Extended Cross Crountry Trip on the Newest R??

[LostViking]

Hey folks.

I have the opportunity for an extended cross country trip this summer 30-90 days. I have been back and forth about which bike to buy. I have recently sold. or more accurately am in the process of selling my F880GS, I don't think I want to tour the country in the 800.

I found a Nice used R1150R. I owned one in the past but due to financial downsizing it did not get the opportunity it deserved. I love the looks of the 1150R also. I was leaning heavily toward the R1150GS. But I think I got caught up in the Big GS cool-aid machine. The GS is a great bike no doubt. But being short I wonder if it won't be more of a PITA than it's worth. It would allow me to pack more stuff, which i do not necessarily see as a good thing. I question whether it would really allow me that much more dirt capability. I will have only one bike for the foreseeable future so I'm hoping to do this right. I was deal searching hoping to find a good bike.

Then along comes the 2011 R1200R in that Metalic Red. Wow what a pretty cycle. I sort of settling in on the R because it seems to my 51 year old brain to exemplify what i always thought motorcycling was all about. Not letting too much get in the way. Weight, heightm fairings, gizmos, do-dads. You get the idea. Anyways I would love some feedback from folks who have taken some longer trips on the R bike be it 1150 or 1200. with regards to comfort, enough room for gear, stability loaded. Basically anything you might have to offer. i have followed Chi-Town and GypsyRR's epic ride reports so I know it's capable.

Thanks in advance,

[SDMAX]

So I think I'd look for a perfect used R1200R; you won't get a red one...or for not too much money you could have it painted. Not only painted but have a real damn pinstriper put your initials or something cool and very subtle on it so that those who care can tell it's custom.

I don't see buying a new one and taking the initial depreciation hit. Extended warranty is available if original warranty is running out. Save thousands. Touring windshield with that bracket. I think you can buy the touring bracket separately. (Maybe 150 bucks I think it went down) Buy a bigger windshield from California Science and the Don C. tilt block. Seat is up to you. These are robust bikes. They hold up. They can be bought used and be like new. My two cents.

Loaner with 33K on the clock was tight while mine was in for 12K service.

More two cents. I don't think you need the 2011 latest R1200R; but, I do think you need at least a 2007 R1200R as the brakes and transmission and motor are way better than the two previous iterations, R1100R and R1150R....

[deilenberger]

I'd have to agree. If $$ are a concern (and $$ can often be used better extending the trip then outfitting it..) an '07 R1200R can be had comfortably below $10k now without a lot of miles (saw one with 3,000 miles the other day - basically new for under $10k..)

And they are just fine for long trips. I've done 3,000 miles/2 weeks on mine, and other extended trips. Other forum members have gone longer and farther, no one has come back regretting taking the R12R.

[Caroanbill]

Mine only does long-ish days, and the only limiting factor is the seat (lotsa chat here about options).

Day distances aren't always a good indication coz the best roads can't be ridden too fast, but suffice to say in 40,000km I've done a lot of 10-hour days with no more discomfort than my K1100LT (previous benchmark). Quite a few 900km to 1100km days there too (but those on open roads).

Around 750km (450mi) on open 'sweeper' roads, say 9 hours with stops, is a great day on the R12R.

My tip (and half this board's!) - spring for the OEM panniers, or make sure you get a bike with them on. Solid, lockable, waterproof, one-key opertation - you can leave them safely in them in any location - all those advantages you'd already know. The thing about them is they are completely unnoticeable - no discernable impact on speed, stability or economy, and contribute to a lower CoG than other options. Best BMW panniers so far, no doubt. They do go faster when colour matched to the bike, naturally.

I'd also say find the lockable 28L topcase - it's nicely slippery but to be honest, the case for it is less compelling against after market alternatives. One-key operation was my main reason. KAy5y5akya (ouch) has the HUGE 45l job - looks better with the panniers on coz it fills the sapec above them, unlike the smaller one .. $$$ though (like the 28l isn't!).

Also, there are plenty of bar-back options and a great SM footpeg lowering kit is available - plus the various OEM seats and some good aftermarket choices - easy to tailor this bike to your favourite riding position.

... then there's lights and screens oh lots of screens and leg shields and foot shields and cruise conrols and hand shields and loud horns and bling oh lots of bling ask Don and huggers and aftermarket shocks and exhausts lovely exhausts and cargon lots of crabon and oil coolers guards and tankbangs with electronics and tankbags without and faom grips and covers for swingarm journals and covers for the axle "hole" and slider knobs for the rear drive and engine bars lotsa enginebars lovely engine bars and bling for the telelever pivots and fuse tidies and gps and i'm ready for my nap now, nurse ....

[Sander Abernathy]

You will definitely save money buying a used model as opposed to a 2011. I know as I need to write a $2,500 check to BMW Financial for the gap on my totaled 2009.

However, if you go that route don't let yourself test drive the 2011. One is chocolate cake and the other is chocolate silk pie. Chocolate cake is great but one bite of chocolate silk pie will make you forget how good chocolate cake is.

I second the suggestion to get the factory side cases. I'm still trying to get mine repaired but they are really outstanding. Of course Chitown says that a BMW duffle is more than sufficient for touring. I agree but I really need the side cases for commuting more than touring. I would think that if you buy a used bike getting the cases with the bike is an excellent way to go.

Everyone talks about the need for a windscreen. Perhaps I am blissfully ignorant but my 2009 had no windscreen at all and I never felt a need for one; even on a 500 mile day at highway+ speeds. My 2011 has the sport screen. It's hardly necessary but it is nice to hide behind when it gets a bit cool and I leave the liner to my jacket home. I think it will end up being painted body color. At this point I think I will commit myself to avoiding a real windscreen so I don't become hooked on having one.

[LostViking]

Folks.

Thanks for the info. I agree the 12R is smoother, faster, lighter and better handling. But I must admit I love the looks of the old roadster.

[SDMAX]

OK I have put lawyer mind to your posts and the various replies; albeit quickly as coffee is perking and I gotta run; but, it appears you have not actually ridden an R1200R. If you save the bucks and don't pay for the latest and greatest 2011; and just go ride a 2007 or up to 2010 R1200R, then you will have acquired the knowledge to make the correct decision between the R1150R and the R1200R. Please let us know....these are great choices. John H.

PS: We already know what's going to happen......

[LostViking]

Actually I have ridden the 12R twice, both extended demos of more than an hour each. And I owned a R1150R. But you are probably right. Thanks for the advice.

[SDMAX]

I have ridden all three. I would just make sure the r1150r has ABS....my two cents only. I just think the r12 is such a clean sheet of paper more better bike; the 2011 is not a clean sheet of paper and just a little couple changes from previous r12's .... you really can't go wrong; you're in the correct church....these are just different pews.

[sky_sailor]

Hey Lost...I'd do the trip on the F800GS. Save the bucks to spend on the trip.
Hey Don....where did you find the low mile '07? I'm shopping.
Lyle

[jburr01369]

I have a 2002 BMW R1150R (I call her BeelzeBeemer) with over 70K miles. My only mods are a windshield, saddlebags, a Corbin seat, and a connector for my Gerbing heated clothing – so I can ride year-round. From southcentral Pennsylvania, I have made trips to Providence, Rhode Island (800 mile round trip), Knoxville, Tennessee (1100 mile round trip), and to southwest Iowa (via St. Louis, Missouri) (2500 mile round trip). The bike travels and rides beautifully.

Later this summer (early August timeframe), I’m going to swap my beloved BeelzeBeemer for a 2011 R1200R. I thought about the R1200RT, but I had so much fun on BeelzeBeemer that I’m going to stick with the “R” – this time in Metallic Smoky Grey rather than red.

In short – yes, you CAN take long trips on the “R”.

[deilenberger]

Hey Lost...I'd do the trip on the F800GS. Save the bucks to spend on the trip.
Hey Don....where did you find the low mile '07? I'm shopping.
Lyle

I use a search tool called "Oodle" http://www.oodle.com/ - you can build a search with this tool, and it does the work of searching ALL sorts of sources (including local newspaper ads..) for what you want. I have an R1200R search setup - it gives me all it finds for sale in an email every day or so. It does sometimes include stuff like some dealer advertising bike covers that fit an R12R, but overall - it's low volume and a very useful tool.

Didn't keep the email that had the low miles one for sale - but I'm sure Oodle will probably turn it up if you start a new search.

Ain't the Interwebz great?

[dbrick]

Don,

Very interesting reference, sort of like Jaxed.com.

I searched just now for "R1200R" and it retrieved only motorcycles. Did you set up a single search that will return bikes *and* parts and accessories? If so...how'd you do that?

[deilenberger]

Don,

Very interesting reference, sort of like Jaxed.com.

I searched just now for "R1200R" and it retrieved only motorcycles. Did you set up a single search that will return bikes *and* parts and accessories? If so...how'd you do that?

Good question... and I don't remember, but it does pop up with some neat things from eBay.. (damn, just gave away a secret.. don't tell anyone eh? )

[sky_sailor]

Hey Lost...I'd do the trip on the F800GS. Save the bucks to spend on the trip.
Hey Don....where did you find the low mile '07? I'm shopping.
Lyle

I use a search tool called "Oodle" http://www.oodle.com/ - you can build a search with this tool, and it does the work of searching ALL sorts of sources (including local newspaper ads..) for what you want. I have an R1200R search setup - it gives me all it finds for sale in an email every day or so. It does sometimes include stuff like some dealer advertising bike covers that fit an R12R, but overall - it's low volume and a very useful tool.

Didn't keep the email that had the low miles one for sale - but I'm sure Oodle will probably turn it up if you start a new search.

Ain't the Interwebz great?

Thanks for the tip. Just typed in "R1200R" and a whole bunch popped up.

[cycl2day]

I traded my 02 R1150R in February for a 2007 R12R and I can't say enough about the R12R. It is lighter than the 1150 by 40 lbs and it puts out an additional 23hp. The handling is just wonderful, it takes the twisties like it is having a wet dream and it is good around town. I feel even more in control of this bike (I am 5'8" and have the low seat) and can place both feet flat on the ground. It handles like a dream - I really liked my 1150R and one year ago could not imagine anything much better but I found it. The R1200R is the real thing - an engineering marvel like alll BMW's - this bike is the bomb!