The 'R' versus the 'S'

[messenger13]

When the world was waiting for the 'S' to come out, there was plenty of talk and speculation about it. Then, it FINALLY showed up. And, there was plenty of talk, and criticism, and hype about it, sure enough. Soon to follow were the reviews, ... and later re-reviews.

But THEN. . . the 'R' showed up! :eek: Ever since then, I've seen way more articles, and heard way more talk about the 'R' than the 'S' ever got. This is all just based on MY perception and/or experience.

What do you guys think? Are they both sharing the limelight? Or, has the 'R' stolen quite a bit of the K1200S's thunder?

[meese]

I think that because of prior rumors, people expected BMW to go more sporty and higher powered. Thus the S was expected, though the actual design and technology did generate a lot of discussion prior to and up to actual release.

But no on expected the R until it showed up at a bike show for a brief few minutes, then disappeared. It is just so unlike anything that BMW has ever produced that it has shocked the press. "BMW makes a hooligan bike? I don't believe it."

But yeah, most of the talk about the S has died off, replaced by hype over the R. We'll see how the GT gets hyped now. I'm sure it'll get fair coverage, but since it was also expected and is basically an extension of what BMW does best, I doubt it'll generate the buzz that the R did. That's OK with me. I'll sit on it at the Cycle World show in a couple of weeks, and test ride one when they arrive at the local dealer. The press reviews are interesting, but not really the main reason I prefer a particular bike.

[messenger13]

My wife kinda - sorta gave me the OK to sell my Ninja and buy another bike in the spring. So I'll be going to the bike show at the end of January with a purpose! :)

[tnk12lt]

Joe,
I'd have to agree that the R has surpassed the S in the coverage and interest. I'd love to see some sales #'s for the both of them so far.

I've been thinking about selling the Monster and upgrading to the R. But, I think I still love my Ducati.

I might wait a year or two for the "bugs" to get worked out on this R bike. You can always find a good used one for a lot cheaper. That's how I got both of my current bikes.

Keep us updated on what might take the place of the ninja

By the way, if the road atlanta deal for CCR works out, the Monster will be there . Oh Yeah, Baby

[eljeffe]

I also find it interesting, Joe. Since I am fascinated by stats, I found the attention that the R was getting versus sales (especially against the S) very interesting. At the beginning of October, BMW had only sold 89 Rs in the US. When the S was at the same point after its introduction, BMW had sold nearly 400. I guess since the R is such a departure for BMW, that must be the reason why it gets all the press.

And now the GT is getting the limelight.

[BillyOmaha]

.... What do you guys think? Are they both sharing the limelight? Or, has the 'R' stolen quite a bit of the K1200S's thunder?

Howdy Joe,

My quick answer is that the K-S was a radical BMW motorcycle, the K-R is a radical motorcycle for any make.


When I was looking for a sportier second bike the S was available.....along with usual Japanese suspects, Hayabusa, Blackbird, etc., etc. AND I took a long look at Ducati, Moto Guzzi and MV. Love the Italian bikes but, alas, they are TOO small for me. To me, aside from the technology, the K-S was aesthetically very similar to the Japanese.

While surfing the web I saw the "sneak peek" of the K-R and was curious. Hmmm. Went down to the local dealer and took the K-S for a test ride. What a great machine.

Knowing, or at least, hearing the whispers that the K-R was essentially an identical bike to the K-S except Naked, instantly I was intrigued. So Intrigued in fact that I put a deposit down on one.

The K-S/R have the technology, performance, safety, quality and, very important for me, SIZE that I wanted. BUT the K-R has that differentiating factor. That aesthetic that is unique and that nobody would confuse with another motorcycle.

Someone called it a German MV Agusta. To me, that about sums it up, hence all the hype.



.

[RaffyK]

Ditto about the intrigue..to the point that I am hallucinating selling the LT to get one... and I know where there is a slightly used one...

[JATownsend]

Hi Joe,

Good to see you back and posing interesting questions again. BTW, that pesky RED blob is kinda cute. :cool:

My take is that the ‘S’ is a civilized, hot bike. It’s partially faired and gentlemanly. Read: Boring! There are a bunch of bikes that share that description. Some are quicker. And, most cost less.

OTOH, The ‘R’ is NAKED. Man, it is for real guys. :confused: NO posers need apply. This bike will hurt you. Or, so we are led to believe. :eek:

The reason I’m responding is I’m looking for a sport bike. Right now, my son’s R1 looks about right. BMW has a bit more work to do on their market approach. And price. :bmw: But I do LOVE the LT!!

Just my $ 0.02...

[RaffyK]

I heard that the 'S' is also more expensive than the 'R' to insure due to the fairings.

[messenger13]

Bruce Harris, Mike (from Pittsburgh) and myself visited the AMA museum on the 12th. they had a nice, little BMW exhibit down on the first floor. The 'R' just stood out BIG TIME. With an attitude!

So...since I prolly can't afford a mint 1953 R67/2 . . . I guess I'll start looking more seriosly at the 'R'.


http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/1953_r67.jpg
(Thanks again for the pics Mike!)

[messenger13]

The 'R' is the wildest Beemer to come out...since the:

http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/k1_k1200r.jpg

...and looks what's right next to it!

[Chiefrydr]

The R is a must test ride bike. I rode one last month thru the twisties in NW Ark. Power & handling is off the scale. Easily pull the front end up in the first three gears. Handling was very quick and light. If I could have convinced the Spouse that with the side cases it was a touring bike , it would be parked in the garage today. Reckon that was a bit of a stretch.

[Seeker]

OTOH, The ‘R’ is NAKED. Man, it is for real guys. :confused: NO posers need apply. This bike will hurt you. Or, so we are led to believe. :eek:

Nahh. Don't let looks impress you. The R is a very civilized bike. Slap on some hard luggage and it becomes a perfect sport touring machine. Of course, the performance is there at the asking. :eek:



Bruno
Montreal, Canada
Gerbing Heated JACKET LINER Review
http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides/product_evals/gerbing/liner.htm
:

[belga1976]

My wife kinda - sorta gave me the OK to sell my Ninja and buy another bike in the spring. So I'll be going to the bike show at the end of January with a purpose! :)

no lowered footpegs for YOU on that new bike I assume...

[messenger13]

You got that right Nick!!!

[jtalbot]

Here are my observations on the K1200S. The :bmw: shop where I buy most of my stuff has a ton of used ones. As a matter of fact they have more used ones than new ones. Everybody I know who has purchased one has promptly sold it. The number one complaint/reason why the shop has so many used ones is there: too fast, too quiet, no vibration, too terrifying. I have not heard anything on the R's

[messenger13]

...too quiet, no vibration,...I have ridden one three times now, and I have to disagree with you on these two points. The sound is NOT "quiet". Not too loud though. Definitely INTOXICATING. :)

It's the vibration that is making me more than a little hesitant on pulling the trigger. I'm hoping as new maps are released, that the annoying buzz I felt at highway cruising speeds disappears. Time will tell...

[Seeker]

Here are my observations on the K1200S. The :bmw: shop where I buy most of my stuff has a ton of used ones. As a matter of fact they have more used ones than new ones. Everybody I know who has purchased one has promptly sold it.

Dunno if this is a troll :) , but:

The number one complaint/reason why the shop has so many used ones is there: too fast,

Only as fast as you're willing to twist the wrist. The S is very obedient.

too quiet

It has one of the nicest and more memorable OEM exhaust sounds that I can remember.

too terrifying

You can ride one all day and it is the essence of well mannered civility.

. I have not heard anything on the R's

Aside from seating postion and less wind protection, very similar in feeling.


Bruno
Montreal, Canada
http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides

[BillyOmaha]

This quote from WildWilly (Bill Telle) on why the R over the S about sums it up:

"The S seems to be saying, look at me, look at me! and the R seems to saying, WTF are you looking at?"



.

[Cipher]

For information only, Here in Omaha, NE we have sold 3 of 5 "S" we have and no bites on the only "R" we have.

[fas]

I took a good, long test drive on the K1200S. I just do not like the seating position. I had the test ride set for the R, rode over to the dealer on my K1200LTC, and the R would not start! They called a few days later, but it got too cold and I had to go to the PRI in Orlando. Now it is like the north pole here, so my R ride will wait for at least 50 degrees. Maybe I'll find a R to ride in Florida over the holiday? I love the R look. I need the GT I think. I believe it will be the best version for my riding position comfort needs and power lust. I commute on my K, if the temp is over 40. I'd like to have a more nimble daily rider for the Cleveland traffic. Dodging the SUV cell phone crowd might be easier on the new GT. I love the K1200, but it is a handful in city traffic.

[dsauer608]

Hey Joe! Happy holidays! That bike is SO you! And yes, like the man said, size does matter....... we're talking bikes, right? I'm anxiously awaiting the new GT - like I can get one, being overworked and underpaid and all. I'll prolly just hang on to my ole GT for a few more years anyway, since I'm so fond of the old girl. BTW, where did the i-bmw site go? Anyone know?

[messenger13]

Hey Joe! Happy holidays! That bike is SO you! And yes, like the man said, size does matter....... we're talking bikes, right? I'm anxiously awaiting the new GT - like I can get one, being overworked and underpaid and all. I'll prolly just hang on to my ole GT for a few more years anyway, since I'm so fond of the old girl. BTW, where did the i-bmw site go? Anyone know?Yea...we'll see if the 'R' is in the budget this coming year. As for your GT, it's a great bike. No reason for you to go changing at all.

As for the old i-bmw site . . . I think it's turned into k-bikes.com. el Jeffe can set the record straight if I'm mistaken.

Tell Dean I said Hello...and tell Liz I said Hello as well. :)