I had new, sold it then bought it back in 2010 for £1400. I'm the 1st and 11th owner its far from tidy but has huge sentimental value. I'll never sell it.

andy griff · Post by **andy griff** » Sat May 02, 2015 12:24 pm

Big Tav.

I have a 56 reg 1200S in yellow. Heated grips, non ABS. 180 rear wheel. Bought with Akra can and Ilmberger belly pan. Had an 1100S before that ( x2). The last one had ABS and servo brakes. They were great bikes but the 1200s is the natural development. The 1200 is lighter and more agile. It is c**p for carrying passengers so two up touring is out, but luggage can be fitted really easily for solo tours. I use a K1200S tank bag and seat bag. I have the panniers but never use them.

The 1200 is a great bike, i love mine. I added an Ohlins shock. Servicing is reasonable and values now seem close to what I paid in 2013. I do not think you will lose much money on one over 5 years.

The wider rear wheel seems a matter of taste rather than function and for me the heated grips are a more desirable extra ( each to their own).

I am looking at a remap to fine tune the power delivery.

You will not regret buying one

exoticices · Post by **exoticices** » Sat May 02, 2015 4:38 pm

Another thing often overlooked is that the R1200S demands a top battery and many dealer bikes will probably need a new/good one. So you'd need to budget £100-or-so for something like a Hawker Odyssey. Could be a useful bargaining point.

exoticices · Post by **exoticices** » Sat May 02, 2015 5:02 pm

I don't know what others think but whilst the 'BCR' one in Norwich looks nice in the photos it's too expensive for me. It hasn't got the sports pack or any 'goodies' and is due a big service. 24k service includes:
Engine oil & filter
Gearbox oil
Spark plugs
Air filter
Brake fluid
Valve clearance check/adjust
As it's been hardly used in "4 1/2 years", it probably needs a new battery and new tyres (guessing they'll be 5+ years old now).

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Sat May 02, 2015 6:19 pm

Big Tav wrote:I really like the look of the BCR I think it has to be the 1200 for me now

Tav - reckon it sounds like you've made your mind up.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Sat May 02, 2015 6:41 pm

Just had a look more closely at the BCR coloured 12.

I would want to look at that bike closely in case the paint job is hiding anything. Also £5.5k is pretty steep as stated by 'exoticices' . Roloo was looking to sell his for just a little more and that is probably the most sorted 12 around with all the upgrades and factory options you could want.

If you're remotely handy with a spanner, all of the service items can be done at home. If the BCR 12 checks out then haggle hard on the price.