R Sport(ing) bikes – end of the line?

[hcmiller52]

I own both an R1100S and an R1200S and have really come to enjoy them immensely. This past weekend, I went on a road trip on my 1200, riding over 600 miles in two days. When I got home, I was ready to ride some more. Coming from the world of bicycling, I find the riding position very comfortable, preferring it to my GS for long distances. In fact, I find my GS quite boring to ride after an hour or so, wanting to get back on one of my sportier rides. All this is a prelude into my dismay over the change in the mix in BMW’s Boxer lineup.

Currently, in the Boxer range, BMW offers the Gs, GS-Adv., R1200R and the R1200RT. I’m not including the limited production HP models since there are so few of them being made and are not priced to be sold in large quantities. Since the introduction of the 1200 series, BMW have dropped the ST (because people didn’t like the headlights of that magnificent sport tourer), the RS and now the S. So, essentially, they have dropped one half of their R-model lineup, including all of the “sportier” models. While I also own a K1200R, it can’t compare to the ride experience of the R1200S. It’s like comparing a Corvette to a Ferrari. The K12R is rough and tough where the R12S is refined.

Anybody have any ideas where BMW might be heading with sporty R bikes?

[JimVonBaden1]

When did BMW drop the R1200S????

Oh, and stick around, there is more coming!

Jim :brow

[hcmiller52]

When did BMW drop the R1200S????

Oh, and stick around, there is more coming!

Jim :browLast fall. They're real quiet about this stuff, as we've all learned. I certainly will stick around. I love this machinery!

[gulfcoastbeemer]

Odd. The R1200S is presently listed on the BMW Motorcycles USA (http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200s&bikeSection=sport) and BMW-Motorrad European (http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/bikes/sport/r1200s/r1200s_main.html) web sites.

Are you sure this model has been discontinued?

[feds27]

Yeah HCMiller52 is correct. They stopped importing the R1200S into the U.S. after 2007, there weren't any 2008 models imported. You'll notice the BMW U.S. sites show the R1200S as a 2007 model, not 2008. 2008 models were sold in Europe but then a couple of months ago it was made known the R1200S and R1200ST weren't going to be made for 2009. I asked my dealer about this last month when I bought my R1200S and they confirmed it. They said the R1200S was a very poor selling bike, they had a very hard time unloading the ones they had in inventory. Someone posted the official announcement on the Pelican Parts forum. I'll see if I can find it and post it here.

[bjhughes]

I've had my R1200S for about 6 months now and I love it. I just got back from Arkansas where I rode with my buds on a R1 and an Aprilia RSVR. I have no problem hanging in there with "pure" sportbikes (unless you're talking drag race acceleration).

For me, the R1200S is the only BMW model that gets my attention. The fact that it is no longer available will likely make this my one and only BMW purchase. It's a keeper, that's for sure. The HP2 is not an option.

I am currently looking to add a nice used Ducati 999 to my garage (time for another one!), but the R1200S stays as well.

Maybe BMW has something new & exciting under wraps...we'll just have to wait and see. I like the looks of the new 4 cyl. race bike, but doubt I would buy a street version.

I'm not a GS or RT kind of guy, so my BMW future is probably somewhat limited.

[JimVonBaden1]

I've had my R1200S for about 6 months now and I love it. I just got back from Arkansas where I rode with my buds on a R1 and an Aprilia RSVR. I have no problem hanging in there with "pure" sportbikes (unless you're talking drag race acceleration).

For me, the R1200S is the only BMW model that gets my attention. The fact that it is no longer available will likely make this my one and only BMW purchase. It's a keeper, that's for sure. The HP2 is not an option.

I am currently looking to add a nice used Ducati 999 to my garage (time for another one!), but the R1200S stays as well.

Maybe BMW has something new & exciting under wraps...we'll just have to wait and see. I like the looks of the new 4 cyl. race bike, but doubt I would buy a street version.

I'm not a GS or RT kind of guy, so my BMW future is probably somewhat limited.


come on over to www.bmwsr.org and get together with other BMW R1100/1200S/ST owners, riders, racers.

Oh, and do not count the R---S out yet. Plus there are new racing bikes coming from BMW soon!

Jim :brow

[BeemerMike]

Since the introduction of the 1200 series, BMW have dropped the ST (because people didn’t like the headlights of that magnificent sport tourer), the RS and now the S.

Did BMW ever make an R1200RS?

As for the ST, it seems (to me) that the simple solution would be to restyle the front to something people WOULD like (and buy). I guess that couldn't get by Chris Bangle. I really like my R1100RS. It would be nice to have a more powerful equivalent bike, with more "conventional" styling.

As for the R1200S, could BMW luggage be fitted to that bike? If not, that may part of the reason for slow sales. I had an R1100S (with luggage) on an Alps tour, and it was fantastic for that. An R1200S fitted the same way would be even better.

Anybody have any ideas where BMW might be heading with sporty R bikes?

Well, you'll soon be able to buy a $25,000 "sporty R". We'll see how fast that sells. The new Ducati 1098 retails for about $16,000, and the 1098S (with the Ohlins suspension and forged wheels) retails for $21,000. Both with 2 year/unlimited mileage warranties (according to Ducati's web page). That looks like some pretty stiff competion.

[hcmiller52]

<snip>For me, the R1200S is the only BMW model that gets my attention. The fact that it is no longer available will likely make this my one and only BMW purchase. It's a keeper, that's for sure. The HP2 is not an option.

I am currently looking to add a nice used Ducati 999 to my garage (time for another one!), but the R1200S stays as well.<snip>My feelings are somewhat similar. While I do love other BMWs like the GS and K12R (I have one of each), the S is just so special and different from the RT (and from the K bikes). It is surgically precise in its handling, lusty enough in the throttle to be exciting and smooth enough to ride all day.

I rode my R1100S 40 miles into work this morning, and while not quite up to the 12, it too is a great ride, with plenty of punch, great smoothness and precise handling. The Ss are truly a breed of their own.

[hcmiller52]

Did BMW ever make an R1200RS?No. 1150 was the last of them.

As for the ST, it seems (to me) that the simple solution would be to restyle the front to something people WOULD like (and buy).Think you're right.

As for the R1200S, could BMW luggage be fitted to that bike? If not, that may part of the reason for slow sales. I had an R1100S (with luggage) on an Alps tour, and it was fantastic for that. An R1200S fitted the same way would be even better.Yes, the expandable luggage in now made for the R1200S.

Well, you'll soon be able to buy a $25,000 "sporty R". We'll see how fast that sells. The new Ducati 1098 retails for about $16,000, and the 1098S (with the Ohlins suspension and forged wheels) retails for $21,000. Both with 2 year/unlimited mileage warranties (according to Ducati's web page). That looks like some pretty stiff competion.Precisely. and it's one gorgeous piece of bike, too. I had the opportunity to really scrutinize one carefully last week, and talk to the owner about it. It's quite a bike and for $15K, quite a deal.

[lenrt1200st]

As for the ST, it seems (to me) that the simple solution would be to restyle the front to something people WOULD like (and buy).

Oh hush, my R1200ST is a really a style leader. Just look at all the new models: KTM RC8, Aprilia Shiver SL 750, even the Suzuki B-King has that wacky lamp look, they're coming our way. They have that same in-your-face, non-traditional, Transformer-esque head lamp.

It's what the ST does to my soul, not what it look like that appeals to me. Let's face it even an ugly dog looks pretty good from behind those big brown eyes!:stick

Len

[BeemerMike]

It's what the ST does to my soul, not what it look like that appeals to me. Let's face it even an ugly dog looks pretty good from behind those big brown eyes!

Granted, beauty can sometimes be in the eye of the beholder, but apparently there were not enough beholders such as you to buy enough STs for BMW to keep making them. Too bad. ;)

Ducati found that out when they replaced the universally loved 916/996 with the technically superior, but aethetically challenged 999. In fairly quick order, they reverted to an updated 916 styling, and are now producing a technically and aesthetically superior motorcycle to the 916 (although I plan to keep my 916, since it can already go faster than I can ride!).

[HexST]

I think more than the styling was the price point. The ST after bags and the other stuff on all the American bikes it was less than $200 from an RT the S was about the same especially with the Ohlins package. It's funny every where I go with the ST people like the styling and every dealer tells me that it was the best R tourer of course I already know that. I rode an S last year on a trip to the C.R. for Moto GP and fell in love with the extra 500 RPM in the Alps and Dolomites just keep in in third and fourth and go from 25 to 105 mph.

[mistercindy]

Just my $0.02 here, but I think the 12ST is beautiful. Including the front lamps. I thoroughly enjoy my 12GS, but I occasionally peruse cycletrader.com to see what 12STs are available because you never know.....

[feds27]

I personally really like the look of the ST (minus headlamp) and I think I would have gotten one if it wasn't for the price and headlamp. I partly think the reason so many GS are being sold is because the ST missed the mark. 50% of the GS riders, if not more, never see the dirt. I think BMW owners want a sport touring bike but the vertical headlamp arrangement and pricing just didn't appeal to many people. Look at what happened to Ducati when they tried the vertical headlamp arrangement with the 999, sales dropped significantly. They went back to an updated 916 horizontal arrangement and bingo, sales soared.

[larrydk]

It's funny that your feelings about the position on the 1200s are identical to mine. I've always perferred sport bikes for touring since the position is sometimes more relaxed than my road bike that I've at times spent 6-7 hours on.

I agree the 1200s is a superb sport tourer and a blast to rde when the road dictates.

As far as discontinuing? I think what I've gathered is it's just not offered here in the states any longer. Also, from what I've read and what I'm speculating is that BMW feels they may be at the end of the line in respect to refining the boxer design. To liquid cool would mean an unpractical size and changing the configuration is not an option.

My feeling is that BMW will always offer the boxer, but not always in a sport platform. I think in the future we will see more traditional (and boring, my opinion) sport bikes sinc BMW wants to go after that segment.

As for me, I wish BMW would ake a little lesson from Ducati and offer some sport classics, modern boxer engine on "retro" bike. That would be cool.

[BeemerMike]

As for me, I wish BMW would ake a little lesson from Ducati and offer some sport classics, modern boxer engine on "retro" bike. That would be cool.

The Germans . . . take a little lesson from the Italians?! :eek

[deilenberger]

As for me, I wish BMW would ake a little lesson from Ducati and offer some sport classics, modern boxer engine on "retro" bike. That would be cool.Umm.... R1200R?

And dunno about near you - the Duc dealers in NJ all have some of the "retro" bikes still sitting on the floor unsold, bargain prices, several year old brand new bikes. Everyone loves to look at them - but apparently not enough people actually want to buy and ride them.

[SteveTech]

http://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/En/flash_content/index.html

[mikeb921]

My brother and I just finished a 1,900 mile "Back to our Roots" tour on our ST's. Mine is the R1200 and his is the F800. This is the type of BMW I've been riding for many years. The "Sport Touring" market is where I shop. My last bike was a R1100RS and I enjoyed it for quite a few years and miles. It's sad BMW isn't developing more twins to fill this niche. I have no idea what could replace this bike when the time comes. Our bikes have the stock seats and bars and we were pleasently surprised at the comfort level while eating up the miles. We left Orlando Fl. and headed up the eastern seaboard to Elizabeth City NC to see our relatives. While there, we toured the Outer Banks before heading over to Greensboro NC to visit our parents. With a mixture of Interstate and two lane country roads, the ST's were happy with either. Many non BMW riders commented favorably on the R1200ST's styling and were unaware BMW made such a bike. This bike is the best BMW I've ever owned, and I've owned a few. My brother is equally happy with the F800ST. I guess I have a few years before I have to worry about what to buy next.

Ride Safe
Rideoften

[grossjohann]

I own both an R1100S and an R1200S and have really come to enjoy them immensely. This past weekend, I went on a road trip on my 1200, riding over 600 miles in two days. When I got home, I was ready to ride some more. Coming from the world of bicycling, I find the riding position very comfortable, preferring it to my GS for long distances. In fact, I find my GS quite boring to ride after an hour or so, wanting to get back on one of my sportier rides. All this is a prelude into my dismay over the change in the mix in BMW’s Boxer lineup.

Currently, in the Boxer range, BMW offers the Gs, GS-Adv., R1200R and the R1200RT. I’m not including the limited production HP models since there are so few of them being made and are not priced to be sold in large quantities. Since the introduction of the 1200 series, BMW have dropped the ST (because people didn’t like the headlights of that magnificent sport tourer), the RS and now the S. So, essentially, they have dropped one half of their R-model lineup, including all of the “sportier” models. While I also own a K1200R, it can’t compare to the ride experience of the R1200S. It’s like comparing a Corvette to a Ferrari. The K12R is rough and tough where the R12S is refined.

Anybody have any ideas where BMW might be heading with sporty R bikes?



I'd keep them if it were up to me...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/Alex.Grossjohann/SDgkxCHVe9I/AAAAAAAABy8/eXGKYXCnd2U/s800/DSC01098.JPG (http://picasaweb.google.com/Alex.Grossjohann/MotorcyclePortrait/photo#5203949794226437074)

[JK]

Silly Wabbits -

With over 4,000 miles, two-up, blazing trails throughout the Southwest with my Sweetie this Spring, my R-1200S experience keeps ROCKING and ROLLING along.

Sport Touring naked isn't for everybody, but for those so blessed and smitten by the experience, there's no looking back....

SYF

J.K. :wow

[sfarson]

...Anybody have any ideas where BMW might be heading with sporty R bikes?

Believe the sporty R bikes will continue to evolve and be made available to those enthused with the line. Munich will leverage (and seek a ROI from) the DOHC engine developed for the bike below and their racing boxers in Moto-ST/endurance.

http://www.farson.com/hp2sport/hp2sportredrocks.jpg

[JimVonBaden1]

Believe the sporty R bikes will continue to evolve and be made available to those enthused with the line. Munich will leverage (and seek a ROI from) the DOHC engine developed for the bike below and their racing boxers in Moto-ST/endurance.

http://www.farson.com/hp2sport/hp2sportredrocks.jpg

I agree! Wait until you see what a boxer with overhead cams can do!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/Rides/Summit%20Point%2005-25-08/Summit%20Point%2005-25-08%2002/2-me-hp2-sport.jpg
Me at Summit Point on Nate's bike.

Jim :brow

[gordon1200]

I share the same thoughts on the S models. They truly are special. I love the sporty ergonomics, prefer them as for anything over about 60 km (35mph) they work well if designed properly, as the Beemer S's are! You are perfectly balanced between your butt, feet, and hands with the wind pressure. You're not a sail as with a cruiser, have weight on the front wheel for feeling, and can move around and not be stuck sitting on your spine. (Tailbone) Along with this, all of the boxer sports look simply awesome, and I humbly submit they are the high points of design for all of the boxers through the years. To get a European twin sportsbike that is reliable, with all of the features the S models have, is frankly tremendous. I must be a niche guy because no one else makes anything like them. I love ALL bikes, Japanese, Harleys, all of them. But I love my S the most. The boxer engine is genius. I love the simple maintenance. The cooling. The low cg that you can definitely appreciate getting off anything else. Contrary to popular opinion, boxers can sound great with the right exhaust. They're not Harleys, but above 3000k they have huge basso profundo. I'd also like to support Larry on his statement of "Sport Classics". BMW has huge history they in turn can mine from. For me, I would love to see a R1200RS with a VERY slightly updated Airhead RS Fairing. They are timeless and have not been exceeded for airflow or protection. Still my favourite bike of all time = 1984 R100RS. Ymmv, Cheers!;)

[rinty]

For those of you who may be looking, my local mega dealer has an ST on the floor with just a few thousand K's on it. Asking price is $19,999, but they will usually deal.

No affiliation.....

Rinty

[BeemerMike]

For those of you who may be looking, my local mega dealer has an ST on the floor with just a few thousand K's on it. Asking price is $19,999, but they will usually deal.

An ST with few thousand km, asking $19,999, and they will "usually deal"? No kidding! :eek

[JimVonBaden1]

An ST with few thousand km, asking $19,999, and they will "usually deal"? No kidding! :eek

Canadian!

Jim :brow

[BeemerMike]

Canadian!

I think today's exchange rate is 1 $US to 1.02 $Can. So, it's still $20k for a used ST. :eek

[JimVonBaden1]

I think today's exchange rate is 1 $US to 1.02 $Can. So, it's still $20k for a used ST. :eek

True, but their bikes are always 25% + higher than ours.

Jim :brow

[BeemerMike]

True, but their bikes are always 25% + higher than ours.

Really? Why?

Do they take the extra as a windfall profits tax to pay for universal health care? :whistle Sorry, ignore that.

[JimVonBaden1]

Probably a combination of things, partly taxes, partly local pricing structures.

Jim :brow

[rinty]

my local mega dealer.....Rinty

I basically put that information up for our Canadian members. BMW Canada is pretty miserable about issuing recall clearance certificates to enable the import of U.S. bikes. And doing an import from the U.S. is a lot of work, if you haven't done one before.

I've seen some U.S. ST's in the News recently, and they're pretty attractively priced.

Rinty

[crgrbrts]

I may be a typically aged Beemer jockey -- but I ain't blind. Why discuss the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate when we can be admiring JK's "sweetie"?

Huh!!??