Thoughts on my 1200RS test ride?

[Freddyfruitba...]

Tested a 2015 BMW 1200RS today - really liked it.

Would really welcome some feedback on a couple of issues I had with it though... first, a quite alarming clunk when engaging 1st gear, and secondly, a rumbly vibration through the pegs at around 2500-3000 rpm. These were predictably greeted with a "OhTheyAllDoThatSir" when I got back to the dealer (meaning Boxer twins) - is that fair/accurate (this is my first time riding one)? Neither was a big issue for me as such, unless of course they indicate a fault or imminent problem.

I also got to thinking about the riding position, which although comfortable, had my knees quite a lot higher up than I'm used to, which made me wonder whether I'd be less happy after 250 miles or so in the saddle. There's the BMW-sanctioned option of a higher seat which I might need/go for; but can anyone tell me about lowering foot pegs on this bike, if I decided that was necessary too? Would be useful to know if that was also an option, if I went ahead with this bike.

Thanks
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KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[Old Git Racing]

My BMW is quite a bit older than the one you tested but I suppose the basic technology is similar. The clunk into gear is normal, mine and a mates GS both do it.
There is some vibration thinking about it, but not so much as to be intrusive or maybe I've got used to it. Its sort of general and not in one rev range.
Knees being too high or seat too low is a problem. When I first got it I thought it would be so comfortable. Wrong. There is so much weight on your arse it was bearable for about an hour. There is a peg lowering kit made for mine (R1150R) but I just put half a lambswool fleece on the seat which raises it a bit. There seems to be various gel seats, peg lowering kits about so it must be a bit of an issue.
I like my boxer, its a heavy old lump but handles it well, good brakes and well built. Maintenance is dead easy and I do all my own, get the oils etc from Moto Works in Huddersfield.
Main thing is its got character and a bit of an old school feel, so it suits me.

OGR
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2022 Tiger Sport 660 2019 Street Twin 2003 K3 gixxer 1000 1998 Srad 600 track hack

[BTTD]

I had an '03 R850R and an '87 R100RS.
I guess they must still be using the same gearbox, because both of those had a noticeable clunk into first and neither would be what I'd call slick through the rest of the gears.
However I was under the impression that they'd moved things forward a fair bit - try and get out on another boxer of the same age to see if it is something peculiar to the bike you test rode?

[MCN]

The GS gearbox clunk is a well know characteristic. It is called 'agricultural' and not a think to worry about.
Almost never finds a fake neutral so I may be a purposeful design.
Great range and the best all your shit carrier on the market.
Deck chairs, windbreaker, BBQ et al.
Comfortable seat. Easy to get to stuff for service.
The elevated ride height permits superb eye-ball to eye-ball intimidation of Cnuts in SUVs.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Freddyfruitba...]

Thanks people!

So; am happy with the 'clunk' and the riding position thing - what about the vibes issue?

Not fussed if that's a thing with boxers or the 1200RS, but just need reassuring it's not symptomatic of a possible problem...
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KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[Rogerborg]

Hopefully not to obvious or triggering a question, but if you want a GS riding position, why not get a GS?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Freddyfruitba...]

[lilredmachine]

If that is the case, then it kind of begs the question why put up with a clunky gearbox, vibey motor and a compromised riding position (that can be fixed - *it can't, it will just transfer pain to another area*) just to have a BMW?

There is really liking it, then there is really liking it. Why not look at something that isn't a BMW, after all from what I can work out the only reason to put up with BMWness is to have a GS which is (arguably) just about the best adventure bike on the market. If you don't want a GS or *that* riding position then why not try out numerous other bikes in roughly the same category such as the Kwak SX1000, Suzuki GSX1000 etc. All will be more capable and faster than the 1200RS with more sorted motors and ergonomics.

If you are able and about to drop the necessary cash to buy a 2015 Beemer then you have about the widest choice of bikes possible to a second hand buyer. If I rode something that had a pain in the ass riding position, shit gearbox and vibey motor I'd be off down the next dealership quick sharp.

Can highly recommend a ZZR1400 for mile munching by the way. Awesome machine.
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Bikes: too many, too much for one man to maintain anyway.

[Vracktal]

R1200R owner here, the clunk into first and vibration is completely normal. Sadly, there's not many options i've seen for lowering the pegs.

Be aware, if you raise the seat you might want to add some bar risers as well so you don't end up hunching forward more.
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2007 BMW R1200R: On road
2009 BMW G650X Challenge: On road
1975 Norton Commando 850: Off road, awaiting recommissioning

[Freddyfruitba...]

[lilredmachine]

Ok, I'll ask the question, have you tried a newish GS with the seat in the low position? My friend Mo's GS is a 2013 model and he is totally flat footed on it. He sold his RT1200 as it was too large and high for him - he had dropped it twice at standstill - and bought the GS after realising it was lower.

With that out of the way, Ducati Multistrada?

If you are dead set on it and your fears of a mechanical issue are quashed then that's /thread innit?
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Bikes: too many, too much for one man to maintain anyway.

[Freddyfruitba...]

[MCN]

[Polarbear]

The only boxer engines worth it's salt is a Goldwing. Everything else is just a lump of Bavarian bratwurst.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Freddyfruitba...]

[temeluchus]

I believe the gearbox manufacturer for BMW Motorrad is actually one that makes boxes for tractors.

My R80, R1100, R1150 and K75 all had clunky boxes.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[ThatDippyTwat]

[Freddyfruitba...]

[caragh]

Hi
I owned a r1150r rockster for a few months it was an itch I needed to scratch also. In the end it had a little too much character for me but I am glad I owned it, was an fun experience for the most part.
It made an amazing noise with the decat and Remus carbon exhaust.

I thought the term boxer came from the way the two pistons resemble punches.
All the best hope it’s a positive experience for you and not too expensive.

Regards
Steve
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Triumph Tiger 800 XR

[ThatDippyTwat]