Just as everyone - apparently - is selling theirs, this is my new to me, R1200S of a month or so now. I've lusted after one since they came out, but until now haven't had the chance.
It's an 08 plate which I've come to via a selection of R's and K's, including an 1100S - which was my favourite so far and sold on a whim. Big mistake. I PX'd an 86 R1100 GS to buy this one, which I could never get on with. I probably paid a bit over the odds for it, but hey, you only live once and I got a reasonable price for the old one as well as a three month warranty.
In fine nick, as you can see, the previous owner (who might recognise it) obviously looked after it and I'm well happy with it.
So, what's it like compared to the 1100S?
It looks - and is - lighter than the 1100, with the lattice frame and generally slimmer and lighter shaft and final drive. The bodywork retains the combined fairing and tank unit of the 1100 and looks sleek, but does feel flimsy in places - squeezing with your knees flexes the plastic quite easily. The seat/tail unit, with it's LED rear light cluster and twin exhaust pipes which divides opinions of those who see it, includes an exposed pillion perch for those brave enough to have a go (Jules, my wife).
The wide rear wheel and Ohlins kit included in the sports pack finish off the bike at the back. I've added a carbon hugger to protect the shock from the worst of the weather.
It's the sportiest looking Boxer I've ridden and only bettered in my view, by the HP2S.
On the road the extra power, compared to the 1100S, is immediately apparent when any amount of enthusiasm is employed at the throttle and is a revelation compared to the old GS. Going for the red line in second or third makes the front end go light so I'll need to be careful in the rain. The odd, non linear throttle will take some getting used to though. The extra rotation needed to open it up doesn't always make for smooth power increases. I dare say I'll get used to it, but so far I'm not a massive fan.
The new six speed gearbox is a much improved unit compared to the 1100S. It's smoother and less agricultural than any of my previous BMW's and combined with a light-ish hydraulic clutch makes for an easy ride.
The way the engine and gearbox work together though is much different than the older bikes, with what feels like much less torque at low revs. On the older bikes you could sit in fifth or sometimes top and ride right down to 20/25 MPH, pulling away smoothly, the 1200 needs more revs from standstill and through the gears, forcing you to make much more use of the gearbox. I guess that's what you get for a more sporty ride.
Although it looks uncomfortable, the seat is fine for me. I've only done a couple of hours so far, without a break and it's been comfortable enough. The standard bars put significant weight on the wrists at low speeds, so a town bike this is not. But the weight comes off as soon as you hit fifty and the airflow begins to support your body. I've got a set of Heli-bars ready to go, but I've not fitted them yet and now I've ridden the bike, I may not bother.
The rear brake is worse than useless, only just usable when slow riding. For whatever reason, bad design I guess, the geometry of the brake pedal means that you can only get a decent force on it by taking your foot of the rest and putting more weight on the pedal. There's nothing wrong with the brake - you can lock the back wheel - it's just badly designed. Front brake though - brilliant. Powerful and progressive.
The bottom line though is that it's a massively fun bike to ride on open roads and is rare enough, so that you aren't seeing them around all the time. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen another one, out and about.
I'm really looking forward to spending more time on it and seeing if it can overtake the 1100S as my favourite all time bike
Cheers
Dave
