Buying advise

[MacAlister]

Have been riding for almost 40 years, much in major urban area on British and Japanese machines. Existing bike is suffering and looking for new ride. Very interested in a new r1200r and wondering about a few things. Do you folks recommend a 1200 for combined city and highway riding? Is it longterm reliable? Is the seat as uncomfortable as it first appears ( if so are there options )? I prefer a louder exhaust than stock ( believe that reasonable noise can keep city drivers aware of my presence ) but not a HD chopper type exhaust, are there after market recommendations? Is there a vibration issues at low speeds ( city-type driving )? And any buying tips regarding their long list of options is most appreciated.

[OlyVR]

Let me try to answer your questions:

Combined City and Highway: I find the R12R to be very nimble around town in traffic and have taken mine on a couple of long trips. I think the R12R is a great tourer if you change a couple of things: Bars, Pegs and Seat.

Reliability: I believe they are very reliable, but I only have 15,000 trouble-free miles on mine.

Seat: I think it sucks, but there are options:
- Corbin has one off the shelf that I was extremely happy with.
- Sargent will rework your seat (new foam on your seat base).
- Bill Mayer, Rocky Mayer, Russell etc. – search the forum and you’ll find more input about those guys.

Exhaust: There are two options that do not require remapping: Acrapovic and Remus.

Vibration: Usually not a problem, but some machines may have an issue if the dealer doesn’t want to look into it. I had an issue and thanks to Don Eilenberger (he’s an invaluable resource here and on other forums) I was able to resolve my issue. Generally, vibration is caused by out of sync Throttle Bodies, Valves or the Rocker Arm play. TB and Valves are an every 6k mile check – the rocker arm only has to be done once and then you’re set.

When you buy used, first and foremost get ABS (without it you cannot sell a BMW). I would suggest also getting bags as they are over $1,000 new.
Heated Grips are a must in my book, but YMMV.


Where are you located? If close to the Southeast, you may want to check in the F/S section as I have a 2007 R1200R for sale.

[MacAlister]

Oliver. very helpful. Location is NYC area and considering a new machine. At these prices want it to be great and expect to hang onto it for a long time. Will investigate all your suggestions. Thanks

[Motorcycle_Girl]

As I have not put on as much mileage as most on this forum (only about 2500 km) I cannot speak in detail about long term stuff on the bike. I have easily ridden through the city streets, twisties and highways. Longest run without stopping probably 250 to 300 km. I am female so I don't seem to have the seat complaints that the guys do...

On Monday I am leaving for a week long trip and plan to spend 5 days exploring the roads in Vermont plus approximately a day and half each way to get there and back. When I return perhaps I will have some more comments regarding comfort etc.

My bike is equipped with:
ABS, ASC, TPM, heated grips, low seat, BMW Panniers, Garmin ZUMO 550 GPS, BMW Touring and Sport Windscreens and soon a Scorpio Alarm.

I don't feel the need for ESA, as removing the seat to make the adjustment is no big deal...plus I don't need to change the suspension very often.

Celeste

[LumpyCam]

I've had perfect reliability for 18,000km ('08). Mine does seem to burn it's fair share of oil though with a few 100cc every few thousand kms. I run it hard.

I commute every day, through all weather, and find it nimble and easy to park. But the fuel economy sucks in heavy traffic (7-8L/100km or about 30-34MPG). My best tank is 58MPG on the highway.

I find it a great touring machine. I've done several 1,000km days (Vancouver BC to Medford OR) and many 700km + days. I have the sport screen and no other modifications and it is fine.

I don't mind the stock seat, but you have to sit upright on it to fit how it's designed.

Buy it with as many of the factory toys as you can find and afford. They are all worth it in their own way and will help you enjoy the bike and resell it down the road.

[MacAlister]

You guys are great. Celeste, wishing for good weather in VT for your trip ( used to live near Woodstock ) and Daily, wishing for enough money to buy all the toys you tecommend. One last question, do you recommend valve head covers and if so the tube types or the steel or plastic covers over just the head?

[ShinySideUp]

There's been multiple discussions about engine protection. (Search is your friend!).

The consensus seems to say the covers are good for parking lot tip-overs. but, if you want protection for real crashes, the bars are much more effective. SW Motech bars get lots of praise. I like the bars, also, for hanging things like driving lights and foot pegs. Having the bars in place, along with the rear panniers, will go a long way in protecting your leg from getting mashed in a fall, based on experience.

[MacAlister]

Thanks Shiny and sorry to hear you have any experience in that matter. Think the plates looks more attractive on the 1200 but expect the bars to provide better protection.

[OlyVR]

Thanks Shiny and sorry to hear you have any experience in that matter. Think the plates looks more attractive on the 1200 but expect the bars to provide better protection.

I love the SW Motech as they make for great leg rests on the highway.

[MacAlister]

OlyVR - beautiful bike, why are you selling and does it comes with the pooch?

[websterize]

Do you folks recommend a 1200 for combined city and highway riding?

Yes, I commute daily to downtown D.C. and have taken many weekend trips to Maryland horse country — and a glorious overnighter to the twisties of West Virginia, where I'm returning in autumn. The bike handles both types of roads with aplomb.

[OlyVR]

OlyVR - beautiful bike, why are you selling and does it comes with the pooch?

I ride with a couple of guys that have dragged me over to the dark side and I now want a GS.
I have ADD when it comes to motor vehicles and even though the bike is great, I'm looking for something else - it's a quirk of mine...

As far as the pooch is concerned - sorry you can't have my girl. She's an old lady (11 y.o.) but still acts like a puppy.

[MacAlister]

O fully understand - might be a find, any probs with bike? may be driving car south to fla in few weeks and could stop by, give that pooper a bone for me, MA

[OlyVR]

O fully understand - might be a find, any probs with bike? may be driving car south to fla in few weeks and could stop by, give that pooper a bone for me, MA

No problems whatsoever, but of course I would say that since I'm trying to sell her

Honestly, as I mentioned earlier I had a vibration issue for my carpal tunneled wrists, but according to the dealer and the BMW Rep they were within normal tolerances. However, that wasn't good enough for me. It didn't keep me from riding and enjoying the bike, but I kept looking. Finally I set the rocker arm play to equal clearances on the left and right and voila it now runs like a sewing machine. That made the last long trip to St. Louis a total pleasure. That was the only issue I had with the bike. The two recalls were performed during regular service and did not impact me at all.

I just need to get you down here to see and ride her and I know you will buy her - it's been said here time and time again: Test riding an R1200R is hazardous to your finances

[gsmoto31]

I can give thumbs up to all of your questions except touring, as I use my ADV for that purpose. I comute every day in horrible Miami traffic on my R12R. I hate the traffic, but love the bike. FWIW, I added bar risers, Sargent seat, valve cover guards, Remus exhaust, and Hyperlites. I like the sound and shape of the Remus over the Akrapovic, but both are very good. IMHO, the Hyperlites are easy to install and absolutely necessary in heavy urban traffic. Good luck with your decision!

[ka5ysy]

Here... Have some of our CoolAid... It is really very sweet

[OlyVR]

Here... Have some of our CoolAid... It is really very sweet

Thank you for letting me quote your sig line - I think we all have been there.