BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I have owned an 850r, 1150r and 1200r. The 850 had a very low seat height and I enjoyed ownership for 2 years although with the non-adjustable fixed bars it was not as sporty or fun to ride as the other two bikes. I jumped into a 1150r a few years later and for some reason did not feel comfortable on the bike. Not sure if it was the taller seat height, the reach to the bars, the weight or the Servo-Assist brakes ( too touchy for me ). I ended up selling the bike within 3 months. A few years later bought the R1200r and with a low frame, low seat option it was the bike for me. But my purchase of the Honda vfr 750 for very little money caused me to sell the 1200r because i kept wanting to ride the Honda and I had a fair bit owing on the BMW . But I am finding i miss the lure of the boxer engine and would like to purchase another boxer and keep the Honda as well. My other bike s a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. There is no possible way a cruiser can be your only bike..... Ha Ha . I think i would be happy with any of my previous boxers but have decided an 1150 might be my best option. Please tell me I am not crazy. I already have 2 bikes and a scooter, so the 1200 r becomes to expensive to re - purchase . The 850r is much older design, and seems to be a little long in the tooth as compared to the newer models. The 1150 r seems affordable and a good compromise. I am thinking of going back to an 1150 because i have a lot more riding experience this time around. The 1150's weight doesn't seem as big of an obstacle nor does the seat height. It's just the issue of the touchy servo brakes. I sat on a used 1150 at the dealership today and for some reason i felt comfortable on it. The smaller rear tire as compared to the 1200 made the bike seem more manageable and the seat height seemed to fit fine. Maybe the preload was set on low or some suspension modifications were in place. Anyways do you think this compromise makes sense or if I didn't bond with the bike once i should avoid it altogether. Has anyone gone from a 1200 to an 1150. Or should I save up and but another r1200r. Thanks for any input in advance...Cheers.

Find a 2011+ r1200r and take it for a test drive...

And don't forget your checkbook!

Plus one with Catchina.

You buy a 2011+ R an you won't be using all those other two wheelers in your garage.

+1 what they said.

There are plenty of great deals on 07-10 R1200Rs out there. If there is a big advantage to a 2011 or newer one please tell me about it.

Cam head motor, FD is sorted.

Not sure when the FD got the drain plug, could be earlier than 2011, but they have it for certain.

Tell me what is better about the cam head motor. Don't you need to replace shims to adjust the valves on that motor?

Cam head pulls better off the line, runs smoother and more powerfully through the rev range, and has a much better sounding exhaust. Other than that, they're all pretty much the same.

My 2013 came with a regular height comfort seat which is actually comfortable.

The fork stanchions are machined and the instrument panel is symmetrical - both of which contribute to a subtle but better look all around.

Try one, but like the man says, bring your checkbook.

Bruce

"My 2013 came with a regular height comfort seat which is actually comfortable.
The fork stanchions are machined and the instrument panel is symmetrical - both of which contribute to a subtle but better look all around."
I can't argue with you there. In fact I am not making an argument at all just asking. The seat does look better on the new ones as does the forks and the instrument panel.
I didn't know the motor had any more ommph to it. Seems like I heard, now that we are talking about it, that the newer Rs have the larger fork tubes like the R1200Ss had.

Come to think of it, I believe the fork stanchions are larger in diameter from '11 on as well. Stronger.