Just test rode an R1200R - Wow!

[Methos1979]

I've been looking for my next bike (currently riding an R1200C). Test rode an R1200RT a month ago and hated it. Test rode an R1200R today and WOW. So THAT's what a 1200 boxer engine is supposed to feel like. Super smooth and peppy. Love it. I wish my C rode like that. I think I'm going to have to get one of these.

So all you R1200R owners out there - what are the down sides to this bike?

[Woland]

Downside?

I feel bad whenever I'm not riding it.

Seriously though, if you mind a bit of wind in your face and chest and feel the need for a huge windscreen you should perhaps look for something else. But that's life on a naked bike, if you don't like it, don't buy a huge windscreen and ruin the aesthetics, buy a non-naked bike.

Stock seat sux, mirrors vibrate and the knee angle is a bit tight if your 6'4". All those things are easily fixed.

I've ridden some 15000km's this year on mine and can't find any fault with it. I wish it had a larger tank so I could spend less time filling up and more riding, but that's about it.

Most importantly though, compared to the RT, ST or GS the R is pretty

Must say I like the R1200C's looks, if it only had a proper engine I would buy it for looks alone.

[Methos1979]

You are SO right-on with your comments about the C's looks and engine. I love everything about the look of the C, except the ride. I'll keep though.

I had fairing and wind sheilds of any kind. A super small on to keep the wind off my chest is fine as long as it is unobtrusive. I like naked bikes, period.

I actually found the new 'low' seat quite comfortable, although I did not ride it too far. The riding position was not too bad either, but I'm only 5'8". I would still like to lower the foot pegs a bit. I'm assuming there are plenty of options for this out there?

[ka5ysy]

You really screwed up test riding an RR. Doing that is Hazardous to your finances. Quit fighting it and go write the check and send in some photos. Resistance is Futile, you have already been infected with RR nanites.


BTW: The RR is a RT "Lite". It is the same bike without the plastic, and about 80 pounds lighter. Only real down side is that if you farkle up the RR you have the price of the RT.

Here is my full RR blog report from day one:

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... ght=R1200R

Both are fine machines. I am curious what you didnt like about the RT ?


Doug


PS.... After you bring the RR home, you are eligible for this:

[Methos1979]

I test rode the RT twice, a couple months apart and once solo, once two up. I think it just must have been the extra 80 pounds of plastic, and all that weight up high. The engine seem anemic, the ride not as smooth, very uncomfortable seats. There was honestly nothing I liked about it either time. Which is funny considering how much I liked the naked R. Go figure.

[ka5ysy]

I test rode the RT twice, a couple months apart and once solo, once two up. I think it just must have been the extra 80 pounds of plastic, and all that weight up high. The engine seem anemic, the ride not as smooth, very uncomfortable seats. There was honestly nothing I liked about it either time. Which is funny considering how much I liked the naked R. Go figure.

Wow ! Something must have been set up improperly on that RT. The engine is the same, and I have never ridden any of the 1200 RT's that could be described as anemic! Interesting thing I find is that the RT and the RR both handle very well at low parking lot speeds and in some instances the RT handles a bit better. I really have no complaints about the weight up high, most of which is the gas at 6 pounds per gallon.

Seats : most stock seats suck which is why I have the Rick Mayer on my RR. The OEM RT seat is not nearly as bad for me as the RR seat was.

[Methos1979]

After your post last night I went and read through all 12 pages of you thread. Wow - you really have put a ton into that bike!

Yes, something was definitely wrong with that RT because that R was the bomb!

[tinytrains]

My R is in the shop waiting on a fuel strip, so the dealer lent me a 2005 R1150RT. I never rode an RT before, and I am quite disapointed. It is comfy enough, but it feels like a truck compared to my 2009 R. Of course the 2005 is heavier and more top heavy than the current RT so the comparison is not really fair. But I want my Roadster back!

[hjsbmw]

I've been looking for my next bike (currently riding an R1200C). Test rode an R1200RT a month ago and hated it. Test rode an R1200R today and WOW. So THAT's what a 1200 boxer engine is supposed to feel like. Super smooth and peppy. Love it. I wish my C rode like that. I think I'm going to have to get one of these.

So all you R1200R owners out there - what are the down sides to this bike?

Downside is where the rubber meets the road. Sorry, I had to

Well, I think the R is a great bike as long as it fits your needs and likes, and you're willing to pay the BMW price. Personally, I really don't think this bike is meant to be lugged around town. You can use it for that, but it really shines on the open road and in the mountains. Like many owners, I have gotten a different seat, and I have installed the BMW touring shield.