Any R12R rider come over from K12RS or similar sport tourer?

bmwk100 · Post by **bmwk100** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:58 pm

I had 3 KRS' for a period of 15 years and now ride a Triumph Sprint ST. I usually take one or two long trips a year (2K to 3K) and put anywhere from 5K to 10K per year on my bike.

Looking to come back to the BMW fold and the R12ST is kind of difficult to get and may be getting phased out. I saw a R12R at my local dealership in the Grey matte finish. Great looking bike.

Is this bike a functional sport tourer?

hass · Post by **hass** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:25 am

Like you I am considering a R1200R. I don't yet own a R but I'll chip in anyhow

I now ride a K1200S after owning a 98 K1200RS for 4 years during which time I toured in the Swiss Alps 3 times.

In my opinion the R is as versatile a bike than the ST you named. My dealer told me the ST is getting a facelift which I believe means a similar half fairing to the K1200R Sport.

The R is certainly more versatile than either my KS or my old KRS. The bags are huge, the max load is more than adequate. The only problem touring will be the wind blast but a) this can be fixed with a new screen and b) it will slow me down which is actually what I want.

Post by **celticus** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:51 am

I had a 98 KRS before my new R1200R. Except for longish straight a ways the new bike is plenty fast. Just not quite the kick in the pants power of the big K. In the twisties it is a lot faster. The big K was just too long and heavy. The wife and I have toured on the smaller bike and while the wind IS more noticeable ( had the sport screen untill Saturday ) the bike is much more managable at slow speeds.
I would not go back. Even the newer lighter Ks do not tempt me. I love this bike. I now have a larger GIVI screen on it and will try it out for a couple of hundred miles this weekend.
This bike feels like a BMW should.
Mark

bmwk100 · Post by **bmwk100** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:33 am

If the ST is going to be remodeled, I may wait. But, it seems a windshield addresses the problems a sports touring rider may encounter. I'll keep monitoring the site and additional input would be appreciated.

Post by **deilenberger** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:46 am

The windshield makes it a fine sport-tourer. Did 1800 miles on it with the 16" Cee-Bailey screen, and it was fine - twisties or superslab. No complaints - the entire ride was great fun.

WileyRufus · Post by **WileyRufus** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:27 am

I rode my R1200R out to the Rockies at the end of May on a 2 week trip. 4115 miles total for the trip. The R1200R turned out to be a fantastic bike for touring. I have a Rick Mayer seat, and a 18" Cee Bailey screen. There is a gentle flow of air on my torso, enough to keep the wind flowing through my jacket vents (leather Fox Creek vented racing jacket). There is some turbulence with cross winds, but leaning forward a little solves that. I had an R12GS before and the R12R has less turbulence, especially noticed when passing semi's in a cross wind. The shape of the tank provides a surprisingly good amount of wind deflection on my legs. I noticed this when it rained and I was wearing mesh overpants that very little rain hit my legs. MUCH less than the GS.
As far as speed goes, I don't know what you're looking for, but the R12R did 135 mph with a slight tail wind, when I was trying to out run a storm front in South Dakota. The bike was very stable at that speed, but it still scared the hell out of me, as I'm too old to go that fast. In case you couldn't tell, I love this bike!
Jerry

Post by **Dan-A** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 9:15 am

bmwk100 wrote:I had 3 KRS' for a period of 15 years and now ride a Triumph Sprint ST. I usually take one or two long trips a year (2K to 3K) and put anywhere from 5K to 10K per year on my bike.

Looking to come back to the BMW fold and the R12ST is kind of difficult to get and may be getting phased out. I saw a R12R at my local dealership in the Grey matte finish. Great looking bike.

Is this bike a functional sport tourer?

Funny you should ask, I traded an 99 Sprint ST for the R1200R. I am keeping the bike naked however so it will not be a tourer, since I have other touring bikes.

I really like the R1200R, but I also really liked the Sprint. I find the BMW more comfortable since it is a bit more upright, even though I had risers on the Sprint. There is a bit more leg room as well, and you can lower the pegs even more if you want.

There is less engine heat from the BMW, the Sprint was really hot, but I loved the 955 triple.

The R1200R is light, fast and very tossable. With bags and a windshield I think it would be a great tourer.

I am happy with the trade, but the the Sprint is a very good ride.

Post by **celticus** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 1:20 pm

Jerry did you outrun the storm front? 135 huh? Maybe this weekend. Toped out in 6th gear?
Mark

WileyRufus · Post by **WileyRufus** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:27 pm

Mark,
Yes, I out ran it. It was sunny when I went in to eat some dinner, and when I came out the entire western sky was black about 5 or 10 miles away, with a mild southwest wind. I needed to get about 22 miles north to a motel for the night and I made it about 30 minutes before the storm hit hard. Speed is nice when the terrain is empty of traffic or other roads and the cattle and horses are fenced off. I managed to have only about 30 - 40 minutes of rain while riding during 13 days on the road in spring. The weather gods are nicer to me when I'm on the R12R than on the R12GS.
Jerry

WileyRufus · Post by **WileyRufus** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:28 pm

Mark,
Yes, I out ran it. It was sunny when I went in to eat some dinner, and when I came out the entire western sky was black about 5 or 10 miles away, with a mild southwest wind. I needed to get about 22 miles north to a motel for the night and I made it about 30 minutes before the storm hit hard. Speed is nice when the terrain is empty of traffic or other roads and the cattle and horses are fenced off. I managed to have only about 30 - 40 minutes of rain while riding during 13 days on the road in spring. The weather gods are nicer to me when I'm on the R12R than on the R12GS.
Jerry

peckhammer · Post by **peckhammer** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 9:18 pm

> I really like the R1200R, but I also really liked the Sprint.
> I find the BMW more comfortable since it is a bit more upright,
> even though I had risers on the Sprint.

My impressions exactly. I too came from a Sprint. Loved it, and love the R1200R more.

The tank design on the 1200 keeps quite a bit of wind off the body. Add a good wind screen and you've got a handsome touring bike.

hass · Post by **hass** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 1:09 am

Update: I bought a R12R and love it!

No regrets at all and yes, this bike will sport-tour no problems!

dirty red · Post by **dirty red** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:23 pm

The R is a great sport tourer for all the reasons mentioned above. I had a GT for 3 years, which is about the same as an RS. And except for the final top end, this bike does everything better. I was concerned about the loss of weight and the shorter wheelbase on the interstate. After a 3600 mile run two up to the Blue Ridge/Smokeys I found this not to be an issue. I have a 20" Cee Bailey's windscreen and I am 5' 11" , this combined with the tank and the heads offer very acceptable protection. You will need to change the seat if you plan on doing any long distance runs. I also have the mirrors from the ST and find them much better on the interstate. I also owned a K1200LT and an R1100RT and would take this bike over either one of them any day....one or two up.

See you on the road.

Dirty Red

bmwk100 · Post by **bmwk100** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:24 pm

Interesting take from you guys who had RS/Sprints/GT's. I test rode the R and found it too "small". At least on the test ride, it seemed very compact. I'm glad you are enjoying the R. I think I'm going to keep the Sprint for a while.

Thanks for the input.

Post by **Dan-A** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:42 pm

bmwk100 wrote:Interesting take from you guys who had RS/Sprints/GT's. I test rode the R and found it too "small". At least on the test ride, it seemed very compact. I'm glad you are enjoying the R. I think I'm going to keep the Sprint for a while.

Thanks for the input.

Can't blame you, the Sprint is a good ride indeed.

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Any R12R rider come over from K12RS or similar sport tourer?

Any R12R rider come over from K12RS or similar sport tourer?

Re: Any R12R rider come over from K12RS or similar sport tou