Long time between drinks......

[Markus from Oz]

Well G'day friends old and new, it's been a while, September 2011 to be exact......

My R1100S was sold a while back, I rekindled my love for VW buses and currently have a 59 VW split pick up (just sold my 59 15 window deluxe) and went sailing in the Caribbean for 18 months. I'm thinking of buying a R1200S so I would appreciate feedback from those forum members who went from a R1100S to a R1200S or those who own both bikes, or those who have owned a R1200S. Of course, it's almost 2015 and there are some pretty awesome newer bikes out there too - I've been enjoying reading lots of reviews.....

There are probably threads on this or similar topics already, so if you could steer me in the right direction and/or give me your 2 cents worth, it would be appreciated. I never did find the search function very helpful......

Oh, and a Merry Christmas to you all.

Here's a snap of the 59 VW truck

[ckcarr]

I wrote a few things back in 2006 when I went from my R1100S to a R1200S.

Did we all agree...

Out With the Old, In With the New...

R1200S Observations.

Rambling R1200S Thoughts

[Phil Y]

Markus, cool bus! Merry Christmas to you too!

[Markus from Oz]

Thanks for all those links, ckcarr.....

Hey Phil Y, you guys over in Hawaii have a warm and sunny Christmas like us...... Plus it's the time of year the big swells come to the North Shore. Double treat!

[Markus from Oz]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

I wrote a few things back in 2006 when I went from my R1100S to a R1200S.

Did we all agree...

Out With the Old, In With the New...

R1200S Observations.

Rambling R1200S Thoughts

Originally Posted by Phil Y

Markus, cool bus! Merry Christmas to you too!

Really quite a coincidence. You had the same colour scheme R1100S as me and you bought the red/silver R12s, which is the colour I like best too..... Although I agree with the posters on your 'out with the old, in with the new' thread that a black seat would look better.

OK, back to reading.......

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by Markus from Oz

Really quite a coincidence. You had the same colour scheme R1100S as me and you bought the red/silver R12s, which is the colour I like best too..... Although I agree with the posters on your 'out with the old, in with the new' thread that a black seat would look better.
OK, back to reading.......

Well, I have to tell you, I've since sold the R1200S, and actually ended up buying back my original R1100S that you see in the pictures... It was a sentimental move though, nothing rational about it. The man had kept it immaculate all those years, in a nice climate controlled garage. So it was just as if time had stood still...

[Mitch1100]

Hi Markus..great reviews there by ckcarr...I have both and the 1200s is awesome, you won't regret it. Lighter, more power, Ohlins are great, nice growl from Remus system. Look for the OE model.

[hellfishtat]

Nice single cab! I lived the love/hate relationship with a '66 13 Window Deluxe for 10 years. Really wish I wouldnt have sold it. I was planning on getting a early 912, it still haven't found the right one.

[Markus from Oz]

Originally Posted by Mitch1100

Hi Markus..great reviews there by ckcarr...I have both and the 1200s is awesome, you won't regret it. Lighter, more power, Ohlins are great, nice growl from Remus system. Look for the OE model.

Wow, 2 beautiful bikes Mitch! Not just a R11S but a boxer cup!!! How do you go jumping on the 11S after riding the 12S? Does it feel very different? I'm not talking HP necessarily, because obviously the 12S wins there, but more overall perceptions - handling, braking, gear changes, torque, etc ????

[Markus from Oz]

Originally Posted by hellfishtat

Nice single cab! I lived the love/hate relationship with a '66 13 Window Deluxe for 10 years. Really wish I wouldnt have sold it. I was planning on getting a early 912, it still haven't found the right one.

Yeah, I know what you mean. The prices of splits have gone through the roof in the USA (and everywhere else) in the last 2 years. Your 13 window deluxe would be worth a lot more now than 10 years ago.....

It was a hard decision to sell my '59 15 window deluxe, not just because they're pretty scarce but my one had pretty much all original metal and no rust, still OG paint and even the battery tray was still original. But only have room for so many toys.....
Even still, split windows are a good toy because their value is only going up; a toy with investment credentials!!!! Unheard of.....

[Mitch1100]

The 1200s feels much lighter and narrower, so sitting more into it. The lighter weight (about 13 kg I think) is the biggest difference, which I guess makes the brakes feel more powerful, and more responsive to throttle input...incredible torque, smoother less vibration and there's another kick at about 6000 rev. Gearbox is slicker, and for me it feels even more steady cornering. Ohlins are fantastic (Wilbers on the BCR) like the gear indicator, and indicator for kms left on reserve. Never had heated grips before or ABS so yet to try them out. Cons would be the seat, which feels like wood after a couple of hundred ks, tiny sidestand footprint and lack of under seat storage..there's a toolkit but still trying to work out how to fit in puncture repair kit�� The BMW rear stand is awesome easy to use and maintenance is going to be much simpler with panel removal access improved. Did a 560 km run to Hobart and back and found better wind protection(although screen looks lower) and great leg /arm comfort.

[hellfishtat]

Same thing with the early 912's. 8yrs ago when I sold the bus I could find decent ones in the high teens. No you're looking mid 20's for a driver

Quote de hellfishtat

Nice single cab! I lived the love/hate relationship with a '66 13 Window Deluxe for 10 years. Really wish I wouldnt have sold it. I was planning on getting a early 912, it still haven't found the right one.

Yeah, I know what you mean. The prices of splits have gone through the roof in the USA (and everywhere else) in the last 2 years. Your 13 window deluxe would be worth a lot more now than 10 years ago.....



It was a hard decision to sell my '59 15 window deluxe, not just because they're pretty scarce but my one had pretty much all original metal and no rust, still OG paint and even the battery tray was still original. But only have room for so many toys.....

Even still, split windows are a good toy because their value is only going up; a toy with investment credentials!!!! Unheard of.....

[Markus from Oz]

I'm still reviewing bikes and haven't decided on a purchase yet. I've been considering other bikes as well, which are newer models but cost around the same price. As all the Aussie & Kiwi Pelicans know, our bike prices (both second hand and new) here down under, are much higher than what you North Americans & Europeans pay - which is a constant frustration for us!
For example, the 2007 R1200S bikes Ive been considering are asking 12K plus (they are both low mileage at around 12000 miles on the clock)...... For similar money I can buy 2012 model Tiger 1050 SE or KTM 990 SMT or Benelli Tre K, etc, etc. just to give you comparison.

Of course, I loved my 2003 R1100S - boxer, telelever, shaft, oil/air cooled machine. And from the feedback most of you are giving, I will love the 12S even more!

As the thread title says, I've been out of the loop for a while so I have some technical questions on 'new' mods. My 11S had a full Leo Vince exhaust but as far as I know it didn't have any chip or mapping upgrades. It came with a Laser chip new in a box when I bought it but I never installed it. Why? Because with the full Leo Vince exhaust the bike already ran beautifully - idle, low speed traffic riding and full throttle open road riding, were all faultless and smooth so I didn't want to mess with that. One time my friend with his new R1200GS with techlusion and other performance tweaks, tried to outgun me on a straight open stretch. We both started abreast at about 15mph in second gear and went for it, pulling out at around 120mph - he stayed with me but couldn't gain on me. He was surprised and a bit miffed having just spent all that money and time on Techlusion, etc..... so that's why I didn't see a need to try the Laser chip.

Anyway, a few years ago power, throttle, acceleration enhancements talked about on this forum were things like Techlusion, Power Commander, various chips, Robert Foster, etc. Now I'm reading about Rexxer, accelerator module, booster plug, etc.

So guys, fill me in..... R1200S specific, what easy and not too costly performance enhancements are out there now? Anyone using the Rexxer mapping or the accelerator module? Anything else? I have been using the search function but haven't found much....

[Markus from Oz]

For example, if I installed Lennies rocket sprockets would Rexxer mapping or booster plug, etc, be compatible or work well together?
Lennie? Shreddr? Anyone?

[bradzdotcom]

can you guys get away with doing aftermarket exhausts down under?
i'm not keeping up on all the rules lately.

[Chris Canning]

Originally Posted by Markus from Oz

Anyway, a few years ago power, throttle, acceleration enhancements talked about on this forum were things like Techlusion, Power Commander, various chips, Robert Foster, etc. Now I'm reading about Rexxer, accelerator module, booster plug, etc.

The techlusion/PC is still relevant for the 1100 the Rexxer is for the 1200 because it has a programmable ECU the 1100 doesn't.

Put Lennies sprockets on a later 1200 you won't find anyone to remap it doesn't take much working out.

As for which bike to buy if it's either an 1100 or 1200 I'd want one with all the bells and whistles a good 1100 with the right bits will show 100hp that's less than 20hp behind a 1200,but the same goes for the 1200 I'd want a bike with an Akra/Rexxer and a nice set of wheels one of the problems will be getting hold of aftermarket parts many are out of production.

Re the Boxer cup in the photo looks great but unless it has Lennies Induct/SJ filter/PC and Ohlins and some weight off it what you have is a very tall/slow/pretty 1100s

As for 1050 Sport Tiger I'd take it over either of the two Beemers put a pipe and the Triumph optional map and it's good to scratch on sunday or go a 1000 miles down the road I've had my 1100s 15 years next month but only because I have my 955.

[Markus from Oz]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

can you guys get away with doing aftermarket exhausts down under?
i'm not keeping up on all the rules lately.

Yes, pretty much. As long as your pipe isn't crazy loud to attract police attention they will leave you alone. Every year (in my state New South Wales), you need a mechanic to do a simple safety check to renew the bike's registration - they usually ignore after market exhausts that bypass the CAT, etc for this annual safety check.

[Markus from Oz]

Originally Posted by Chris Canning

The techlusion/PC is still relevant for the 1100 the Rexxer is for the 1200 because it has a programmable ECU the 1100 doesn't.

Put Lennies sprockets on a later 1200 you won't find anyone to remap it doesn't take much working out.

As for which bike to buy if it's either an 1100 or 1200 I'd want one with all the bells and whistles a good 1100 with the right bits will show 100hp that's less than 20hp behind a 1200,but the same goes for the 1200 I'd want a bike with an Akra/Rexxer and a nice set of wheels one of the problems will be getting hold of aftermarket parts many are out of production.

Re the Boxer cup in the photo looks great but unless it has Lennies Induct/SJ filter/PC and Ohlins and some weight off it what you have is a very tall/slow/pretty 1100s

As for 1050 Sport Tiger I'd take it over either of the two Beemers put a pipe and the Triumph optional map and it's good to scratch on sunday or go a 1000 miles down the road I've had my 1100s 15 years next month but only because I have my 955.

Thanks for the feedback, Chris. So that's one tick for the Tiger 1050. Bike reviews of this bike tend to agree with you....... But it's not a boxer

I've pretty much excluded the 1100S simply because I've been there done that..... I was very happy with my 11S overall but now I want a new toy; a change is as good as a holiday, they say!

There's only a handful of 12S for sale at the moment and most of them don't have the Ohlins/ABS upgrade..... Although one has Akra/booster plug......

[Markus from Oz]

One of the great things about this forum is not only the great knowledge of the BMW boxer R1100S/R1200S motorbikes, but that many members own other bikes, or have owned them or will buy them in the future. On top of that, are the forum members who work on motorbikes as their business.....
So that being said, I've been out of bike riding and ownership for a few years; I have a soft spot for Beemer boxers, specifically S models - but Im not blind to the fact that there are many good bikes that have come on the market the last 6 years or so.
The one that seems to get the most praise is the Multistrada 1200. Late model versions of this bike are crazy expensive here in Australia, too much for me ... But what about an '08 Multistrada 1100s??? Similar price to an '07 R1200S.
Chris Canning has already opined that he would go for a 2012 Tiger 1050 over the R11/R12. Anyone wanna go in to bat for a Multistrada 1100 S????

I realise at the end of the day, it's my personal decision. I would love to test ride over many days, 5 or 6 different bikes but that's not feasible. I'm not a motorbike journalist....
Next best thing is the collective knowledge and experience on this forum......
Don't hold back

[ckcarr]

There's always another "better" or "Best" bike when it comes to comparisons to a BMW boxer.

You have to have a passion for the BMW engine and brand to justify it IMO.

If you are looking here and there, you may as well not bother with BMW. It won't be the fastest, the most comfortable, the best mileage... Actually it's not the best at anything.. It's a cult.