considering the R1200R as a replacement

[818Guy]

I’ve been doing some soul searching lately. I would like to start off by saying, in general, I have no major complaints about my 2006 FJR1300AE. Just took her in for 16,000 mile service. However, one thing for me is just the general size of the bike. I’m about 5’7” and 155lbs, so pushing around the FJR while sitting on it can be a bit of a challenge.

I have been looking at a second, smaller bike for quick rides by myself (including to and from work). I’ve been all over the board with my search but I would like a naked bike; SV650 or even the Ducati 695 as examples.

Then I came across the BMW R1200R. The look of a naked bike but with the ability to slap on side cases and windscreen for some two-up "touring".

Without cases: https://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/P0024704.jpg

With cases: https://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/91109P0024714.jpg

Does anyone have experience riding the R1200R ?

Just having a 500 lbs bike vs. a 700 lbs bike is a big factor for me.

(And yes, I am well aware of the cost of the BMW.)

Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.

 

[rockmurf]

I have/am looking at the r1200r. I demo'd one and it was a real nice ride. I have an fz6 to complement my fjr so I know what you are talking about. It is so nice sometimes to get on the fz6 and just blast throught the twisities like only a sub 500lb bike can do. I like the allegedly simplicity of the bmw but the realility of the complexities scare the crap out of me. First you have the lack of a dealer network. The delay in part delivery. The cost and frequency of maintenance. And to sum it up the lack of reliability. When all these things are factored in my fjr and fz6 are perfect. The 1200 is a good bike however and reading the forums the owners love them and they can be driven lightly off road and I say this for those vertically challenged that can't get the 1200gs. I look at is this way. In a few years when it makes real sense to get another bike I will give it a hard look. Right now my paid off fjr with 24k miles and yes warranty look real good. PS I would also look at the 2008 suzuki bandit. $7300 w/abs list vs about $15000. Good luck with you descision.

 

[Niehart]

One of my buddy has one & loves it. Dave's first one had a gear box problem that BMW could not fix. BMW finely replaced it with a new bike. He just had to move all of his farkles to the new bike. The only time he growls is when I fuel up with regular & he fuels with premium gas. He does not use it for long distance turning though.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Have you called your BMW dealer? Unlike most Japanese dealers, BMW will let you demo their bikes. Usually they will also give you a loaner bike while yours is in service. That's always a good chance to try out something new/different. I don't even own a Beemer and the manager at our Albuquerque dealer lets me ride his bikes all the time. Take it home for a night and see how you like it. It may cost a litte, but it's hard to put a price on being comfortable, confident and happy.

 

[vandy]

I think there is only one dealer in the state of Oklahoma right now.. the network isnt that grate if you like to do long distance pluss the front of the bike looks a little bare so your not going to enjoy cold weather riding like some can on an fjr.

 

[818Guy]

Yeah, I'm aware of the "naked" look of the bike. That's what I like about it.

I'm going tomorrow to see one. A local dealership has a black one. Good thing my FJR is in for service, no temptation to pull the trigger.

BTW, using regular gas in your FJR? I always use premium.

 

[jekirby]

By any chance are you looking at used? Waaaayyy onver here in Va, a small local shop has a really sharp black one for 8500.00. No I did not get the year. I know the distance may not interest you, but I thought I'd mention. BMW's twins are smooth enough to be tolerable. There is a K series in the R(naked) trim.

 

[madmike2]

BTW, using regular gas in your FJR? I always use premium.

Why? 87 octane is recommended by the owners manual and it works just fine for me, except in the extreme Summer heat (100+) when I can get a little "pinging", so I go up 1 step (89 octane?).

 

[mdisher]

My only experience with one was helping the lady pull it out of the ditch when she when off the road

Seriously, look up your local BMW club, they probably meet the first Sunday of every month somewhere for a ride. You'll probably find one and if you're nice they might even let you ride it.

-MD

 

[818Guy]

I have/am looking at the r1200r. I demo'd one and it was a real nice ride.

How was the demo ride? I've read there is some buzz or vibration at freeway speeds (around 70mph).

Did you notice anything like this? Thanks.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I regularly park next to a guy who seems to like it and rides daily as a commuter. He has mentioned that the bike HATES using anything less than premium gas and he chased a vibration for a long time. You're going to have an intimate long-term relationship with the local dealer with the CANBUS, as you're tied to the dealer's diagnostic test equipment so make sure you have one that you trust and like. There are boatloads of available farkles but budget for what is already on the FJR, such as a windscreen, any storage at all, engine protectors. I understand the seat is a love/hate thing.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I regularly park next to a guy who seems to like it and rides daily as a commuter. He has mentioned that the bike HATES using anything less than premium gas and he chased a vibration for a long time. You're going to have an intimate long-term relationship with the local dealer with the CANBUS, as you're tied to the dealer's diagnostic test equipment so make sure you have one that you trust and like. There are boatloads of available farkles but budget for what is already on the FJR, such as a windscreen, any storage at all, engine protectors. I understand the seat is a love/hate thing.

Oh - one other thing. EagleRider is a rental firm that is based on La Cienega, so you might consider renting one for a day rather than just a brief test ride.

Bob

 

[818Guy]

Thanks for the heads-up on the rental location.

 

[UweRoss]

You're going to have an intimate long-term relationship with the local dealer with the CANBUS, as you're tied to the dealer's diagnostic test equipment

Not necessarily. See:

https://www.hexcode.co.za/

-Uwe-

 

[RatoneMuerto]

I came really close to buying the R1200R.I love the bike and think it is the best naked twin out there.Rental R1150R can be found for a long weekends.That is a good testament to reliability and durability in my book.If you are so blessed to live close to one of these rental agencies then rent it for a weekend.Spending 300 bucks is better than spending 12k to find out you dont like it.As one person posted the dealer network is few and far between but I have yet to find one that will not go out of their way to help you.It is a great twin and surprisingly quick when pushed.The reliability has never been a problem but the lack of dealerships,service centers was the reason I got the FJR.Here is a funny for you.The guy that drives the Buell Demo days truck has an interesting following.His wife is an R1150R owner and follows him all over the country on hers.No hiccups and over 35k on hers in two years.Another interesting thing is that I find the stock seat to be the best in the biz.No mods needed to be comfy.Another funny is that one of the top selling HD reps owns a new RT and not a HD

 

[818Guy]

Thanks again everyone. Great info.

I did sit on the bike yesterday. With their low seat, it almost fits me perfectly. More so than the FJR - which isn't bad.

I'm going to try to get to the dealership with my better half for her to see it and sit on the pillion seat. Hell, she's pretty much given me the green light on the bike already. I'm just having a "mature" moment with spending the money. Go figure... :blink:

 

[krashdragon]

Thanks again everyone. Great info.
I did sit on the bike yesterday. With their low seat, it almost fits me perfectly. More so than the FJR - which isn't bad.

I'm going to try to get to the dealership with my better half for her to see it and sit on the pillion seat. Hell, she's pretty much given me the green light on the bike already. I'm just having a "mature" moment with spending the money. Go figure... :blink:

Same reason I sold my FJR...just too big for me.

But I'm also lookiing at the BMW F800ST, sort of a smaller FJR.

For a sportier version, there's also an F800S, sport version.

I had a Bandit 1200, nekkid version.... lowering links, 1" shorter Progressives in the front, and shaved the seat a tiny bit. Also nice and reasonably fast.. <BG>

Mary

 

[818Guy]

Saw the F800ST. That's also a really nice bike. If only just me riding (and no two-up riding), that one would be on my list.

 

[fjr]

I had an R11R and really liked the bike. I kept it naked!

I have an R12S now and just really enjoy the boxer engines.