Is there a K1200S Forum?????

[m33ufo]

Currently have a 1200GSA and was thinking of a change, the K1200S caught my eye. Can someone direct me to a relevant forum??

Talking non-BMW, I have always liked the VFR800. On the surface the two bikes are quite different in terms of performance (K1200S / VFR800Vtec) but probably equally as appealing to me. Not really mad on the look of the Blackbird, FJR etc.

 

[EggChaser]

You could try
http://www.bmwk1200s.com/forum/

 

[trebor]

Or the one I moderate:

http://www.bikersoracle.com/kseries/forum/


I moved from a VFR800FI to a K1200S, similar riding position to the VFR800, but bags more power, it felt lighter too due to the COG being quite low. Unfortunately I lost the K1200S in a bike/truck interface problem, hence now on a GS

Bob

 

[sven]

I use both of the above sites, although the US site is more useful.

I've also had a VTEC and a VFR800 and whilst they are fine solo sport tourers, the K1200S is much better two-up.

 

[m33ufo]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I used to have a VFR750 back in 1991, it was the 2nd year of the single sided swing arm variant, good bike. Not actually had a proper look at the K1200S in the flesh but from what I have read the bike should be just what I want - have had my fill of full on sports bikes, the GSA was my first big step onto something different but I am missing some of the performance.

Most of my riding will be solo, my gf has her direct access test in the next couple of weeks so she'll be riding her own bike (not sure what yet!!). Think I need to go see one.

 

[m33ufo]

Well I've (nearly) bought one, almost finalised a deal with a BMW dealer although paid just a little more than the £8k I had in mind. 2007/07 4K miles (it's actually either 3K or 5K they are double checking!), Indigo Blue, has a few options including ESA, ABS, heated grips (I really wanted ESA, the other's didn't make a huge difference). I should be able to get it delivered to my local BMW franchise in Cardiff even though they are a car dealer only.

I'm awaiting a thorough condition inspection by the salesman, as long as it's cosmetic condition is up to scratch I'll take it.

.....update.....just as I was typing I get a call from the salesman confirming condition, it's 5K miles and they are putting new tyres on and giving it it's annual service. I'll have it end of next week

 

[GS TRV]

Had a test ride round Misano on one at the Italian bike launch - found it gutless and slow for the price

Jap equivalents Kawa/Suzi are in another dimension

 

[m33ufo]

I hear what you're saying and I probably agree, if I wanted the biggest bang for my buck I'd buy a Japanese bike. For years I had nothing but....Blade, R1's, VFR, YZF and my favourite - my old (bought new) 1990 ZXR750H2, I loved that bike! Then I had a couple of MV Agusta F4S's before moving over (via a few alternative bikes - KTM, Buell etc) to a R1200GSA. I'm now kind of bitten by the BMW bug.

Am sure that there are cheaper, faster Jap alternatives but I like the BMW as a package. As good as they are I find the Jap stuff a little boring. Each to his own.

 

[trebor]

Had a test ride round Misano on one at the Italian bike launch - found it gutless and slow for the price

Jap equivalents Kawa/Suzi are in another dimension

I'm sure he really wants to hear that considering he has just bought it .
All I can say is you must have had a faulty one, the K1200S I had was an absolute rocket and a fantastic machine, it certainly couldn't be described as gutless. Quite frankly there is very little difference between it and the equivalent Jap bikes, but you do it in more comfort on the KS

Edit: I've just noticed your signature, so it's not a biased opinion then

Bob

 

[m33ufo]

I'm sure he really wants to hear that considering he has just bought it .

Bob

I really don't mind, I wouldn't have bought either the Suzuki or Kawasaki alternative. As good as I'm sure they are they don't float my boat

 

[sven]

I hear what you're saying and I probably agree, if I wanted the biggest bang for my buck I'd buy a Japanese bike. For years I had nothing but....Blade, R1's, VFR, YZF and my favourite - my old (bought new) 1990 ZXR750H2, I loved that bike! Then I had a couple of MV Agusta F4S's before moving over (via a few alternative bikes - KTM, Buell etc) to a R1200GSA. I'm now kind of bitten by the BMW bug.

Am sure that there are cheaper, faster Jap alternatives but I like the BMW as a package. As good as they are I find the Jap stuff a little boring. Each to his own.

Having tested mine against some of the opposition, it's a touch faster accelerating then a 954 Blade in a straight line, quite a bit faster than a GSX-R750 and very similar to an early GSX-R1000 - hardly gutless and slow...

Sure a ZZR1400 or Hyabusa may have another 10mph at the top end, but they've both got very uncomfortable riding positions, poor build quality/design detailing and the Hyabusa isn't available with ABS. May as well buy a litre sportsbike and take advantage of the lower weight and better handling they offer

 

[m33ufo]

You missed the biggest problem with the Busa, it's firkin ooglie

I've grown out of the likes of the R1 and Blade etc although when I had them I loved them (Blade in 1998 and R1's in 1999 and 2001), at the time I never imagined owning the likes of a BMW. In the interim I've done a complete U-turn and I kinda like the slightly more idiosyncratic nature and prestige brand of the BMW. As much as I'd love to have the latest Blade, R1 or equivalent MVAgusta, Ducati etc for that odd occasion when I want a 60 minute thrash I don't think I'd actually buy one again.

 

[Garryc]

.....35K miles on my K12R, use it all year long....its much better than the VFR800, I had.

No Comparison...

 

[m33ufo]

Love the look of the K1200R. I was offered a really fantastic deal on a new one at John Clark in Dundee, it was touch and go at one point.

 

[GSmonkey]

Could try http://www.overweightsportstourers.com

 

[mikepg]

Just had the pleasure of the K12R for the last two days and it an absolutely mental bike and great around town too. Always like the K12S and RS. In fact - I really like them.

 

[GS TRV]

, poor build quality/design detailing and

let's do a comparisn at 40k

 

[patzx12]

Just had the pleasure of the K12R for the last two days and it an absolutely mental bike and great around town too. Always like the K12S and RS. In fact - I really like them.

K1200R A bike I will always have an affection for, first time I rode one was at Mondello park BMW had some for track sessions. Took it out with hot tyres and got my knee down on the second corner having never rode the bike before. It,s a stonking track day bike with nice fat 3rd gear power.
I spotted a nice track prepped one at Jerez last time I was there.

 

[Garryc]

....3rd and 4th gear are fechin awesome - took me a few months to re-calibrate my brain after 3yrs and 80K on GSA/GS....

Being a short arse I can tour just as easy as I did on my GS...