Tell Me About K1200RS/GT please...

[MikeP]

I'm toying with the idea of not buying a K1 but going for a K1200RS or K1200GT (that's the 'Brick' engined GT, not the K-Series that replaced it).

Here's what I (think) I know:

The engine is basically that of the 16-valve 'Bricks' but with more power. The gearbox has an extra cog. The suspension is Tele-lever and Para-lever. The main frame is an ali beam type.

Apart from wanting to hear of any known reliability issues, I'd like to know the following:

Brakes. Servo-ABS?
Are all bikes catalyst equipped?

 

[Steptoe]

Some early models of the K1200RS had oil pump issues - engines go bang in a big way ( if i remember correctly there was a GSer who had an engine explode spectacularly and posted about it) .

The pump got uprated.
Apart from that, and the usual BMW single plate dry clutch wearing out quickly if abused, they were OK.
Usual timescale on the servo brake issue - before 2002 just ABS, post 2002 servo/ABS (years are approximate).
They are very loooong bikes, and a few police forces used them.

I had one for sale some years ago , posted it on ukgser for £1600, slight fairing scrape, low mileage, yellow and grey. A dealer* bought it off me.

.

.

.*one of those dodgy "private" dealers who doesn't let people know he deals in bikes

 

[its all poo]

hit and miss

well as with many BMW they can have massive problems or very little, clutch master cylinder failure, engine and gearbox seals can leak and take out clutch which is a big job.
Rear shaft seals bearings, and abs servo failure
However it might be fine and you get alot of bike for the money. I have ran a k1200 for many years and had many problems but I still keep it as its alot of bike when it works!
If you have your mechanical work done at a dealer it could be very expensie. Dealers can charge alot for clutch replacement over £1000 is easily possible depending on work carried out. there are very good websites and third party parts suppliers as well

All have cats

 

[MikeP]

Some early models of the K1200RS had oil pump issues - engines go bang in a big way ( if i remember correctly there was a GSer who had an engine explode spectacularly and posted about it) .

The pump got uprated.
Apart from that, and the usual BMW single plate dry clutch wearing out quickly if abused, they were OK.
Usual timescale on the servo brake issue - before 2002 just ABS, post 2002 servo/ABS (years are approximate).
They are very loooong bikes, and a few police forces used them.

Thanks Neil.

I remembered that one with the engine disaster here.

I was no longer on the bikes when the first K1200RS(P) came into service. The blokes seemed to like them and they seemed no worse than the old K-Series reliability wise but job-use is a difficult arbiter to compare with private ownership.

I take it that the servo can be by-passed and junked in the usual way if it fails?

Are they comparable in terms of easy access for spannering as the older Bricks?

 

[Steptoe]

Are they comparable in terms of easy access for spannering as the older Bricks?

You'll need a truss to do certain jobs.
Clutches are far more awkward, the rear section of frame is a loop section which has to be removed, and the rear subframe attaches to the loop, which has to be removed. And so on and so on. .

 

[MikeP]

You'll need a truss to do certain jobs.
Clutches are far more awkward, the rear section of frame is a loop section which has to be removed, and the rear subframe attaches to the loop, which has to be removed. And so on and so on. .

Cheers Neil. Just as well that I've kicked the idea into touch and gone with my first instinct. I may have a K1 here on Friday and one that doesn't belong to someone else.

 

[its all poo]

servicing

I cant think of anything that is easier to do on the k1200 than the k1100s ?

 

[KB]

Cheers Neil. Just as well that I've kicked the idea into touch and gone with my first instinct. I may have a K1 here on Friday and one that doesn't belong to someone else.

Hi, I had a K1 for a few years. I now have an early model 12rs (taxi cab). I prefer driving the 12 but love the style of the K1. I just fitted ohlins and just bought a power commander for the 12 (thank u ebay) The 12 is a lot of bike for small money and i found it to be smoother and less vibey than the K1.
Both are nice bikes so best of luck with your purchase