To buy an R1200R or not to buy an R1200R?

[toronto.gal]

I currently ride a F800ST - which I do not like because of the seating position and the seat. I've had it lowered, moved the handlebars and am considering changing the windscreen. However that will not address the pain I have in my wrist and neck from the riding position.

I rode a F650GS for 5 years and loved it. My husband persuaded me that I needed a bigger bike. That might be true - but it isn't the F800ST.

I test drove an R1200R today and I love it. Only thing it needs (for me) is a windscreen.

Can anyone give me some pros and cons to the R1200R? How far does it go on a tank of gas? Is the lowered version really that much lower than the standard? Does the ASC really do anything? Which windscreen - CEE Bailey - Parabellum (my preference) - ZTechnic?

I figure if you folks can't talk me into it - then I'll just stick with the F800ST and be miserable for another year.

TG

[Biff's R]

I have avoided the 1200R since I am very content with my 1150, but it is a bit more upright that the 800st. One thing that I do know is that the smaller windshields seem to work better than you think on these naked bikes.

[toronto.gal]

Thanks Jeff. I had a large Parabellum on by F650 along with a Russell saddle. The bike was heaven - if a little bit underpowered.

TG

[Byrdguy]

You may want to wait a few months until the 800 GS versions come out. There will be two versions an F800GS and the F650GS. They both have the 800cc engine, but the "800" has 85 hp and the "650" version 71hp. Jamie Elvidge tests them in the June Motorcyclist and had high praise for them. Check it out.

[bruno71]

The only thing that worries me about the R1200R is the position of the oil cooler. If you do a lot of offroad stuff, its location may be a problem. Although, there is a guy on this board that seems to ride his like a GS ADV. The R1200R is lighter than the R1150R and with barbacks and a screen would be hard to beat for most applications. I went through this whole bike upgrade thing with my wife who weighs about 96 lbs. and is 5'4". We looked at a lot of bikes, including the Ducati Monster and all of the smaller BMW's. We ended up buying a Suzuki Bandit 600. The weight, power and riding position were very good, and with a touring screen, it blocks the wind perfectly. There are many, many great bikes out there. It is really hard to go wrong. Depending on your height, and preference, the V strom or the Verseys might be worth looking into. Buell is coming out with a low frame Ulysses with bags and hand guards for about 11K and there is the new low frame GS as well as the 800GS coming in the fall.

Bruno-

[Buckster]

If you rode it and loved it, then get it. I rode the f800st and it was OK but just not for me. I will not ride the R1200R because I know I will want one and my 1150 is paid off and thats that!

[toronto.gal]

Well I'm a BMW bigot - I love the fit and finish. I won't ride a bike without ABS. I've learned that sitting straight up is what I need. Barbacks are no big deal if I need them. I ride alone alot - about 600 miles a day, so I need a bike that I can rely on. I'm 5'4" so the height of the bike is important, and that I can handle it alone. The lowered R1200R is perfect - I can ride the R1150R with the lowered seat but don't like the bike.

I don't do off-roading and I don't even like bad roads. Even with the F650.

So buying a Suzuki or anything but BMW is not for me

The F800GS if it ever shows up - will have the same engine as the ST - which is okay. I prefer the boxer twins though.

Decisions decisions - my husband is thinking of upgrading his ride from an F800ST to an RT.

Thanks for the help - the more opinions the better.

TG

[Byrdguy]

The oil cooler position is absolutely a non issue. I had a Ducati 900SS for several years and the oil cooler is down there in "harms way" and I never even got a stone dent let alone a puncture. The front wheel doesn't "throw" debris like the rear whel that is driven. Also, the manufacturers know what they are doing when they design a bike.
I'm with you, TGal, I'm just a BMW rider and that's it. Nearly every bike made today is good quality machinery, but I just don't want to ride a Japanese bike. I like the Euro stuff and BMW the most. Go ride a 1200R and see how you like it, and if it's you, go for it. I don't dare ride one, because I'm afraid I'll have to buy one. I'm still happy with my 02 1150R that I bought new in 01. That's the longest I've ever held onto any bike.
Remember, "Buy quality and only cry once" .

[gregor]

Have you seen an R1200R that has been ridden in the rain on even slightly dirty roads?
The oil cooler catches everything that the front wheel spits out. I'd one on loan and it was as bad as the UK press photos showed. I predict corrosion and leakage after a few years.
To me a big mistake and it looks plain ugly anyway hanging there. Why cant it be tucked away as per the GS?

[towerworker]

TG,

I don't have personal experience with the 1200R as I have an 04R and previously an 03R. I can tell you my experience with fuel consumption. I can consistently get 50+ with steady easy riding. Low 40's if I flog it a tad. I would expect the fuel mileage on a 1200R to be similar. The bike has roughly a 5.4 gallon tank although you can't get all of it out. The furthest I have ever heard of guys going without a fillup was around 225 miles. My low fuel light typically hits at around 160 to 180 miles depending on my riding. It will then take anywhere from 3.5 to 4 gallons. I had wrist and neck pain with my 03 till I installed barbacks. I don't recall the exact amount of setback but I bought the ones with the maximum difference. As I recall there were two different sets available.

I'm 5'9" and use a touring shield (BMW) and like it very much. Good luck with your decision.

Wayne

[CycleRob]

I've looked at the R1200R close up several times and like most of what I see. The lighter, more powerful, quicker handling, modernized brother of my 2002 1150R. I especially like the easier access maintenance (clutch slave, battery, etc.) Then there's the PRICE!!!

Count me also in the group reluctant to test ride the R1200R. I had planned to last month when Marietta BMW had their annual open house barbecue. I marked the calendar too. It was about 6pm that beautiful, warm, sunny day I spent relaxing that I realized I had missed it. Next year for sure!!

[Jackthehat]

I had the opportunity to take one out for about a 100 miles or so a couple of weeks ago.

These were my observations:

The bike has a steering damper, which the 1150 does not. The old boy's take on was "if it needs that it ain't right...". Well maybe.
It handled very well well though, was stable on line and turned in very easily. I enjpoyed it on the whole.
The drawback was that in slow speed corners, it felt as though it wanted to fall in to the turn, and did not feel as stable as it pushed the front wheel wide a couple of times. However this was on poorly surfaced roads. BUT my 1150 doesn't do that on the same roads at the same speed. So either it is simply me who is not used to it, or a combination of more radical steering geometry, lighter wheels and pants japanese Bridgestone rubber (standard fitment). So I'd like to ride the bike again with Metzeler Roadtec Z6's on it. Can't beat steel belted radials!

The power increase was not too obvious (mine has no cat and a Remus, so that's about 15 more BHP so I'm told - anyone know any different?); but the weight difference and balance was obvious, it needed a gentler hand, and didn't feel quite as "planted".

The worst bit? Easy!!!
It was by a long way the seat which puts you in a position that tries to crush yer nads on the tank, is as hard as rock, and has an "ultra0grip" surface so your butt gets hot and bothered after a very short time. I believe it was specially designed by the Marquis de Sade for BMW...
40 miles and I had to get off for a break.

Overall I was impressed, but would prefer the 1200 engine in an derivative of the 1150 chasis configuration - with the 1150 seat!
I think they have tried to make it a little too hip, far too many jazz cigarettes used in the design process maybe?

In my view it isn't as industrially handsome as the old 1150 - in black of course, but then I suppose I would say that wouldn't I?