BMW K1200R (2005-2008) Review

I was very skeptical at first, having been a sports bike and sports touring biker for 25 years or so. I decided I'd had enough of the MotoGP riding positions, and for me (me being tall) I needed some real comfort. These are relatively rare on the roads, and it seems underrated too! Many don't realise how powerful these bikes are - and I like that! Mine has a top yoke conversion which makes it even better! A taller screen with adjustable angle make this usable at motorway speeds ;) Without it, like all naked type's, it sucks. The power is awesome, and the speed consistent with said power. I ride with many sports bikes and I'm never left behind. It handles well considering its size, and behaves well in the twisties. The ESA suspension is a great addition. It works too! Comfort for a lazy bimble, or sport for more serious velocities. Great for two-up too. It's a big bike, and has awesome styling! It works for me anyway... I love this bike, and of course I recommend it :)

Recently bought a 2006 K1200R after many years of riding Boxer BMWs, and although I wouldn't want to be without my flat twins, this in-line four brings a whole new meaning to grunt. It will go like stink in top with only 2,000 revs on the clock, and will out-accelerate most other bikes which try to take it on. The only down side is I should have bought one years ago, but really enjoying it now! Excellent, and a real crowd puller too.

After sports bikes, I made the move to a Tuono a number of years ago and loved it. I always said it would be a special bike that moved me on from the Aprilia and this is it! I was seeking better comfort but with added attitude and power - and found it. The duolever suspension works brilliantly, the power band is amazing. At 6ft 3" the machine size is perfect for me - went for the silver bodywork with black engine and shaft drive - looks great - the headlights are an oddity but as with the Tuono, unconventionality is a winner for me. Great bike - love it!

I've had lots of different bikes and I usually change bike every year. This year I sold my K1200R and hoped to find something new and fresh to ride. Now the summer is about to end and I still have not found a worthy replacement to the K1200R. The K1200R has so many positives sides like the never ending power and torgue, it's so comfortable for the longer trips and so fun to ride on a race track. The only issue is the price but it's worth saving for. For me this means that I will start looking for a K1200R again and start a long relationship.

i bought k1200r model and i had many bikes in my time,but ive never be so blown away with this bikes performace and handling. personally speaking and dont think i would ever get bored with this machine. i recommend anyone to buy one you will be amazed. arty.

There is no denying BMW build quality. As soon as I first saw the K12, I knew it had been the subject of many many hours of carefully though out design. The look devides opinions as they say, but I believe a belly pan fitted as standard, would be enough to turn the tide for those who would declare it is not pleasing to the eye. The K12 is not a light bike, but its weight is carried low, so the only time its noticable, is when you try to walk it backward up a hill (yes my garage is on a bit of a hill!). The engine is responsive and linear, but if you want to see what the bike can do, you must relieve yourself of any mechanical sympathy you may have, as the K12's 4 pot makes the strangest noises I have experienced from a bike, especially when winding on from low revs. The K12 is a very fast bike, but it never really feels it. The ESP suspension, with its para - duolever set up works wonderfully well. The rear swing arm is also a marvel, single sided with a shaft drive, in a slim and sculpted arm keeping it all together, how do they do it?! The front wont dive like normal forks, and with ESP set up being WP units and braided lines all round, you wont ever want to upgrade these parts. ABS is good for resale value, but not so good for riding. Sure it could save you someday.. possibly... but for the rest of the time its just awkward. Don't get me wrong, the brakes are good and stop the bike very well. At national limit speeds they offer all you need in power and 'feel'. But enter a town riding environment and they become snatchy and over sensitive up front, and have a dead feel too the rear. I believe it is due to the servo's assisting the brakes. But then if ABS were not installed, I'm sure the situation would swith on its head, and the brakes would be great round town, and awful for higher speed. The choice is yours... The K12 is comfortable and can tour or scratch easily, why buy its ugly sister (the K1200S), when you could have a mean looking naked, and still be comfortable at speed. I would recommend the bike, it will serve owners well, and it will always devide opinion, making it the subject of attention at almost any bike gathering.

I've been running my K1200R for 5 months now and I'm just as impressed with it as the day I bought it. Once you get used to the front end its a very planted and suprisingly quick steering bike for its size. Comfort is excellent, there's been a lot of thought given to the riding position which is all day comfortable, I purchased the sport screen but to be honest I can't tell any real benefit to having it fitted and I think it tends to soften the aggressive look of the bike too much, want a faired bike? buy the Sport or S instead. The best thing about the bike is the engine, it is immense! the torque it generates is something else it will pull from 6th even from a walking a pace and over 6000 rpm you really need to hang on because this thing is FAST! Downsides? cleaning it, tyre life and price (with the extras), although you do get a bike which turns plenty of heads as people can't comprehend it's actually a BMW, if buying used make sure you check the cylinder head for corrosion underneath the powder coat, this is a problem that has affected my bike but the dealer response has fantastic thus far in relation tot he problem.

Having covered 13k miles, am still happy I chose K12R. No problems with jerky fuel injection, so I probably got lucky :D

Awesome engine and stunning looking bike. Riding position very comfortable once you get used to it. Wind protection surprisingly good. Needs a hugger (have fitted one) and not sure about the Bridgstone tyres.

Had test ride just for intriuge and was impressed with everything - torque, stability, safety and it'll go like fuck when asked. Wind resistance is so good for a naked roadster compared to other bikes I've had - Ducati Monster Z1000 and CB1300. Strengths: Power, stability, comfort, fuel. Weaknesses: Electric everything, waiting for problem!

Bought my K1200R 5 months ago, 2 days after I took one out for a test ride. Only test rode one to pass the time. WOW! You gotta try it to believe it, always had supersport bikes for last 22 years & this is the most eye popping fun I have ever had! Not only is it very fast & suprisingly nimble & agile it is comfy, been Europe twice on it already, once with wife on the back, very focused & stable on the bends, no sign of wobble even on the dreaded white lines, brakes brilliant (non ABS) no dive at all, suspension brilliant (ESA). Just totaly Mad! Strengths: Power & Torque, Handling, Brakes, Comfort & did I mention the power & torque! Weaknesses: After Market Parts rare as rocking horse S..t.

Done 300 miles, first impressions. Amazing! This bike will pull your arms off from 2000 rpms, when you think the power in the revs are about to die at 8000 rpm, you get another dollop of torque. Round the twistys & corners that I used to slow down for (previous bike FZS 600) now I just ride around. Stable in all situations. No dive when braking. Comfy for over 2 hours, had to stop for petrol before I had any aches or pains. The BMW pannier bags are a class act as well & complement the bike well. I test drove several bikes & the K1200r just felt the best bike for me. Don't take my word for it, get down to a BMW dealer for a test drive.  Strengths: Fun, speed, stability, well made, comfy, carries a pillion in it's stride & I for one like the looks. Weaknesses: Price, centre stand and alarm should be standard.