Hi, after 12 years of the 1150GS, I’m finding its size is starting to get a bit cumbersome on my old body, so thinking of a change. What are the pros and cons of the 1200R and 1250R? Any known issues with either? TIA.
1200 or 1250?
- Thread starter Mullgs
- Start date
1250 has more oomph due to shift cam engine
1250 has a hideous colour LCD. 1200 has a simpler dash
1250 has LED headlight, H7 candles in 1200
1250 has posher ABS with the lean sensor
ergonomics were unchanged
the rest is cosmetic
I have had the R1200RS since 2016 and have ridden several 1250 models as service loaners and see no reason to change
1250 has a hideous colour LCD. 1200 has a simpler dash
1250 has LED headlight, H7 candles in 1200
1250 has posher ABS with the lean sensor
ergonomics were unchanged
the rest is cosmetic
I have had the R1200RS since 2016 and have ridden several 1250 models as service loaners and see no reason to change
Really! When did this happen?
Depends on your budget really, but have a test ride on both to see which you prefer. Colour schemes in the main on both are "reserved" unless you can find a Lupin Blue 1200 or can stretch to the M Sport colours for the 1250. The 1200 has the wonky eye front lights on it, the 1250 doesn't and as said the electronics on the 1250 are more modern with the standard BMW TFT rather than the rather dated (IMO) LCD/clocks combo on the 1200. It's not a 1 size fits all bike so be prepared to spend some cash sorting the riding position and screen out unless yiu can find one with the mods you want. You can get various seats for it, some fit bar risers or the tubular bar conversion, there's a few peg lowering kits available and some different screen options too. Good luck it's a bit of a slow burner, after 3 GS' I'm warming to my 1250.
ahem
take a visit to Specsavers and then re-read the original post - R1200R
my comments were generic to the LC boxer series
Ooops
You're as bad as me, the OP wants an RLater 1200s aren't wonky eyed.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2015
- Messages
- 12,983
- Reaction score
- 4,912
Ok, mine was a GS but it’s the same consideration
I had a 1200 and couldn’t justify the cost of changing to a 1250 for the small improvements that it brought (just my personal view of course)
But ……
If I had neither and was looking to buy one, then I would pay a little bit more for a 1250 as it will be slightly better
Colour schemes are of course very much down to personal preference so only you can know what you like or want
I had a 1200 and couldn’t justify the cost of changing to a 1250 for the small improvements that it brought (just my personal view of course)
But ……
If I had neither and was looking to buy one, then I would pay a little bit more for a 1250 as it will be slightly better
Colour schemes are of course very much down to personal preference so only you can know what you like or want
When buying the 1200, I also tried the 1250. Wasn't worth the extra for me as the gearing on the R/RS means even the 1200 seems fast enough without the few extra ponies of the shiftcam engine. A mate has a 1250 GSA and the 1200 RS easily out drags it off the line, more I suspect to do with the extra mass of the GSA.
I prefer the simpler clocks of the 1200 too. One good upgrade on the 1250 was a more refined ESA suspension which feels slightly plusher to me but as I tend to leave mine in dynamic most of the time, there's not a lot in it.
I prefer the simpler clocks of the 1200 too. One good upgrade on the 1250 was a more refined ESA suspension which feels slightly plusher to me but as I tend to leave mine in dynamic most of the time, there's not a lot in it.
The 1200 is much better looking especially if you get a Lupin.
Lots of bargains to be had as they're worth fuck all now,even less when BMdubya eventually bring out the 1300.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2015
- Messages
- 12,983
- Reaction score
- 4,912
very little in it as already said - buy one at the price you like, a condition you are happy with, a colour you like and with useful extras like luggage
As has been said if you already had a 1200 then the general consensus was it wouldn't be worth changing to the 1250 just for change sake but If your budget can stretch to it I'd get the 1250. That said the 1200 is also a nice bike and will certainly be cheaper. On the GS (which has the same engine but IIRC slightly different FD ratios) I thought my 2016 GS was nicer to ride than my 2018 one and the later one had a flat spot around 4-5k revs (due I think to the stricter emmissions it had to get through from mid 2017?) and it ran out of puff towards the redline but the 1250 pulls all the way through and my RS is currently doing 60+ mpg according to the pooter. The QS and hillhold are better on the later bikes too. Which ever you're looking at also check if the headlight is Halogen or LED if you ride at night. Good luck
I swapped a K1300GT for an R1250R and was pleasantly surprised how good it is. Lots of gizmos that I hardly bother with. It's a get on and go for a good blast bike. I'm 6' 5" and still find it a comfy days ride on our Highland roads. It has plenty of go and handles very well. I' added some extra lights to front, cheapo chinese ones mainly for a bit of extra road presence.
Similar threads
