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R1200R. Again!
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 7:43 am
by Steve1200S
I wish they wouldn’t keep giving me the 1200R to play with when my intergalactic barge is in for repairs....
Had it for a few days this time, and it’s the most fun Boxer I’ve ever rode (including a GS). Not sure how it would hold up for touring, but it’s a great bike for round town and twisty roads. Basically, an R1200S with better steering (IMO anyway)
It seems BMW are selling the classic version again, which is one of the best looking bikes around IMO.
But, do I trust BMW build quality enough to buy another one..... sadly, probably not.

Re: R1200R. Again!
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 8:43 am
by slparry
Steve1200S wrote:I wish they wouldn’t keep giving me the 1200R to play with when my intergalactic barge is in for repairs....
Had it for a few days this time, and it’s the most fun Boxer I’ve ever rode (including a GS). Not sure how it would hold up for touring, but it’s a great bike for round town and twisty roads. Basically, an R1200S with better steering (IMO anyway)
It seems BMW are selling the classic version again, which is one of the best looking bikes around IMO.
But, do I trust BMW build quality enough to buy another one..... sadly, probably not.

Sorted
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=BMW+R ... 18&bih=609
Re: R1200R. Again!
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:20 am
by Steve1200S
slparry wrote:Steve1200S wrote:I wish they wouldn’t keep giving me the 1200R to play with when my intergalactic barge is in for repairs....
Had it for a few days this time, and it’s the most fun Boxer I’ve ever rode (including a GS). Not sure how it would hold up for touring, but it’s a great bike for round town and twisty roads. Basically, an R1200S with better steering (IMO anyway)
It seems BMW are selling the classic version again, which is one of the best looking bikes around IMO.
But, do I trust BMW build quality enough to buy another one..... sadly, probably not.

Sorted
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=BMW+R ... 18&bih=609
Would one of the screens stop me from having to return it every few months to have something fixed? or stop the bevel box axle rusting and the engine paint falling off?
Seriously though, the bike I have has an adjustable screen, and it's really good on the motorway. Hands/legs are colder than on the GT, but the screen is ok. Think with panniers and the right screen it could be just as good as a GS.
The one and most important thing is, the clutch works!!
We'll see. I usually like any bike I've been lent, but change my mind as soon as I get back on the GT.
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 6:59 am
by davida67
Although I look at Boxertrix pretty regularly I'm not a regular contributor- never really have much to say! However I just wanted to say how much I agree/ rate the the 1200R classic. I fitted the colour- matched trophy fairing which I think looks great and was easy to fit. I agree it's terrific fun to ride and with the addition of top box/panniers is as practical as my 1100RS was. In fact, the only minor quibble is the fuel gauge never works, but this seems to affect a lot of Rs according to the forums. Hope to meet any Oxon area forum members riding the Ride the County charity ride later this month.
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 7:56 am
by f90x
I took one out for a test ride a couple of years ago and thought it was fantastic. The only downside as far as I could see was the price.
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 2:46 pm
by nab 301
f90x wrote:. The only downside as far as I could see was the price.
Agreed
Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 9:58 am
by Steve1200S
Agree too, 10k+ is a lot for a naked bike. I do think it has an edge over other non-performance, big capacity nakeds though.
Better than a CB1300 IMO....
Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 11:07 am
by Blackal
Unless you have a distinct aversion to the GS 1200........ For most applications - the GS makes the smarter buy.
Better load carrying, longer range, better tourer..........
Better residuals
Convert the GS to 17" road wheels/sports rubber.......
And you have best of both worlds, I think
Al

Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 9:09 pm
by Neil178
Of course the GS must be as good as the world says, but I can't say I like the looks. Much rather have the R.
Much rather have the S ........ wait a minute .....

I do!
Job jobbed.
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 5:28 am
by cornishflat
Or. Change the top yoke on the 1100s fit set of bars and you have the riding position and wind / weather protection. Easily the best change I have done.
Bry
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 6:20 am
by f90x
cornishflat wrote:Or. Change the top yoke on the 1100s fit set of bars and you have the riding position and wind / weather protection. Easily the best change I have done.
Bry
Yeah, when I test rode it I was still on my 11 and for me shoehorning that new DOHC mill into it it would have been perfect.
As for the GS (DOHC, not the new water cooled model) if one was travelling around the world the perhaps the extra luggage capacity would be useful but the R has plenty for us folks on a two week trip. Hell when I go for three weeks I use a tank bag and 30ltr ortlieb on a Ventura rack. 17" wheel conversion (why bother messing with BMW 'a geometry? And as for range, the R holds 18ltrs ( don't know what the air cooled GS holds but the new one is 20ltrs so yes there is possibly an extr 20 miles safety margin. Also, you gotta be tall to mount that GS. I'm not anti GS, I like them but I think the R is more 'Real world'. It would be 'my' choice.
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 7:23 am
by Steve1200S
Blackal wrote:Unless you have a distinct aversion to the GS 1200........ For most applications - the GS makes the smarter buy.
Better load carrying, longer range, better tourer..........
Better residuals
Convert the GS to 17" road wheels/sports rubber.......
And you have best of both worlds, I think
Al

Agree the GS is an awesome bike, and I've always had fun when I've had the chance to ride one, but I do think the R is a better bike overall. Just as fun but more agile. Seat is a bit strange though....
Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 7:52 pm
by Vince
There's an R12r now sitting next to my R12RT in the garage. I bought 2007 model same as my RT12 as the wheels etc will swap over (I have a spare set of wheels). 80,000 miles less than my RT so it's like new.
Mucho fun, I'm keeping her naked, I have the RT if I want to keep out of the rain and wind or carry stuff. (also have a car but who wants to drive FCS!)
Looking forward to dry warm twisty roads.
\v/
Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 9:15 pm
by Steve1200S
Vince wrote:There's an R12r now sitting next to my R12RT in the garage. I bought 2007 model same as my RT12 as the wheels etc will swap over (I have a spare set of wheels). 80,000 miles less than my RT so it's like new.
Mucho fun, I'm keeping her naked, I have the RT if I want to keep out of the rain and wind or carry stuff. (also have a car but who wants to drive FCS!)
Looking forward to dry warm twisty roads.
\v/

Good work! You just need some sun now...

Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 8:38 pm
by Vince
Okay, thanks for the sun today. Much appreciated
After todays ride I have relented and bought a Puig short screen. If only to keep the flies off my Rukka.
Jeez it's almost to much fun in the twistys.
\v/