I mean, it must have happened to some of you. I mean, there you are feeling quite content about life with an R1150R and then it happens; quite out of the blue ... and you just know it'll change things .... permanently ....
Taking your bike to be serviced does have its downside... especially when the dealer hands you the keys to a brand new black K1200S. I mean, you know in your head that the R1150R is a great bike; it has sensible meaty power; good handling and does what a decent bike should do. But then in your heart, things are different ....within a few miles of riding the K1200S (at the same speeds as I normally ride my R (pretty well within the speed limits)) I had a huge grin. The bike rides like a dream; its handling is the best I have experienced and the engine is a joy. It has power beyond belief and yet it will quietly pootle at 30-40mph in top without a problem and pull cleanly and powerfully. Drop a cog or two, get the revs up to around 5000rpm or more and she starts to howl, quietly at first and then wail above 7000rpm. As for acceleration, I have merely tasted it; but it is awesome; quite out of this world.
So, is this treachery to feel this way about another bike when your R1150R is in for a service; is this like two timing? How will I feel about the R when I pick her up again in a few days time .... what can I do ??!!
Last edited by John I. Stephen on Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
I test rode a K1200S while I was having my Roadster serviced for the 36k mile mark. When I found myself doing 96 mph down a 55mph road, saw a cop coming the other way and slowed down to 70, and then hit the throttle to get myself out of that zip code lest I get a ticket (and thereby did at least 100), I realized that the K120S would probably land me in jail if I bought one.
I took my Roadster back thankful that it would keep me more level headed.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
yjleesvrr wrote: I realized that the K120S would probably land me in jail if I bought one.
Haven't riddent the K-bike yet, but that would definitely be my concern too from everything I've heard.
Heck, I got stopped for 108 in an 80 (that's kms per hour!) on my R the week I picked it up
Can't imagine what would happen the first week I owned the K-bike!
I just don't think that anything out there is as versatile as my R for the type of riding I do. It'll do long trips, runs to the store or work, and anything else you ask from it. Not sure if the K will do that or not. I'll agree, sure is pretty, but not ready to give up my R yet (or Ever!!), I simply love the darn thing too much, no matter what else crosses my path.
A couple years ago I rode the K1200S and, like you, was amazed at the power and handling of it. It was like an unlimited power curve After I got off it, I just told myself it would get me in trouble because I'd always be running it too fast. Without a doubt, it is a nice bike.
Most of my favorite roads are 60mph roads, tops. Any faster and you won't be on the road anymore. I don't care how much lung capacity you have, there's only so much gas you can siphon out through a drinking straw.
I hear those Honda flat-sixes are silky smooth rides too.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
Can't be helped I'm afraid John - there is a reason that dealers park the tastiest stuff out the front & let you ride it ...
I'm completely torn between the R1200R (with a Wudo fairing), the awesome R1200S and haven't yet ridden a K1200S - that one really is out of my price range, but they're getting closer to £8K all the time: here is the first all-black one I saw recently at CW Motorcycles, Dorchester.
I hear so many of you talking about the awesome performance and the fact that the K1200S is SO FAST that you found yourself doing 130 when you thought you were doing 80 ...... I say "rubbish" to that ! I have just had a lovely detour home on the K1200S and I never once blew the speed limits by and unreasonable margin. This bike is 100% controllable. Yes it may be tempting to "bring it on" but she is just as happy staying in 6th from 40 mph and cruising along. The huge torque of the motor makes the experience very pleasurable. And when you do want to overtake, it's a much more relaxed affair than on the R1150R; almost "think" overtake, and she'd done it, no fuss no huge acceleration, just a quiet smooth "wooosh" (not exactly onomatopoeia but almost !).
But then, when it's safe, wind it on to 7000rpm+ in the lower gears and feel the adrenalin rush !
I've just gotten back into riding my '02 beak on a regular basis, commuting 50+ miles per day, and when I'm walking up to the bike after work, I'm still struck by how damn beautiful the thing is. It really is a modern classic, still getting lots of comments/attention. Still looks new. I'm honestly looking forward to growing old(er) with this bike. Bonus: it's reliable, paid for, ample power, and oh so comfortable.
I wanted a bmw primarily because I loved seeing older beemers, and I picked this bike over several other contenders because I'll still think this machine is beautiful decades from now. Lucky for me that the bike I wanted the most just happened to be the cheapest boxer in the showroom.
Go ahead, try out the fast party girl. I'll stick with my sensible, responsible, gorgeous gal even if she can't get her legs behind her head whilst doing a kegstand.
yeah, what he said!
When I bought my R for $9990 K bikes were $15k and up.
John makes a point given the price for the new R1200R is now in the K price range.
R's and K are now competing on price.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
You are talking about a 130+ hp 4 cylinder, vs. a 85+ hp 2 cylinder.
Well it's 167bhp so I am now informed However my point has been missed; bikers keep on about the power and the speed of this bike. I contend that this bike is a wonderful motorcycle in all senses - which just happens to go like a bat out of hell ... only when and IF you decide to open her up.
I just adore almost caressing the throttle and feeling the small whine as she responds almost by thought alone. I could go on, but I won't listen any more to those who tell me that the bike is just too fast. What they really mean is that they find they really cannot contain themselves and yes, in that situation the pussycat will instantly change into a roaring tiger. 'nuff said....
John - that's just it. Knowing you have that power available makes it hard not to resist the temptation to open 'er up! Sure I could doddle around like some old codger in a Chrysler, but knowing that in seconds I could be exceeding the posted speed limit makes the exercise of the option too difficult to deny.
BTW, my understanding is that the 167 claimed hp is at the crank, not the wheel. From what I read, the actual power at the rear wheel is more around 142 hp. That's still a LOT of power for a motorcycle!
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Plus the lean forward racing position makes keeping one's license even harder. It's a racer for sure.
Anyone done 500 miles on one?
How are the back and elbows?
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
I am with SJBMW. Much different riding position! I chose the R Because of the riding position. I get the whole twist it and get it. But there are alot of nice four cylinder bikes out there for alot less $$ that can do the same thing!
Having all that horsepower available and saying you will not use it is like trying to stay faithful to your wife but taking a detour home every night through the local 'house of ill repute' with $200 cash in your pocket! Can be done but you are a better man than me if you can resist!
Me, I don't choice to torture myself. I can get in plenty of trouble with the bike (and wife ) I have!
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
I had K1200R for 1 day last year when I had the Rockster serviced at 600 miles.
Scared the living daylight out of me on that very cold (near freezing) and wet day.
Before the Rockster I had 125 cc single, so 11 Bhp -> 87 Bhp -> 167 Bhp jump was way too sudden and scary.
Thinking - if I am given today a K1200S ... I might be swayed by the dark side ... as the Rockster is hard work on the motorway.
Not to mention that with the K1200S wiping out every race-rep riding lost soul out of the traffic lights would be touch easier than with Rockster.
But for the time being I will stick to a trusted flat twin.
John I. Stephen wrote:However my point has been missed;
John, I'm afraid the missed point is yours. Nobody is saying the bike's extravagant capabilities are too much to handle; they're just saying they're too much to resist. At some point the evil part of your brain is going to force your throttle hand to acknowledge that buying a 200 mph bike with race-crouch ergonomics to trundle around at the speed limit is just plain WRONG. And that's the point at which someone with striped pants is going to confiscate your driving license as collateral for your court appearance.
Bruce Jones
2004 Silver Roadster
2004 Copper Rockster
1953 Platinum spouse
BoiseBeemer wrote:
Nobody is saying the bike's extravagant capabilities are too much to handle; they're just saying they're too much to resist. At some point the evil part of your brain is going to force your throttle hand to acknowledge that buying a 200 mph bike with race-crouch ergonomics to trundle around at the speed limit is just plain WRONG. And that's the point at which someone with striped pants is going to confiscate your driving license as collateral for your court appearance.
Exactly!! I can't even behave on my R...
I used to be an out and out hooligan on my GSXR and occasionally the inner idiot still surfaces I have to stay away from 167 (142) bhp motorbikes.
For the record on the comfort thing, I could ride much further without getting 'monkey butt' on my GSXR or CBR than I can on the 1150...damn that seat...
After I got off it, I just told myself it would get me in trouble because I'd always be running it too fast. Without a doubt, it is a nice bike.
) I have!
I have to stay away from 167 (142) bhp motorbikes.