[John Stevens]

I live in the South of England.

Two years ago it was time to change. I had three bikes and I wanted to replace them all with one bike to use for all purposes. I am a qualified IAM and RoSPA Advanced Riding coach, I do 3 or 4 track training days each year and I nip around the "b" roads with other advanced riders pretty regularly.

I decided to do a really weird thing, which was to choose a bike with my head and not my heart. So, I wrote down all of the features that I needed, and those that I would like if possible; then I noted the features I did not want, and those I would prefer not to have.

The analysis left little doubt, it would have to be an R1200R, so I went and rode one at my dealers. After a couple of hours I took it back and said "Thanks, I don't like it. Don't like the engine torque reaction and the vibration mainly". One month later, deciding finally that the R1200R fitted my requirements more closely than any other, I returned to order one. "Would you like to ride it again before you go ahead?" asked the salesman "No thanks" said I "I already know I don't like it".

It was white, with all of the option boxes ticked and an Akropovic can (that I immediately removed the baffles from), and it did look cool to me.

It took about three thousand miles and a track training day at Cadwell park for me and this bike to understand each other, and now after 2 years and 15000 miles I have not looked back. On the road it is quite quick enough, and it is only at Snetterton (which has two very long straights) that I am somewhat out gunned. The handling is great, although I find that it is normally only tracks that benefit from the "Sport" setting. The brakes are reassuring, and the exhaust note is described to be by those that I pass on an open throttle as sounding like "A Spitfire in a dive". It is comfortable and it has good luggage when required (without leaving scaffolding when removed!)

Of course I could recommend the bike, but above all, I recommend my method of choosing it. What suits me and my purposes may not be a good choice for another.

That's my first post, how did I do?

John Stevens.

 

[bmr66]

Great analysis...I'm in the same spot. Just need to unload my 650GS first.

 

[Hoshiko]

that's a pretty good first post.
I went from a 2008 yamaha FZ6 to the R. I have ridden many bikes before and really think I'll stay with this R for many many miles.

Me picking up the bike 3 months ago

 

[las]

Uncanny! I had the same experience! But, I will admit, this bike grows on you.

 

[toooldtocare]

It took me about 6 months of reading articles, doing research on the internet, talking to other people before I bought mine. Now that I have, I am glad I did. I love the bike.

 

[my1stbeemer]

Wow-that was a good first post!
I have a 2012 R1200R Classic and I really like it and am becoming more comfortable with every drive I take on on it. When I took the demo ride I was uncomfortable from start to stop. But now it's a whole new experience for me. It's my first BMW and I feel like I hit a homerun!

 

[kurtpr]

Vibration

Well, I have just picked my first 2011 BMW R1200R. I've had (and have) harleys, huskys and ramdom others. For me, i liked it from the start. It's fun! The only complaint I have (as John noticed) was a bit of vibration when accelerating. I notice it when I'm doing like 60 MPH and then crack open the throttle. Anyone else notice this?...is this normal? Other than that....thumbs up on the "little" roadster!

 

[Clem]

Good Vibrations, Excitations

The only complaint I have (as John noticed) was a bit of vibration when accelerating. I notice it when I'm doing like 60 MPH and then crack open the throttle. Anyone else notice this?...is this normal? Other than that....thumbs up on the "little" roadster!

Yeah, and the scenery starts to blur so badly. Can hardly see it any more.
Ain't it great !!!

 

[JPC IRL]

Talking about vibration.
On the way to work there's a climb, straight line if a mile or so.
Today I got a good straight run and could feel a steady but slight vibration through the pegs ,3rd to 5th gear under load at about 80 ish mph.
On the flat nothing at the same speed.
Just the character of the machine?
Never noticed it with the R850R doing the same thing.

 

[sharky]

I liked mine ok but we really didn't mesh. Sold it this week and going to pick up a F800GT Saturday. You gotta ride what makes you happy.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

 

[Lawrence of Suburbia]

I liked mine ok but we really didn't mesh. Sold it this week and going to pick up a F800GT Saturday. You gotta ride what makes you happy.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

I for one will be very interested to read your impressions of the F800GT in comparison to the R1200R. I too went down that road some years ago - my R then was a pre-LC hex-head - but I'll not post my views now so as not to influence your thinking in any way. Whatever - enjoy it!

 

[BrooklynR12]

I live in the South of England.

Two years ago it was time to change. I had three bikes and I wanted to replace them all with one bike to use for all purposes. I am a qualified IAM and RoSPA Advanced Riding coach, I do 3 or 4 track training days each year and I nip around the "b" roads with other advanced riders pretty regularly.

I decided to do a really weird thing, which was to choose a bike with my head and not my heart. So, I wrote down all of the features that I needed, and those that I would like if possible; then I noted the features I did not want, and those I would prefer not to have.

The analysis left little doubt, it would have to be an R1200R, so I went and rode one at my dealers. After a couple of hours I took it back and said "Thanks, I don't like it. Don't like the engine torque reaction and the vibration mainly". One month later, deciding finally that the R1200R fitted my requirements more closely than any other, I returned to order one. "Would you like to ride it again before you go ahead?" asked the salesman "No thanks" said I "I already know I don't like it".

It was white, with all of the option boxes ticked and an Akropovic can (that I immediately removed the baffles from), and it did look cool to me.

It took about three thousand miles and a track training day at Cadwell park for me and this bike to understand each other, and now after 2 years and 15000 miles I have not looked back. On the road it is quite quick enough, and it is only at Snetterton (which has two very long straights) that I am somewhat out gunned. The handling is great, although I find that it is normally only tracks that benefit from the "Sport" setting. The brakes are reassuring, and the exhaust note is described to be by those that I pass on an open throttle as sounding like "A Spitfire in a dive". It is comfortable and it has good luggage when required (without leaving scaffolding when removed!)

Of course I could recommend the bike, but above all, I recommend my method of choosing it. What suits me and my purposes may not be a good choice for another.

That's my first post, how did I do?

John Stevens.

Welcome to Beemer world. It is a quirky bike. Some love it for that. My R90S shifts (loud clunk!) could be heard a block away. And the engine sticking out sideways... used to get the weirdest long looks, but not as much these days. I have a 1983 R80ST and that has it's own personality. So, you may end up loving it...or not. I guess the only way to really know is when you make the next purchase. I think you made a good decision.

 

[moto-rama]

I live in the South of England.

Two years ago it was time to change. I had three bikes and I wanted to replace them all with one bike to use for all purposes. I am a qualified IAM and RoSPA Advanced Riding coach, I do 3 or 4 track training days each year and I nip around the "b" roads with other advanced riders pretty regularly.

I decided to do a really weird thing, which was to choose a bike with my head and not my heart. So, I wrote down all of the features that I needed, and those that I would like if possible; then I noted the features I did not want, and those I would prefer not to have.

The analysis left little doubt, it would have to be an R1200R, so I went and rode one at my dealers. After a couple of hours I took it back and said "Thanks, I don't like it. Don't like the engine torque reaction and the vibration mainly". One month later, deciding finally that the R1200R fitted my requirements more closely than any other, I returned to order one. "Would you like to ride it again before you go ahead?" asked the salesman "No thanks" said I "I already know I don't like it".

It was white, with all of the option boxes ticked and an Akropovic can (that I immediately removed the baffles from), and it did look cool to me.

It took about three thousand miles and a track training day at Cadwell park for me and this bike to understand each other, and now after 2 years and 15000 miles I have not looked back. On the road it is quite quick enough, and it is only at Snetterton (which has two very long straights) that I am somewhat out gunned. The handling is great, although I find that it is normally only tracks that benefit from the "Sport" setting. The brakes are reassuring, and the exhaust note is described to be by those that I pass on an open throttle as sounding like "A Spitfire in a dive". It is comfortable and it has good luggage when required (without leaving scaffolding when removed!)

Of course I could recommend the bike, but above all, I recommend my method of choosing it. What suits me and my purposes may not be a good choice for another.

That's my first post, how did I do?

John Stevens.

I rented a R1200RS for a trip around Scotland. I liked it. Then a year later, I rented an R1200R for a trip in the Italian-Swiss-French Alps, and I wanted it. Either bike would have been a good choice, but the R was just a little lighter, quicker turning, but had enough civility and the best brakes I have ever had.
I spent 3 years with my FJR1300 trying to like it, but it only had one really good use, strafing long straight roads or wide freeways at eye-watering speeds. It did push the wind off nicely, but that isn't the best reason to buy a bike.