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I don't see the use for the R1200R when you already have a GS which is quite similar but in many ways a superior bike. Are you looking to replace the 850R or are you looking to add to the collection?

I am really pleased with the R850R but it has more than 100 000 miles on it now. I think a 1200 would go like snot, and I really like my boxers. The GS has over 65000 KM's on it now and would become the Marshaling bike.

I've read that the R1200R has around a 40% better power-to-weight ratio than my (previous gen) R1150R, which is pretty mind boggling.

Grey Thumper wrote:I've read that the R1200R has around a 40% better power-to-weight ratio than my (previous gen) R1150R, which is pretty mind boggling.

Well it's not like our 1150 produces whole heck of power.

Even when the original weaker engined R1200R came out, the general consensus was that if a owner of a R1150R test-drove one, they would sign a deal and go home in one.

My R850R is raw. By that I mean that it is not sophisticated and smooth like he current 1200's. I notice that BMW have taken notice of the OMB moniker that has been bandied around. Mine is more streefighter now than OMB and it works really well under that guise.

I note that my bike goes better and sounds better with an aftermarket pipe. I note that BMW have installed the flap valve into the new exhaust. Can't think why

Interesting thing--the picture you linked has the older single cam engine in it (the black line on the engine goes straight back), but all the other photos of the R1200R Classic show it with the DOHC engine (black line notches down in a chevron). The specifications section of the R1200R Classic page lists the engine as single camshafts per cylinder but the narrative portion specifically states that it boasts the newer DOHC engine already used by the GS and RT versions.

I'm sure it has the higher-output DOHC engine, as the 2010 models were the last to use the SOHC according to my friend at the local dealership. Not sure if they were leftover stock and they decided to use the last of the older engines in the naked bikes or what, but seemed odd last year when I was drooling over them that they were the only R1200's to not have the newer engine originally developed for the HP2. Either way, more than enough hp and torque to have some serious fun in any riding environment.

We only get ours launched in June. I have been told that they will be the new motor and will come with a launch pack, touring kit sort of promo job, all the fancy electrics, ESA, ABS ASC and so on.

OK, I have had the bike for over a month now, had my first service and put a few ks on.

WOW, what a bike. This is everything I wanted and more.

Every review I read said that this is a cornering demon, they were right. The bike is not just agile and nimble it is is phenomenally quick to turn, from upright or leaned over hard. The balance and synergy between the chassis and the power output is spot on. The power from an on road performance aspect is massively up from my 07 GS, the twin cam engine moves this bike effortlessly. I am not one for specs and data, I tell it how it feels, this bike feels fast. Short shifting through the gears between 4000 and 5500 rpm will see at 160 kmh by the time you hit 6th.

The general feel of the bike is solid and my choice came with the ESA system (the first bike I have chosen to have this on, I declined on my K1200S and my GS) which makes for some very interesting riding. I found the suspension to be harsh both on the demo's I rode and on this model. However, having now done a few Kms and a Marshaling event through mountains, I now appreciate why. This bike sticks to the road like a booger flicked from a toddlers pushchair. The screen, although tiny, provides just enough to keep you comfortable to 180 without any helmet wobble. The once or twice I have pushed above this meant getting a bit closer to the tank, something my gut complains about. A slimmer person would not have the same problem.

The cockpit is modern and the electronics in the form of ABS, traction control and tyre pressure monitor are easy to understand and implement, even for an old fart like me. A full on computer is supplied with trips and juice remaining and kms left in the tank, what a pleasure.

Seating for both rider and pillion is plush and has a single seat with the pillion end raised putting the pillion's head above the rider, HA HA no sleeping on the back now.

Tyres came OE as Metzler Z8 and I am not a Metzler fan after scrubbing so many off on my K12S, but both grip and feel leave nothing to complain about. The lean angle on the bike is far more than I have tested yet, my GS I ride on the edge, this bike still has chicken strips and I am chucking it all over the place. Ergo's are good and no complaints from old bones yet.

The odd few KMs I have done in cruise mode (me, not the bike) have had the bike behave perfectly as a long distance tourer, solid, comfy and inspiring a lot of confidence.

To compare the GS and this bike as has been done on the thread is like comparing a street car with a SUV. The bike is just so much more hooligan than the GS and worse still brings the hooligan in you out too. A street fighter of note, in the tight stuff and traffic most other bikes would be hard put to perform as well.

I wanted an all rounder with an edge, I got what I wanted with some attitude thrown in.