New buyer questions - now with new bike photo!

[beegee]

I posted this question on the BMWMOA forum, and Don E. suggested I check out this board too. So here's my first post here!
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After a long absence from riding BMW bikes, I'm ready to jump back in.
('67 R60, '71 R75/5, '85 K100RT, then five Harleys -- I can't help it, I like to ride different types of bikes! )

I'm interested in the R1200R model. Took a test ride last week and really liked it. I went back to the dealer and talked more about price, options, availability, etc. But, I still have questions, so if any of you would like to weigh in with opinions and suggestions, I'm listening!

Some questions:

1) which options to get? I know I want ABS, OBC, center stand, and heated grips. Is ESA worth it on this bike? How about ASC and TPM?

2) how much flexibility is there on price? Are dealers "dealing" now? I'm in North Carolina.

3) when does BMW introduce the 2009 models? Should I wait? (I hate to miss any more riding, though)

4) does anyone have experience with the different seat height options? I'm 5'9" w/ 30" inseam.

5) color choice - black, crystal gray metallic, or granite gray matte metallic. I like the granite gray matte, but I'm not 100% sure about the matte surface. I have not seen the crystal gray in person -- just in the brochure photos. (I know some here claim the black w/pinstripes is faster!)

Thanks for any input. Hopefully I'll be posting pics of the new ride soon.

[AllanCook]

Welcome!

I have a granite gray R1200R, and I love the finish. I originally wanted black, but when I saw the granite gray in person, I loved it. No regrets. I just wipe it off with a damp cloth once in a while.

I have ABS, the on-board computer, center stand and heated grips. Don't need the rest of that stuff.

I don't know much about NC dealers, but around here there's a little leeway on price. But very little. With gas prices quickly closing on $5 a gallon, motorcycles are becoming very popular, and for those who don't want just any motorcycle, a BMW is the best choice.

IIRC, the 2009s won't be out until late fall. As far as I can tell there wasn't much change between the 2007s and 2008s, and I haven't read anything to suggest any big changes for 2009. If you can find a good deal on a 2008, then there seems little reason to waste any more of your riding season.

You're probably gonna want a lower seat. Check with Don about that.

[NCGS]

I'm in North Carolina.

BG, what part of NC? I know the dealer in Raleigh has one black R12R left - I saw it Saturday. I believe it's a base model (minimal options).

Not sure about what's available in Greensboro, Charlotte or Wilmington, but with R12R availability low, and it still being early in the riding season, you're not likely to get a "great" deal.

[deilenberger]

You're probably gonna want a lower seat. Check with Don about that.

Actually - with a 30" inseam - the normal seat should work just fine... and give more knee-room so your knees don't cramp up as much.

[beegee]

I'm in North Carolina.

BG, what part of NC? I know the dealer in Raleigh has one black R12R left - I saw it Saturday. I believe it's a base model (minimal options).

Not sure about what's available in Greensboro, Charlotte or Wilmington, but with R12R availability low, and it still being early in the riding season, you're not likely to get a "great" deal.

I'm in Cary. When I was at Capitol BMW on Saturday, the black one on the floor had a sold sign on it. Salesman Greg said that BMW showed several in the warehouse, however.

I think I've figured out what I want -- it's just a matter of pulling the financial trigger! Argghh!

[outnabout]

I'm in Raleigh and have a Crystal Gray. Let me know if you'd like to see it. I ride it to work every day in east Raleigh and can meet you somewhere maybe even capitol BMW around lunch. Let me know.

[Bill Stevenson]

1)which options to get? I know I want ABS, OBC, center stand, and heated grips. Is ESA worth it on this bike? How about ASC and TPM?

It might get down to what is available. I agree with your minimum requirements, but would not make the others mandatory one way or the other.

2) how much flexibility is there on price? Are dealers "dealing" now? I'm in North Carolina.

My dealer in Ft Lauderdale, FL, gave me a fair price and over allowed on my trade. I felt good about the whole transaction.

3) when does BMW introduce the 2009 models? Should I wait? (I hate to miss any more riding, though)

Wait for what, new colors? The current colors are all good and it is very unlikely that there would be anything earth shattering in the way of new features.

4) does anyone have experience with the different seat height options? I'm 5'9" w/ 30" inseam.

I had Bill Mayer make me a custom saddle. As far as I am concerned, BMW doesn't know how to make a decent saddle and you will be turning to the aftermarket too, or you will be selling your new scoot unless you are a very unusual person. Any of several good saddle makers will build you a saddle that fits you properly on your bike. The saddle will support your weight and keep you off the pan, it will allow you both enough leg room and to reach the ground, and it will breath because it will be leather.

5) color choice - black, crystal gray metallic, or granite gray matte metallic. I like the granite gray matte, but I'm not 100% sure about the matte surface. I have not seen the crystal gray in person -- just in the brochure photos. (I know some here claim the black w/pinstripes is faster!)

They are all good colors. Mine is black, but I did not care for the pinstripes. To each his own. This is a personal choice issue.

Regards,

Bill

[Ckaine]

Evening Bill:

I have a Black with Pinstripe 2007-(they are the fastest:-)).
I have the options which you mentioned- I have not looked back.
The Crystal Silver is very nice- I saw one recently at BMW of Louisville.
I got a GREAT deal, but I bought a 2007 in April of this year-before gas went nuts.

Which ever you choose- you will be pleased.

Chris

[beegee]

I'm in Raleigh and have a Crystal Gray. Let me know if you'd like to see it. I ride it to work every day in east Raleigh and can meet you somewhere maybe even capitol BMW around lunch. Let me know.

outnabout -
PM sent to your inbox! Thanks.

[ShinySideUp]

You're probably gonna want a lower seat. Check with Don about that.

Actually - with a 30" inseam - the normal seat should work just fine... and give more knee-room so your knees don't cramp up as much.

+1 on the 30" inseam.

The normal seat allows me to flat-foot the bike.

Even with a Russell Day Long aftermarket seat, which is higher and wider, I don't really have any struggle.

As for color, my own experience was that I was very concerned about it before I owned the bike. After riding it, there are so many things to like that color pales in significance.

YMMV. Get what you want, then ride the heck out of it and don't look back!

[BackNBlack]

Hello,

As you know from test ride, the R12R is one excellent bike - probably the best all-around bike ever. But see if you can buy used as dealer will likely cut you no slack on price - I talked my dealer down a good bit on a demo and now I see I probably could have gotten new or more options for same price. And for some reason these bikes dont seem to be sought-after enough bikes to command a strong resale value. I would think used ones would be in great enough demand to sell quickly for higher prices.

Just my .02. Of course, that said, I was not able to find a used one last year, so I paid premium for what I still consider a great bike. I had no regrets then, only now that I have a part of purchase price I am still paying off.

Bill

[beegee]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I did it -- ordered a granite gray R1200R w/ABS, OBC, center stand and heated grips.

It arrived at the dealer on Wednesday, so I thought I'd be riding this weekend. But no - this serial number falls in the range that needs the brake recall and the EWS ring. So the dealer can't release it until the work is done. That might be a minor inconvenience, except that he tells me that there are no brake recall parts in the US parts warehouse. Supposedly, they are on the way from Germany, but he can't promise a specific date. I don't know if this is all BS or not. And I'm not too happy about buying a brand new bike that now needs to have the brake system torn apart.

[Dan-A]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I did it -- ordered a granite gray R1200R w/ABS, OBC, center stand and heated grips.

It arrived at the dealer on Wednesday, so I thought I'd be riding this weekend. But no - this serial number falls in the range that needs the brake recall and the EWS ring. So the dealer can't release it until the work is done. That might be a minor inconvenience, except that he tells me that there are no brake recall parts in the US parts warehouse. Supposedly, they are on the way from Germany, but he can't promise a specific date. I don't know if this is all BS or not. And I'm not too happy about buying a brand new bike that now needs to have the brake system torn apart.

Having personally had the brake leak, and having read the numerous angry posts about guys stranded with EWS failures, though it is frustrating, he is prolly doing you a favor.

[beegee]

Having personally had the brake leak, and having read the numerous angry posts about guys stranded with EWS failures, though it is frustrating, he is prolly doing you a favor.

Yeah, I'm glad those problems will be fixed before I start riding -- just frustrated that the brake parts are not in stock. I checked with the dealer Saturday -- still no firm date on when the work will be done.

[beegee]

Well, the dealer finished doing the recall work and I picked it up yesterday! Naturally, it was raining, but at least now the bike has been wet, so I got that out of the way.



I'm happy!

[vielzebub]

Welcome aboard, congrats and boy is that a good looking bike.
I really love the looks of these things when they're naked...

[outnabout]

I'm glad that you finally picked up your 12R, I will be dropping mine off for the service campaigns and recalls at Capitol on Wednesday. I was a little concerned that they wouldn't have the brake lines, but I assume that they have them now. Let me know when you want to go out riding once you get it broken in. Looks like you have a Nolan too...I really like mine.

[beegee]

Outnabout -

My first service visit is scheduled for Aug. 15. Hopefully, I'll have it all broken in during the next two weeks.

Also - I ordered the BMW windshield bracket, but no windshield, since I was planning on buying a Cee Bailey screen. What size did you put on your's? 16" or 20"?

[deilenberger]

Outnabout -

My first service visit is scheduled for Aug. 15. Hopefully, I'll have it all broken in during the next two weeks.

Also - I ordered the BMW windshield bracket, but no windshield, since I was planning on buying a Cee Bailey screen. What size did you put on your's? 16" or 20"?

Bruce, I have all three height C_B shields. Given your height/inseam your head is probably about where mine is in relation to the bike..

Summer - the 16" hands down.
Fall/Spring - the 18" provides better coverage when it's cold out
Winter - the 20" makes the bike rideable down to 30F or so (with Gerbing jacket liner and my 'stich)

The 16 has *almost* no turbulence behind it for me - I can run at speeds up to around 50 with my faceshield cracked open an inch for air - and I don't get bugs in my mouth (they hit the top half of the faceshield with the 16") Above 50 there is a bit of turbulence, and running for extended periods with the shield open results in too much shield shake for me - so I close it. At speeds above 50 I'm getting enough air that it doesn't need to be open. I'm comfortable with it in temps up to about body temp (98.5 today..) above that temp - the wind is heating you and you really want to block it off. If you regularly ride in temps above 100F - you're out of your mind, and the taller shield will help keep you cool (sounds odd - but it's true..) as will a closed up 'stitch. It is comfortable up to speeds of around 80MPH (real GPS speed, not BMW speed - which is indicated 85..) with the faceshield in city position (see below..)

The 18" has more turbulence.. so I usually only crack my faceshield to the "city" postion behind it (Shuberth C2 - has a shield position where the shield moves fowards 1/8" all the way around). Comfortable that way up to around 60-65MPH before shield shake becomes annoying, but since it's cooler out, I don't need it cracked open above that speed.. so it works. In hot weather - not enough air gets around the 18".

The 20" has lots of turbulence for me. It's annoying at speeds over 70MPH, even with the helmet buttoned up tight.. but - it's better than not riding, so I deal with it.

That's the story. Ideally - all three, no one is right for all situations. Since you're in NC - I'd suggest starting
with the 16" one. Winters there are mild, so you might get away with the 18" for winter months.

More than you ever wanted to know about shields..

[celticus]

Well, the dealer finished doing the recall work and I picked it up yesterday! Naturally, it was raining, but at least now the bike has been wet, so I got that out of the way.



I'm happy!

You DO look dashing standing beside that very nice bike. Welcome aboard. Welcome home.
Mark