02 K1200RS - Tips? Warnings? Recalls? Suggestions?

[JohnnyMoto68]

Greetings K People -

I'm looking at a 2002 K1200RS with under 9000 miles on it. It's been well cared for by a fellow biker - all maint, etc.

I'd like to tour the US on it next year, and wondered if any of you dedicated K folks knew of any quirks, recalls, tendencies, etc of this specific bike? Anybody done anything long range on this bike? Should I be looking out for anything specific?

Thanks very much for your advice and suggestions -- most appreciated!

[john1691]

I have a '00 K1200RS, rode it from PA to LA and back this summer., with a detour to Deals Gap, 2700 miles round trip The '02 will have integrated servo assist brakes. While these stop the bike very well, they require a BMW shop to bleed them. I like the fact that I can do mine by myself when needed. For cross country riding you'll probably want bar risers and possibly a taller shield, depending on your ht., but all in all a comfortable ride with plenty of power. I have a friend with an '02 and another with an '04, both love their bikes almost as much as I do mine. A dealer can tell you if any recall issues have been taken care of with the VIN. Let us know what you decide!

[Bobmws]

Only potential recall was an ECU replacement to solve cold start issues.
I took my '04 on a little 9300 mile jaunt in May 06 to Hyderseek in Alaska.
Make sure you are comfortable on the bike. Do a google search for "Master Yoda". The gentleman who wrote it details ergonomics that make sense and work on the big K. His techniques really make it handle and enhance the riding experience. Get yourself in shape to do the ride.
I find that barbacks take away from the feel of the bike. The 02 has some adjustment in the bars that will allow you to fit them to the situation, lower for playing in the twisties, higher for the slab.

[JohnnyMoto68]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I'll post a pic or something, depending on what I do...

[JohnnyMoto68]

So, if anyone is interested - I bought the bike! So now I have a '78 R60/7 and a '02 K1200 RS (and a '91 Ducati 900SS). A world of difference, but stoked about both of them (I refuse to join the K vs R camp, which to me is like choosing between blondes and brunettes - you piss both of them off and leave the redheads (i.e. Ducati) furious too).

Sunday morning, after the pickup, I found myself whizzing over a bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn at 110. Absolutely no effort. This bike just eats bumps and wants to go go go. It's not as happy as my Ducati 900SS is flicking around the turns, but that is to be expected. it also doesn't have the same riding-a-milking-cow fun factor as my R60, but I gotta say hands down I'm THRILLED WITH THIS BIKE.

I hope to take the bike from NYC to Alaska (Ketchikan) this Spring. If anyone has done this on a K1200RS that would like to regale with a few tales, I'm all ears...

Thanks!

[john1691]

Congrats on the purchase! Enjoy the new bike, be safe, watch out for speeding tickets!

[john1691]

Oh, I forgot, PICTURES!!