R1200 or K1300?

[Clayton]

R1200 or K1300
I'm brand new here.
Which forum best deals with the question of: For my last bike purchase ever: R1200 or K1300?
Thanks
Clayton

[RonR]

Anybody who says that the bike they just bought is the last bike they will ever buy is kidding themselves. Or maybe their SOs.

[crazyhorse]

if you want to go fast, faster than anyone should ever go, get the K1300S.

for all other reasons, get the R1200R.

wes

[ka5ysy]

See my ride report here:

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... ight=k1300


Any bike you buy can be the last bike you will ever purchase. At the particular time !

[bobw]

Test ride time . Two great choices, but ergonomic and platform differences are extreme. I would think that would make one of them call to you in a very clear voice during a test ride.

Fun problem to solve (temporarily ). Good luck!

[Clayton]

Thanks!
Now my heart is really racing, given that my ride, the only one I've owned for over 30 years and 30,000 plus miles is a Honda CB750K2.

[Caroanbill]

my ride, the only one I've owned for over 30 years and 30,000 plus miles is a Honda CB750K2.

I'm guessing you're comparing the naked bikes - R1200R to K1300R. The R-RT to K-GT comparison would be a bit different.

My vote, for an average rider, would be with the R because it's more flexible, a little lighter (20kg or 45lbs over the K1300R) and little lower. It's always going to be just a little less of a handful (since you've been riding the last one 30 years, let's assume sometime soon age will .. ummm ... catch up). And unless you plan to use the extra 62 horsepower, you're not sacrificing much to get flexibility

If luggage is an issue, the R1200R has better panniers and will take a small but effective OEM topcase. The K-R and K-S panniers are an odd design and have less volume - and seem to protrude more when full. (The K-GT has the same panniers as the R-R)

The R is also simpler in motor, suspenion and steering. The K's duolever has linkages in its steering while the R's telelever uses none, and also has a simpler suspension setup. I find the Telelever a great touring front end - not sure the Duolever is heaps better, but a test ride will tell you!
The R1200R is more than adequately braked and tyred - same wheels and brakes on both (don't go without ABS!)

The R1200R is more classicly styled, the K is more aggressive - but there's no accounting for taste!

My summary would be the R1200R will carry you gracefully and competently into seniority, and rapidly to wherever you want. The K1300R will be a last blast! Buy what makes you smile the widest!

[Fisherman]

Quote: "R1200 or K1300
I'm brand new here.
Which forum best deals with the question of: For my last bike purchase ever: R1200 or K1300?
Thanks
Clayton"

It would be important to know where you live, mountains, flat land, etc and how you plan to use the bike. There is a huge difference between the two.

Gil Horsley

[MikeCam]

My nickel and 0.02 cents....

5) The K is longer in the wheelbase, the duolever provides less feel in corners. If you depend on (or simply prefer) feel and fast turning to have fun in the twisties, then the R1200R is a better ride: faster turn-in, more feedback while deep in corners, lighter and supple.

2) The R has less power, less engine, less modern look. If you depend on looks, performance, modern engine design, sheer power, and nasty, wicked, sinful, selfish pleasures, then the K1300 is for you.

[Bill Stevenson]

I am an old fart who has been riding mostly beemers since 1970. The best BMW motorcycle ever made up to now is the R1200R. I felt that way about the R90S and again when the R100RS came out. Then I was smitten with the K100RS-ABS and so it goes. I think every one of thesebikes was the best ever when they first came out. But honestly, right now the best bike the company ever made is the RR. There is nothing special about the K at this time, IMHO.

Bill

[Clayton]

My dealer arranged an hour on the K1200GT yesterday, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Smooth, crisp and clean. And all the toys were great too.
Just got buffeted a bit on a cross wind day here.
Thinking the RR might be just a bit more touring equipped.
Next step, ride the RR, except they are sold out for the season here in Edmonton.
Wonder if the RR will change for 2010?

[ka5ysy]

...
Thinking the RR might be just a bit more touring equipped.
...

Actually the K13GT uses the same luggage, so that is a non-issue. The wind protection is superior to the RR which is either really good (cold weather, rain, long range touring) or really bad (hot weather and high humidity like here in south Louisiana). Cruise control is nice (my RR uses the Throttlemeister setup).

IMHO, the KGT would make a fine tourer if used with a custom seat. It handles very well in the twisties and has sinful power available for whatever you care to do.


They are much different bikes that overlap in the cruising application quite nicely. This is a perfect case of needing to have both bikes so you will really be happy

[vodka]

May I be so bold...forget about those special curtains, Brand new carpet. a new car...boring. For get about the all the crap that clogs the mind... if you cant decide......... .GET BOTH!!!!!!!!!

[AmostThere]

Wonder if the RR will change for 2010?

There is talk online of the 2010 R1300RT so one might conclude that that motor would come to the R after that...