BMW K1200R SPORT (2007 - 2009) Review

Fantastic ride quality, heavy if predictable handling. ESA suspension does it's job well.

Stupidly powerful if a little peaky, doesn't like low rev work and the worst clutch since a knackered CB900F doesn't help. Once above 6000rpm turns into a missile.

ABS pump needed rebuilt, engine paint is flaking, cheap fasteners rust literally overnight. Immobilizer drains battery. Clocks developed faults. Awful clutch.

Anything to do with this over complicated beast costs serious money. Local independent workshops won't touch it.

ESA is great, heated grips don't work, no centre stand, ditch standard exhaust to lose about 10kg. Pilot Road tyres suit it well.

In my experience (30 years+) it cannot be beaten. A taller screen made my 6ft5in frame more comfortable.

The power delivery is beautiful although I do have an ongoing fuelling issue.

German build-quality through and through apart from the ongoing fuelling issue that plagues all K1200 models.

Tyre consumption is predicious

The fuel gauge lies like Boris Johnson's Brexit Bus Slogan and I've had to push it to a garage twice.

Yes, it is a little reluctant to turn at very slow tight corners (car parks etc) but add a bit more counter steer and it's fine - I may get a handle bar conversion to make it a bit easier. It actually seems to turn quicker than my old 1050 Sprint. It is without a doubt the most stable bike I've ever ridden at high speed. It feels almost glued to the road. Fast overtakes and change of direction are no issue whatsoever. The ESA is also a very good option and you really do feel the difference.

Phenomenal power and very good mpg. Almost turbine like up until around 8k and then 10k when all hell breaks loose! It's quite sedate at lower rpm but there is a real superbike snarl when it gets going.

Not had it for long but as soon as it was delivered it developed a clutch squeal and judder under hard acceleration. A new clutch under warranty seems to have sorted this out - however it's still annoying. Only other mechanical issue is the judder/vibration you tend to get when in neutral and clutch engaged. This is extremely common and not an issue (other than being annoying) as confirmed by numerous online posts and an independent BMW specialist friend. The other issue is the utterly, utterly, utterly appalling paint finish quality on the metal. It's a BMW - not an old GS500. The majority of the paint on the lower end of the engine was flaking as well as the front suspension. I ended up stripping this back with a wire brush tool on a dremel, de-greaser, multiple washes and a steam clean. Applied high temp acid etch primer, hammerite smooth silver and high temp lacquer. It's not showroom finish but it's a good match and miles better than corroded alloy. Seriously BMW should hang their heads in shame for such appalling workmanship. I've read that it was due to them not cleaning the alloy originally and is not just a problem with this model!

Apart from the potentially expensive electric issues (if/when they do crop up) as long as you shop around it's not too bad. MPG is fantastic. Little country lanes and sat in traffic will see about 39mpg, little bit more spirited around B roads and you're at about 45mpg and the motorway almost 60mpg. All this on something that will annihilate almost anything else in a straight line. Tank range is circa 200miles +.

ABS combined brakes are fantastic. Heated grips are a welcome addition, fuel gauge, trip computer, ESA and an option for easy satnav/dashcam connection. Reason for 4 stars is because there seems to be absolutely nowhere for storage. The seat lock takes up an enormous amount of room which could quite easily fit something else you need to carry.

Too good.

That's the wow part. The engine gives the feeling of an electrical engine.

I will give 5 in spite of the clutch died a little too quickly and a couple of times already the sensor which shows the gas level.

Way more expensive than any Japanese.

...but it costs and it worth every penny.