Thinking of getting back in with the R1200R

[dialdn]

I have been lurking in this forum and ADVRIDER for months and now comes the post.

I have been away from bikes for about 18 years. I used to ride motocross heavily (non-competitive) and had also Honda Enduro on road for the about 4 years. I have since raced shifter karts for a number of years and for the last 8 years have been a heavy cross country mountain biker (local competitive, downhill and 3000 Kms per year). I only mention this because of the related balance experience. This does not compare at all to any on road motorcycle experience.

I am now thinking of getting back in. I am considering the R1200R but was also thinking of the F650GS. I know "apples and oranges". But, I want something new and not something I will want to replace next year. I plan on retaking the MSF course before I purchase and plan to take a couple of advanced track courses as well. I also plan on all the safety gear and practice I can get.

I have been to the local BMW dealer a couple of times. While I was initially interested in the 1200GS, I love the styling of the R12R and found the 1200GS a little to top heavy (even though I am 6'3" and 190 lbs). I must admit leaving with a crush on the R1200R (black with white pin stripes)

My main use will be a moderate commuter and a few multi-hour jaunts with some HD and sportbike friends on the weekend. I do have 2 young girls so no multi-day trips anytime soon.

So, I guess my question is. Is the R1200R a decent first bike back? I did try my brother's CBR fireblade and found the position more annoying that anything. Also, throttle a wee bit touchy but manageable.

D

[Lost Rider]

I have been lurking in this forum and ADVRIDER for months and now comes the post.

I have been away from bikes for about 18 years. I used to ride motocross heavily (non-competitive) and had also Honda Enduro on road for the about 4 years. I have since raced shifter karts for a number of years and for the last 8 years have been a heavy cross country mountain biker (local competitive, downhill and 3000 Kms per year). I only mention this because of the related balance experience. This does not compare at all to any on road motorcycle experience.

I am now thinking of getting back in. I am considering the R1200R but was also thinking of the F650GS. I know "apples and oranges". But, I want something new and not something I will want to replace next year. I plan on retaking the MSF course before I purchase and plan to take a couple of advanced track courses as well. I also plan on all the safety gear and practice I can get.

I have been to the local BMW dealer a couple of times. While I was initially interested in the 1200GS, I love the styling of the R12R and found the 1200GS a little to top heavy (even though I am 6'3" and 190 lbs). I must admit leaving with a crush on the R1200R (black with white pin stripes)

My main use will be a moderate commuter and a few multi-hour jaunts with some HD and sportbike friends on the weekend. I do have 2 young girls so no multi-day trips anytime soon.

So, I guess my question is. Is the R1200R a decent first bike back? I did try my brother's CBR fireblade and found the position more annoying that anything. Also, throttle a wee bit touchy but manageable.

D

The 650gs is a nice bike, but the engine leaves a lot to be desired IMO, like any small single cylinder would...
In a nutshell I would say yes, it's a great first bike back. It's very predictable, and forgiving ( watch out for oil spots in parking lots though ). The ABS is great, and hardly noticeable, and I doubt any person in their right mind would get tired of this bike in a short period of time, it just keeps taking whatever it is you give it - including being a competent trail/off road bike... The engine is very smooth, and has plenty of power everywhere, and doesn't hold any surprises like a sportbike.
For the use you're describing I doubt you'll find a better all around bike. Great to commute, and some day if you felt like it, put some bags on it and ride as far as your butt can take you...
Comfort, reliability, easy to ride, respect from the HD crowd ( not that I care, but they almost always wave back... ), and when/if you want to, the sportbike guys will be surprised to see you on their tail in the twisties, or even find it hard to keep up with you...
The 1200R is like a swiss army knife of bikes, ready to fill any role you ask of it...
It wont take too long to read all the great things we have to say about this bike on this forum...
For off road adventures look here:
http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13542
You obviously didn't test ride one yet because very few can walk away without getting out the checkbook!
With your height I would suggest getting the BMW "tall" seat and maybe some bar-backs....
Welcome to the forum!


-Joe

[BigEasy]

My R12R was my re-entry bike, I'd been out of riding for a good time as well. I had a fair amount of road experience on other bikes with decent and not so decent suspension and other technology. One of my favorite bikes, a 1978 KZ1000 LTD was widely known as a widow maker. So I've riden some junk and some good stuff. The R was for me the absolutly perfect re-entry bike. The thing makes great power and is a real torque monster. The good thing about the power is it is quite controlled, there is a bit of a surge/power on @ around 6k rpm, but nothing like say a 2 stroke YZ 450 or RM 400. It handles like it's on rails and even feels pretty light weight. If you spent a fair amount of road time on your enduro bike you should be fine. The other thing is that even though it's a little spendy, you will find that you will not soon be thinking of selling it. Good luck with your choice

[dialdn]

Thanks ChiTown. Your comments are appreciated.

Yes, I have read through most of your posts and your adventures. Funny thing is the video post you made of the frogs singing made us laugh. When I played it for my wife last week, we couldn't tell if it was your clip or our backyard. I have alot of frog sex happening in our pond right now.

BTW, heal quickly!

D

[dialdn]

My R12R was my re-entry bike, I'd been out of riding for a good time as well. I had a fair amount of road experience on other bikes with decent and not so decent suspension and other technology. One of my favorite bikes, a 1978 KZ1000 LTD was widely known as a widow maker. So I've riden some junk and some good stuff. The R was for me the absolutly perfect re-entry bike. The thing makes great power and is a real torque monster. The good thing about the power is it is quite controlled, there is a bit of a surge/power on @ around 6k rpm, but nothing like say a 2 stroke YZ 450 or RM 400. It handles like it's on rails and even feels pretty light weight. If you spent a fair amount of road time on your enduro bike you should be fine. The other thing is that even though it's a little spendy, you will find that you will not soon be thinking of selling it. Good luck with your choice

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I won't be able to test drive one locally. So info like that you provided is critical. I am quite anal about stuff and will research this to hell before making a decision. My wife isn't quite convinced yet, which is the limiting factor (worried about the losing me thingy). Hoping to get her to see the bike first hand soon. She has said all along, if I were to get a bike it would have to be a BMW. A deal breaker would be any discussion of a Harley.

I also saw a good review of the Suzuki bandit 1250 but just didn't have the refinement I see in a BMW. Plus have been a fan of boxers (subaru) for years. Safety features on the BMW are also a selling feature.

D

[tobes]

The R12R was my re-entry after 3 years of being bikeless. Having had a 550 and 1100 in the past and ridden many HD's I would say go with the R12R. A year from now you'll be wishing for more power if you go with the smaller cc. No other bike I've had or ridden comes close to this bike interms of all around performance, fun, versatility, and confidence that it inspires.

[Bob41459]

My riding background is mostly dirt such as yours and I got an F650GS last year and got back on the road after having a 750cc Virago plus a couple of small dualsports a while back.

I made the switch over to the R12R two weeks ago and there's no comparison between it and the F650GS.The F650GS is not gonna put a grin on your face imo.The R12R is just the opposite,I now look for reasons to hop on the bike and leave the auto parked.

As far as it being a good re-entry ride I think with your background it'll be just right and you won't be looking or needing to upgrade anytime soon.
Long story short go for it you won't regret it.

[celticus]

"She has said all along, if I were to get a bike it would have to be a BMW. A deal breaker would be any discussion of a Harley"



She is obviously a woman of discernment. Keep her.
Mark

[sandycruz]

I have found the R1200R the easiest and most enjoyable bike of the three I own. Ergonomics, brakes, and handling all standout. Its simply the best bike I've ridden. I don't think you could go wrong with the "R".

[dialdn]

With your height I would suggest getting the BMW "tall" seat and maybe some bar-backs....

-Joe

I was thinking of the tall seat and BMW touring shield. I am ok with some wind on the helmet and it seems I could lose my mind with the windshield solutions.

Bar-backs? Risers? Any recommendations?

Was also reading some positive stuff about the peg lowering option.

D

[Dan-A]

If you are waiting until the fall, the new F800GS is due to be out. It will be a dual sport so you can take it in the dirt, more motor than the F650GS, less top heavy than the R1200GS.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bik ... 2008f800gs

I am considering one myself, but will keep my R1200R anyway.

[lucagoa]

Dialdn,

some opionion from Europe side (I'm Italian)
I use the bike like you. Home to work commuting and some short/medium range "escapade" in the WE.

F650S I drove it couple of time on highway and panoramic roads (ie lots of curves). Bike is darn easy and my wife found it confortable. It is fast on "leaning" but to me it lacks of some character. Off road I don't know, my friend who owned the bike told me that some "mild" off road was "admitted"

F800GS I saw it on Bike Expo EICMA in Milan. If you plan to go off road and don't want heavy stuff, than I think this could be you bike. Much more light weight than the GS and a very nice look. From another point of view not much as a BMW (standard fork, chain drive, front engine) but it seems to be an innovative product.

R1200R what to say for me this is "the bike". I came from a toy bike, a Suzuki SV650, 160kg/80hp. I was a little worry before purchasing the R in particular for its weight and its manoeuvrability. The dealer warn me: don't try it unless you're ready to put out lots of money! . He was true..... Good bike even for a city (I've to commute into heavy traffic) it is very easy to move betwenn queued cars (usual in Italy ) but the best you'll see when you drive on mountain or panoramic roads. I'm not an aggressive driver but I lean "a lot" compare to the Suzuki. Definetely a good bike!!

At the end is up to you. What I surely suggest you is to test drive each of the above before any purchase (it is not like buying peanuts $$$)

Luca

[NCGS]

I'd strongly recommend that before you write the check you find a dealer that will let you ride one. Beemers are expensive when compared to bikes from the Empire. Drop one and you'll see.

Asking a question about a R1200R in a R1200R forum is like asking about a Harley in a Harley forum. If you asked the guys in a Harley forum if you should buy a R1200R, I doubt you'd get the same responses as you received above (I believe we might be a tad bit biased).

I'm certainly not trying to discourage you - I'd just hate to see you spend $16K on a bike you'd never ridden. I certainly wouldn't have.

Call around.. find a dealer within driving distance that will let you ride one. Make a weekend of it if necessary. Then you'll know for sure.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

[dialdn]

I'd strongly recommend that before you write the check you find a dealer that will let you ride one. Beemers are expensive when compared to bikes from the Empire. Drop one and you'll see.

Asking a question about a R1200R in a R1200R forum is like asking about a Harley in a Harley forum. If you asked the guys in a Harley forum if you should buy a R1200R, I doubt you'd get the same responses as you received above (I believe we might be a tad bit biased).

I'm certainly not trying to discourage you - I'd just hate to see you spend $16K on a bike you'd never ridden. I certainly wouldn't have.

Call around.. find a dealer within driving distance that will let you ride one. Make a weekend of it if necessary. Then you'll know for sure.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Thank you NCGS. I will definitely try and arrange a ride when the time comes. There is only 1 local dealer. The others are 2 and 4 hours away. But, I will drive for a good purchase. The local dealer has a demo day May 31 but I am caught up in recitals that day If they want my business, they will let me ride.

I appreciate the bias but as I suspected many have tried the 650 and I wanted to understand that transition as well as those coming back into the sport. I do plan on getting a BMW (wife permitting), it's just which one. Harley just doesn't appeal to me.

D

[dialdn]

Dialdn,

some opionion from Europe side (I'm Italian)
I use the bike like you. Home to work commuting and some short/medium range "escapade" in the WE.

F650S I drove it couple of time on highway and panoramic roads (ie lots of curves). Bike is darn easy and my wife found it confortable. It is fast on "leaning" but to me it lacks of some character. Off road I don't know, my friend who owned the bike told me that some "mild" off road was "admitted"

F800GS I saw it on Bike Expo EICMA in Milan. If you plan to go off road and don't want heavy stuff, than I think this could be you bike. Much more light weight than the GS and a very nice look. From another point of view not much as a BMW (standard fork, chain drive, front engine) but it seems to be an innovative product.

R1200R what to say for me this is "the bike". I came from a toy bike, a Suzuki SV650, 160kg/80hp. I was a little worry before purchasing the R in particular for its weight and its manoeuvrability. The dealer warn me: don't try it unless you're ready to put out lots of money! . He was true..... Good bike even for a city (I've to commute into heavy traffic) it is very easy to move betwenn queued cars (usual in Italy ) but the best you'll see when you drive on mountain or panoramic roads. I'm not an aggressive driver but I lean "a lot" compare to the Suzuki. Definetely a good bike!!

At the end is up to you. What I surely suggest you is to test drive each of the above before any purchase (it is not like buying peanuts $$$)

Luca

Thanks Luca.

Yes, I thought about the 800 and when the time comes, they may be available. But I do love the looks of the r1200r. I don't expect I will do much trail riding as I have an ATV (07 Polaris X2 500) for that kind of stuff.

Good to know the bike is nimble. I am not a spirited rider. My style in both karting and mountain bike racing has always been described as smooth and calculated taking the best line every time.

I am going to have to stay away from the dealer until I am ready to drop some coin.

D

[famousperson]

My reentry bike (after 15+ years) was a 1200cc HD Sportster. I wanted to trade up after three years and couldn't see spending the money for a bigger Harley. The only choice, to my mind, was a BMW. So I got the R1200R and O..M..G..!!! If the Sportster could serve as a reentry bike, the R would have been 10 times better. No, 100 times better. It is far more maneuverable at low speeds and stabler at high, to say nothing about being smoother. Its height intimidated me at first. It looked top heavy compared to the Sportster but far from it. It is and feels lighter. It corners better at all speeds and, with ABS, stops better.

While the Sportster was a great going-around-town bike, I can't travel far enough with the R. The seat isn't any more comfortable (in fact the seat is the worst feature) but the bike in general is far more pleasant to ride. In one summer I put as many miles on as I had in all three years with the Harley.

In all fairness, it cost some $5500 more than the Harley with all the options (including side cases), and I feel the Harley was a perfectly good and rideable bike for what it was. Butther is still no comparison. I don't hesitate at all in recommending the R as a reentry bike.

[DAV-AZ]

Dialdn, In my, admittedly biased opinion, the R1200R is a perfect bike to get back in with. I've gone through a bunch of bikes over the last five years. A Ducatti, Buell, F650GS, R1200GS and I am perfectly comfortable saying the R1200R is the best of the bunch. The running joke is if you take one for a test ride make sure you bring your checkbook. Happened to me just like that. Test ride of less than 10 miles. It really is a special machine. It just feels like quality. The power will surprise you. The handling and comfort will surprise you. It is very easy to ride and inspires confidence. It is a basic and uncomplicated yet at the same time very sophisticated machine. Right now I also have a K1200GT and when I think about going cross state I jump on the GT. Otherwise I'm on the R and everytime I throw a leg over it I think what a nice bike it really is. The GT is great, but the R is the best bike I have ever ridden going back to 1967, bar none. So--- I'm sold on the R and am confident you will be too. FWIW.

[Dan-A]

The dealer warn me: don't try it unless you're ready to put out lots of money!

Luca

I have warned people of this as well. When I rode it, I bought it.

[dialdn]

Well, folks. I went with my wife and they had the black with pin stripe R1200R and a few GS's. She was blown away by the GS look vs the R1200R. I also tried sitting on the bikes and I think the R12R is too cramped for me. Even with the lowered pegs and higher seat, I think the GS will be the way I am going. Too large an angle on my knees and the dingle is much nicer on the GS. I still have until august before I drop some coin. But, now it seems it's a GS or GSA.

D

[deilenberger]

D,

What seat was on the R12R? There are three heights available. If you're tall and they had the low seat on it - yes, you'll feel cramped.