K12S

[timeandtide]

There's no "crunching" at all in mine, just a loud clunk in the lower two gears. Doesn't bother me in the least. My Ducati's gearbox is also noisy in the lower gears. I've read reports from other owners saying that the gearshift noise fades once you get enough miles on the clock and switch to synthetic oil. Now whether that's real or imagined, I can't say.

No crunching on mine either; I don't like to tempt fate but so far (4.5k) the only thing that's gone wrong was the tailight bulb which went within 8miles of first collecting it from Rainbow. A word of warnig tho': if you put an Oxford Sports tailpack on make sure you cross over the securing straps!!!

 

[Muddy]

Good K12S thread...keep it going!

One I borrowed earlier.

How many GSers can we convert?

 

[Aurelius]

One I borrowed earlier.

Looks strangely similar to the one in my driveway.

 

[Aurelius]

While my 1200gs is in the shop with a rear end oil leak. I was given a new k1200s for a couple of days.

I now like my GS a lot better after riding the k. I did not like much about the bike at all. It's just a fast street bike with a bad clunky gear box.

And that's exactly why no one should ever consider buying a bike without first taking it for a test ride. When it came time to trade in my aging 1150GS, the 1200GS seemed to be the natural choice. Yet three test rides failed to convince me. Whatever improvements there were over my 1150GS were incremental, and certainly not enough to justify the additional cost. By comparison, the k1200S was like going from a WWII fighter to an F22. Though I had no intention of buying a K1200S, I came back with one that very day.

 

[blackburnlee]

Ride on the beast!

Well! I had a ride this afternoon whilst the GS was having some campaign work carried out. What a machine! Power everywhere, surprisingly comfy riding position and went around bends really rather well. I'm giving serious thought to getting one, in yellow, black and silver as that's the most visible colour they do it in.

As for the gearbox. Yes it was clunky but I didn't miss a shift the whole time I was on it and it was certainly no worse than my GS. Very impressed and I prefer it to the Blackbird I rode a year or two ago.

 

[sjwb]

I guess if I was going to buy a bike of this caliber it would be a Hayabusa. In all aspects better than the 1200S and a damn sight cheaper.
To allay certain ripostes, I have owned a Hayabusa and ridden the 1200. With all comparisons taken into account, the Hayabusa scores.

 

[Mzokk]

I guess if I was going to buy a bike of this caliber it would be a Hayabusa. In all aspects better than the 1200S and a damn sight cheaper.
To allay certain ripostes, I have owned a Hayabusa and ridden the 1200. With all comparisons taken into account, the Hayabusa scores.

I would agree the busa is faster and cheaper. But I don't think it handles any better and its much less comfy and the brakes are just ok. If your going that route you might as well get a proper GSXR.

 

[BBB61]

The 1200S scored big time over the Hayabusa in terms of the riding position being so much more comfortable for me. Being the wrong side of 40 and having the usual aches and pains starting to surface, that is rather important

 

[Aurelius]

I would agree the busa is faster and cheaper. But I don't think it handles any better and its much less comfy and the brakes are just ok. If your going that route you might as well get a proper GSXR.

I've yet to see one publication which rates the Hayabusa as the better bike. Whenever the two have been compared, it wins in only one area: horsepower. And even here, its only in top speed that the Hayabusa has a marked advantage. In top gear roll-ons from 60-100 mph, the Hayabusa is only a negligible 9/100 of a second faster than the K1200S. In all the areas that matter (handling, suspension, brakes, ergonomics, overall quality), the K1200S was the clear winner.

 

[GSmonkey]

Mzokk is right, comparing things with a Busa is no way to go....this is old style sports bikes, big power, big weight, long wheelbase. The K12 is definately no F22 - think more Airbus.

If you're after a sportsbike, R1, Gixer thou, Blade - these have got to be on your list first.

 

[Boxed-in]

Latest RIDE Magazine is showing a potential K1200GT, so if it's a touring bike your looking for?

Not a lot of detail about the usual BMW non-information about a new bike!

 

[blackburnlee]

I've done it!

After having a good old think about it I've gone for it and traded the 12GS in for a K12s. I'm picking it up this coming Friday from Vines who incidentaly have been very good thus far.

Perhaps it's something I need to get out of my system but the sheer effortlessness of the thing and surprising level of rider comfort means that I can take the Mrs with me.

Anyone got any wise words regarding the bike?

 

[Muddy]

Congratulations Lee, have you bought new or 2nd hand? Colour & options? Mine's sitting at the dealer waiting to be picked up so I'm waiting for less crappy road conditions to collect. Should be dry enough in the next 3 weeks I hope, I can't wait for much longer.

I like your "sheer effortlessness" comment 'cos after riding a GS (still probably the best all rounder before you all start) its just eeeeasy speed and covers miles faster than anything I've ever ridden.

As for those who prefer Blackbirds, 'Busa's and GSXR1000s, thanks for existing 'cos I feel lots better owning a better bike .

 

[Aurelius]

Anyone got any wise words regarding the bike?

Always ride within the speed limit.

 

[blackburnlee]

Muddy

I've gone for the Yellow, Black and Silver chiefly because it's far more visible to myopic car drivers than any of the other colours. Mine's a 05 reg with some 4450miles on her. As for options mine's got heated grips, ABS and I'm having the panniers and centre stand fitted by the dealer.

The stability also made me realise just how accomplished the bike is. Whilst self restrait will be the order of the day I can't wait to have a proper ride, the hour and a half last Friday just didn't seem like enough.

 

[sjwb]

Congrats on the K12. I am thinking of going away from the GS, but was thinking of the R12S. Incidently rumoured to be launched in May, ie late.
I won't let the Hayabusa thing go either. Having done a little research, it seems the good old Suzuki is lighter and smaller than the BM, thus allying the bum information regarding big weight and long whelbase . The riding position suited me much better - whereas the K12 felt cramped. Which only goes to show you cannot suit everybody.
Considering how long the opposition has been around, it took an awful long time for BMW to get close - and apart from styling, not better. Yes, I prefer the look of the K12.
If you have ever ridden / owned one of the SP Diucatis, you will understand when I say character is in the bike not the performance or statistics.

 

[blackburnlee]

I've always had some degree of admiration for the Busa. A Japanese bike with some real character to it. As for the riding position all I can say is that I found the K12 more comfy (Not by much mind) than the Blackbird I rode last year and, gearbox apart, just as good if not better to ride.

I used to have a 748, a classic case of less being more in my humble opinion however the sheer ability of the K12 is what persuaded me in the end.

 

[Muddy]

K12S finally collected

This one's mine this time (as opposed to demo bike). Just waiting for better weather to run it in . Anyone mind if I do the Llangollen road ride on it? GS is SORN'd at the moment.

 

[Davel]

Very very nice!

 

[Howie]

This one's mine this time (as opposed to demo bike). Just waiting for better weather to run it in . Anyone mind if I do the Llangollen road ride on it? GS is SORN'd at the moment.

Nice one!!!!!!!!!!!

same colour as mine I picked up last month , got a great px from astle at Grimsby and panniers for £200 ( RRP £450)
They gave me £300 more for my K1200r than what I paid for it 4 months earlier.

Very impressed with the bike , its a smooth gear change , and no numb bum at all on the saddle.

enjoy