R12R Test Ride

[LostViking]

Well, two weeks ago I went to Troy and took a couple of bikes for a chilly ride. First up was a new Blue R1200R. It was new so I didn't hammer on it. But I came away thinking what a sweet bike it was. Snappy, brisk handling, comfortable ergos, smooth power. All in a nice package. Nothing got pushed too hard due to the 17 degree F. temps and the salt and sand on the roads. That coupled with the new rubber just seemed like a fast way to own a wrecked bike and possible trip to the ER.

The grips were blazing hot which became even more apparent when I follow up with an unheated F650 ride. I'm back and forth between the R12 and the F8000GS. I posted on the F side as well, but I wanted some more feedback from R owners here. I keep coming back to this bike. It just seems to be a great "Real World" ride. And as Chi Town points out a fairly capable ADV Bike.

[ka5ysy]

Please see my signature line


After you read this post, go out to your garage and push enough junk out of the way so there is space for the RR. You have been infected by the RR nanovirus and will purchase it. Resistance is futile.

You can read about my infection here:
http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... ght=r1200r

Welcome to the Test Ride Victims Club

[Motorcycle_Girl]

It will come down to which one makes you smile the most....at least for me that's how it worked...The R1200R provides me with everything that I needed. Fun and tourable...pop on the side bags and I am ready for the long distance ride, pop them off..twisties here I come!

Celeste

[Northernbiker]

I test rode a F800GS last year at the dealership's test ride day. This was just about a month after buying the R1200R. I admit that I had a blast riding the F800, and would definately have one as a second bike - if I could afford it. The ride convinced me even more that I traded up to the right bike in the first place. Since then I've only grown to appreciate it more, and have no desire to move on to something else. As others have noted elsewhere, you won't believe how many drivers stick their heads out the window and say 'nice bike!'

If you've read enough of the forum, you will have noticed that some of us also found the 1200 a little scarey at first in terms of power and responsiveness. Once you get used to it you will love it. The only reason I could see for choosing the F800GS is if you plan doing some off-roading. But whatever you choose, enjoy.

Chris

[Mollygrubber]

As a matter of fact, I'm picking up a previously enjoyed 2009 DR650 tomorrow, for the dirt road part of my riding experience. I plan on keeping the R1200R, it's just so good everywhere else. I did try it on dirt roads, but with the stock suspension, it felt like it was being hammered to pieces. I don't know how you do it, Mr. Finn. I guess the Ohlins helps...

[ShinySideUp]

As I've posted elsewhere on here, I really wanted to like the F800 and tried out the ST version for 2000 miles during a tour of the Alps. I was considering it as a replacement for my Honda ST1100, since I would be riding it mostly in the city vs. previous freeway commuting.

Didn't like knees in armpits, weight on hands, and the fact I had to wind it up to get any real power out of it. Didn't find it particularly agile in the tight turns.

Came home, test rode the R12R and found it everything I was looking for. Very much easier handling than the Honda and even easier than the F800. That low center of gravity just works. Plus: Power to haul my assets from just about any speed and RPM.

But then I don't do off-road, so maybe the GS is just what you need for finessing those ruts.

[ka5ysy]

One of the "problems" several people have noted on the 2010 RT is that there are no mounting holes for addition of add-on mirrors or Ram Mount accessory mounting studs.

I looked at the handlebar clamps on the RT and they appeared very similar to the handlebar clamps on the R1200R, so today I pulled one off the RR and took it to the shop for comparison, and they will work on the new RT. Problem of mounting "stuff" is solved !

[Lost Rider]

I don't know how you do it, Mr. Finn. I guess the Ohlins helps...

With complete disregard for the well being of my bike.
OK, not complete, but I've winced many times when the bike hit's something like a softball sized rock or some other obstruction. When in doubt, GAS IT and keep the weight off that little front wheel! Keeping my butt off the seat and C of G lowest by keeping my weight on the pegs helps. Airing down to 23 PSI front, 28 rear makes a huge difference in the amount of traction you get with street tires too....

It's a tool, not a jewel.


Dual sport riding on the Roadster:

http://www.vimeo.com/9025538



I just finished (with injuries) a long ride to Baja on a XR650R... what a kick in the pants that bike is... anyways, the R is still my ADV bike of choice. The best all around bike I've ridden. Hands down.

[dav]

It's a tool, not a jewel.

Well for me its my only tool (daily transport) & i love my tool looking like a jewel ...

cheers.

Dav

[Mollygrubber]

Well for me its my only tool (daily transport) & i love my tool looking like a jewel ...

cheers.

Dav

Mine too, and yet it never seems to look very sparkly. It definitely looks like a tool (but then again, so do I, so no harm done).

Peter