Elle
Registered user
I couldn't find where this thread should belong (probably not on a GS site at all) but here it is - feel free to move it.........
I took a test ride on a R1200R last week
I've been looking to downgrade cc and weight from my CBF1000 but the salesman persuaded me I'd be disappointed in the F650GS and the temptation of riding a 1200 was too much.
At 5'2" with a 29" inside leg, finding the right bike has always been a challenge. The R1200R had a factory lowered frame and a low seat. The seating position was comfortable but the left foot peg always seemed to be in the way when I came to a halt.
In congested traffic, I expected the bike to feel heavy but in fact, it was incredibly easy to filter and the engine felt smooth rather than lumpy.
On an open dual carriageway, three figures were reached quickly but the sports fairing was inadequate. It also didn't offer any protection from the icy rain and sleet which came my way later in the ride.
Taking a twisty B road towards Grassington, I hardly noticed the rough road surface, debris and the rain soaked tarmac. The bike felt firmly planted and I loved the fact I could rely on engine braking into corners - something lacking on the CBF.
My main gripe is the BMW indicators, especially the cancel button. Why didn't they put it on the left / free hand side? Due to my small hands, I found I had to physically remove my hand from the throttle to use it and got so fed up, I used only hand signals.
After warming up by an open fire and a hearty lunch in Kettlewell, I returned to Allan Jeffries via a slightly different route. The rain had stopped and once again, the bike performed well. Nothing really exciting to report about it but a steady and reliable ride.
Unfortunately, it was too late to take the F650GS out for a ride so that will have to be rearranged.
I enjoyed riding the R1200R, it was surprisingly easy to handle both on and off the bike. Would I buy one? Absolutely!
But would I pay £9.5k+ on one? Probably not.
I paid £5.5k for my 2 yr old CBF and there's a part of me that thinks with an extra £4k, I could own a second (or 4th) bike!
I took a test ride on a R1200R last week
I've been looking to downgrade cc and weight from my CBF1000 but the salesman persuaded me I'd be disappointed in the F650GS and the temptation of riding a 1200 was too much.
At 5'2" with a 29" inside leg, finding the right bike has always been a challenge. The R1200R had a factory lowered frame and a low seat. The seating position was comfortable but the left foot peg always seemed to be in the way when I came to a halt.
In congested traffic, I expected the bike to feel heavy but in fact, it was incredibly easy to filter and the engine felt smooth rather than lumpy.
On an open dual carriageway, three figures were reached quickly but the sports fairing was inadequate. It also didn't offer any protection from the icy rain and sleet which came my way later in the ride.
Taking a twisty B road towards Grassington, I hardly noticed the rough road surface, debris and the rain soaked tarmac. The bike felt firmly planted and I loved the fact I could rely on engine braking into corners - something lacking on the CBF.
My main gripe is the BMW indicators, especially the cancel button. Why didn't they put it on the left / free hand side? Due to my small hands, I found I had to physically remove my hand from the throttle to use it and got so fed up, I used only hand signals.
After warming up by an open fire and a hearty lunch in Kettlewell, I returned to Allan Jeffries via a slightly different route. The rain had stopped and once again, the bike performed well. Nothing really exciting to report about it but a steady and reliable ride.
Unfortunately, it was too late to take the F650GS out for a ride so that will have to be rearranged.
I enjoyed riding the R1200R, it was surprisingly easy to handle both on and off the bike. Would I buy one? Absolutely!
But would I pay £9.5k+ on one? Probably not.
I paid £5.5k for my 2 yr old CBF and there's a part of me that thinks with an extra £4k, I could own a second (or 4th) bike!
