How does the R 1200 R compare to all it's rivals from other companies like ducati monster , moto guzzi , Honda , Suzuki etc etc -- I thought long and hard before I bought my 2016 R 1200 R & in my opinion it out beat all it's competitors - just like to get your opinion as to why it's a superior motorcycle to anything in it's class !!! Long and broad question I know but just wanting to know what your think is the best things about the R !!!!
Barrybiker
In my opinion, I've had Honda's in the past and find them boring.
Build quality on Suzi's is poor
Ducati has good mid range grunt & spirit.
Build quality on Suzi's is poor
Ducati has good mid range grunt & spirit.
As it is a huge question and the R is so good I tried to think of something that Japanese bikes do better than the R, now what could that be?
I traded a current model 2014 Monster 1200 on a 2015 R1200R, so I can offer my thoughts on these two only. Haven't ridden any of the current Jap models.
The main points that attracted me to the BMW are -
Shaft drive. Because chain maintenance sucks.
The BMW has heated grips, I ride all year round and it's a welcome addition. I asked Ducati if they could be fitted to the Monster, as Ducati offer them as a factory option on other models, and received a email from head office (not vey) politely telling me I'll void my warranty if I fit any.. Strike one for Ducati.
The BMW has cruise control. I enjoy a longer ride here and there, but I even use it on the commute home. The Ducati had a heavy throttle (even though it was ride by wire), and it would cause my hand to cramp after a while. Vibrations probably contributed too.
The ability to easily fit luggage. I did have a set of Hepco & Becker C-Bow's on the Monster, but obviously the BMW's is much better integrated and I use the top box commuting, super convenient.
The BMW is not as pretty (subjective, for sure). My wife commented on this the other day to me when we were discussing the bike. The Ducati was my hot Italian mistress, I'd obsess over her and make sure she was always looking her best. The R1200R is the perfect wife though. Still attractive, but easier to live with..
The one thing I miss, but also don't of the Ducati, is the motor. It was a fun motorbike to ride, loved first or second gear wheelies. Loved getting on the throttle hard out of corners to make the back slide till the traction control kicked in. But, this is also a bad thing as I do like my license too..
Something else that is telling. I put about 11,500km on the Monster in 12 months of ownership. The R1200R, I've put 16,500km in 9 months.
And lastly, the Monster had to go to the dealership twice in my ownership for a throttle position sensor fault. Apparently it was a couple of grand part, not something I wanted to pay for out of warranty, and I had no faith it wouldn't happen again.. The BMW, feels like it's going to be a more reliable bike, it certainly looks and feels better quality.
The main points that attracted me to the BMW are -
Shaft drive. Because chain maintenance sucks.
The BMW has heated grips, I ride all year round and it's a welcome addition. I asked Ducati if they could be fitted to the Monster, as Ducati offer them as a factory option on other models, and received a email from head office (not vey) politely telling me I'll void my warranty if I fit any.. Strike one for Ducati.
The BMW has cruise control. I enjoy a longer ride here and there, but I even use it on the commute home. The Ducati had a heavy throttle (even though it was ride by wire), and it would cause my hand to cramp after a while. Vibrations probably contributed too.
The ability to easily fit luggage. I did have a set of Hepco & Becker C-Bow's on the Monster, but obviously the BMW's is much better integrated and I use the top box commuting, super convenient.
The BMW is not as pretty (subjective, for sure). My wife commented on this the other day to me when we were discussing the bike. The Ducati was my hot Italian mistress, I'd obsess over her and make sure she was always looking her best. The R1200R is the perfect wife though. Still attractive, but easier to live with..
The one thing I miss, but also don't of the Ducati, is the motor. It was a fun motorbike to ride, loved first or second gear wheelies. Loved getting on the throttle hard out of corners to make the back slide till the traction control kicked in. But, this is also a bad thing as I do like my license too..
Something else that is telling. I put about 11,500km on the Monster in 12 months of ownership. The R1200R, I've put 16,500km in 9 months.
And lastly, the Monster had to go to the dealership twice in my ownership for a throttle position sensor fault. Apparently it was a couple of grand part, not something I wanted to pay for out of warranty, and I had no faith it wouldn't happen again.. The BMW, feels like it's going to be a more reliable bike, it certainly looks and feels better quality.
I was also thinking about buying a ducati before I bought the bmw , but what turned me off buying a Ducati was that they have a very bad resale value here in Ireland , I like the look & sound from them but I didn't want to be stuck with a bike that I could never get rid of if I lost interest in it , the Ducati buyers market is just not popular here , most sports bike owners etc here prefer to buy bmw or jap bikes !!
*Disclaimer: I don't technically own a R12R yet (it will be the next bike in my garage & the one I commute on daily). But having worked in the service department at a japanese motorcycle shop and seeing different bikes (we worked on most everything) and their quirks, I will offer up my own opinion. Hopefully you will find some use in what I have to say.*
When it comes to why the BMW is a superior bike, it is my belief that they spend more R&D and have fantastic engineers who know how to make things. I haven't seen any manufacturers that can integrate luggage they way that BMW can and have unrivaled build quality. Yes they may have their short comings, but so does harley davidson (I always had problems with the ones I owned). Sure they may be more expensive to buy certain parts for (try using the words "cheap" and "ducati" in the same sentence), but the old saying is "you get what you pay for". If you pay $18k for a R12R in the states, you will get one of the finest machines Berlin can ship across the pond. Not many manufacturers have a million mile club either!
When I went to do the research on what my next bike would be, I sat down with a blank sheet (well blank screen on my iPad I mean) and wrote down what features I had wanted and what was important for my next bike. Then I took to looking at different manufacturers and what they have on offer. As good as the japanese are at making bikes, they just didn't have anything that I fancied. As much as I like triumph's, they didn't have anything that would fit my needs (although i'd love to have a new T-120 bonnie; they look great). Nothing from america would have done it either; I want something that is refined/smooth/reliable. So then I had started to look at what BMW has been doing lately and really liked how they are doing bikes. The boxer engine (ease of maintenance) and shaft drive (again, ease of maintenance) are very appealing to me. I got the opportunity to test ride a 2014 R12GS and loved the powertrian, but the bike just didn't grab me like the forthcoming (at the time) R12R. When the opportunity to have a test ride of the R12R popped up, I took to it. I knew within 10 minutes that this was going to be the next bike to occupy my garage. On said test ride, I got the opportunity to ride it in many of the same scenarios I will be riding (urban environment & highway) and came away with the thought "this is as perfect as one company can get a bike".
Please don't for a moment I am down on other brands; I think most companies are making good motorcycles. It all really comes down to what bike fits you and your needs at the stage in life you are in.
Hope some of this was of use to you.
When it comes to why the BMW is a superior bike, it is my belief that they spend more R&D and have fantastic engineers who know how to make things. I haven't seen any manufacturers that can integrate luggage they way that BMW can and have unrivaled build quality. Yes they may have their short comings, but so does harley davidson (I always had problems with the ones I owned). Sure they may be more expensive to buy certain parts for (try using the words "cheap" and "ducati" in the same sentence), but the old saying is "you get what you pay for". If you pay $18k for a R12R in the states, you will get one of the finest machines Berlin can ship across the pond. Not many manufacturers have a million mile club either!
When I went to do the research on what my next bike would be, I sat down with a blank sheet (well blank screen on my iPad I mean) and wrote down what features I had wanted and what was important for my next bike. Then I took to looking at different manufacturers and what they have on offer. As good as the japanese are at making bikes, they just didn't have anything that I fancied. As much as I like triumph's, they didn't have anything that would fit my needs (although i'd love to have a new T-120 bonnie; they look great). Nothing from america would have done it either; I want something that is refined/smooth/reliable. So then I had started to look at what BMW has been doing lately and really liked how they are doing bikes. The boxer engine (ease of maintenance) and shaft drive (again, ease of maintenance) are very appealing to me. I got the opportunity to test ride a 2014 R12GS and loved the powertrian, but the bike just didn't grab me like the forthcoming (at the time) R12R. When the opportunity to have a test ride of the R12R popped up, I took to it. I knew within 10 minutes that this was going to be the next bike to occupy my garage. On said test ride, I got the opportunity to ride it in many of the same scenarios I will be riding (urban environment & highway) and came away with the thought "this is as perfect as one company can get a bike".
Please don't for a moment I am down on other brands; I think most companies are making good motorcycles. It all really comes down to what bike fits you and your needs at the stage in life you are in.
Hope some of this was of use to you.
It has no competitors, shaft drive, high quality fit and finish, leading edge engineering, , excellent safety, ride, and comfort modes & features, integrated GPS, etc.... It stands alone.
Paul
Paul
For me, I think Joeschmoe and Bobthekelpy nailed it. The Monster 1200 caught my interest, but without shaft drive, it wasn't going to tempt me sufficiently. I also like the maintenance simplicity of the R12 compared with the Monster - I like to do my own maintenance on my bike, and it's been a long, long time since I fettled a Desmo head, and then it only had two valves.
I narrowed it down to new Ducati Monster and the R1200R LC. What swung it towards BMW was comfort, reliability, build quality, Shaft Drive, Cruise Control and Shift Assist Pro. BMW sales at CW in Dorchester, Dorset UK were shockingly abisimal so I ended up buying furtherafield but my local Ducati dealer at Winchester was very keen to sell to me but alas the better bike shone through which is good news for BMW when considering their awful approach to customer care and lack of basic salesmanship in certain dealers.
Long time BMW rider. Decided to step outside the box and tried a Harley Road King, actually a pretty interesting bike but the other riders weren't my cup of tea, no offense intended. Then tried a Yamaha FJR 1300, great bike but lack of charisma pushed no buttons. Returned to the BMW fold with a couple R12GSs and an R12R and couldn't be happier. Just my opinion.
I feel a bit like this is a thread hijack, but ... I had a r12r LC for 2 days in Santa Fe. What a fun bike! and I missed it greatly when I got back on my 09 roadster to head home.
Decided to get a new bike.
A few things sold me on the GS vs the R12r.
To outfit the roadster with a good screen, looking at over $100 at least, likely lots more. The GS comes with one, and it adjusts!
I wanted handguards, an accessory on the roadster. Common on the GS, don't know if it's standard, but it's on ALL of them
I really don't like the bulbous looking bags on the roadster. The GS has the Varios, squared and more eye appeal to me.
I thought I would like the blue color far more than I did. I liked the colors on the GS.
The BiG RED R is too much. I could live with it for sure, but not the styling I'd do. No Black or near black. It's the absence of color.
I thought I could farkle the GS more easily logistically than the roadster. I've had two roadsters and I realized that on each one, setting it up for the travel I do, made it kinda like a GS. And it was expensive to do. There was less to do on the GS.
There were things I wanted for the roadster that weren't available yet, but were on the GS
And the dash was better on the GS! It has an analog speedo AND an analog tach.
Some of that is pretty fuzzy, I agree. And, if I could not find the proper GS, I knew I would be happy on the roadster, but with the lowered suspension, I thought the GS was just too appealing, even at its premium price.
Having had the GS now for a couple of months, highway, city, rough streets, twisties, long straights, I love it. It's SO comfortable! More so than the roadster because of the GS's more upright position and slightly greater seat to peg distance. I would have been happy on the roadster, but I know I am happier on the GS.
And I LIKE the way it looks...all insectoid 'n $heet! Maybe an acquired taste, but I like it! And I LIKE the Racing Red, And I like the 19" front wheel, makes a big difference in handling. And I like the wide bars. The roadsters bars I believe--could be wrong--are narrower and maybe that leads to the quicker steering feel? But I like the more behaved front end with wider bars.
And it's very fast, loves the turns.
Again, I know I would be happy with the roadster, but when all is said and done, I would have paid to equip it enough to get closer to the GS price. May be my imagination, or wishful thinking, but as fine as the fit and finish of the roadster is (and it is and that's what really separates it from its competition in my view), as fine as it is, I think it's a bit better on the GS.
And finally, totally personal maybe, but there is a mystique about the GS that the roadster doesn't have. It has some of it, cuz it's a beemer, but the GS has more. And I think GS riders know it. Not that they feel smug about their bike, but they know it's something special in the bike world.
Both great bikes for sure. But I knew within 1300 miles, this bike was a better fit for me. Obviously, ymmv, and this IS a roadster forum. I realize that, but as the title was "vs all other rivals," well, that includes the GS to me. I chose it over the roadster. Different strokes.
Decided to get a new bike.
A few things sold me on the GS vs the R12r.
To outfit the roadster with a good screen, looking at over $100 at least, likely lots more. The GS comes with one, and it adjusts!
I wanted handguards, an accessory on the roadster. Common on the GS, don't know if it's standard, but it's on ALL of them
I really don't like the bulbous looking bags on the roadster. The GS has the Varios, squared and more eye appeal to me.
I thought I would like the blue color far more than I did. I liked the colors on the GS.
The BiG RED R is too much. I could live with it for sure, but not the styling I'd do. No Black or near black. It's the absence of color.
I thought I could farkle the GS more easily logistically than the roadster. I've had two roadsters and I realized that on each one, setting it up for the travel I do, made it kinda like a GS. And it was expensive to do. There was less to do on the GS.
There were things I wanted for the roadster that weren't available yet, but were on the GS
And the dash was better on the GS! It has an analog speedo AND an analog tach.
Some of that is pretty fuzzy, I agree. And, if I could not find the proper GS, I knew I would be happy on the roadster, but with the lowered suspension, I thought the GS was just too appealing, even at its premium price.
Having had the GS now for a couple of months, highway, city, rough streets, twisties, long straights, I love it. It's SO comfortable! More so than the roadster because of the GS's more upright position and slightly greater seat to peg distance. I would have been happy on the roadster, but I know I am happier on the GS.
And I LIKE the way it looks...all insectoid 'n $heet! Maybe an acquired taste, but I like it! And I LIKE the Racing Red, And I like the 19" front wheel, makes a big difference in handling. And I like the wide bars. The roadsters bars I believe--could be wrong--are narrower and maybe that leads to the quicker steering feel? But I like the more behaved front end with wider bars.
And it's very fast, loves the turns.
Again, I know I would be happy with the roadster, but when all is said and done, I would have paid to equip it enough to get closer to the GS price. May be my imagination, or wishful thinking, but as fine as the fit and finish of the roadster is (and it is and that's what really separates it from its competition in my view), as fine as it is, I think it's a bit better on the GS.
And finally, totally personal maybe, but there is a mystique about the GS that the roadster doesn't have. It has some of it, cuz it's a beemer, but the GS has more. And I think GS riders know it. Not that they feel smug about their bike, but they know it's something special in the bike world.
Both great bikes for sure. But I knew within 1300 miles, this bike was a better fit for me. Obviously, ymmv, and this IS a roadster forum. I realize that, but as the title was "vs all other rivals," well, that includes the GS to me. I chose it over the roadster. Different strokes.
Dr. Strangelove completely nailed the differences between the GS and the R.
Rode a R12GS 700 miles in a day, with a head cold in my full face helmet, and arrived reasonably undamaged. Rode an R12R 400 miles in a day, arrived somewhat more damaged. Both on Sargent saddles, so that wasn't the difference.
No bad bikes here, just personal choices. Having owned both, Dr. S nailed it.
Rode a R12GS 700 miles in a day, with a head cold in my full face helmet, and arrived reasonably undamaged. Rode an R12R 400 miles in a day, arrived somewhat more damaged. Both on Sargent saddles, so that wasn't the difference.
No bad bikes here, just personal choices. Having owned both, Dr. S nailed it.
I guess I’m a rare bird. I purchased my 2013 R12R over the “new” first year water cooled R12GS (thank God money was not a factor in my decision).
Having previously owned a fully optioned 2009 R12GS, which I rode 20K miles and enjoyed every mile, I’m very familiar with the GS’s greatness/long distant abilities and sport bike like handling. Also, being familiar with its “hexhead” motor, the later version “camhead” motor on my 2013 R12R, was “IMO” a good step above it, with less engine noise, greater smoothness/better power delivery (one of the things I love about my R12R).
I liken the difference of the R12GS to the R12R to that of two beautiful homes that are in the same great location, one is 6K sq. ft., (R12GS) the other 4K sq, ft.
The R12GS is a bit bigger/wider/taller bike than the R12R, with it gages/windscreen further out front from the rider, which at (6’ tall) always made me feel that I was riding on it/kind of separate from it, compared to the R12R, which makes me feel in it/part of it (which I like/prefer).
In conclusion, if I had to ride from California to New York in 4 days’ time/or I was always doing 350/400 to 600 mile days, give me the GS! If not, the R12R is my “tool” of choice (different strokes for different folks).
Having previously owned a fully optioned 2009 R12GS, which I rode 20K miles and enjoyed every mile, I’m very familiar with the GS’s greatness/long distant abilities and sport bike like handling. Also, being familiar with its “hexhead” motor, the later version “camhead” motor on my 2013 R12R, was “IMO” a good step above it, with less engine noise, greater smoothness/better power delivery (one of the things I love about my R12R).
I liken the difference of the R12GS to the R12R to that of two beautiful homes that are in the same great location, one is 6K sq. ft., (R12GS) the other 4K sq, ft.
The R12GS is a bit bigger/wider/taller bike than the R12R, with it gages/windscreen further out front from the rider, which at (6’ tall) always made me feel that I was riding on it/kind of separate from it, compared to the R12R, which makes me feel in it/part of it (which I like/prefer).
In conclusion, if I had to ride from California to New York in 4 days’ time/or I was always doing 350/400 to 600 mile days, give me the GS! If not, the R12R is my “tool” of choice (different strokes for different folks).
Agreed, that is an excellent video and a really good commentary.
I also think the 1200R looks like a 'proper' bike and agree it puts the fun back into biking. I test rode a 2015 GS and then the 1200R LC and for me it was an easy decision.
I have had a few bikes in the past, which although they were good bikes, for whatever reason they were never quite as much fun as when I was riding in the 80s (when the sun shone every day I seem to remember). Anyway I have got that feeling back now with this bike and I too am planning to keep mine for some time to come.
It makes biking fun again.
I also think the 1200R looks like a 'proper' bike and agree it puts the fun back into biking. I test rode a 2015 GS and then the 1200R LC and for me it was an easy decision.
I have had a few bikes in the past, which although they were good bikes, for whatever reason they were never quite as much fun as when I was riding in the 80s (when the sun shone every day I seem to remember). Anyway I have got that feeling back now with this bike and I too am planning to keep mine for some time to come.
It makes biking fun again.
I'm not going to quibble;well, maybe a little. Most of the commentary in the vid, that I enjoyed and thanks, is subjective, and is in comparison to a GSA.
It could be argued that the difference between a GS and a GSA is as great as that between the GS and the R12R. The criticisms of the GSA in the vid, I feel, are not applicable to the GS. I agree that the R12R is a great bike about town, and it may be better for European towns and lanes. They are generally more narrow, and crowded-wrong word- than towns in the US. Following the line of reasoning in the vid, the r9t would be even better for the type of riding described.
At 8000 miles, you're still in the honeymoon period with a bike. 80, 000 could be different. So, having a GSA for such a short time may not be enough time to eval???
I didn't get a GSA, it was too big, too top heavy. I almost got the roadster, but landed on the GS. The roadster may feel quicker, but is it? Are there numbers out there for acceleration, not that a tenth of a second is important, but they are both fast. They are both nimble, and the roadster may give the impression it is nimbler because of narrower bars. But, and someone correct me if I am wrong, but I get the impression that the turning radius on a GS is smaller than on the roadster. And that is really useful for me.
When I had the roadster for 2 days in Santa Fe, by the first day I realized that this is a fun bike that lures you on to just jumping on and going for a ride. By the second day, I was yelling woo-hoo in my helmet. For me though, the GS is ALL THAT and far more comfortable and practical for the riding I do, and it's not riding down to Starbucks.
they're both fine
It could be argued that the difference between a GS and a GSA is as great as that between the GS and the R12R. The criticisms of the GSA in the vid, I feel, are not applicable to the GS. I agree that the R12R is a great bike about town, and it may be better for European towns and lanes. They are generally more narrow, and crowded-wrong word- than towns in the US. Following the line of reasoning in the vid, the r9t would be even better for the type of riding described.
At 8000 miles, you're still in the honeymoon period with a bike. 80, 000 could be different. So, having a GSA for such a short time may not be enough time to eval???
I didn't get a GSA, it was too big, too top heavy. I almost got the roadster, but landed on the GS. The roadster may feel quicker, but is it? Are there numbers out there for acceleration, not that a tenth of a second is important, but they are both fast. They are both nimble, and the roadster may give the impression it is nimbler because of narrower bars. But, and someone correct me if I am wrong, but I get the impression that the turning radius on a GS is smaller than on the roadster. And that is really useful for me.
When I had the roadster for 2 days in Santa Fe, by the first day I realized that this is a fun bike that lures you on to just jumping on and going for a ride. By the second day, I was yelling woo-hoo in my helmet. For me though, the GS is ALL THAT and far more comfortable and practical for the riding I do, and it's not riding down to Starbucks.
they're both fine
The R 1200 R has more soul - the boxer engine breaths & rumbles underneath you - more character I think , the s1000r to me seems like any 4 cylinder jap sports bike but with the bmw badge - the shaft drive also appealed to me after every bike I ever had always had a chain or a belt over the past 27 years , I'm not saying the s1000r isent a great bike just thinking the R & it's engine is what BMW is all about & plus it sticks out from the norm- the seating on this bike would be alot more comfortable for your partner also & for yourself - just my 2 cents
Attachments
R1200R vs GS
well, this is the choice I am faced with. I love my R. As far as handling, the big difference is std forks vs telelever. The R turns much quicker and with less effort than the GS. That's not to say the R is faster or slower. The rider has much more to do with it. I ride with GS riders a lot and some are clearly faster. It's not the bike. Now, the S1000R is in another league. A true sport bike. Goes, turns, stops much quicker than the R or GS for that matter. So, there are other factors. Comfort? For me that means leg room. The GS wins hands down. R12R second, S1K is like a sport bike crouch. What's the best? Depends on your priorities. I think a S1R for. Quick jaunts and a GS for trips! If only one bike? Maybe the R.
Another option is the S1XR. Legroom with sportbike handling? Maybe. I need to put some time on one to see if I can live with the vibes.
I need more than 1 bike!!
well, this is the choice I am faced with. I love my R. As far as handling, the big difference is std forks vs telelever. The R turns much quicker and with less effort than the GS. That's not to say the R is faster or slower. The rider has much more to do with it. I ride with GS riders a lot and some are clearly faster. It's not the bike. Now, the S1000R is in another league. A true sport bike. Goes, turns, stops much quicker than the R or GS for that matter. So, there are other factors. Comfort? For me that means leg room. The GS wins hands down. R12R second, S1K is like a sport bike crouch. What's the best? Depends on your priorities. I think a S1R for. Quick jaunts and a GS for trips! If only one bike? Maybe the R.
Another option is the S1XR. Legroom with sportbike handling? Maybe. I need to put some time on one to see if I can live with the vibes.
I need more than 1 bike!!
I'm with Barrybiker. The LC version is my 2nd R1200R. Over other bikes is :
- not a 4 in-line cylinders ( I would have like a V2, V4 or 3 cylinder bike the same I guess)
- drive shaft / no chain
- The bike is fun to use and safe. Even more fun with the shifter.
- not a 4 in-line cylinders ( I would have like a V2, V4 or 3 cylinder bike the same I guess)
- drive shaft / no chain
- The bike is fun to use and safe. Even more fun with the shifter.
Luv'n the R12R
I'm slowly coming around to the LC model with the likes of andybcole's vid and seeing the blacked out/blue frame pic, but I'm waiting for the 2019 model year :001_rolleyes: when its due for another upgrade. By then my bike should have about 90K miles and become a perfect candidate for a cafe chop-job :001_tongue:
To be honest though, the BMW sets itself apart from all other rivals with what it always has, namely, superior advanced technology, and this is precisely what detracts in its appeal to me. I'm just not a gaget-man, but all other considerations, especially the all-rounder aspects, the R12R is top dog, even within the same brand comparisons!
I'm slowly coming around to the LC model with the likes of andybcole's vid and seeing the blacked out/blue frame pic, but I'm waiting for the 2019 model year :001_rolleyes: when its due for another upgrade. By then my bike should have about 90K miles and become a perfect candidate for a cafe chop-job :001_tongue:
To be honest though, the BMW sets itself apart from all other rivals with what it always has, namely, superior advanced technology, and this is precisely what detracts in its appeal to me. I'm just not a gaget-man, but all other considerations, especially the all-rounder aspects, the R12R is top dog, even within the same brand comparisons!
I came across this thread as I recently started exploring the ground for a new BMW bike. For the last two and half years I've been on an Italian bike that I really enjoyed riding, but recent electronic hiccups started worry me and my confidence in the bike is on a very low level at the moment.
Question: How reliable is the BMW LC engine/bikes? Any issues that I have to worry about?
Second question: All the discussions here are about the R vs the GS, admitting that the GS is the better long distance bike, but no one mentions the R1200RS. I don't like the looks of the RS, however for the long US roads don't you guys think that the RS would be much more comfortable bike to consider, compared to the naked R?
Question: How reliable is the BMW LC engine/bikes? Any issues that I have to worry about?
Second question: All the discussions here are about the R vs the GS, admitting that the GS is the better long distance bike, but no one mentions the R1200RS. I don't like the looks of the RS, however for the long US roads don't you guys think that the RS would be much more comfortable bike to consider, compared to the naked R?
Roader. my last but one bike was an Aprilia Tuono which had a brilliant engine, but they do give many electrical problems. I did quite fancy a Multistrada, but on a few forums they get slated for problems, electrical is the main one.
I've sat on the RS and there is a bit forward lean to the bars, but no more than my old Ape.
Try one before making your mind up.
I've sat on the RS and there is a bit forward lean to the bars, but no more than my old Ape.
Try one before making your mind up.
I traded a 2012 Ducati Diavel Carbon for a 2015 R1200R. Awesome acceleration, and polarizing looks on the Duc. The R1200R has better features, handles better, and is more comfortable. The Ducati was always 'on' and wasn't a relaxing bike to ride. I agree with others - the BMW seems like it will be trouble free ownership. Didn't have any issues with the Ducati, but you could already see wear in some places that shouldn't show wear.
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