Reliability Issues with New Oil and H2O Motors???

Eric-325I · 11-21-2006, 05:05 PM

Hello:

Poking around here for a while and wonder if you all would share your experiences with late model BMW cycles. I am looking to buy a new bike this winter or spring and am considering two in particular: the K1200R and the R1200R.

I love the 'love it or hate it' looks of the K1200R, and of course the hp is a huge bonus as well. The R1200R is attractive for it's boxer motor. The bike will be used almost exclusively for a short commute to work and rural road fun. I am not looking for a sport-bike and it forward leaning seating position and body panels, so the R1200S is out... I plan to own the bike a long time so while fun is a huge factor, so is ease of maintenance and reliability.

Please share your comments and experiences regarding the reliability, maintenance, etc. of either bike.

Thanks much!

Eric

Flatbutt1 · 11-21-2006, 05:20 PM

Sorry but I don't know what a '79 SC is so would this be your first liter+ bike? If so I'd encourage you to t hink again.

OK so AFA maintenance and reliabilty. You will be told that BMW has reliability issues, but some of us haven't had any issues at all. The shaft isn't entirely maintenance free but it doesn't require alot of maintenance. The R is easier to DIY than is the K. The K12R as a commuter? Hmmm I dunno about that, it is alot of bike but to each his own.

Lastly being that this is an R board, our opinions are slightly biased.

BMW Atlanta · 11-21-2006, 05:39 PM

Given your criteria, I would recommend the R1200R myself. The K1200R is a GREAT bike, but if you're looking for advice on how either of them will stand the test of time, my money is on the R1200R for savings down the road in maintenance, savings now in insurance(depending on your underwriter) and residual monetary value almost always favors the boxer unless you're talking about an R11S unfortunately.

Eric-325I · 11-21-2006, 05:41 PM

Hello Flattbutt:

My '79 SC is my current project: a '79 Porsche 911SC. Runs and looks great but I'm backdating it to resemble a '73 911RS.

This will not be my first bike, and my commute is small town and some highway. About 10 mins worth. I live in a small, rural town of 3200 so no real traffic to speak of. The rest of my riding is mostly rural county roads for fun. I am a DIY kind of guy so as much of the maintanance as possible will be by me. I enjoy it.

Thanks.

Eric

Eric-325I · 11-21-2006, 05:42 PM

Thanks for the reply Bobby, that is the direction (R1200R) my wife and friends are pushing me towards.

Eric

steve abella · 11-21-2006, 05:54 PM

I think it comes down to liking the feel of a twins torque or the snap of a 4 HP

R111S · R111S's Garage

Having ridden WI rustic roads I'd lean better on the R versus the heavier, more powerful K.

roger albert · 11-21-2006, 06:41 PM

Yes, the R1200R would be my vote for you too.

Deans BMW · 11-22-2006, 06:37 AM

With out a doubt, a R1200R, a truly fantastic bike, also routine maintaince is very easy and straight foward.

hawkeyejohn14 · hawkeyejohn14's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Deans BMW
With out a doubt, a R1200R, a truly fantastic bike, also routine maintaince is very easy and straight foward.

With a nice cafe styled fairing like the 90S...

jduke · 11-26-2006, 08:53 AM

I saw a beautiful R1200R the other day in a BMW shop. Beautiful black tank with white pin stripes. I had to slap myself to keep from buying it.
I'm waiting on it to come up used.....

Eric-325I · 11-26-2006, 12:02 PM

Thanks for the input everyone, much appreciated...

Looks like the R1200R is it if I end up taking the plunge. Went to the dealer in Neenah Wi (great people) and loved the look so much better in person. What a great looking naked bike! :-)

Eric