K1200R?

[Bryn]

I find myself drawn towards getting one ..
Anyone have or had one and care to comment?

 

[Schtum]

Having had an K1200R on loan for a while and regular access to the K1200S which my son used to own, I much preferred the R. However, I quickly realised that even without a fairing, I might not hang onto my liberty too long, let alone my licence. They're getting a bit long in the tooth now, you'd be better off with a 1300 if you can find one.

 

[dave hendy]

Having had 3 K1300R I obviously like them, I came to the R from the 100hp GS which needed more power which the R had! I used my bike mainly 2 up and my wife was quite happy on the back (the topbox helped) I had the comfort seat and sports screen which were both good including a 2 week 3600 mile trip. I used Givi luggage on mine the quick release pannier system was great with the 33L panniers. The K is a long bike with quite a poor lock which made it quite hard work in the mountains compared with the GS but it is very stable on the motorway and would happily cruise at about 90 mph without too much wind problem. The quick shifter was fantastic and sounded fantastic with the Akro can! The gearbox was a bit clunky into 1st and the switch gear like other models with similar could cause problem although mine were all OK on that count unlike my GS LC. I used to get around 170-190 to a tank (fuel tank mod carried out) the best I got was 193, although this could drop to around 150 miles if ridden well into 3 figures.

I have now gone back to a GS as I prefer the riding position as the LC has enough power to keep me happy.

I cannot really comment on the K1200 as its a long time since I rode one and that was only on test rides. I do know that on the whole there were more problems with the 1200. Good luck with your choice!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Bryn]

Thanks for the replies

Certainly food for thought

 

[DING-DONG]

I also owned a k1200r it had the first generation ESA 1 and was very poor, I removed and fitted ohlins. There known for eating clutch baskets, mine did and 2nd gear would jump out (new box under warranty) They seem to run better with the stock exhaust can, mine had the worst fuelling of any bike I've owned the throttle was more ON/OFF switch and even having fitted a pcv it was only marginal better. Mine was very trick bst wheels, AC bar conversion and bodywork, ballistic quick, very stable but you'll also notice the difference in length when having fun.

 

[sven]

The K1200S is significantly more powerful and it's easy to fit the K1200R top yoke to raise the bars slightly if required

 

[Schtum]

The K1200S is significantly more powerful and it's easy to fit the K1200R top yoke to raise the bars slightly if required

The S has another 4 bhp according to the specs and if I remember correctly, that's down to the ram air effect into its airbox. The R on the other hand has lower gearing and a slightly steeper steering head angle. I prefer the R.

 

[Motorcycle Michael]

I find myself drawn towards getting one ..
Anyone have or had one and care to comment?

I had a K1200R and a K1300R. The 1300 is a much better bike probably due to superior fueling and stacks more torque.

Buy the 13R if you can-enjoy.

 

[Dogbytes]

Can't comment on the R bit but I had a K1200S and now have a K1300S. They're both great but very different. The 13 is better in every way - power, torque, brakes, suspension and is, consequently a lot quicker on the road. BUT it doesn't feel as quick. The 12 made its maximum power at 10,250 and the 13 makes it at 8750 (IIRC) and the power delivery of the 12 was ludicrous. It started to make power at 4k but at 7k it all went mental - hitting 7k in 4th gear on full throttle is an experience! The trouble was, I ended up riding like an LC350.

If you want a fun thing to blast about on sunny Sundays, buy the best 12 you can find, if you want to use something as your main transport (as I do) get a 13.

Buy one of them though, they're not to be missed!

 

[GADGET]

Had the 1200 & 1300 R/S & GT. Best out of them for me was the K1300S, even so, the game has moved on and I think you would be better looking elsewhere... my 2pence worth

 

[Bryn]

Thanks for all the replies chaps.. Settled on a 2014 Super Tenere... Which is nowt like a K12R...I was at the point of getting one when the seller changed his mind....so I changed direction inadvertently