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Tastefully modified (?) R1200S - Now with added top-box pics

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:45 pm
by testudograeca
Hello there,

I had hoped to post some photos of my new bike before now, but I’ve been rather busy of late, what with a new baby, etc.

I’d been looking for a mandarin / grey R1100S for a while, but surprised myself when I ended up with a 1200.

I bought the bike from a dealer a few weeks ago, and have added some new parts since then.

The original owner had obviously spent a few quid on the bike, as it’s fitted with a full Akrapovic system, Ilmberger belly pan, carbon fibre alternator cover, colour-matched pillion seat cover, tinted screen, etc.

All that is on top of the sport pack, ABS, heated grips, and so on.

As an added bonus, all the original parts were included in the sale.

After buying the bike, my top priority was to fit a riser handlebar conversion kit, so on went a Wunderlich. I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but I’m carrying back and neck injuries which would prevent me from riding the standard bike very far. I have to say, the new ‘bars have transformed the bike for me.

Here’s the bike as it was when I bought it –

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This is it with the conversion kit fitted. It’s also sporting a nice Baglux tank cover, courtesy of ‘maineroads’ (thanks Steve!), and a rear hugger (thanks to Nigel at Sandbar).

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This photo shows the bike once I’d fitted pannier rails and a Puig screen.

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Here’s the bike as it is now, complete with panniers.

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I’ve managed a couple of short blasts on the bike, and am so far impressed with it.

All I have left to do is wire in my GPS and Autocom, and I’ll be all set. Unfortunately, I no longer have any free time to ride bikes…..

As it happens, myself and some friends are going to France for a few days in June, so I’ll find out what it’s capable of then, if I haven’t already done so.

Cheers,

Iain


Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:33 am
by throttlemeister
Nice looking bike Iain. :)

But, and this isn't directly specifically to you but in general, I never quite figured out why someone who can't deal with the sportbike riding position buys a sportbike. I'd say buy one that suits you, instead of trying to turn a bike into something it is not. A R1200R will handle just as good, looks just as sharp imo with a small windscreen and has more relaxed ergos. But then again, I am a bit weird like that.

Beauty

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:15 pm
by AJ
Nice looking bike Iain 8) Can you tell me where you got your stand from mate and would you recommend it ?

Cheers AJ

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:34 pm
by budman200210
Very Nice Iain,
What do u think of the Baglux tank cover, i bought one for my BCR and was very pleased with the quality colour match. Have u got the baglux tank bag that goes with it???
Good system

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:20 pm
by Stevie
throttlemeister wrote:Nice looking bike Iain. :)

But, and this isn't directly specifically to you but in general, I never quite figured out why someone who can't deal with the sportbike riding position buys a sportbike. I'd say buy one that suits you, instead of trying to turn a bike into something it is not. A R1200R will handle just as good, looks just as sharp imo with a small windscreen and has more relaxed ergos. But then again, I am a bit weird like that.

Can't see the problem myself, after all folk modify their bikes for all sorts of reasons. Some folk even put panniers on their R1100S instead of buying an RT.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:08 pm
by julian
Looks nice Iain.

Is that your tortoise in the picture? (S)he looks just like mine. 8)

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:57 pm
by steve*mac
Your Baglux cover looks quite nice, I got one for my Black 12S and to be honest I fitted it and spent the day looking at it from all angles and even asked random passers by their opinion...


I sent it back... just didn't look good in black.. and I have had one before on my VFR8..

I did look around for other tank bag options but to be honest I've had it for six months and 10,000 mile and I've got used to not having one..

Its a good looking bike, I had to toss a coin when buying my S, Black or Colgate..

wonga

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:27 pm
by bluemanc100
what did she set you back from a dealer tricked up??

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:45 pm
by hjr1100s
I've to agree with Throttlemeister: it´s a bit strange to buy a sports bike and then raise the handlebars. I know people do this and also lower the footpegs, put on a high windscreen a.s.o. But these fellows would have made a better choice with a R1100/1200R instead.

HJ

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:49 pm
by Stevie
hjr1100s wrote:I've to agree with Throttlemeister: it´s a bit strange to buy a sports bike and then raise the handlebars. I know people do this and also lower the footpegs, put on a high windscreen a.s.o. But these fellows would have made a better choice with a R1100/1200R instead.

HJ

Apart from the detuned engine !

I'm sorry, I just don't get this. Every day there are posts on here from people who have made mods to their R1100S or R1200S for one reason or another, and you pick on handlebars and footpegs as a problem? WTF?
Decat-ing, exhaust mods, PC - why bother, by a GSXR-1000 instead
Hard luggage - why bother, buy an RT/GS

As for buying R1200R? If I wanted a bike that had had a thorough beating from an ugly stick, I would have bought an orange KTM.

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:32 pm
by Cobbster
Well said Stevie.

I love my R11S, the engine, the looks and the ride and by exploiting its versitility Iv'e turned it into a fantastic long distance sports tourer. I don't like RT's/R's and for a small investment Ive got just what I want out of a bike without spoiling its looks IMHO.

Go ahead, bolt on what you want and enjoy.

Cheers, Cobbster.

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:49 pm
by PBBoxer
Isnt it all about freedom of choice?
Nice bike mate.
Some people may be missing the facts such as the 1200s looks different from other bikes, has more power than other r series and may be a bike you just happen to like!!

I sold my 1100s because it was killing my back. I went looking for all sorts of upright bikes and ended up with a 1200s because i could get comfy on it. Go figure.

Re: Beauty

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:54 pm
by stoney
AJ wrote:Can you tell me where you got your stand from mate and would you recommend it ?


It does look good - is it a Harris one?

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:56 pm
by PBBoxer
Looks very similar to the one i got from rufforth from the guy who makes em. He lives in Doncaster. Could find the details unless this one pictured is different.
I paid about 100 for front and rear stands

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:13 pm
by stoney
PBBoxer wrote:Looks very similar to the one i got from rufforth from the guy who makes em. He lives in Doncaster. Could find the details unless this one pictured is different.
I paid about 100 for front and rear stands


£100 the pair? That sounds fantastic! Could you send me his details please.