Hi, I have an opportunity to swap out my aprilia for a K1200 R (late 2006 model with very low milage/high spec.
I am considering changing bikes as the aprilia for all its merits (it cetainly has a few ) because it has limited range on 1 tank 12 litres. I think i n hindsight i would have gone for a bike with a little more range …i.e. a 19 litre tank.
ALso the BM is a little more comfy for a fella with little legs. Does anyone have one or experiance of them ? would you reccomend them or not.
Also would i be subject to the same ridicule that i witness for the BMW 1200 GS complete with pannier riders?
I’ve never ridden a beemer so cant help you there. General consesnus seems to be relaibility and comfort tho, and if thats what youre after who cares what anyone else thinks.
I used to have a K1200 R Sport (Half faired version of the R) and a K1200S. Loved them both. The R Sports engine seemed to be a bit peakier in power delivery than the S, loads and loads of grunt, but still really smooth. Rock solid at speed and in crosswinds, and still cornered well (considering they are heavy bikes). The Electronic Suspension Adjustment is a revelation, completely changing the character of the bike whilst on the move (Comfort, Sport and Normal modes). I’m on a CBF1000 now (credit crunch!) But would go back to the K1200’s like a shot. They are the only BMW’s I would consisder, all of the other BMW engines feel like tractors in comparison, but the K looks, rides and feels like a normal bike. Take one for a test ride at your local dealer (Park Lane are pretty good)… it’s the only way to know for sure
if it was an R then it was a twin with a lot of torque reaction,and a pair of mongo-sized pistons all moving perpendicular to the direction of travel, the K is an in-line 4 and thus the torque reaction is backwards/forwards so less noticeable, also smaller reciprocating bits, the K will be more “japlike” then the R, although the gearbox may well be an “acquired taste” there were some recalls on the K if I remember correctly, may be worth doing a quick research
Not ridden the K1200s, but have the new K1300S, big old lump of a bike which is a total motorway muncher. A nice ride on the A roads and handles suprisingly well, for such a big bike on the B roads and twisties. Even found it ok in town, but I have to adapt my riding style to suit a much bigger bike than I would usually ride.
Accelerates really well, although there was some mild vibration around 7000 revs. Well built as you would expect from a BMW.
Well you will be pleased (at least i am) to know i went for it, found an 07 plate with 900 miles on the clock that some chap had forgotten was sitting in his garage for 2 years! It is absolutely mint, needless to say bit the vertable arm off and collect it from Coopers in Tonbridge Wells on Friday .
) because it has limited range on 1 tank 12 litres. I think i n hindsight i would have gone for a bike with a little more range …i.e. a 19 litre tank.
there were some recalls on the K if I remember correctly, may be worth doing a quick