My new bike :)

[defblade]

So, the Bandit's been chopped in, and now this lovely chunk of potential financial ruin is in its place:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/defblade/BMW%20K1200R%20Sport/bmw001_zps6651a938.jpg

Subframe's definitely twisted; joking aside, on closer inspection at home and seeing the receipt for fitting a new headlight from BMW, I think it may have been in a small front-ender sometime, but if so it seems to have been sorted OK. Certainly no problems on the 150 mile run home! The ABS pump was replaced last year so that should be one less worry for a few years and one of the commonest major costs on these... possibly why it's been moved on though, as thousand pound bills can easily make you nervous about keeping a bike (I've signed up for the BMW extended warranty which should help cushion those bills).

It rides beautifully (firm, but well damped - I like BMW's settings in general - I like BMW cars, too), hardly notices speed bumps; although I've been a bit cautious with the corners so far. As for power, no need to ask, it simply goes... very quickly. Yet so easy to ride slowly in 3rd or 4th through town.

Putting a big grin on my face and just in time for the summer, too (although supposed to be hammering down again tomorrow...)
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[Nexus Icon]

Ok, it's interesting, for sure. I don't know about the looks but it looks like a nice example of the bike. Mind you don't fall in that exhaust though.

Enjoy
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[Suntan Sid]

[TUG]

Always have and always will have a soft spot for BMW bikes. Nice purchase!
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Haz ER-5, innit!

[defblade]

[defblade]

Ok, so a week in....

It's not really intimidating at all. It's soooo easy to ride it slowly; I'm a little jerky still as the clutch works much further away from the bars and with a much shorter action than I'm used to, but that will come with practise.

30mph? Take your pick from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (probably 5th).
70mph? 1st hits 75, 2nd 95, then 116/137/156/177.


What is more difficult is opening the throttle. At least, if you want to keep your licence What is basically a very quiet bike picks up a hard metallic scream beneath you and you are now eligible for points, no matter what the road or what gear you're in. Lovely Merging onto the A48 from our no-sliproad entry has never been so easy. Getting a finger or two forwards to use the clutch and change into 3rd can be though!


In the meantime, I was very aware that I was hitting the limits of the Bandit's suspension when riding. Obviously, just a week in and I'm not pushing the BM that hard yet - it's been wet most of the time, for a start. But when I have been on a familiar dry road, I looked down at my speed a couple of times... well within the bike's abilities... 10, 15 mph faster than the Bandit!


I'm not sure (still) if I'm going to keep this bike for a long time - it's so much bike for my commute! - but it has already seriously opened my eyes to what is possible compared to the basic, but nothing wrong with it, Bandit.
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp