R12S = F650GSR

[CREOLA]

Well I finished my first 2 day long ride on the R12S, Orlando to Mobile and return right at 1100 miles.

I got nearly the same responses and questions with the S that I get with my F on long rides.

"You rode that all the way from ....!"

"I didn't know BMW made a motorcycle like that, what is it?"

"It can't be a BMW, it doesn't have any sidecases, but it is a boxer."

Even the few BMW riders I met looked quizzically at the S.

A couple just shook their heads and walked away to their KxxGT's.

I really did not push it because when I left it only had a thousand miles on the ticker.

Coming off the F and /5 I was concerned about the posture the S forces on the rider. I found it to suit me quite well, perhaps because I am shorter than most (5' 5").

IMO the S smoother in turns than on long straight roads, it wanders a bit on long straights. However, that could be mostly do to my inexperience.

Now to the two items that seem to generate the most anxiety in this forum.

The "small" tank: The fuel capacity is sized just right for me. I stopped about every 2 to 2 1/2 hours, the same as with my F to stretch, hydrate myself and fuel. I actually did not record the mileage, but I think I was getting 40 to 45 mpg.

Touring: The R12S is not a touring BMW. However, it is the best long distance motorcyle for me. I purposely did Orlando to Mobile and return in 2 days just to see what it would be like. I often ride 800 to 1200 miles in two days on my F650GSR, that's why it has over 16,000 miles and is only a little over 8 months old. I was able to stay on the S for 9 to 10 hours each day, the same as I do on my F.

You can't tour on the S, but you can sure take some great long rides on the R12S.

PS, you don't need sidebags for touring, but without them no camera.

Unfortunately, all my rides will sit for a while as I am leaving the country tomorrow.

[Hong Kong Nick]

2 day trip.

1100 miles.

Wow.

Seriously! The furthest points in Hong Kong can be covered in an hour.

At legal speeds ...

Jealous ... very jealous!

I have a 'long' daily commute at 90 kms ... I need to move!

Nick

[rob_wijhenke]

Hey Junior, you better post some pics of that trip if you want to be taken seriously!

[ckcarr]

What is an F650GSR ?

[R111S]

Originally posted by CREOLA
"You rode that all the way from ....!"

I've gotten that response ever since I started riding...am I just riding the "wrong" type of MC?...have all my MC choices been somehow flawed when it comes to long distance riding and the proper image to project?

1st '75 Yamaha RD200 - 3,000 miles ridden
2nd '77 Honda XL350 - 9,000 miles ridden
3rd '78 Yamaha XS705E - 50,000 miles ridden
4th '81 Suzuki GS850G - 10,000 miles ridden
5th '86 Yamaha FJ1200 - 70,000 miles ridden
6th '94 BMW R100GS/PD - 81,000 miles ridden
7th '99 BMW R1100S - 21,000 miles ridden

Curiously, all my bike have been from the last century so far...

[on2wheels52]

"R" for Roadster? Pictures look like my Dakar.
Jim