Want a GS try the R1200R

[eyregs]

Dear all,

I was unfortunate to have my 1100gs stolen about a year ago and wanted to replace it. With prices of Gs"s still very high second hand and concerns about the weight and bulk on my commute i began to warm to the idea of R1200r.

I took the plunge and bought a one year old bike in the summer. These are my thoughts:

Unless you do long, long distances or genuinely take it off road the R suits most riders most of the time.

It has superior handling, with stability and lightness and is so much fun.

It is really good on the commute, with a great turning circle and feels light on its feet. Its also more manageable due to its seat height and lower centre of gravity.

It can carry all you need and with the givi screen gives adequate wind protection.

When my bike went in for a service i took out an 08 Gs. I seemed to suffer from buffetting at speeds over 55 and the whole bike felt more ponderous and sluggish. I was happy when i handed it back that the R was the better bike for me.

I still think the GS is a great bike but the R rides better, looks better, (mine has no faults) and is a BMW bargain second hand.

Try one and you will be surprised.

Regards


James

 

[somclan]

I agree

I agree with all of the above ....I tried one and really liked it ... I generally dont go off road and reckon the road tyres on the R give it more flick and grip than the GS...If my dealer and I could have agreed on trade in values I might of bought one ...I still may

 

[red1]

When you say "Unless you do long, long distances ......" what do you mean?

That it's not suitable for distance work?
How would it be 2-up?

 

[eyregs]

I guess it is still good for long distance trips but I thought the GS should have the upper hand on something....

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Rode one and fecking hated it

 

[sherpatensing]

I used a loan R1200R a few weeks ago and was impressed with the performance. It goes like stink with a serious surge at 6000rpm. I would say it would leave a GS behind at higher speeds, 90 onwards ish. However as regards handling/cornering, I am happier (more used to?) with the GS (especially on Conti Road Attacks). I thought the seat was a bit poor for any distance, also no weather protection.

1200R's a good bike but looks a bit ordinary.

 

[Deleted Member I]

I had a R1150R years ago and it was lovely. The R1200R has a less comfortable sitting position when I tested one.

 

[patzx12]

Never ridden one but tangled with Paddy Maddock riding one on track, the guy was heads down everywhere - Respect

 

[Jon P]

Never ridden one but tangled with Paddy Maddock riding one on track, the guy was heads down everywhere - Respect

Lower suspension...........less ground clearance????

Nice picture though!

 

[cookie]

Rode one and fecking loved it



very understated hooligan tool. prefer my GSA though

 

[Boxed-in]

SHMBO has a new R1200R and as above it's nice bike, smooth, powerful enough, feet reach the gound etc. which is what she wanted, and she is really happy with it.

So GS or R probably actually very little to choose between them, BUT

the one thing I do notce riding it is that it is what refer to as invisible, which is good when filtering, and bad when filtering, it has no street presence that you have with the GS nobody sees you therefore you always need to be that little bit more alert. (compared to the GS)

 

[Dave56]

It just looks oh so booooooooooooooooring..................!!!!!!!

 

[Boxed-in]

Invisible is the polite term

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Rode one and fecking loved it



very understated hooligan tool. prefer my GSA though

You would, 50 miles on the motorway was enough for me..............ugg

 

[jonnie comet]

..me too...

I agree with all of the above ....I tried one and really liked it ... I generally dont go off road and reckon the road tyres on the R give it more flick and grip than the GS...If my dealer and I could have agreed on trade in values I might of bought one ...I still may

..100% Agree.......Had a mad morning thrash through 'The Dales' on one....Really enjoyed it.........Looks a bit of a pig, but otherwise a great 'bike.....

 

[longdog]

Rode one and fecking hated it

Can't just say that, you need to explain fully

 

[digga]

I like my R

Forgiving in many situations,loads of torque for the lazy ride...i like it

as for invisible! thats cos its not got extra lamps stuck on the front

 

[Greybeard]

Unless you do long, long distances or genuinely take it off road the R suits most riders most of the time.

It has superior handling, with stability and lightness and is so much fun.

It is really good on the commute, with a great turning circle and feels light on its feet. Its also more manageable due to its seat height and lower centre of gravity.

It can carry all you need and with the givi screen gives adequate wind protection.

I had a new R1150R for nearly 4 years. I used mainly for commuting, and though it felt rock solid I did have a problem with 'surging' at low speeds and eventually this drove me to sell it and buy a 2005 R1200GS - which I never regretted.

The R1150R I had didn't have a screen. I took it down to the South of France (Cannes) from St Malo and back in November one year. I found the lack of screen and standard front peg position made for a very uncomfortable ride (I am 6' tall). Even worse in torrential rain.

In my view the 1200GS has better visibility for commuting, better screen for long distance (though not perfect as standard in the model I have), and has a larger user base so should be a better deal in the longer.

Having said all that, my GS has a problem with the brakes at the moment (to the dealer on Wednesday) so perhaps I should have kept schtum until I find out what's wrong...

 

[redstan]

I like my R

Forgiving in many situations,loads of torque for the lazy ride...i like it

as for invisible! thats cos its not got extra lamps stuck on the front

I HAVE HAD MY "R" for 2years now after the 1150gsa and never regretted swapping

i agree with digga a good bike
mines fitted with vario screen/spots/enginebars/plus top+side cases and still getting 200+miles to a tank full

 

[Achim]

When it came to changing my R850R my final short list of three bikes (starting from a list of 25) included the R1200R, R1200GS, and the K1200R.

I really liked the R1200R. Quite a punchy engine, more so than the GS's. Windprotection on the motorway wasn't great compared to the GS, despite a screen. The handl ing was very nippy and a big improvement on the R850/R1150R. Easier to move when off the bike than the GS. Be careful about the lower sticker price (compared to the GS): by the time I'd have added all the stuff that comes as standard on the GS, the R would have been virtually as expensive as a GS.

Compared to the R, the GS was A LOT roomier: more legroom, more room to move around on the seat, better pillion accomodation. Excellent wind protection. Plush ride. Super-stable at low speeds. Fantastic road presence. On the motorway you feel like Moses! Filtering is actually easier than on the R because the GS is no wider but the handlebars and mirrors are a bit higher so avoid Transit mirrors. Don't ask how I know . Better residuals, too.

The K1200R was just a blast. Absolutely mental. A real hooligan's bike. I almost bought it but in the end reason prevailed: my license wouldn't have lasted a month of K1200R ownership. It's the kind of bike that just begs you to ride it harder. If you have ever ridden a 180hp 800cc 2-stroke snowmobile you'll know what I'm talking about.

I bought the GS and so far have been very happy (the warranty period has got another 20 months to run ).

Achim