Talk me out of it!

[MartinW]

I have recently ridden a couple of K1200Ss.

Very smooth, fantastic performance and handling, even though I doubt I got anywhere near the limits.

I am seriously thinking about either changing my RR for the KS or, if I can find garage room, adding it to my collection.

Does anyone own both bikes or has anyoen considered changing to a KS?

I'd appreciate any experiences/advice.

[mad1150]

I won't try to talk you out of it, but I wouldn't "replace" my R for a KS because I like longish rides. I think comfort would be the issue for me.

So, add it to your collection and then do some track days.

...and add a G650 Xcountry for some off road fun!

[MartinW]

Thanks. Comfort is definitely a factor. I had a 3 hour stint on a KS last weekend and my wrists were aching afterwards. Maybe more time on the bike would condition me.

Other than the wrists, I found the riding position and the seat to be on a par with the RR. The ride is much quieter and much less vibey at high-speed on the KS.

[OU812]

Try the K1200GT. It is THE sport tourer.

[Ves]

It's just infatuation anyway. You get it and a few weeks later it will be samo-samo and then you'll be kicking yourself. This is the equivalent of an impulse purchase at the checkout counter of the grocery store. Just walk away.

What the #%@^ is the matter with you? Have you got nothing better to do with your money than spend it on another bike? There are people out there starving, can't even buy a bowl of rice. Why don't you take some of that money and give it to a charity? It's all just me me me with you, isn't it? Take it from me. I have two bikes in the garage and I feel guilty about it every day. There are so many things I could have done with that money. An you know it's not going to stop with the bike... Then there's buying a better seat, chrome this, high performance that, GPS, and so on. It's just like drugs... it's an addiction... STOP... say NO! Don't make the same mistake I did... I beg you!

There. Did that help?

[mad1150]

Don't listen to that evil red guy on your other shoulder! That's right it's the evil one that tells you not to do it!

Come on, just think how much fun it will be, speed, track days, new toys, impressing women, learning a new machine, adding new farkle - it never ends!

After all, you only live once.

[geothepencil]

Spend a couple of weeks reading all the posts on I-BMW.com about the S and GT models and then decide if that line is ready for you yet. Personally, I wouldn't buy a GT and would be reluctant to buy an S until the final problems are resolved. They have been working on these things for a couple years now and they still aren't right for a number of customers. I see no hurry to buy one yet. But when they work right, O Boy !

geo

[Bruce_Almighty]

Coming from a guy who just ADDED and R1150R to keep my K1200LT, I'd say, might as well just do it. Besides, you won't stop thinking about it anyway. Just think of the time and energy saved from having to make up reasons for doing what you want to do. Save guilt for when you get old, for now, ride.

[MartinW]

thanks for the advice. I think the one from Ves was the clincher in definitely deciding me to go for it! Or may it was mad1150's post!

[mad1150]

MartinW,

You just got tag-teamed by the evil-guy one one shoulder and the nice-guy guy on the other.

See how easy that was?

Now go have fun, and don't forget to post some pictures when you get it

[DJ Downunder]

I had a K1200R for the weekend once...and loved it....The only problem is that I love my R1150R more.. ..(and can't afford to upgrade)..

DJ

[prosper13]

It is virtually impossible to choose between a K1200S and our faithful R1150R, because each bike has it's own distinct characteristics.
In 2004 I purchased a new R1150R (52000km today) and bought a brand-new K1200S in january '07 (16000km already), while keeping the R1150R for a season 'to find out whether I would still ride it' after switching to the turbo-missile K1200S.

...and yes, I DO!

The R1150R is the perfect complement to the K1200S

- When riding long distances over the motorway, the K1200S is the machine of choice (wind protection, stability, less fatiguing at high speed)
- When strolling through the countryside, the R1150R gives you the direct feel and contact with the environment that the faired K1200S with it's sporty riding position lacks
- For the kicks (turbo blast, speed sensation, nuclear power engine) the K1200S neves ceases to challenge the rider and make the rider aware of the superior build and characteristics of the machine
- For mountain riding: I took the R1150R a week into the Alps last june, and the handling in the twisties, the engine grunt coming out of the basement while climbing the mountains, the engine braking when descending make it THE bike for Alpine touring
- for the looks...hmm... the K1200S is sexy, the R1150R is handsome

So I decided to maintain the two mistresses, as long as the wallet lasts, because I am deeply in love with both

[MartinW]

prosper13 - great post and I think you've hit the nail on the head. Even though I hanker after the K1200S, I would still be sad to say goodbye to my R1150R.

[Buckster]

Just my opinion...If your looking at KS with the more powerful four cylinder engine, you might as well look at other manufactures bikes for a lot less money and more performance.

[hass]

I have recently ridden a couple of K1200Ss.

Very smooth, fantastic performance and handling, even though I doubt I got anywhere near the limits.

I am seriously thinking about either changing my RR for the KS or, if I can find garage room, adding it to my collection.

Does anyone own both bikes or has anyoen considered changing to a KS?

I'd appreciate any experiences/advice.

I had a K1200S... and I traded it for a 07 R1200R!

Test ride the new RR before you put any money down on the KS.

There are two areas where the KS "beats" the new RR:
¤ It has more power than the RR - warp speed is acheivable and addictive! However, I found a) I rode more aggressively and therefore more dangerously and b) it was harder to ride in traffic in town as small throttle position changes have large consequences.
¤ It has better wind protection (duh!)

However, the new RR handles better in tight turns, is as stable in high speed sweepers, has better luggage capacity, better fuel economy and ASC.

Basically, I used about 20% of the capability of the KS (I am simply not that good a rider) but it was a bike that demanded alot more of the rider. While this is exciting and stimulating it adds risk on public roads.

Now I feel I use 80% of the capability of the RR - go faster on my favourite roads - and have alot more fun!

[orbea54]

I own a '04 Rockster and recently purchased an '05 K1200S. I love both bikes equally as they are polar opposites. For now, I am keeping both bikes. If I were forced to sell one, I am not sure what I would do. Some days I say I would keep my Rockster and other days I say I would keep the K12S.

I have taken long trips on both of them and they both have their pros and cont. The Rockster is more comfortable over the K12S. The K12S rides a lot smoother on the long trips. When I ride the Rockster a few times I will miss the K12S, then when I ride the K12S a few times, I will miss the Rockster.

If I am going to have two bikes, these two bikes really complement each other since they are so different.

[johno]

If I bought every new bike I rode, and lusted for, I would have 3 problems.
1/ I would run out of room in my shed.
2/ I would be broke.
3/ I wouldnt be married.

[dragonmojo]

You're riding through the heart of Kansas, and the speed limit is anywhere between 55mph and 70mph. The devil has no soul.

[MartinW]

hey johno, if #3 was true then you could have more money and a bigger shed!

[OU812]

hey johno, if #3 was true then you could have more money and a bigger shed!

For sure! At least I did before I was married.