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BMW K1200RS (1997-2005)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View BMW K1200RS bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1171cc
Power	130bhp
Top speed	155mph
Insurance group	15

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The BMW K1200RS is almost an ultra-sports tourer but lacking a few bhp and a carrying too much weight. The K1200RS carved its own niche as a superb high-speed distance bike that could carry a pillion and luggage too without breaking a sweat. Radical Telelever front suspension’s no longer novel but still works and build quality remains a strong point so big mileages are very possible.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Loads of torque and plenty of power from the BMW K1200RS's flat four. Unfortunately Japanese competition like Honda’s BlackBird make 30-odd bhp more and the K1200RS seems slow by comparison. Low down torque is plentiful, acing the BlackBird, although the RS’s weight negates some of it. Gearbox somewhat reluctant.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Weighing so much this motorcycle was never going to be nimble and the BMW K1200RS isn’t. The upside, though, is that stability is superb even with 160mph on the clock. The suspension’s a bit bouncy but you can tune it out. Adding a passenger and luggage doesn’t upset the bike at all. Brakes work ok and ABS is a bonus.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The BMW K1200RS delivers long range comfort to match many full tourers. The riding position’s adjustable and the ergonomics well thought out and if you spend all day in the saddle this pays off. High level of equipment. Mirrors mounted on the bars look like an afterthought – surely they were meant to be in the indicator pods? At least they work well.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Like so many BMWs the K1200RS is a quality motorcycle with a few minor glitches. Electrics and small areas of corrosion are the most common complaints. Fortunately the excellent dealer network know how to avoid or cure these. The K1200RS also seems to resist winter better than most machines.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The BMW K1200RS is now only available used and at last, prices have dropped to a reasonable level, even at main dealers. Still do your research and don’t pay OTT prices no matter how clean / low mileage a motorcycle is. There are cheaper, faster machines, including the Blackbird but the K1200RS beats it on quality and distance-ability. Find a BMW K1200RS for sale.

Insurance group: 15

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1997: BMW K1200RS launched.
1999: Non-ABS BMW K1200RS launched.
2001: Minor updates.

BMW K1200RS Non-ABS: version available from November 1998.
BMW K1200RS ABS: when the non-ABS version was introduced this was the name for the regular ABS equipped motorcycle.
BMW K1200RS SE: Special Equipment model with ABS, luggage rack, heated grips and cruise control.

Specifications

Top speed	155mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.6 secs
Power	130bhp
Torque	86ftlb
Weight	266kg
Seat height	770mm
Fuel capacity	21 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	205 miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	1171cc
Engine specification	16v flat four, 6 gears
Frame	Cast aluminium
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	285mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	170/60 x 17

See all BMW K1200RS motorcycles for sale

BMW
K1200RS

19200 miles

£3,600

BMW
K1200RS

5200 miles

£4,495

BMW
K1200RS

29000 miles

£2,975

BMW
K1200RS

40000 miles

£2,650

BMW
K1200RS

16256 miles

£4,695

Owners' Overall Rating (6 reviews)

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My first BMW

Bryanpowell33

Average rating

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My K1200RS is my first BMW Motorcycle. Brilliant build quality, exceeds Hondas best by miles. Has everything possible fitted with the exception of a Kitchen Sink. Would be perfect if the engine had the same level of Clout as my 1991 C1 ZZR 1100 or my Blackbird XXY or 2001. The performance doesn't seem to be any greater than a Varadero or a VFR750FN. A very good bike though !

20 September 2011
I miss you Darling!

sma11fry

Average rating

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What ever possesed me? I traded in a 1997 k12rs for a 2002 abs VFR800vtec. The Honda goes round corners faster, the ABS is better, and the back doesn't lock up like the BMW, but I never ever felt scared on the BM, it stopped, it went and it scraped the bottom of its pegs on request, and in any gear....not forever up and down the box like the Honda. The most surefooted tractor in christendom.

12 June 2011
set her up and she does what she was made to do very well

sportsboyuk

Average rating

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Handles far better than a Pan ST1300 i know ive had two new ones, gearbox is smooth, hunts a bit at tick over but power commander sorts it or remus exhaust. weather protection is good, small amount of bufferting at speed, sensertive to tyre pressures. very stable, point to point crusie missile,not as fast as My Hyabusa but then thats new and so mental. But the bmw is very well built and fun.

05 June 2011
Seized Lump !!!

ThirstyIan

Average rating

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nice run down to Turkey from Aberdeen & back again though the rain from Italy to UK then the bludy UK roads.... speed really drops then. The thing went ok. But back home the lump seized & the backup support from BMW in Aberdeen was a waste of time !!! I shall be getting a Kwacker GTR1400 & forget BMW. I am still furious with them & the support I did not get from them. By the way where is the complaints site for them ?? or are they too good for that ?!Had an old Kawasaki Z1100 & it is still running , I shall be putting it back on the road & scrapping the beemer before I get the GTR.Really not impressed with BMW.

21 January 2009
Best bike I've every owned

pmconnau

Average rating

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I'm not sure what MCN was thinking when they wrote the review on this engine but it sells this bike way short. For someone lookiing for a sport tourer with serious speed this is the perfect bike. I've ridden both the Ducati ST4s and Honda ST1300s and this is a better bike. 147HP with new pipes and Ohlin suspension means i can take to the twisties with most sport bikes.

14 November 2008
2003 K1200 RS

mcyclenz

Average rating

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Second Hand and in good condition, these bikes offer great value for money versus some new rivals.... I've clocked up 10,000 miles in the last year on mine (mainly 2 - up touring) purchased with only 2,500 miles on the clock, and rate it very highly. It is not a 'sports bike' and a tab heavy in the tight tights - but in all other circumstances it is magic - loves sweeping corners, great power, great brakes, good instruments, compliant suspension good economy and a 200 mile range on a tank plus all the luggage we need. I strongly recommend this bike.

11 April 2008