BMW K1200S (2004-2008) Review

Let's see what the next few months bring , hopefully the repairs will return a good reliable bike, if not, I will let you know how I get on. Read more

STUPIDLY fast bike. The power is mindblowing It's long. You wont be beating GSXR's or Kawas cornering. But you'll leave them once youre out of the curve Its advertised as a sporty sport touring bike. This is pure sport bike that can be used for... Read more touring. If you want luggage etc... have some $$$$ Have i mentioned mindblowing power. 0-100 in OMGWTF seconds

Best bike ever, can't get the smile off my face. Read more

Super smooth and so much torque. Ride with a smile, its absolutely awesome. Read more

Front suspension and steering deveoped a life endangering fault after less than 10k miles. Read more

Riding sad since 1997, I had MZ125,Suzuki bandit, Z750S, CBR600F, GSXR1300R, CBR600RR, 2008 R1 and finaly 2006 model K1200S on May 2012. (-) POINTS: You have to inspect all electronics well if you buy a second hand. In some of 2005-2006 bikes there... Read more may be problems with ABS, transmission, engine and finaly tank guage. Engine, transmission and tank guage had changed under warranty on my BMW(and be sure these are really expensive) So ask if you think to buy of these elements conditions to he dealer. (+) POINTS It feels heavy first but after the wheels spin you feelp very lighter and nimble bike, even in heavy traffic. Engineering level and all paint&finish quality is #1. Cornering and high speed stability is amazing for such a big boy. You can scrap the pegs with a quality pair of tires. Acceleration is breath taking; up to 100 it is better than Busa(gen1), up to 280kmh similar to Hayabusa but over that speed you are seeking more power. Thanks God; mine can run up to 295 km/h(!) watch my video if you wish : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXYyEVYyemY Fuel consumption is very pleasing with 5,5lt/100 km. Having a chance to be able to breake while cornering under urgent conditions with ABS make you feel really really confidence. Second hand selling may become an issue (as like as Hayabusa)But if you you want a reliable safe, fast and prestious second hand bike than this is K1200S; the best bike I have ever ride. Ride Safe, Be Safe !

Without a doubt the best bike I have owned. The engine is great, very flexible, relax and ride it on the torque or open it up to experience it's full capability of propelling you at stupid speeds. The handling is sure footed and reassuring at all... Read more speeds. I have seen as much as 160 miles to reserve and then it counts down from 50 miles. Once I had the reserve counter showing 2 miles to empty and I still managed to fit in only 15 - 16 litres in the 19 litre tank! Generally I found it very comfortable but occasionally got a numb bum on longer trips. However, my bike had it's fair share of problems. If cold the engine would rattle on start up for a second or two until oil got to the cam chain tensioner and if you tried to set off quickly the clutch would make a horrible squeal. Both faults were investigated but no faults were found and a lot of other owners on forums have had the same experience with no further problems, apparently sorted on the 06 onwards bikes. The only failures I had were the gearshift potentiometer, it is used to sense what gear you are in and display it amongst other things. But when it goes wrong you still get the gear indication because the bike works out your revs vs. speed and calculates it, though it won't sense neutral so causing starting issues but you can get round these until you get it in for a fix. The worst failure I had was the brake servo (removed on later models, only used to dampen the earlier models cruder ABS). I was enjoying a bit of spirited riding and the brake fail light started flashing at me, not good entering a 30mph zone approaching a 90 degree bend from a national speed limit. Luckily there was enough residual pressure to slow me down. The brakes still worked but didn't have the huge stopping capacity that I was used to (when they worked, they are the best brakes I’ve used) so I limped home. The fault went away but I took it to BMW who plugged it in, they said the failure had logged but not what had caused it, so away I went and it happened 6 weeks later again. Apart from these issues it was a superb bike and I regret changing for my RSV Factory (on some days). It was a do anything motorcycle, touring, scratching and commuting was a joy.

When your K1200s is due for servicing get them to check throttle linkage as mine is playing up for the second time, throttle sticking open at 6.5k rpm (kind of exciting). Worse of all had major suspension failure two up, Strut connecting shock to... Read more mainframe broke in half (Luck was on my side only doing 20mph) BMW replaced free reckoned failed/seized joint, would have been fatal at any more speed so get them to check next service ok :(

Good handling for a big bike, suspension somtimes a bit choppy. Very disappointed with finish - rusty bolts, corrosion getting under paint on castings. If you use it in the winter beware! Dont believe what they say about depreciation, you'll lose... Read more more in £ notes than you would with a Jap. Clutch judder (had it replaced, still wasn't perfect). Poor fuelling compared to something like a 'Busa. Why do BMW persist in using 3 buttons for the indicators when everyone else gets away with one? How many times did I flash my left indicator at someone - the button is where the horn is on every other bike! All in all, the little flaws let down what could be a brilliant bike, expensive imperfection. Won't be buying another beemer.

Usually change every year, first bike I have had (other than an RSV - but that was too painful!) that I can't see myself wanting to change for a number of years. Has its faults, clunky gearbox, vibes etc, but that is only when I compare it to... Read more others... without a comparison I wouldn't have mentioned it. Went around Spain and France on a 950 Adventure June 07, wish I had owned this then. Too expensive, despite loving it.