New R12R Owner on board

[RT-Mike]

I was tantilized by some of you in this thread http://www.r1150r.net/board/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=21235

I sold my RT,and went on the hunt for a suitable replacement.

I pulled the trigger on a "new to me" Black '08 R12R with 2785 miles on the clock...She came from Grass Roots BMW in Cape Girardeau,Mo.

I put on some warm gear (48 F when I set out yesterday) and went on our maiden run...at first,I was missing the wind protection of the RT...but that was all...the lighter,more nimble,much quicker R was soon proving to me that I had made the right decision

My only concern is the windscreen,the bike came with a Factory Sport Screen,which is not bad,until you hit about 80-90 mph...I think the Sport screen will be perfect in warmer weather.

I've been reading numerous threads this morning about screen options,I can see that this is an "experimental" subject...I hope to have something different on the R soon,as Fall is here and the rides are spirited.

Cheers,Mike

[ka5ysy]

Hi Mike...

Welcome to the group. You have also become a member of the exclusive "Test Ride Victims Club" !

[AncientMariner]

Welcome aboard.

Regarding your windshield, I have been very satisfied with a Cee Baily's 22" shield tilted back as far as possible without having the mounting bracket touch the back of the speedometer housing. It works great. No earplugs needed. At 100 mph you only hear a slight hiss.

Bruce

[Michael Hart]

I just installed my new parabellum scout (expensive but) so far for the cooler weather its been awesome. The one thing I was missing since I been riding my R was hearing the noise of the engine. I feel I will notice when (if) mechanically something starts to go bad. But after 8000 miles now I have to get used to the new sounds I can hear.
Mike

[fastdogs2]

Mike,

Welcome! I also migrated from the R1200RT to the R1200R and I described that experience in a previous post. I think you have discovered that the descriptions of the R1200R' s performance, as compared to your R1200RT, were accurate.

I know you will enjoy the most well kept secret that BMW has, but what we R1200R owners already know...this is a terrific bike!

Bill

[RT-Mike]

Hi Mike...

Welcome to the group. You have also become a member of the exclusive "Test Ride Victims Club" !

My first test ride was yesterday,I bought the R pretty much sight unseen,except for a couple of pictures...I knew it was going to live up to my expectations...All of you told me so

[RT-Mike]

Thanks guys,It's going to be a beautiful day here,and my Chiefs have a bi this week...so I will soon be outa here

I will try to post a picture sometime...she's very attractive,if I do say so myself

[rokinrider]

I vote for the MRA Vario screen!! I'm very happy with it!! Congrats on the new bike, you will be hooked if not already:)

[staves]

Welcome - I'm a recent buyer, too and I really love this bike.

My RR came with the sport screen and a big, whopper Parabellum barn door. I can't bring myself to deface this beautiful machine with the huge screen. The sport screen has served me well for summer riding (including 400-500 trips) and some recent 55F expressway jaunts. I came from a Speed Triple, however, so I appreciate a bit of wind.

Windscreen, oil and tire discussions will likely continue 'til the apocalypse.

- Scott

[RT-Mike]

I hear ya Scott,I can't bring myself to stick a very large screen on my R as well...I must still have some Harley Rider left in me,as I have to take in account the way things look

"If" I install a screen that is taller than the BMW Touring Shield,it will only be a cool weather accessory

Just got back from a short jaunt,can't believe how well the R runs and handles over my recent RT...literally a different bike,even though they have so much in common.

Cheers,Mike

[Kieran R1200R]

I read most of the report on this board about screens and decided it would be a very expensive exercise to find one that was going to be perfect!
So I decided to stay naked. Becides the cost of both Screens BMW offer are way to expensive.
Going naked is good for up to 120kmph but after that forget it.
I recently bought a sport screen from a member here for half price and can say it is good up to 140kmph, which is braking the speed limit.
For riding around at legal speeds and the occastional blast for over taking the sport screen is ok, it also looks the best!
Also if you start going bigger than the BMW touring screen it does slow your steering down because of wind pressure!

[gezerbike]

What happened to the one in Pa ? Any chance you're going to the Falling Leaf ?

[RT-Mike]

What happened to the one in Pa ? Any chance you're going to the Falling Leaf ?

Hey Mike,I was set to purchase the RR that was in Pa. and then,one became available closer to home...almost identical bike with just a few more miles,but also had a couple of options...for a little less money.

I'd love to make the trip to the Falling Leaf Rally,The weather "forecast" looks close to perfect...I have family obligations that prevail...maybe next year.

[Mark_1]

I just replaced a totaled R12R with a new one. The first bike had the BMW tall sport screen and the new one is currently naked. I've only put 50 miles, or so, on the new bike, but it is interesting comparing the ride between the two. Riding with the tall screen is much more comfortable at higher speeds (70+) although I did encounter buffeting on occasion. The wind without the screen is enjoyable at normal traffic speeds. I have a tall screen on order, but look forward to riding without the screen for couple of weeks.

Mark_1

[RT-Mike]

I just replaced a totaled R12R with a new one. The first bike had the BMW tall sport screen and the new one is currently naked. I've only put 50 miles, or so, on the new bike, but it is interesting comparing the ride between the two. Riding with the tall screen is much more comfortable at higher speeds (70+) although I did encounter buffeting on occasion. The wind without the screen is enjoyable at normal traffic speeds. I have a tall screen on order, but look forward to riding without the screen for couple of weeks.

Mark_1

Hey Mark,I meant to reply to your thread,but I've been busy..............riding Glad you made it out of the accident in good shape,and happy that you have a new ride under you.

I "need" a better shield as I live in the Midwest where the decent riding days are getting numbered,I envy you RR owners that live in the sunny warm climate of CA.

Cheers,Mike

[Stef.]

Congrats on your new buy. I have the taller BMW screen and it works for me very well.
Stef.

[famousperson]

Congratulations for buying the best bike on the road! I have the BMW tall (or touring) screen and it's just OK. At 70+ I get buffeting, which isn't fun.

[xprof]

Famousperson: Have you tried tilting it back? If you haven't yet, just unhook it from the bottom mount, leave the top screws a bit loose, and try it to see. If tilting helps, then remove the bottom mount, tighten the top screws, and bend the whole bracket back to the tilt you like. Then use one of several suggested methods to re-mount or re-build the bottom mount.

[famousperson]

Xprof, thanks. No, it never occured to me to try that. I'll take a look to see what is involved in redoing the bottom mount. You wouldn't remember the thread the bottom bracket remounting ideas were on?

[AncientMariner]

Do a search on my posts, looking for "Ferguson Box." All about tilting it back using some parts from Lowe's Motorcyccle Parts Store.

Bruce