Feedback on R 1200 S

[levine98]

Hello all, am new to this forum and looking for feedback on the 2007 R 1200 S.

I currently ride a Ducati ST3 and love it but am tired of the excessive maintenance costs (along with the limited dealer support in my area). So I'm going to reserve my Ducati for local and mid-distance day riding and looking at the R 1200 S for cross country sport riding (tank bag, GPS, credit card, good to go).

I am not a fan of traditional touring configurations and have always leaned toward sport bikes configured for distance or true sport-touring mounts like the ST (both Triumph and Ducati), hence my interest in the 'S'.

Are there many U.S. owners on this list and if so, how do you rate the bike for long-distance sport-touring? Reliability, ergos for 5'11", 180LB person, overall fit and feel of the bike on two-lane secondary roads? Night driving?

[BigAdv]

Why not have a look at the R1200R or R1200ST, both way better for sport touring. My friend has the S and likes it alot for day trips but finds it too limiting for touring. But different strokes for different folks. Personally I have an R1200RT because Im a pussy and like to be comfortable!

Earl

[YELLOW_S]

You'll get more info on the R1200S is you visit this http://forums.pelicanparts.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=24&daysprune=45&sortorder=desc&sortfield=lastpost&perpage=35&pagenumber=1 place. All of them ride R1200S's, or R1100S's.

[FredRydr]

Hello all, am new to this forum and looking for feedback on the 2007 R 1200 S.Levine,

I read elsewhere on here that BMW now makes an OEM kit that allows BMW cases to be mounted on the S, so the S would make a great tourer when you wanted carrying capacity for your stuff. You will have to find out whether the cases are the hard or the expanding type.

Fred
'07 R1200R

[levine98]

Levine,

I read elsewhere on here that BMW now makes an OEM kit that allows BMW cases to be mounted on the S, so the S would make a great tourer when you wanted carrying capacity for your stuff. You will have to find out whether the cases are the hard or the expanding type.

Fred
'07 R1200R

Thanks Fred.

Actually one of the 1200s' I'm looking at is an 'executive demo' with 900 miles. Bike already comes with the cases along with Ohlins, 6" rear wheel, heated grips, ABS, tank bag, and Akropovic Exhaust. The dealer is asking $13,950 which seems like a solid deal versus retail. Big question for me is do I hold on for another year and get a one year old used bike for what I assume would be several thousands less.

[grossjohann]

OK, so you are in the market for an R1200S, and you could buy it "new" with about $2500 worth of options for about $1000 under list and you are considering waiting...?

[OUT ON A LIMB] It sounds like you're really not into the bike. Are you asking for feedback to validate your decision not to take it?

While there are many who rely on their motorcycles for daily transportation, you buy them for recreation. If you don’t love the toy, then save your pennies for something that really calls to you. [/OUT ON A LIMB]

[deilenberger]

I'll actually try to answer at least a few of your questions:

Ergos - you'll have to answer this yourself. What's good for one person is something another person hates. I'm too damn old for the real sport position riding, although I did find the R1150RS acceptable. I have found I prefer a more naked bike, so I'm currently riding an R1200R - which has great ergos for me. I even like the seat.

I'd suggest an extended test ride (60-100 miles) - which the dealer with the bike for sale should be able to provide for you. After 100 miles do you feel like you can go the rest of the day? If so - it works. If not - see what isn't working and how it might be addressed (there are lots of ergo mods available for almost any BMW..)

Reliability - compared to the Ducati? Good. And MUCH easier to service, and less expensive to service due to the ease of service. Valves are a snap to adjust. Throttle bodies don't seem to need adjusting much - but if they do - a snap. My R1200R has been a change the oil and ride it (same basic design as the S engine..) Just under 10,000 miles of riding since June... in all sorts of temps/conditions/locations/riding environments. It's just worked for me.

Night riding - any bikes lights can be improved on. Haven't ridden an R1200S so can't say - but I'm sure there are kits out there to improve them.

Fit and feel of the bike on 2 lane secondary roads - more than likely wonderful. The R1200R is wonderful, and the R1200S is the R1200R on steroids for engine/handling. The Ohlins are nice.. and sounds like the one you're looking at is well equipped.

Since you're doing what you describe as credit-card touring (do we assume you buy new clothes along the way and dispose of the old ones?) - luggage isn't a big deal.

[FredRydr]

Big question for me is do I hold on for another year and get a one year old used bike for what I assume would be several thousands less.Of course not. You would be losing a year of your life on the bike you really want, at what you say is a special price. Furthermore, you acknowledge you are making an assumption about what might be available 12 months from now, which may or may not pan out.

If you have the bucks, go ride it and decide now.

Fred

[JK]

Thanks Fred.

Actually one of the 1200s' I'm looking at is an 'executive demo' with 900 miles. Bike already comes with the cases along with Ohlins, 6" rear wheel, heated grips, ABS, tank bag, and Akropovic Exhaust. The dealer is asking $13,950 which seems like a solid deal versus retail. Big question for me is do I hold on for another year and get a one year old used bike for what I assume would be several thousands less.

Hi Levine -

Regarding the R-12s you're considering, tire wear pattern and depth of exhaust pipe yellowing will indicate how hard it's been flogged, as a demo. The Yellow demo I almost bought last Spring (900 miles, indicated) had seen more than a few race track laps, so Buyer Beware....

With over 13,500 miles, my brand new R-12s (with all options except race exhaust and saddle bags) has performed flawlessly. A minimalist, I only use a BMW Motorrad pack bag anchored to the pax seat, along with a one-man tent and pad lashed to the bag, while touring. The OME M-1 tires lasted 6,500 miles, and the M-3 replacement look to do about 9,000 miles at the current rate of wear.

Given the Dollar's free-fall against the Euro, my advice is, if you need/want it, don't hesitate to buy it.

Finally, it's easy to out run the headlight beam, at triple digit speeds, when night-riding (even on full-bright.)


J.K. :wow

P.S. As Nike says, "Just Do It!" It'll give you more smiles per miles than anything you've ever ridden.

[kreinke]

Not to be a spoiler here but if sport twins are your bag one of the most reliable, non-pocket book-busting deals is the SV1000. I don't even think they are going to import them to this country this year because so many are still sitting crates. I've heard of people getting two year-old ones for less than the 650 brand new. Now I see they even offer the SV650 twin with ABS for $7400 clams!?! Wuz up wi dat!!?!

http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/2006_Bikes/SV1000S.jpg

[levine98]

OK, so you are in the market for an R1200S, and you could buy it "new" with about $2500 worth of options for about $1000 under list and you are considering waiting...?

[OUT ON A LIMB] It sounds like you're really not into the bike. Are you asking for feedback to validate your decision not to take it?

While there are many who rely on their motorcycles for daily transportation, you buy them for recreation. If you don’t love the toy, then save your pennies for something that really calls to you. [/OUT ON A LIMB]

Not quite sure where you're coming from.

No matter how much I love something, at the end of the day it is just a thing (and even though I can afford one new if I want to it is still a lot of cash to throw around).

I've been riding for over 35 years and have been in love many times with many bikes. Heck, I hope I fall in love several more times with several more bikes long before I die.

I'm about 90% decided on purchasing the R 1200 s but would like to be sure re: it is very hard to really get to know much about a particular bike until you actually own one for an extended period of time and ride it several thousands of miles under various road conditions.

Asking informed owners their .02 before I plop down $14K so I at least know what I'm getting in to just seems like common sense to me.

Regards,

Jay Levine
http://ducguy.blogspot.com/2006/09/musings-of-near-organ-donor.html

[levine98]

I'll actually try to answer at least a few of your questions:

Ergos - you'll have to answer this yourself. What's good for one person is something another person hates. I'm too damn old for the real sport position riding, although I did find the R1150RS acceptable. I have found I prefer a more naked bike, so I'm currently riding an R1200R - which has great ergos for me. I even like the seat.

I'd suggest an extended test ride (60-100 miles) - which the dealer with the bike for sale should be able to provide for you. After 100 miles do you feel like you can go the rest of the day? If so - it works. If not - see what isn't working and how it might be addressed (there are lots of ergo mods available for almost any BMW..)

Reliability - compared to the Ducati? Good. And MUCH easier to service, and less expensive to service due to the ease of service. Valves are a snap to adjust. Throttle bodies don't seem to need adjusting much - but if they do - a snap. My R1200R has been a change the oil and ride it (same basic design as the S engine..) Just under 10,000 miles of riding since June... in all sorts of temps/conditions/locations/riding environments. It's just worked for me.

Night riding - any bikes lights can be improved on. Haven't ridden an R1200S so can't say - but I'm sure there are kits out there to improve them.

Fit and feel of the bike on 2 lane secondary roads - more than likely wonderful. The R1200R is wonderful, and the R1200S is the R1200R on steroids for engine/handling. The Ohlins are nice.. and sounds like the one you're looking at is well equipped.

Since you're doing what you describe as credit-card touring (do we assume you buy new clothes along the way and dispose of the old ones?) - luggage isn't a big deal.

Thanks Don, this is very helpful. I did get to ride a 2005 Boxer Cup last summer a hundred or so miles on the open road--enjoyed it quite a bit which is what got me to thinking I'd really like the 1200 s version.

As to credit card touring....you'd be amazed at how much stuff fits into a medium sized tail bag. I usually just carry three lightweight sets of hiking underwear, couple pairs of wicking cotton socks, very lightweight nylon hiking pants and shirt, all from REI plus some basic tools (what doesn't fit under my seat). I wear full leathers all day while riding, so I just don't need much when I'm on the road (the lightweight hiking stuff rinses clean with warm soapy water in a motel sink and dries very fast........) I also usually ride with a smallish tank bag for electronics, wet weather gear and miscellaneous stuff like pocket knife and other bike do-dads.

[levine98]

Hi Levine -

Regarding the R-12s you're considering, tire wear pattern and depth of exhaust pipe yellowing will indicate how hard it's been flogged, as a demo. The Yellow demo I almost bought last Spring (900 miles, indicated) had seen more than a few race track laps, so Buyer Beware....

With over 13,500 miles, my brand new R-12s (with all options except race exhaust and saddle bags) has performed flawlessly. A minimalist, I only use a BMW Motorrad pack bag anchored to the pax seat, along with a one-man tent and pad lashed to the bag, while touring. The OME M-1 tires lasted 6,500 miles, and the M-3 replacement look to do about 9,000 miles at the current rate of wear.

Given the Dollar's free-fall against the Euro, my advice is, if you need/want it, don't hesitate to buy it.

Finally, it's easy to out run the headlight beam, at triple digit speeds, when night-riding (even on full-bright.)


J.K. :wow

P.S. As Nike says, "Just Do It!" It'll give you more smiles per miles than anything you've ever ridden.

Thank J.K. I assume your comment regarding Euro vs Dollar is things are only going to get more expensive? If so, that has been my thinking too (no time like the present).

[grossjohann]

Not quite sure where you're coming from.

No matter how much I love something, at the end of the day it is just a thing (and even though I can afford one new if I want to it is still a lot of cash to throw around).

I've been riding for over 35 years and have been in love many times with many bikes. Heck, I hope I fall in love several more times with several more bikes long before I die.

I'm about 90% decided on purchasing the R 1200 s but would like to be sure re: it is very hard to really get to know much about a particular bike until you actually own one for an extended period of time and ride it several thousands of miles under various road conditions.

Asking informed owners their .02 before I plop down $14K so I at least know what I'm getting in to just seems like common sense to me.

Regards,

Jay Levine
http://ducguy.blogspot.com/2006/09/musings-of-near-organ-donor.html


Jay,

I meant no offence with my post. I am not one to suggest spending any amount on a whim, and it is certainly prudent to research your purchases. As you are well aware, that is an excellent use of this forum. It simply seemed to me that you were not so enthusiastic about this particular motorcycle.

Sometimes we let our enthusiasm get carried away, sometimes we are carried away by the opinion of others, and sometimes we don’t allow ourselves the freedom to experience the thrill of a new purchase. You certainly have enough experience to know where you are and were you would like to be. I suppose I superimposed my own condition prematurely.

Good luck with your purchase; whatever it may be.

Best regards,
Alex

[levine98]

Jay,

I meant no offence with my post. I am not one to suggest spending any amount on a whim, and it is certainly prudent to research your purchases. As you are well aware, that is an excellent use of this forum. It simply seemed to me that you were not so enthusiastic about this particular motorcycle.

Sometimes we let our enthusiasm get carried away, sometimes we are carried away by the opinion of others, and sometimes we don’t allow ourselves the freedom to experience the thrill of a new purchase. You certainly have enough experience to know where you are and were you would like to be. I suppose I superimposed my own condition prematurely.

Good luck with your purchase; whatever it may be.

Best regards,
Alex

No offense taken. Jay

[sfarson]

Used to ride an ST4s for years. Adored the bike. Have owned an 11S and now an R12S. BMW really went sporty with the R12S. It is sportier than your Duc ST.

I have a friend who lost an ST3 to a deer and has picked up an R12S. He absolutely marvels at how more nimble, responsive, and better handling the R12S is versus his deceased ST3. But his rides are not multi-day in length. If you're really looking for a sporty long distance ride, the R12S could be it, with the optional factory bags, but it sure will be a SPORTY ride.

Also ride a K1200S. Now this would be a finer long distance SPORTING ride. Finer ergos, ESA option, optional factory bags... and more different from your ST3 than the twin R12S. I have a thing for diversity :). Check the K12S out while at the dealer before placing the $14K on the R12S.

http://www.farson.com/r1200s/r1200swestcreek.jpg

http://www.farson.com/k1200s/k1200sjuniperbags.jpg

[levine98]

Used to ride an ST4s for years. Adored the bike. Have owned an 11S and now an R12S. BMW really went sporty with the R12S. It is sportier than your Duc ST.

I have a friend who lost an ST3 to a deer and has picked up an R12S. He absolutely marvels at how more nimble, responsive, and better handling the R12S is versus his deceased ST3. But his rides are not multi-day in length. If you're really looking for a sporty long distance ride, the R12S could be it, with the optional factory bags, but it sure will be a SPORTY ride.

Also ride a K1200S. Now this would be a finer long distance SPORTING ride. Finer ergos, ESA option, optional factory bags... and more different from your ST3 than the twin R12S. I have a thing for diversity :). Check the K12S out while at the dealer before placing the $14K on the R12S.

http://www.farson.com/r1200s/r1200swestcreek.jpg

http://www.farson.com/k1200s/k1200sjuniperbags.jpg


Your friend wouldn't be named Jim B? I've chatted with Jim on Ducati.MS regarding his BMW 1200S (he hit a deer in September while on his 2004 ST3 and replaced it with the BMW 1200S in September). He loves the bike and his thread on the subject is one of the reasons I started to take a second look at the 1200S.

I started to think about a second, more reliable long distance sport-touring platform last year while traveling cross-country with a group of friends, including the guy who let me ride his 2005 Boxer Cup. Overall a comfortable platform, but thought the engine lumbered and the transmission was clunky to the point of distraction for me. Then I read about how much improved the 1200S is and decided to take another look (less weight, more horsepower, slightly cleaner visual lines IMHO, improved transmission--all the things I found objectionable about the Boxer Cup).

One of the other fellows on the ride owned a brand new K1200R (2007 I assume). Everyone who rode it (I didn't) loved the engine and handling. I hated the way the bike looked so much that I turned down the offer to ride it. I am also not a fan of the K1200RT? Just don't care for the luxury touring configuration, never have. I've never seen the K1200S in person but with full fairing and outfitted with the smaller bags it appears much improved presentation over the K1200RT--will definitely take a look at the K1200S at this years IMS in Minneapolis..

That is the nice thing about living in the frigid mid-west--plenty of time to bench race and window shop this time of year (it is 1f this morning).

[sfarson]

Yes, that would be Jim B. We exchange many messages at Ducati MS and at the R1200S board.

BMW has the R1200RT and K1200GT. The former has the R1200S flat twin engine in a very friendly and sweet touring platform. The K1200GT has the inline 4 engine in sport touring package. The K1200S I suggested is even sportier yet but can go far... given what you were thinking. Give them a look at the IMS.