new engine or R1150R?

[wdeweerd]

Does anyone know if there are plans to fit the new GS 1200 engine in the R, making it a R1200R? Looks like that engine is a lot more sofisticated.

I'm planning to buy a BMW, but if a new engine is due soon, I might wait some loonger to get the newer engine.

thx for the feedback!

[yjleesvrr]

There is talk of a new R1200R within the next year. DeansBMW has the exact info, but is not willing to spill the beans...

From what I understand, BMW has ceased production of the last generation boxer bikes. You may be able to find the Roadster that has just been phased out (the bikes everyone, er, almost everyone on this board has) at a dealer, but it will increasingly become difficult.

Personally, I'd wait unless you don't have a motorcycle and are hankering for a BMW standard.

[DJ Downunder]

wdeweerd....yjleesvrr's right...it is comming...but don't think it will be the current stunning looking bike with a new engine.

I've been told by BMW that it will be a different bike...and IMHO...they might hit it with the ugly-stick.

There's really nothing wrong with the current engine..I would even say go for the older single spark..like mine..almost 4yrs old..and runs like a charm.

Save yourself a few thousand bucks and have it now.

DJ

[Deans BMW]

I agree that our R1150R's are one of the prettiest motorcycles around. If I was at the same position today that I was when I bought the fastest RR, Blue of course , I today would buy the R1200GS, the swiss army knife of motorcycles. Prolly the best all around motorcycle made today. The current twin spark R1150R is one fantastic and beautiful motorcycle however.


Yong....I know nothing......nothing, I say

[bakernks]

I wonder if the new styling would be similar to the styling of the tank on the HP2? It more closely looks like my R1150R than it does the R1200GS. Look at the HP2, imagine the tank being wider, to increase the fuel capacity from 2.9 gallons to 5, little oil coolers tucked behind that BMW badge...it's a thought.

[r1150rider]

I have this recurring fantasy that BMW will make a "HP2" version of the 'R with the 1200 engine. Now that would be sweet, I think...

[new2BMW]

There certainly isn't any drawback to the current Roadster. They are fantastic bikes, and as mentioned here, one of the nicest looking bikes around. My Roadster handles extremely well, runs great and gets a lot of attention at stoplights here in Tokyo.

On the other hand, a hex headed roadster with a few less pounds and some extra ponies would be a really great bike too, so long as they don't screw up the appearance.

As engines go though, I would hope that BMW would use the ST tuned hex head as opposed to the GS tuned version. The ST engine has plenty of torque to power a naked Roadster, but the extra horsepower would be a nice touch.

[Leno]

BMW seem to pair the R and GS engine wise against the RT and RS/ST. So if or when they do make a R1200R my money is on the GS version engine. I'm lucky my R is only 18 months old and my mileage is only 8k a year so I can afford to wait and see. I'm worried that BMW having just joined the club are going to drop the ball. It has been said that as a bunch bikers are a conservative group. We are also quite emotive when it cames to whats in our garage. You only have to read the comments here to realise that.

[FGanger]

new2BMW,

Not to disagree with you (he says just before disagreeing), and perhaps I’m not the one to tell you, in any case . . .

Yes, you do get a lot of attention at stoplights in Tokyo. But to tell the truth you get a lot of attention anywhere you ride your bike in Japan. However, the people are not looking at the bike.

A 6’-4” guy, wearing a kilt while riding a bike, has that effect wherever he goes. If you wore underpants you might find that you draw a bit less attention.

Cheers,
Frank

[MidlifeMark]

They must be checking out the custom tank bag.

[darthrider]

As engines go though, I would hope that BMW would use the ST tuned hex head as opposed to the GS tuned version. The ST engine has plenty of torque to power a naked Roadster, but the extra horsepower would be a nice touch.

Sign me up!

[new2BMW]

Frank,
You have a very good memory, almost. Actually I'm only 6'2".

I didn't think anyone remembered the pictures from Scotland though.

Mark;
At my age I suppose you mean saddle bags!

Leno;
I guess that's my point. Indeed the R and GS seem to have been paired up on engine tune for the first few generations. I suppose they did that to give the R more usable torque instead of the need for higher revs such as with the RT engine. Now that the hex head's smoothness has allowed the retention of usable torque and higher RPM hp in the ST engine, I'm guessing that the ST engine is a better unit for a Roadster.

[Bones]

Hey Dean.....since I just got back from a 100 mile short ride on my R1200GS (blue, spoked wheels, NO servos/non abs), I couldn't agree more.

First service tomorrow with 900 miles on the clock and first oil/filter change at about 300 miles, done.

IF they make an R1200R, it will be fantastic, I am sure. But I doubt you will have an easy time finding one without servos.........

And regarding esthetics, I thought all the 1200 series bikes looked ugly in photos. But in person, they look great. It is amazing how different the perspective is when you are next to them. The K1200S looks huge in photos, and is actually sleek and normal size in person.


Bones

[wdeweerd]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the good feedback. I'm new to all this you know and it's always nice to see there are some nice folks around .

Point taken on the possible change in looks. The current bike looks very good - liked it the moment I saw it first -. The current engine is probably perfectly fine as it is, but why leave the newer engine ununsed right? So the current bike design with a new engine sounds sweet, although it probably indeed will be more expensive as well. BTW The GS sets you back a fair amount of bucks here in belgium...

So I'll probably keep a close eye on any news on a change on design and then deside when I know how it will look. I was planning to buy it at the motor fair in january anyway (summer's overe here - so no point buying it now). If it doesn't lok good, you can always get a 2005 model instead at a lower rate typically.

Why do you guys think the new R design will be uglier? Does BMW have a downward trend in taste or so?

Wim

[FGanger]

wdeweerd,

I agree with Bones' take on how the new machines looked in print verses how they look in person. My wife and I both felt the same when we first saw the new ones.

To paraphrase others, I felt quite lucky to have my 2003 model, a machine which looked like a "real motorcycle." Now I look forward to an R1200R.

I'll ride one when it comes out, but I'll buy in the second year of production thank you. BMW got me once (actually twice) with new models that had "teething" problems. I believe I forgo the pleasure of having that occur again.

Frank

[DJ Downunder]

wdeweerd....when I say the new RR might get hit with the ugly stick...I'm just kidding...

I absolutely hated the new Ducati 999 at first...now I love it.

I'm starting to like the new ST also...the new shapes just take a bit of getting used to.

But with the current RR it was love at first sight...it's such a sexy beast...you have to agree..

Here's a couple of pics of my RR taken just today..(yes any excuse to post a pic of my bike)

DJ

[Deans BMW]

Bones man, the R1200GS motor responds extremely well to adding the complete Remus exhaust, lighter, less heat, better looking and about 8 RWHP increase with a good boost in the midrangs.

Fgranger, the new R1200 series motor, tranny and rear drive have been out well over one year and the few bugs have been eliminated. The R1200's have had both the motorcycle industry and BMW's least problemitic new model intro, that coupled with BMW's 100% commitment to immediately solve any potential problem should ease any qualms that you might have.

[dallara]

But wait, Dean...

You said:

Bones man, the R1200GS motor responds extremely well to adding the complete Remus exhaust, lighter, less heat, better looking and about 8 RWHP increase with a good boost in the midrangs.

How can that possibly be? I thought that no exhaust system on a BMW Boxer engine made any sort of worthwhile power gains!

(Sorry, couldn't resist... )

Seriously, I've been corresponding with Bones quite a bit lately, and to tell the truth he has got me jonesing pretty heavily for a R-1200-GS... I had no idea you could actually get 'em in the states without Beemer's Servo Assist ABS. Hearing that, and that he got one sans servos, got me all warm and gooey inside!

Now, hearing there is another 8 HP or so lurking with just a bolt-on, and the bike is lighter to boot, well...

Where is that check register, and how are the accounts doing today...

Cheers!

Dallara

[Deans BMW]

Yes they are available, and all you have to do is ask, if you get my drift. About the Remus on the R1200GS, that is no BS, I have done before and afters twice on two diff dynos. For some reason, no improvement with just the can. My ST about 4or 5 more RWHP's. You can ride it at Big Bend.

[dallara]

Cool, Dean...

I look forward to it, but are you sure you can trust me not to fling it down the road?

Oh, and can you disconnect those &*%$#*+^&*%$& servos beforehand?

Cheers!

Dallara