Finally saw the new R1200R

BoiseBeemer · Post by **BoiseBeemer** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 3:23 am

Apologies if this should be posted on the R1200R site only.

My dealer has a basic black one with ABS on the floor, and I got to straddle it this past weekend. Found myself surprisingly unexcited. Supposedly this iteration is some 40 pounds lighter, but lifting it up off the sidestand felt about the same as my R1150R. I suppose the lighter weight would be more likely to show up on a twisty road under the increased power, but I had just taken a nice 200-mile ride on my 2004 the day before I went in, and realized I'm not at all dissatisfied with the older engine's grunt. I guess for some riders more is always better, but I'm more in the good-enough-is-good-enough camp.

Visually, the new version just doesn't have the presence of the older bikes with their aggressively prominent oil coolers. I will say that the execution of the new oil cooler placement is sleekly done, but now it looks like BMW is trying to hide an engineering necessity rather than featuring it as a design element. Without the cooler "wings", I think the new bike looks plain--more nude than naked. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing exotically right either. The instrumentation is now squarish and asymmetrical, but without any complementary design themes to motivate it in the otherwise rounded, predictable body. The older bike's design quirks--like the oil coolers and the beak--are odd but thematically consistent, whereas the new bike is bereft of any striking design characteristics. Sadly, I think the overall impression is of a stripped-down beginner's bike. Unfortunately, it's a stripper with a $15,000 price tag, and I predict dealers will have a tough time moving them at list.

Oh, and 10 seconds on the seat were enough to confirm that replacing it would be one of my first necessary expenses, and since it's now a one-piece, that might be more difficult. Add another $500 to the OTD price.

Regretfully, I found myself seriously underwhelmed and more than a little sorry. The R-R series has always had its own personality that kept it from being just an intro bike; I'm sure the new model will be a hoot to ride, but I'm afraid the old personality's gone. If Moto Guzzi's new Breva's and the sport-touring Norge turn out to be reliable and the marque's dealer network can be improved, I think BMW is going to be in trouble. My dealer carries both lines, and he agrees.

Of course the good news is, my beloved silver Roadster is even more secure in the garage now, and since I've dodged this particular temptation, I can now consider myself free to go fondle that $5000 telephoto lens I've been lusting after.

Thanks, BMW.

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 4:55 am

I felt much the same too when I saw the R1200R in the flesh - I'm sure the improvement is in the riding experience, as it sure ain't in the kerb-appeal IMO... I like that it's neater all round, especially the tail section, but the stoved-in head lamp and the afterthought clocks left me cold.

If I were to change now, it'd be for a completely different style (like an R1200S or K1200R) - but there's nothing else out there that suits my overall requirements better in the one bike. My current R isn't all that racy on relative technical specs, but it's fast enough for me in a straight line in the real world & is way better at cornering than I am.

I left feeling a little flat, as I really wanted to love it - but there's nothing I need my current R to 'do better' enough to justify chipping it in + a lot of salary on top. Having now justified my original choice though, I can spend my limited budget with a clean conscience on the Remus, MRA screen & tail-tidy jobs I was planning whilst waiting to see the new one!

Roll on the '08 lineup ...

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:09 am

If you love the way the 1150 rides - you won't like the 1200.

I certainly didn't and I agree with you about the looks.

Post by **boxermania** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:21 am

BoiseBeemer

Hey, thanks for your review....I haven't seen one here yet.

Redarding your statement "fondle that $5000 telephoto lens I've been lusting after" Being a former photography aficionado I would say that for $5,000 that lens better be able to focus on Mars or have some curves, either one.......

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:43 am

Interesting review. I haven't seen one in the flesh . . . er, metal, yet but after another long weekend on mine, I am convinced it is the best bike for me at this time and for some time to come. I would like to turn 100K on this machine.

If anything happens to this one, I would probably look for a newer version of the same thing for a replacement.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:03 am

boxermania wrote:BoiseBeemer

Hey, thanks for your review....I haven't seen one here yet.

Redarding your statement "fondle that $5000 telephoto lens I've been lusting after" Being a former photography aficionado I would say that for $5,000 that lens better be able to focus on Mars or have some curves, either one.......

I took one out (as did Rice) last month, have a look over on the 1200 page for opinions...not brilliant..

KMACR · Post by **KMACR** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:52 am

Man, I hate to "pile on" because I love BMW but I have to concur with the consensus here on the R1200R---somehow during the facelift the R's personality has been surgically removed.

My dealer has a silver one that I've checked out in the showroom. I own an '04 silver and I feel so much better about the older bike's curves, design and character. Some might contend that people are naturally going to be more comfortable with the familiar vs. the new. I had that experience when the Jeep Grand Cherokee moved from its more squarish design to a more rounded one in 2000. I really didn''t like the new look and could never see myself in one----now I own 2 in that bodystyle and I love 'em. With that in mind, however, I submit that the R's new styling has exceeded that scenario and hasn't near the chance for a win-over later. It's quite possible that The R1200R will form its own fan club within the circle of newcomers to biking---those not having known the previous incarnations like I have. The new R is a cool-looking bike, but in an industrial, boxy way as opposed to the older R's more sleek-styling.

I'm as much disappointed in the square-ish, naked oil cooler placement (in front of the crossover pipe behind the front tire where it will get coated in whatever gets kicked up from the road instantly) in the new R as I am in the loss of the older R's super-cool (IMHO) -looking twin-wing coolers flanking the tank. The R1200R lost its "growl" there for me in terms of stance.

Add to that the loss of gas tank capacity---the '04 has 5.4 gal and the new R is spec'd at 4.6. Bigger engine. Less fuel capacity. Shorter range?

No beak! I know there's some contention in the ranks of even R-aficionados over the front fender design. Some have disliked the beak but I think more have loved it---or at least accepted it. I celebrate it as yet another point of distinction for this unique BMW. Sadly, that has disappeared with the new R1200R.

I have to agree with others here that the new R may be a great performer but presents itself as just a barer-bones version of a classic. I side with the characterization by BoiseBeemer: "...more nude than naked".

On the plus side, I do like the headlight (style, that is. Not its sunken-in position.)

Regardless of my personal thought, (maybe I'm a little set in my ways or just plain crabby at the ripe old age of 50) I hope it does well as BMW needs to continue its momentum in the 2-wheeled world. I am, as several have expressed here, so pleased with my older model's design and performance (it has ALWAYS delivered anything I've asked of it) that I can see myself remaining with my R for years to come.

2004

2007

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 2:19 pm

Putting those images together like that just shows the huge difference and I have to say the image on the left (keep still!) is the one that does it for me, especially as it's in the best colour for the R!

motorradguy · Post by **motorradguy** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 3:45 pm

All opinions are needed here. While I do agree on some points, I disagree on others. I just bought a R1200R in Black and traded my K1200R in on it. Why? I'm 42 y/o, the KR was a fun romp for 3000 miles. I have ridden a R1150R and liked it very much but sought to buy new. As far as entry level, lets not forget it is a 1200cc motor with increase hp and torque.

The ride was great. Refined and tight. I think most of you're prospectives are coming from owning the 1150R and feeling like BMW it just trying too hard for more mass appeal....I dont disagree. All in all it IS a good bike, a good all-rounder and one that may not appeal to teens in terms of styling and price. Is it worth $15k ++...probably not...but I paid it.

Racegun · Post by **Racegun** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:21 pm

motorradguy wrote:All opinions are needed here. While I do agree on some points, I disagree on others. I just bought a R1200R in Black and traded my K1200R in on it. Why? I'm 42 y/o, the KR was a fun romp for 3000 miles. I have ridden a R1150R and liked it very much but sought to buy new. As far as entry level, lets not forget it is a 1200cc motor with increase hp and torque.

The ride was great. Refined and tight. I think most of you're prospectives are coming from owning the 1150R and feeling like BMW it just trying too hard for more mass appeal....I dont disagree. All in all it IS a good bike, a good all-rounder and one that may not appeal to teens in terms of styling and price. Is it worth $15k ++...probably not...but I paid it.

So what are the reasons you got rid of the k for the r?....& do you think you would have done it if the K you had was like the upcomming 2007's with all of he improvements?

Post by **crousos** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:44 pm

I have to say, until today I was sure that I wanted to get the new R1200R but this afternoon I was at the dealer checking it out and I think I changed my mind.

First: I think that it looks much better in photos than in real life.

Second: The raised handle bars look and feel a bit strange.

Third: I was checking out motorradguy's K1200R and I think I am in love.

It looked and felt great to me

munchmeister · Post by **munchmeister** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:56 pm

It doesn't really grab me either, but this does:

Post by **MikeCam** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:00 pm

I think there are five clear advantages/improvements to the R1200R versus the R1150R.

1. new engine with lower weight, higher performance
2. new paralever/final drive with lower weight, higher performance
3. improved EVO/ABS (w/o servo) valving ratios for better brake performance
4. improved electronics - CANBUS system
5. improved air/fuel system and ECU

AND three disadvantages versus the Roadster

1. cost, price, entry level value
2. complexity of Hexhead versus Oilhead (ups the DIY ante again).
3. Telelever is industrial ugly especially compared to the elegance and design beauty of the Roadster telelever.

Neutral factors.

Suspension adjustability
Ride and handling
Overall looks

KMACR · Post by **KMACR** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 9:09 pm

Whew! Obviously there's an opinion plethora on this issue. I like the R1150R and I wish BMW had given us a 1200cc version of it keeping the character qualities that R lovers appreciate and treasure. At some point I'm going to move into another bike and hoped I could eventually do that with a bigger even better R. Might not be in the cards so I may wind up with a different model altogether--most likely a BMW so I still come out ahead.

The new R1200R isn't the R1150R. It's a different bike, though growing from the R1150R seed, with different qualities, virtues, certainly improvements and I'm sure, shortcomings---just like the old R which MikeCam has aptly outlined above. What would I do if someone gave me an R1200R? I'd thank them very much and ride the heck out if it with a big smile on my face. It's not a bad bike. Just different from what many R1150R folks have come to like. If I meet an R1200R rider on the road I'm waving at a fellow Beemer Brother (or Sister) and knowing that we share a mutual passion for riding, good taste, and BMW. Nuff said.

Ride safe.

chris · Post by **chris** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:07 am

Anyone else noticed how small the thing feels when riding it? Like a toy bike.

motorradguy · Post by **motorradguy** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:57 pm

Racegun wrote:
motorradguy wrote:All opinions are needed here. While I do agree on some points, I disagree on others. I just bought a R1200R in Black and traded my K1200R in on it. Why? I'm 42 y/o, the KR was a fun romp for 3000 miles. I have ridden a R1150R and liked it very much but sought to buy new. As far as entry level, lets not forget it is a 1200cc motor with increase hp and torque.

The ride was great. Refined and tight. I think most of you're prospectives are coming from owning the 1150R and feeling like BMW it just trying too hard for more mass appeal....I dont disagree. All in all it IS a good bike, a good all-rounder and one that may not appeal to teens in terms of styling and price. Is it worth $15k ++...probably not...but I paid it.

So what are the reasons you got rid of the k for the r?....& do you think you would have done it if the K you had was like the upcomming 2007's with all of he improvements?

The K1200R is a GREAT bike. I was just going WAY TOO FAST on it. Why?? Because it could...and with ease. 125mph was effortless. Then my family would flash in my mind crying (maybe rejoycing) over my CLOSED casket.

The R1200R is a much more civil ride and a better fit on my 42 y/o frame

motorradguy · Post by **motorradguy** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:59 pm

crousos wrote:I have to say, until today I was sure that I wanted to get the new R1200R but this afternoon I was at the dealer checking it out and I think I changed my mind.

First: I think that it looks much better in photos than in real life.

Second: The raised handle bars look and feel a bit strange.

Third: I was checking out motorradguy's K1200R and I think I am in love.

It looked and felt great to me

PM me and I'll tell you what they paid.............. Buy it and ride the hell out of it.

dragonmojo · Post by **dragonmojo** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:09 am

chris wrote:Anyone else noticed how small the thing feels when riding it? Like a toy bike.

I just rode an R1200R today, and I know what you mean. The bike is effortless to ride, which belies the fact that it is still closer to 500 pounds vs 400 pounds, and that this is a 1200cc bike. This is probably because I am used to BMWs being heavy.

It felt like an improvement all the way around: power, handling, stability, weight, comfort. The downside: cost, and that subjective thing called aesthetics. I prefer the look of my R1150R Rockster much better.

Now if only it looked and cost like my Rock... but then I'd be losing many a night's sleep.