What's Your Take on the K1200RS?

[ErnieA]

I'm thinking there might be a good buy or two on some '02 - '04 K1200RS' out there. What do those of you who own (or have owned) them think of the ride? How is the balance between rider and the bikes center-of-gravity? How about steering? Is it a point-and-shoot fun ride? If I can't swing a new version of the K perhaps an older K would be a fun one-up ride,and a nice partner in the garage to our LT.
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/k1200rs/bike/base_capri_blue_metallic.jpg

[meese]

The older K1200GT is identical to the older RS, with slightly better wind protection and a more upright riding position. Something to consider.

[ErnieA]

The older K1200GT is identical to the older RS, with slightly better wind protection and a more upright riding position. Something to consider.

If I can find one...

[RaffyK]

www.ibmwr.org (http://www.ibmwr.org/) Marketplace Classifieds

www.k-bikes.com (http://www.k-bikes.com/) my other hangout

www.i-bmw.com (http://www.i-bmw.com/)

Having owned one (2002) I can tell you that it is a bit heavy and you need to work at it in the twisties. But it is a solid bike.

[messenger13]

Like Meese has already recommended, the GT is really the bike that you want, IMO. It has little plastic extensions above where you see the turn signals on that RS that make a huge difference with wind protection. And, I think they actually add to the lines of the fairing...not take away. The GT also comes with cruise, heated grips, heated seats, and our beloved 'lectrc windshield. (The manual windshield on the RS is a joke.) I'm pretty certain that the hardbags were standard on the GT, but I would definitely make sure that the GT came with those none-the-less. Color-matched would be nice...but not a deal maker/breaker. At 620lbs. dry, one could hardly call a GT a "point-and-shoot bike", but compared to the cow we call the "El Tee" . . . it feels very light indeed. Personally, I absolutely still LOVE the styling . . . and the Oriental Blue is just too purty for words.

With the new 'S" and 'R' out there, the GTs are going to be showing up more and more on the used market. If you're patient, you'll find one with low miles and all the goodies thrown in for free. And, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I do my old "has been" . . . my beloved '98 Kaw ZX-11.

[ErnieA]

Like Meese has already recommended, the GT is really the bike that you want, IMO. It has little plastic extensions above where you see the turn signals on that RS that make a huge difference with wind protection. And, I think they actually add to the lines of the fairing...not take away. The GT also comes with cruise, heated grips, heated seats, and our beloved 'lectrc windshield. (The manual windshield on the RS is a joke.) I'm pretty certain that the hardbags were standard on the GT, but I would definitely make sure that the GT came with those none-the-less. Color-matched would be nice...but not a deal maker/breaker. At 620lbs. dry, one could hardly call a GT a "point-and-shoot bike", but compared to the cow we call the "El Tee" . . . it feels very light indeed. Personally, I absolutely still LOVE the styling . . . and the Oriental Blue is just too purty for words.

With the new 'S" and 'R' out there, the GTs are going to be showing up more and more on the used market. If you're patient, you'll find one with low miles and all the goodies thrown in for free. And, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I do my old "has been" . . . my beloved '98 Kaw ZX-11.

Excellent points Joe. I believe the '04 (RS) has all the ergonomics of the GT, however the handlebars would have to be raised and brought back to take the pressure off the forearms for LD touring. The absence of sidebags is just an accessory away, but color match might be an issue. The luggage rack is probably the same issue.

I agree that the key is in the future K bikes coming into the market. I just gotta wait and see. Patience? I ain't got no stinkin' patience! http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ErnieA]

www.ibmwr.org (http://www.ibmwr.org/) Marketplace Classifieds

www.k-bikes.com (http://www.k-bikes.com/) my other hangout

www.i-bmw.com (http://www.i-bmw.com/)

Having owned one (2002) I can tell you that it is a bit heavy and you need to work at it in the twisties. But it is a solid bike.

Raffy,
I expected as much after seeing what you replaced the RS with (El Duc). The RS or GT could make an excellent second machine for one-up riding (which I do not do very often).

Thanks for the resources. There is a lot out there that has not been evident to me until having time to just sit here and surf the Web. Recouping from shoulder surgery, drugs and a computer is just about all I'm doing these days.

[messenger13]

...however the handlebars would have to be raised and brought back to take the pressure off the forearms for LD touring.Just be careful not to come back too far. Raising handlebars too high can really ruin the steering feel of a sport-touring. Kinda like steering a wheelbarrow, if you know what I mean. I like my bars lower than the average bear...but then again, I have plenty of reach. Just keep in mind that most companies that manufacture "bar backs" make at least two available lengths (heights?)...

[685ursus]

I have a 1998 K12RS parked beside my K12LT. I like the RS, sporty ride, solid predictable handling, great looks and the same reliable powertrain as the LT.
I like the sporty feel which is why I prefer the RS over the GT. If I had one bike (and no LT) I would pick a GT over an RS. For a sporty solo ride the seating position and handle bars are nice for me on the RS. It is very comfortable for the long haul as compared to the Jap litre bikes, but pales in comparison for long trip comfort to the K1200LT.

[messenger13]

It is very comfortable for the long haul as compared to the Jap litre bikes...

http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley35.gif http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley35.gif http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley35.gif


http://www.dragbike.com/forum/uploads/Urbandrag/kawa.gif


:D :D :D :D :D

[SouthernSon]

I had a Triumph Sprint ST. I loved the stance, ergonomics, acceleration and behavior in the curves. However, it was a little too light weight for long touring and stability in interstate traffic for comfort. I also had an LT for a couple of years. It was too heavy and tall for sporty comfort. The K1200RS is now the only bike I have in the stable. It does all I need.

[brucecha]

I'm thinking there might be a good buy or two on some '02 - '04 K1200RS' out there. What do those of you who own (or have owned) them think of the ride? How is the balance between rider and the bikes center-of-gravity? How about steering? Is it a point-and-shoot fun ride? If I can't swing a new version of the K perhaps an older K would be a fun one-up ride,and a nice partner in the garage to our LT.
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/k1200rs/bike/base_capri_blue_metallic.jpg

Hey, that's my bike!!
The '04 KRS is my second K-bike, the first being an '85 K100RT. Right now it has 12,500mi. in a little over 7months. Absolutely no problems or complaints with the machine.
On to your questions.
The CG is high and takes some getting used to at parking lot speed. I have a 30" inseam and the seating is on the tall side. The thing is over 600lbs. and it shows in the handling in the twisties WHEN compared to a true sport bike. My riding is such that I live 6mi. from twisty mountain roads and also iron butt the bike to Oregon 3 times a year(only 975mi. non-stop on the new K).
The only real knock on the bike is the stock seat. I had bun burn after 300mi. I went to a Sargent seat and that ended my seat problem.
As I am sure that you are aware there is no do-all motorcycle. But the 2002-04 KRS comes close.
Bruce C
ps. I had the opportunity to ride a K1200S demo bike when I settled on a left over KRS. I came back from my demo ride, handed the keys to the dealer and said "no thanks, I want to keep my driver's license". That bike is too much for me.

[ErnieA]

If I had one bike (and no LT) I would pick a GT over an RS. For a sporty solo ride the seating position and handle bars are nice for me on the RS. It is very comfortable for the long haul as compared to the Jap litre bikes, but pales in comparison for long trip comfort to the K1200LT.

Good to know the RS is comfortable for you and fun to ride. I'm thinking of a GT though. Perhaps one will come available after the new GT comes out, then again, maybe I should bite the bullet and step right into the new model.

[ErnieA]

The only real knock on the bike is the stock seat. I had bun burn after 300mi. I went to a Sargent seat and that ended my seat problem.
As I am sure that you are aware there is no do-all motorcycle. But the 2002-04 KRS comes close.
Bruce C
ps. I had the opportunity to ride a K1200S demo bike when I settled on a left over KRS. I came back from my demo ride, handed the keys to the dealer and said "no thanks, I want to keep my driver's license". That bike is too much for me.

Thanks Bruce,

I could change the seat, raise the bars, a Behre system for GMRS and iPod, some soft luggage and a rack. Can you think of anything else that would be needed, besides just waiting for a GT? http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Ernie

[brucecha]

Thanks Bruce,

I could change the seat, raise the bars, a Behre system for GMRS and iPod, some soft luggage and a rack. Can you think of anything else that would be needed, besides just waiting for a GT? http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Ernie
Well when I bought my KRS(07/05) there were only 5 GT's left in the warehouse. All with no options. My RS came with cruise control, heated grips, clear turn signal lenses, sport suspension, hard bags(purchased separately), rear rack and no heated seat and no power windscreen(neither are offered). So a KRS with a 0.9% interest rate looked good. But, you can wait for a GT to come along. Both of these bikes lose an awful lot of value early because of the heavy discounting by BMW. I would loose my shirt if I sold it now. I think most any bike up for sale now would be a distress sale one way of another. Or better yet buy the new model KGT$$$.
The basic bikes GT or RS are identical as far as durability and handling. And at 12,500mi. later, I have had zero problems.
I think you will be changing the seat no matter which bike you get. Everyone likes the heated seat, but I haven't heard them raving about how comfortable it was after 750mi. Handle bar location is a personal preference. The ipod and other electronic junk, you will have to locate on your own on either bike. I have an electrified BigMak tankbag for that stuff.
Bruce C

[ErnieA]

I had a Triumph Sprint ST. I loved the stance, ergonomics, acceleration and behavior in the curves. However, it was a little too light weight for long touring and stability in interstate traffic for comfort. I also had an LT for a couple of years. It was too heavy and tall for sporty comfort. The K1200RS is now the only bike I have in the stable. It does all I need.

I'm not sure I'm through with BritBikes. There could be one in my future. I love the LT for me and my wife. We kid around that the LT is her bike and I just pilot it for her, but it really is our bike. We spend many hours enjoying the ride, both where we've been (talking away as we ride) and where we're going.

The RT or GT is something to do when I'm by myself and for going to work. I could get the new 800, but who wants a belt drive?

[KBandit]

i hesitate to comment 'cause i have owned neither a K1200RS nor a K1200GT.

BUT ... you've already got the ultimate road sofa in the LT (i own one o' these). what do you care if the GT is a little more comfy than the S? go for the REAL sportbike.