K1200S (R) question

[phoenixtexas]

I'm an R1100S rider who has been interested in buying a K1200S or R for some time, but am curious. From what I've read, the sales on these new versions of the K has been abysmal. They're totally absent from the super bike racing scene, which I thought was one purpose of their creation. How are the maintenance requirements vis a vis the R bikes? Have they been proven reliable? All observations and opinions welcome.

[pedro cerveza]

I bought a used 05 K1200S. There were rumors and postings all over the boards about software and fueling problems. I must be the one lucky owner. My bike is still running the original 5.0 software. I will on occasion experience a jerky throttle but that is my only problem and only on occasion. The 18,000 service calls for a valve adjustment (if needed) so it's a bit pricy. Other than than my maintenance costs aren't much high than my RT and...(here come the flames) I think it's a much better bike. It doesn't so much accelerate as explode when you crack the throttle. It's not a lightweight sport-bike and a GS may be more flickable in the twisties. It's fast, stable and comfortable. If you get an earlier bike make sure the final drive has been serviced. It's got all of the common BMW problems, bad QDs on the fuel lines, antenna ring failures and a few recalls. The KS eats rear tires (approx 3500 miles) You'll find a lot more info over at i-bmw.com. It's a fantastic machine. The biggest problem is all of the performance awards you will collect.

[Calvin (no socks)]

I purchased a Beta K12s new. It has been to the dealer for the 600, just went out of warranty. Not a single problem. 30k on the clock. I have had it on dirt roads in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Texas....I just add tires, oil, and go. It could fall apart tomorrow and I would get another, transfer the tag and sell the rest on Ebay... Adrenalize Life.

[phoenixtexas]

Thanks, guys. A business associate in Plano with a K1200S has been tweaking me to trade for my pristine 03 BCP, but I've been a little leery. I told him there are plenty of the R1100S bikes on E-Bay and other forums, but he's very familiar with mine and how anal I am about its maintenance and appearance. I even suggested the new R1200S, but he hates the way they look. His heart is set on a R1100S, says the K bike is too much for him. Anyway, I may talk to him some more after your comments.

[sfarson]

I'm an R1100S rider who has been interested in buying a K1200S or R for some time, but am curious. From what I've read, the sales on these new versions of the K has been abysmal. They're totally absent from the super bike racing scene, which I thought was one purpose of their creation. How are the maintenance requirements vis a vis the R bikes? Have they been proven reliable? All observations and opinions welcome.

 

Have owned R1100S/R1200S bikes. Also an '05 K1200S. Zero reliaiblity issues with the '05 here. Not sure where you've heard the K1200S volume is poor, but it is selling quite well. Maybe not at R1200GS or R1200RT levels, but quite well. See 'em everywhere here in CO.

 

The K1200S was never targeted for Super Bike racing. It was designed to be a long distance sporting ride. And FWIW, it carves canyon curves well also. The K1200S was designed to compete against bikes like the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird. The upcoming S1000RR is the bike BMW will race in the World Superbikes.

[Scriber]

It's the most enjoyable bike I've owned. No problems at 12k miles. Great long distance sport-tourer, or canyon carver. I switched tires to Metzeler M3s and have gotten about 4500 on my rear tire. Of course, I'm also now more judicious with the throttle. I treat it less like a drag racer and more like a cornering tool these days.

[jackflash]

I have an 06 K1200R...like the naked look. It's been totally reliable at 12K miles so far.

 

As far as racing...look at the weight and wheelbase...there lies the answer to your question. A stock Honda liter bike will outrun the K bikes.

 

As for tires, I keep the industry in business. Typical M3 rear mileage is 17 to 1800 miles. Go to an Avon Storm (sticks good for an ST tire) more like 2500 miles for me....all mountain twisties and run hard. FWIW.

[hcmiller92]

I own a 2006 K1200R and a 2007 R1200S. I just sold my 2003 R1100S BCR, so I have a passing familiarity with all the bikes in the discussion. The K1200s are great bikes, really powerful, solid and smooth, well suited - IMO - to long sport-touring rides. They are not flickable bikes, however. The R1200S is an absolutely AWESOME bike - no matter its looks - and will outhandle the K1200 by a mile. It is not as fast as the K-bike, obviously, but has a feel that is remarkable. It is plenty fast enough, however. If you are moving from an 1100S, you might be disappointed in the handling of the K bike.