R1200S

[pauly]

When they sort the bottom end out I would be tempted, it's just far too slow until into higher rev range, pity.

The one I had a test ride on was very flat pulling away but was ok once you got moving. I've now bought one and mine is a lot better - I believe they have issued an updated FI map which has improved things. I still have to give it quite a handful when pulling away but I think that may be down to the eccentric throttle pulley. You soon get used to it, I'm very pleased with mine

 

[JDH]

The one I had a test ride on was very flat pulling away but was ok once you got moving. I've now bought one and mine is a lot better - I believe they have issued an updated FI map which has improved things. I still have to give it quite a handful when pulling away but I think that may be down to the eccentric throttle pulley. You soon get used to it, I'm very pleased with mine

Pauly, you didn't test the one from SLM by any chance? Exactly the same for me, very flat pulling away. Dealer mentioned about the FI map, and I got the impression the test bike had it already

John

 

[pauly]

The one I test rode was at SPC back in June, so I would guess that they have all had the updated map by now.

 

[JDH]

Thanks

 

[simonrjames]

R1200S Akrapovic exhaust

Just ordered a R1200S and want to replace the exhaust for either the BMW approved end can or the full system. The full system replaces the Cat. Does anyone have any experience of either and will the full system which removes the Cat mean that the engine will rev more freely.

 

[pbboxer]

There are loads of systems out there already.
ZArd, B.O.S, Staintune, Laser, Akrapovic, HPE, Remus, plus others.

The best gain seems to be in the Downpipes. If you look at the Akra end can it gives a max of 2.5 bhp, yet teh pipes add another 4. Considering the downpipes are 300 quid and the end can 975 list, it may well be worth going for downpipes initially to see what you think.

I'm going to go for the Zard full system I think. Ive spoken to Dynojet and they presently are struggling to forsee a Power Commander being produced, owing to teh fact the bike has 2 oxygen sensors, which has caused them many problems.

I've put together a list of system / can prices if you are interested? (pm me and I'll send it to you)

 

[Blackal]

I had an afternoon with one with the Ohlins suspension etc, and thought it was a brilliant bike.
I've only been riding for two years and even I realised that the handling was superb to the extent that I was comfortable entering bends at higher speeds than the BoxerCup. Fantastically stable bike

I put the lethargy at low revs (if that is what it is) - to a tall first gear but didn't spend that much time in 1st/below 2000rpm

I also found that it was one of the few bikes that the rear butt-rest was actually useable - most bikes the distance between it and the bars is incredibly long.

Loved the bike - but would need to be in Boxer/Powercup colours

Al

 

[sfarson]

From the States can only add the R11S/R12S is one of my favorite real world sporting rides for the street. If blasting the throttle in the straights gives you a kick, probably should look elsewhere, but if a sporting ride sublime in the curves and confident everywhere is the interest, put the R12S on your short list. Had an 11S for five years and enjoyed it immensely. The 12S I like even more.

 

[Blackal]

Great photo

Nice bike in the foreground, stunning view in the background - perfect!

Al

 

[Stoney]

Nice weather...I'm jealous

 

[JDH]

From the States can only add the R11S/R12S is one of my favorite real world sporting rides for the street. If blasting the throttle in the straights gives you a kick, probably should look elsewhere, but if a sporting ride sublime in the curves and confident everywhere is the interest, put the R12S on your short list. Had an 11S for five years and enjoyed it immensely. The 12S I like even more.

That backdrop, those roads, my idea of heaven you lucky fella!

 

[sfarson]

Thanks... It is a good bike for these roads and area. As is the GS. Pic was from about two months ago. If I took one today, you would see one foot of snow and daytime high temps of 20f!!! But the Colorado sun should get things melting the next day or so.

 

[sfarson]

Here's looking the other way...

 

[JDH]

Here's looking the other way...

Sublime

 

[Eunuch]

Here's looking the other way...

Steve, your introduction and link to the piccies in The Alps were impressive. Now you're just showing off

So you get great trips in The Alps and get to ride roads like that at home. Where's the snowmobile shot? Keep the good piccies coming during the dark and dismal winter here!

 

[sfarson]

Closest thing I have to a snowmobile is this thing to keep the driveway clear in the winter so I can get the two wheels out. I do deserve SOME sympathy. Ha!

 

[whitegloss]

how does the r1200s handle compared to the 1200gs-much difference?


PS Steve from Colorado, think you would be very dissapointed coming to england for bike holiday, when you have the rockies as your backyard

 

[Aurelius]

My GS12 is in next week for its 1st service and the dealer is lending me R1200S
for the day- Anybody had a go on one?

Had a go on one last Saturday. I really wanted to like this bike, but I came away from the experience very glad that I hadn't waited for this model to come to market. Compared to my K1200S, its motor makes about as much power as a gnat's fart. Not terribly surprising I suppose, given that its only a twin, but I expected much more from BMW's most potent 'R' bike. Its bottom end was so weak that I came close to stalling it each time I took off from a full stop. Even at full boil, there's nothing terribly impressive about the motor - except of course the amount of engine vibration, which impressed me in a very negative way. Handling was good, but nothing stellar. For a bike that weighs so much less than my K-bike, I expected better. Braking, ergonomics, suspension, and gear shifts were all pretty mediocre, leaving only one thing to really like about the bike: its looks.

 

[Aurelius]

how does the r1200s handle compared to the 1200gs-much difference?

I found the 1200GS easier to turn, but that's probably due to the wider handlebars. On a tight winding road, I'd much prefer the GS.

 

[Aurelius]

Pauly, you didn't test the one from SLM by any chance? Exactly the same for me, very flat pulling away.

I don't think its specific to the bike you rode; the one I tried exhibited exactly the same lack of bottom end torque. It was difficult to avoid stalling it. Also have to agree with you that it makes no sense to compare its motor to that of a Japanese 600cc inline-4. More apt would be comparing it to any number of current liter class V-twin sport bikes, and I'm afraid the R1200S would fare rather badly in that company.