HP2 or R12S or keep old faithful

[SQD8R]

I've always enjoyed this board and I alway welcome a bit of advice/criticism/critical thinking.

As some may be aware, I'm considering a new bike. I've got 60,000 km on the 12GS and love it but I must admit I'd like something a bit more hardcore. The R12S and HP2 seem to fit the bill for me in that regard.

Yes I do a lot of miles and yes neither of these bikes are touring bikes but I'd rather have one than two high end bikes.

So for arguments sake throw out your opinions and lets see where we land. Thx as always.

 

[sjwb]

Spent a lot of time on the R12S last week. I was very impressed by its dynamic ability and belive it or not, comfort. It is the first tele-lever front end that has ever made sense to me.
Ok it's not blisteringly quick and a GSXR will make it seem slow, but oh the feedback and sound! So much character and individuality. I used to own an SP5 and the 12 bought back sweet memories of said bike. Not quite as nimble as the Ducati, but far more stable.
In traffic it seemed gruff and grumbly, bad tempered even; not a missed beat however and once the open road beckoned - back to its real environment.
BUY ONE!

 

[Fanum]

Isn't it a bit odd to want a 'more hardcore' bike yet not to know which way you want to jump, road or off road orientated????
I would have thought that the decision is going to come down to your usage......60k road KM is a lot of distance to be looking at potentially notching up a more off road focussed bike like an HP2 yet just a tenth of those miles attempted off road on a really road focussed bike is going to cause more trouble (Hmmm convoluted but I hope you get me )

For that reason, I'd go the HP2 route but then again, you'd probably expect me to say that

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

HP2....................a sublime GS

 

[SQD8R]

Isn't it a bit odd to want a 'more hardcore' bike yet not to know which way you want to jump, road or off road orientated????
I would have thought that the decision is going to come down to your usage......60k road KM is a lot of distance to be looking at potentially notching up a more off road focussed bike like an HP2 yet just a tenth of those miles attempted off road on a really road focussed bike is going to cause more trouble (Hmmm convoluted but I hope you get me )

For that reason, I'd go the HP2 route but then again, you'd probably expect me to say that

Yeah I should have been more clear on the HP2. I'd probably run it primarily in SM mode. With the occasional dirt trek, on dirt rims, but I get your meaning and appreciate it. Thx.

 

[Vern]

HP2 with two sets of wheels and you get the best of both worlds.I haven't tried yet,but I bet the 1200S is crap on the dirt

 

[Jeremy]

I have to admit after 300 odd miles last weekend on supermoto wheels on the HP2, my backside was very numb. The 120 mile motorway blast back to Ldn didn't help although it was an absolute hoot on small roads. The GS1200 feels like a nice warm armchair after the HP2.

Jeremy

 

[SQD8R]

I have to admit after 300 odd miles last weekend on supermoto wheels on the HP2, my backside was very numb. The 120 mile motorway blast back to Ldn didn't help although it was an absolute hoot on small roads. The GS1200 feels like a nice warm armchair after the HP2.

Jeremy

I was down at the dealership last night and htey made the same remarks. HP2 is a toy, GS is a tool. Use accordingly. I already knew this but the compromise is too great. So I'll hold off until the fall, see what's new, see if there's anything there that grabs, and if not there will be an HP2 in the garage next summer, alongside the GS.

 

[Jeremy]

I think I've found the solution for numb buns caused by over use of the HP2 or to quote the technical medical expression, "HParsenumbicitis". There are ways and means to enjoy the HP2 more. I think the lads at www.buttforyou.com could have the answer!

And according to Merle F., Nashville, TN: "At 75 I am extremely pleased to finally have some buns, thanks to you! My trousers no longer look baggy, they are very comfortable even worn over my shorts and I would recommend them for anyone wishing to make their trousers fit like they should."

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

am i the only one who doesn't 'get' the HP2 ?

its a honda 'XR' equivalent - off road use only - or getting to and from off-road - or back to the pick up truck.

if you can afford to change - just for the hell of it - get one - and a pick up ?

 

[GSmonkey]

If you're after hardcore bikes, I'd be thinking about casting my net wider than just BMW. But if you're going to buy in the brand, they look a couple of good selections.

Personally I wouldn't own an HP2 + 1200GS.....they're too similiar.

 

[Jeremy]

Have to disagree that the GS and HP2 are too alike. Consider:
GS
sensible
comfortable
good value for money
ugly
every day every occasion
every day every occasion
it took four test rides before I bgt it
9months on and 2700 miles of commuting
bgt with the head and wallet

HP2
utter lunacy
need a J-Lo backside for distance
daftly expensive but so is a Ducati 996
beautiful
only sunny days for supermoto
only wet days with knobblies
it took 2hrs on one test before I bgt it
4months on and 1000 miles of 70% dirt and 30% commuting
bgt with the heart and passion

Only my biased opinion on both bikes. I love them both for different reasons.