'01 and '04 K1200RS

[PatrickDonovan]

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between an '01 K1200 RS and '04 K 1200 RS? And has anyone gone from RT to a K bike and regretted it?

thanks

[Charles960]

Patrick,
I am no guru so this is off the top. The primary diff between '01 and later is the windshield configuration. engine and all else pretty much the same. More aftermarket shields for the newer models, but Ztechniq makes fine stuff for the older configuration.

The real difference in your question is between the K and the R bikes. Riding will tell you most of the answer; the K lacks the familiar boxer vibration, but it has its own high pitched vib. Raw power goes to the K easily. All day comfort? The RT

Maintenance is hands down easier on the RT, most of which you can do alone or with a friend's help. the K goes to the dealer for me.

Hope it helps some.
Charles
ps: my K12RS is in flea market :whistle

[PatrickDonovan]

Charles,

Thanks for the feed back. Like every other fall, I start getting the itch for something different next spring. I always end up keeping my RT because I just can't justify getting rid of it since It does nothing wrong. I think I need a second job so I can have two bikes in the stable :thumb .


Pat

[john1691]

In '02 the windshield/front end changed some as Charles mentioned. Also, the brakes went to a servo-assist, interlocked brake, as opposed to the standard ABS for the previous years. Most of the '02 and newer also have electronic cruise o, which can be great on longer rides to take pressure off your wrist. I find maintenance to be do-able, the plastics come off fairly easily, the head is on the left, crank on the right. You can pretty much do an engine rebuild without removing it from the bike. Oil change takes 15 minutes, same for cooling system flush, spark plug changes...........The valve adjustment is more like a 2 hour job, and helps if you have a buddy there to give you a hand. Other than that if you buy the Clymer manual you can pretty much do it all.

With a decent seat (pick whatever you brand you like on your "R") and bar backs, it is a comfortable ride. We did 2700 miles over 5 days last summer, the longest day at 700 miles, and it was great. I add a Laminar Lip in the winter for better protection, but like it better without during the summer. Even that is ony a 5 minute swap out.

Good luck, I've never owned an "R" bike, so can't help with a comparison, sorry.

[Bobmws]

In addition to the upper fairing/windshield difference, the '04 most likely has cruise control. The '04 also has 'whizzy' brakes, servo driven power units, I'm not sure the '01 had them.