BMW K1200S, RT, GT etc. ? buying advice

eddypeck · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Karma :

I posted elsewhere about my current situation:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=300040&highlight=

I'm looking for a suitable motorway commuter, I do 300 miles a week all weather (I do have access to a car for the very worst of winter!).

I used to have a Kawasaki ZX9r which was a great all-rounder, but before I got that a BMW R1100S was high on my comparison list, but was more expensive than the Kawasaki.

Now I find myself looking for a replacement I find myself drawn back to the BMWs, the R1100s again. But also the 1200's

The R1200RTs are quite plentiful and good value as ex-police bikes - although high miles.

But also the K1200RS / S / and even GT are quite appealing.

I'm looking for someone with experience of these and any recommendations, and more importantly stuff to look for and things to avoid.

I'm drawn by alleged reliability and promises of long life motors but I'm slightly concerned by complex over engineering and expensive bills when stuff goes wrong.

thanks in advance.

raesewell · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Karma :

If you are going for a K bike make sure it has a service history and a BMW warranty and keep the warranty going.
____________________
Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire

davebike · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Nov 2013 Karma :

If you are going to heavily use any BMW make sure it in warranted and keep it so it will cost ££££ it fix if anything major brakes

This running cost issue is why my customer who runs one of the London Taxi bike co's now uses Honda !!

Long commute use a Honda tourer ST1300 would do it and is way cheaper to maintain

Other options like Yamaha FJR1300 and Kawasaki GTR1400 are probably as good I just like Honda
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
[email protected]

eddypeck · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Karma :

Thanks guys, it's kind of the answers I was expecting. And I'm coming to a similar conclusion, I tend to do my own maintenance unless it's major stuff. I'm probably better off keeping it familiar.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Generally the r1100s was considered a better all around bike than the 1200 that replaced it. Self servicing is pretty easy given the cylinders are stuck way out in the air. It's the clutch that's a bugger and involved removing most of the rear end of the bike. Iirc my dad's needed a clutch at about 45,000 miles, but that's with 30 odd thousand city miles wear and tear. I'd expect the motorway to be a bit more clutch friendly.

The k1200/1300 is high on my maybe list for a replacement for my diversion. Unsure whether I fancy the s or r model. Word on the grapevine is that the 1200 uses a fair amount of oil, an issue that was sorted for the 1300. It's a few more grand for the 1300 though, and the 1200 is hardly cheap!

Got to say, despite their quirks and costs I'm still very drawn to a beemer.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

spnorm · Crazy Courier Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Karma :

raesewell · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Karma :

eddypeck · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Karma :

I'm having a bit of a rethink on this now and swaying towards familiar Jap stuff, I'm just not financially flush enough to go to BMW yet I think. I'd be pushing my budget to get one leaving it tight if anything were to go wrong by the sounds of it.

VFR800 or Triumph Daytona 955 are on the consideration list now, there are nice examples for under £3k, where higher mileage older BMs are over £3k