OT. just got back from K1200s intro at my dealer

[Skippy]

Just came back from the local dealer and think the new K1200s is very impressive.It looks a lot better then in the pictures esspecially the front headlight is a lot sharper as it apears to be in the pictures I've seen.Don't like the hideous tale light though but I think the aftermarket supliers are gonna take care of that one pretty fast.The one they had on display was a blue and white one with black frame and it looked realy good in this colour.It also had heated grips and I noticed it had steal braided brakelines factory fitted.Also was surprised to see that the rear suspension is of some sort of link system cause the shock was not connected directly to the swing arm.Also thought the padding on the saddle was realy soft and I doubt if this will be comfortable for long trips cause really like harder padding like on the S wich is realy comfortable.They will have demonstrator bikes pretty soon and I'm sure I'm gonna try one cause I'm really curious how the ride will be.

[rob_wijhenke]

demonstrator nikes

What's up Skip, this is a bike forum not sports stuff.
BTW, I also saw it in real life today and although I was really impressed the bike is still toooo loooong

[boxercup]

Greetings Rob,

Ride it, it will not be too long then....

[Skippy]

I changed the sentence Rob.N is right next to the B you know...If the new K handles as well as the R1100S I don't care how long it is but I won't be buying one cause I'm afreight I'ts gonna cost me my license.The K1200R that comes out next year looks more interesting to me personally.What colour did they have at van Harten's Rob?

[RC51DRAG]

I'm mixed about the new K12. I bought a 12GS this year and a ZX10R. The ZX10R is going bye bye because it just isn't as fun as the 12GS. I can't use it anywhere near its capabilities, well no one can on the street, and it's too uncomfortable beyond 200 kms. I just did two weekends of over 2,000 kms on the 12GS. Too easy. If I hadn't bought the 12GS I would probably buy the new K12 but where can you use that hp on the street and keep your licence. Nowhere. Personally I would have settled for the same hp as the last bike minus alot of weight and better handling so it seems that anyone who buys this bike is getting more than they require. Good for them, I guess.

[hass]

Originally posted by RC51DRAG
Personally I would have settled for the same hp as the last bike minus alot of weight and better handling so it seems that anyone who buys this bike is getting more than they require. Good for them, I guess.

That's exactly how I feel, plus the bags are too small for the bike to replace my K12RS which is a shame. So, I guess I'll be buying some other brand instead....

[webby]

Talk on the German boards is that the first K1200S recall is already underway. Apparently its an engine problem, something about camshafts not having the correct hardness. 2 engines developed problems after the demonstration day at the Nürburgring.
Dealers have been sent a fax and deliveries are expected to be delayed until late November.
Didnt something like this happen with the 97 K1200RS?

[dannyleo]

Wow! That's scary!!!

[Moybin]

Quoting webby: Didnt something like this happen with the 97 K1200RS?

"Actions taken to prevent recurrence".

In a properly functioning quality assurance process, one of the necessary elements is to recheck actions taken to prevent the recurrence of a previously documented and corrected nonconformance. I'm going to guess that BMW Motorrad is supposed to have a QS9000 certified quality assurance program. I'm sure the auto side of the house has such a program.

In plain English, "You fixed the screw-up, but did it STAY FIXED?"

As a quality auditor I can tell you that this is one of about 3 areas of program control I can bet solid money nearly all companies fail to manage. Instrumentation calibration and retention of records are the other areas that are sure-bet audit findings. Our German cousins are just as fallable as any other group of humans.

[Dr. Curve]

The dealer here is trying to order a non-ABS, non heated grip, non electrical shock adjustment unit for me as the first one he gets in. I just want to experience the new engine and the sucpension advancements first hand. Hope to use the engine when ever the roads are right.

[Anton]

Dr. C, when do you expect delivery?

[Dr. Curve]

Between 10/25 and 11/14 or about a three week range coming up here soon. Price has not been finalized yet here but it seems that about 15900 plus tax, set up, title and tag is the ball park. How about yours Anton, any word on when one will get there to Salt Lake?

[Joe]

Curve

Can you get it non linked and without the power assist brake system ?

[wolff]

Should we call Dr. Curve beta tester from now on?

[BMW Atlanta]

I am "almost" positive you will not see any base models available in the first or even second production run. This means for the first several months they will be one of the two tone paint schemes, with ABS, heated grips, and ESA=Electronic Suspension Adjustment. I would highly recommend the ESA if you plan to thoroughly enjoy the bike right out of the box. I had the opportunity to ride the K1200S with and without the ESA. ESA won hands down and the non ESA did not appear to have the necessary adjustments particularly on the front shock to dial it in correctly. But I did not spend alot of time investigating as they didnt let us sit still very long, and most of what we rode was pre-production stuff, ie subject to change. Rumor is a non-ABS version will be an option down the road, but the ABS system on this bike is far superior to any prior ABS systems I have tested. Its not like youre going to spend $17k for this bike and throw it into WERA or AHRMA racing, so get it with ABS as it will do everything you want it to except endos and rear wheel lock up. As for delivery dates,.......there are no confirmed dates as of yet for the US, so we will just wait and see.

[Dr. Curve]

Fingers crossed here for one of the 20, or so, that will be available "stripped" so to speak. Most will be just as Bobby correctly stated..........but other sources indicate a handfull of the bare units will come thru as well. Put your money down now for one of those. No ABS, no heated grips, and no electrically adjusted shocks translates to slightly less weight and slightly less cost.

Of course, I will take whatever is available at that time but hope for a no frills unit. I will know the moment the bikes arrive in the states..............but as Bobby indicated........delivery to the showroom dates have not been confirmed. Sooner than many think however.

[roger albert]

I hear that no-ABS is not an option.
The other stuf may be deletable in a limited run

[roger albert]

Oh yeah,

I just picked up the latest edition of MO's BMW special and it has a LOT of interesting K12S info and history. If you can handle german, it's very worthwhile.

[Neil Paterson]

Took my dealer's demo K1200s out for a spin yesterday.

It is easy to ride, light, handles well and makes a fantastic noise from the airbox and exhaust.

However, there was a lot of vibration on the overrun and when trying to maintain a neutral throttle. This was most definitely engine vibration. The throttle is not linear from low openings and tends to surge forward. Obviously, ownership would attune your riding style.

It is quick, no denying it and does go right over to the edge of the tyres - the handling is superb. It does feel safe as houses.

Would I buy one?

Yes if I had £10,000 lying about doing nothing and I was adding to my collection.

No if it meant not having the R1100s

When I took the R1100s out for a test ride, it was a case of 'I've gotta get me one of these'.

The K1200s just doesn't do that.

I would recommend trying before buying - if you buy on the press pack alone then you will either:

1 Love it straight away

2 Come to love it

3 Not admit to anyone that you are prone to believing everything a manufacturer tells you when it was better to find out for yourself

Happy test riding - it is a very good effort.

Neil

[Dr. Curve]

Just got word yesterday that is more in line with Bobby's comment. Possible delay till late December, early January 05, before they are released here in the USA. Very disapointed here to wait here while knowing they have it over there. Also got word that a new Twin S is "very" in the works.