Upgrading to R1200R? No, thank you.

[ebiker]

I saw pictures of the BMW R1200R. Are there other colors beside....

Panzertruppe Grey.
Schutzstaffel Black
Afrika Korps Tan.....??

Ed..

[socalrob]

The R1200R is on my very short list for apurchase in 2007.

I like the black w/ pinstripes.

Looks to me to be a great all around ride, other than the $$ don't see much down side.

[P_Jensen]

As for the looks I will wait to decide until I see one in person. The problem with each new model of BMW's is there is less and less you can work on. With the R1150R there are still some maintaince tasks you can perform, but the R1200R with the canbus electric system there is even less you can do. I am sure it will be a nice bike as long as you have a dealer close by to perform all necessary maintaince for you.

[yjleesvrr]

The canbus is a great idea provided BMW works out all the kinks. The simplification of wiring as a result is desirable. A 1975 Ford was easy to work on. But was it as reliable as a modern car? The R1150R is obviously more reliable than the said Ford, so don't take my analogy too far.

[mcooperstein]

A 1975 Ford was easy to work on. But was it as reliable as a modern car?

I doubt there is any good data to support your idea, as there wasnt much in the way of computerized database collection systems, so all you have is word of mouth. Then again, most mechanics eyes glaze over when a complicated computerized malfunction occur in a modern day vehicle (car, bike). The complexity level of the basic reciprocating engine has definately gotten more.....complex

[yjleesvrr]

Mark - My first car in high school was a 1976 Mercury Montego. That thing was a POS. Transmission went out at 68k on the odo. Power steering leaked all the time by the time it had 80k on the odo. The cruise control stopped working at 50k miles. The thing rattled like a bucket of bolts.

Most of my friends who drove cars of that vintage all had similar experiences.

I'll take the computerized cars of today.

[JCsman]

I'll take the computerized cars of today.

Amen. My first car was a '61 Chevy. If you found a car with 100,000 miles you either had an exception (and exceptionally well maintained) or a car where major rebuilds had been performed.

I'm still stunned to see (e.g.) used Hondas with 150,000 on the odometer commanding a pretty fair price.

[gagator79]

No way right now...the 1150 is gorgeous and has plenty of power for my riding style and experience level. I still just go to the garage to admire her!!

[Spilferderber]

the new R1200R is faster, stronger, etc.

but

it doesn't make my heart beat faster as the R1150R did 3 years ago..

yes, it's soooo simple.

..not to mention that I've dreamt about the new Roadster for 3 years now..
but now.. some might say, that we only write this, 'cause we don't have enough money to afford it, but that's not it.. it's still so simple and I feel weird about it..

on the other hand, I can't stop dreaming about the K1400S ..

[Airman]

I'm starting to think that Cinderella now has a second ugly sister......sorry to those R1100R owners..

Yes I know 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'.. ...maybe I love my R1150R just too much.

I was riding today and it started raining..I liked the way my knees stayed dry..tucked in behind the oil coolers..

DJ

Maybe the 1150 tank will fit on the 1200, eh ? Get rid of that, uh, oil cooler thing in front of the engine. Finish it up with a proper beak for a front fender.

[r1150rider]

Dunno if the tank would fit, but I'm thinkin' the brake and clutch reservoirs/lever assy's from the 1150 might be a "bolt on".

[Airman]

Dunno if the tank would fit, but I'm thinkin' the brake and clutch reservoirs/lever assy's from the 1150 might be a "bolt on".

I wouldn't take that for granted. They changed the whole servo brake system didn't they ?

[r1150rider]

You're prolly right, but that's a non-issue for me since neither my '02R nor the 1200R I have a deposit on have ABS. However, thinkin' about it today I realized that the switchgear won't be compatible... oh, well.

[fnfalman]

I don't buy BMWs for looks. They range from FUGLY to barely acceptable.

I don't think that I'll get the R1200R because I'm waiting for the hot rod version of the R1200S. Otherwise, if I were to want a roadster, I'd trade my Rockster in for the new R in a heartbeat. I'm all about the ride. Faster, lighter, more maneuverable - that's what I'm in for. If I were to want pretty, I'd buy a Ducati or an MV Agusta.

[1150929]

With the exception of the R1200S, and maybe the new 800's, all new BMW bike designs fall into the "what were you thinking" category. Or maybe ugly and dull is in? Yes, styling is subjective, but I betcha most will find the new R1200R incredibly dull at best. BMW has history, breeding, character...where does it show on this bike. Slap a honda emblem on it and only the protuding juggs would suggest that its something different.

Also, I wonder about the 28% increase in hp. The claimed 85 crank hp for the 1150 was always understated because most dyno'd at nearly 80 at the wheel. Will the new R1200R dyno at over 100hp? We'll see.

Surprised the weight loss wasn't greater.

All in all, underwhelming.

Hopefully somebody will do a direct comparison test between (whats officially) old and new...though not likely.

[Deans BMW]

Stock R1150R's dyno'd at 72-73 RWHP. Stock R1200ST/RT's dyno at appx 100 RWHP, the same engine as the up comming R1200R

[1150929]

Stock R1150R's dyno'd at 72-73 RWHP. Stock R1200ST/RT's dyno at appx 100 RWHP, the same engine as the up comming R1200R

72-73 seems low. Just a quick look into my “library" (and to think the wife wants me to trash it!) and I got 76.5 / 79.1 / 76.3 & 79.7 from Cycle World, Motor Cyclist and Cycle Canada dyno's respectively on 1150R/Rockster and GS's. The 1200GS dyno'd at 83.5 / 83.9 / 86.5 from those same sources. Torque numbers were even closer. This is why I concluded that the 85hp figure is understated, drivetrain losses are usually greater than 5-6%, and where was the extra 15hp BM claimed for the 12GS?

You are right about the ST/RT's higher tune and results, but I expected the R12R to have the R12GS's softer tune. Makes sense that the less expensive roadster wouldn't be faster than a ST. Maybe it'll be something in between. Of course once its really tested, I may be wrong.

[scottybooj]

that new 1200r screams, rather, whispers....bland fruitcake.

[M1ka]

The new R 1200R
With 109hp, the new R 1200 R is more powerful than ever. With the latest version of Integral ABS and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) this bike's performance is perfect for work and play. It's lighter. It's faster. It's ready. Are you?
MSRP: $13,025
Available: October 2006

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200r

[johno]

I rode the R1200GS when it came out, and haveing a 1150GS at the time, it was amazing the extra power the 1200 had.
An absolute weapon to ride. .
In saying that, I will wait and see what the R looks like, and get a ride
before looking to rob a bank. ( plus, I have spent too much on my 1150R to sell it!!)