BMW K1200S review - road test. Can't stop laughing towards the end.
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- Took a K1200S in part exchange for the R1200GS so decided to give it a road test on the way home. Helmet cam is a vio pov hd on 720p 25fps setting. Please feel free to subscribe to my channel. Thanks
Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
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The incredible thing about BMW bikes is how they simply don’t age. This thing is as relevant and potent today as it was back then
@cya1no The K1300S and late model K1200S fixed the big issues
@cya1no I have a 2005 and have had every single issue they're known for, including the exotic ones: fuel sender is broken, rear bearing inside the differential turned to powder, ABS shit itself and was removed (2 ECUs working I at least have the speedometer), transmission shifter grenaded and I have a new transmission, the shifter bushing I replaced with bearings... I don't even remember everything.
Still it's one of the greatest bikes ever made. If you need help with yours, we can get in touch and maybe you can experience for yourself how amazing this bike actually is
@cya1no I have the bumblebee too. Whatever mechanic telling you these bikes like to self-immolate likely meant the plastic connector in the gas tank. Mine was replaced by the previous owner with a quick release system for which I am eternally grateful.
Batteries next to the gas tank doesn't matter.... most bikes have their gas tanks over the hot engine and it's somehow not the end of the world.
I'm not offering to come fix your bike, I'm offering my expertise in how/what to do. If you want to keep the bike in pieces in the garage, be my guest.
I've watched your videos for years but i have to say this is my favorite because of your laughter while your riding....i love it
Hi Russ 11 years ago !! I’ve just bought a k1300s and is such a good all rounder so much bike for the money. Mine is 10 years old and the 30th anniversary edition just awesome.
Same as me, I watched this like 50 times now I have a K12 and I love it :)
Rode one for 9 years, great bike. Traded it on K 1300 R......
Bought K1200S last week. Can't wait to get on the road. Great video. :)
Just bought one of these on an 05 plate with 13,000 miles. Hope I have half as much fun on it as you did. Not ridden for a couple of years since I had my Triumph sprint, so planning to take it extremely steady. Picking up some good pointers from studying your videos, thankyou.
I did 88k miles on a 2006 model between Nov 2005 and Feb 2013 (though 2 years I was in Cyprus, and another 2 years I was spending loads of time (approx 2 years) in India on business. So the bulk was covered in around 5 years. I loved that bike. Mine was in Night Black and the amount of admiring glances from non-bikers was incredible. One beautiful girl in Central London when I was living there, said to me “wow, that looks like something James Bond would ride!” You can imagine what I wanted to say to her in riposte. I did, not at that precise time because we went out for a couple of years, but I told her my thoughts!
I sat on a K1300S in my local BM dealer whilst my RT was getting its first MOT. It brought back all the great memories travelling across the UK going primarily on dates after getting divorced after 20 years. Your video brought those memories back even stronger, thank you.
I feel so lucky to be able to ride any bike I want on the planet, I love my job and doing RUclipsy stuff. :-)
I was lent one when my beemer was in for service and like you I could not stop giggling. It was bloody brilliant, and having given it a blast from Sunderland up the Northumberland spine road and back down the A1 I was seriously thinking of trading in the R11rs before common sense, and how quickly my licence would vanish kicked in!
I still smile watching this :-)
+RoadcraftNottingham Russ, I really would have liked to have seen the video from the 'longer' ride on that. Local dealer has one, a 2005, with under 20K miles on it for $5,000, which considering, I think is a very good price. All it would need would be bags, and I'd be set!
I ride a K1300GT every now and then and even with the de-tuned touring engine it always puts a smile on my face whenever I take it out.
BMW makes the finest sports tour machine. The benchmark for all motorcycles.
Lovely ride but what a roundabouts!!
This was an amazing bike. I found the riding position to be quite good, if a little aggressive. Almost bought the 1300S but went with the Concours 14 instead, since I wanted the adjustable windscreen and bigger bags. Still makes a good touring bike for shorter trips.
Can't even have a roof on your car mate haha your a star! Entertaining and just simple mooching on bikes with a bit of banter just what I like, officially subscribed!
Keep coming back to this video, reminds me of my K12S (same colour as in the vid) and K13S and just how much fun they were. Maybe it's time to buy another one! You're absolutely right, a great bike; is practical while also bringing a smile to every ride BUT you can find yourself commuting at higher than anticipated speeds.
Dark Destroyer How is the reliability on these bikes?
I'm looking at trading in my VFR1200 for one.
Thank you
I’m jealous now - sold mine a couple of years ago - May have to keep my ear to the ground ready for this summer - I’ve had Ducati’s and other super quick bikes but this K1200s has the magic dust ...
How many miles did you clock on your 1200s?
Looking at one with 47k miles.... seems high to me, but know they run forever with proper maintenance
@@stellarb67 I would say with regular thorough maintenance these will last a v long time. I didn’t clock that many miles - I’d say approximately 10k over a 2 year period
The best test-drive report ever!!!!!!!!
thinking of changing my vfr 800 for one of these things. thank for the most honest review and probably the most truffle on utube
What a bloody place to do a test drive with a BMW !
So pleased you agreed with me and like the bike. Thanks for the feedback. We've got an immaculate black one in the shop for sale now. :-)
It's a good looking bike. I like the livery.
Haha, ive just realised why you zoom in and out! Nice touch! hehe
What a beauty. I know what you experienced and why you were laughing constantly I have my f800s for last 3 years and still i'm smyling to myself riding that bike. It's not as powerfull as your bike but still gives plenty pleasure. Stay safe
I love the way how smooth you overtake
Thank you for all of your videos, they have been a great help... really enjoyed watching/listening to you enjoy this bike... and especially opening her up a bit from 3:00 onwards :D
@mcgoo721 It's actually quite legal in the UK. The only possible offences are driving without due care or dangerous driving if you're going too fast or endangering others. It's a shame some other countries don't allow it.
Just spent nearly 2 hours watching your videos and have subscribed. Keep the great vids coming. Love it if you did a video on a Blackbird, i've had one for 6 months now and love it.
I didn't but we have an immaculate black one in for sale now and I rode that. Since this upload, the BMW is still an excellent bike but doesn't have the same feel for me now because my Tuono eclipses it. Funny how things change. Whoever gets one of these though will adore it!
@finnsk3: I'm 6' 4" and have been riding a K1200S for the past 3 years and still love it. I added a MRA Vario screen which is superb and completely did away with the wind buffering. I also added a Blue Flame end can which sounds similar to the Remus one in this video :)
Really enjoyed that. Great reviews mate, keep em coming!
5 weeks ago I purchased an '06 K1200S. Your review was very influential in my decision. Now that I have put 3000 kms on the bike, I can say I heartily agree with your impressions. It is a compromise between power and comfort. More than anything, it is FUN. My last bike was the '07 K1200GT and while this bike is not as comfortable, it is more fun. Thank-you for the review.
I know this is 8 years ago alraeady, but I'm looking at the choice between a Yamaha FJR 1300 or a K1200S. Reliability issues that I read online concerning ABS faults and radiatior issues only solveable by a BMW dealer make me lean towards the FJR 1300 more. Did you have any problems during your ownership if I may ask?
I sold it pretty soon after. My choice would be the FJR
good vid.
wow sounds like you were having a lot of fun.
this is the lambo of bikes so no wonder.
It cut through the air surprisingly well. didn't notice any vibes but I only did a brief ride on it.. May be best to check forums or look for a long term test. Cheers.
I will look forward to seeing those! Thanks again!
Sharp looking bike and looks very clean for 21k miles.
@RoadcraftNottingham I've got a ZZR1200 and a ZZR1100 and I reckon they're more fun than the BMW. I rode my friend's BM and, tbh, couldn't wait to get back on the 1100 (of all things). Now that is a bike you can gamble your licence on...the ZZR12 feels more 'grown-up' than the 11 - which makes you feel like a kid with a new toy. If I'm ever down your way on it and we could arrange it, I'll let you take it for a run; you wouldn't ever regret it...
Nice bike some nice smooth over takes, but my mate got 3 points for running over a mini round about ;-)
Love this video - seriously considering getting one when I am no longer skint in a few years time!
Well, now I know you ride as crazy in the UK as you do in the US. Nice short video, thanks!
I have a K1200r and I sometimes get addicted to the engines induction roar. I find it's not as quick to turn as my previous r1200gs or as comfy but it does put a smile on your face. may be changing it soon though as I want something more suited to big miles :(
Induction roar?
What…
Do you mean the cams…
fantastic sound. very deep and agressive
I have riden 3 BMW's including this one & I always walk away impressed. The power is turbine like & is happy to ride along at low rpm. The exhaust note on this bike is delicious. A very nice machine. I don't know why I don't have one. I have a spotless '93 V-Max that touches all the right buttons. I know it handles poorly, bias ply tires are all that fits, it has a measly 4 gallon fuel tank & gets less that 25 mpg. But I love it. But a BMW is in my future.
I often take bikes home (when I like the look of them) It's a perk of the job. :-D The guy who bought it loves it still.
Hi Russ, just watched this for the first time and I was laughing with you . What a bike that is!!! It sounded like the daddy of all engines, ripping away like it's what it does best lol. Great video mate, so funny. And the big sigh at the end as if to say, "I'm exhausted after all this excitement!" haha. Hope all is well pal. Ride safe, Stu
It sounds so gorgeous.
Thanks, I love doing things like this, I may have a newer shape Fazer 600 and a cross plane crank R1 coming up in a review soon. :-D
Sounds amazing mate, nice review - looks like alot of fun ;-)
just a proof of how much im watching your vids...from 1:15 - 1:40 i know that street as much as i would if ive lived there :)) lol. Keep up man!
I have a K1200R Sport and I'm thinking about upgrading to the K1300S or the S1000RR, not sure which yet but I don't even feel the *need* to do so, just want something a bit newer than the 07 I have.
I can't say enough for the ESA, ABS, and heated grips. Simply awesome.
Brilliant mate good to be proud, you only live one keep smiling and enjoy, I love the bike I think il start looking at one 👍
Watched your vids on DAS courses were really helpful passed my tests. Went from Honda 125cbr to bandit 650 to gsx 1250 fa within 2 months your vids helped good luck
Well done and thanks for watching. ☺
@@RoadcraftNottingham thanks keep up the good work, I’m in Glasgow could be doing with you up here 👍
Absolutely beautiful bike
@fil668 Thanks. I've actually owned 4 Blackbirds. Being a shorty I found the lean to the bars a little uncomfy but fantastic engines!
your vids are amazing!
excelent bike. looks like you added some things to it
I was like that when I got my FZ8. I was amazed by the power coming from a 650 cruiser.
That's exactly how you should ride in traffic and on the open road. Good review, subscribed.
I think the fazer is an excellent bike too, the BMW is just mental, right choice! lol
"Owning a bike shop's got to be one of the best things in the World, you get to ride everything".
Next week's review, Nicole Kidman...
Great review - do you think it'd be a good choice for a 4ish hour commute twice per week?
Know the feeling, riding my K1200S in Tasmania, perfect roads for it but have to be careful with all the trucks & tourist :)
Lovely bike and video :) When a bike makes u laugh from just riding, atleast something is right with the bike :D
If you rode the BMW I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. Granted, the ZZR deffo looks better but only the BMW and my Tuono V4 have made me smile like this. :-)
Beauty, especially without side-bags :)
“...gotta rev it!” Proceeds to NOT rev it. At all. 😂
If you listen real close the rev can be heard just under the squealing...
Just by the laughs I think it would be safe to say you enjoy it
Yeah, people have mentioned that, must be a problem with Powerdirector 9. Thanks for bringing this to my attention :-D
I just bought a 2005 K1200S, same color as the one in the video. All I can say is that the emotions that I have developed for this bike makes it feel like I'm cheating on my wife. I am in loooove
Hey Russ. great channel, keep the videos coming. Can I ask how this K1200s compared to the FJR1300 that you did a video about? I have owned an FJR before and was slightly underwhelmed with its power if I am honest. I am looking for a sports tourer with real grunt. Did this K1200 shine in that department compared to the FJR? Thanks
Thanks for this video you convinced me to buy a k1200s and holy shit... this bike is amazing. The horsepower is just STUPID. You can leave this bike in ANY gear and ...never change.
Wow! That's a lot of bikes in your garage and on the drive.
That BMW sounds GREAT!
Was that an SV I spotted in the garage? How do you find it? I recently got rid a 600 Bandit (my first bike) and I'm looking for a new ride. I want something sporty but also something that won't break the bank on insurance! Considered the SV but a lot of people seem to find them quite slow. May I ask your opinion on them?
I didn't want that video to end! Haha, awsome!
I suppose the BMW surprised me as others I'd ridden were relatively boring. Took the Toblerone out today and loved it! :-)
no problem mate i asked if it was more fun than the toblerone cos u seemed to have a lot more fun on the beemer.
Beautiful bike by the way.
very nice sound
love the sound
That's how it came into the shop so it was a bonus.
Interesting to note the zooming in of the camera usually coincides with acceleration! ;)
You should see the roads in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. As for roadrage, yes it happens often.
I noticed that when you come to traffic lights and there is only 2 lanes, you pass many cars cutting yourself next to first car. Is that allowed in England? Because its not allowed in Finland. I like your videos, keep em coming!
Sunds very much like a triumph 1050 triple, absolutly gorgeous, much better than my hairdryer 125, oh well, mod 1 next tuesday :)
Would have been nice if you could have taken the longer route home and covered some twisty sections to really round it off nicely.I like these big bruisers and would love to try one to move me away from big sports bikes.
i have ridden the ninja for a year now ridden 7000miles on it, never had a problem , its a nice bike for beginner. imo u dont outgrow them that fast, i love mine and plenty of power on the country/city roads to play with. The cbr should be a nice choice too.
this has to be high on the list when i replace my fzs600 fazer. going to give it a year or so to gain more experience before i even think about getting something this awesome ! ride safe, have fun. YF
Fancy that, I have a FZS600 now and I'm thinking the same thing. Did you go for it?
Been a long time since I laughed like that, I can tell ya! :-)
damn thats a bloody nice bike!!
Back looking at your excellent vids again.... its newish bike time again!!!! anyway could you give an opinion on a gtr14 against this k12/13, if you've ridden the gtr14 recently... anyway best regards as usual.
Unfortunately I haven't ridden a 250 but would like to. As a learner bike they would be a good idea but you would soon out-grow them. I rode a 400 for a bit a few years ago and soon got sick of constantly having to change down 2 gears to overtake (but I was more experienced) I like the look of the CBR 250 more than the Kawasaki version
Sweet bike!
@fil668 I've had carb, injection, analogue and digital speedo. I found the carb model much smoother but loved the large digital speedo. Best try one out and see what you think. I had the seat lowered slightly and flattened out as it can get a bit uncomfortable over time due to the middle of the seat pressing on your prostate.
After that ride, I wished I'd lived a few miles further away lol
@markgr1nyer .. It does sound fantastic. Good luck with the Mod1, it's much easier now they've changed it.
It was everything, smooth, fast AND fun :-)
Wow - looks good, looks great fun....but perhaps too addictive? Looks just as licence endangering as my Street Triple! I want one!
Sounds like you're a happy bunny !!
Go on, keep it you know you want to. HaHa
I've always fancied a go on one of those myself, might have to pop into BMW soon. Purely for research purposes you understand !
That is one beautiful machine. It sounds awesome and as you say, it would be hard to keep the speed legal all the time. I want one. I like the K1200GT. Which is better, the R1200GS or the K1200GT. I guess the K1200GT would be more comfortable. Bikes I can only dream of I'm affraid.
Great Video - What are your thoughts on the clutch? I just picked up an 06 and driving it in NYC is a bit much working it in traffic. Your comments helped me decide on the K1200 instead of the R1200 - Thanks!
Still makes me smile too, especially from around half way onwards.
@kaiser9100 ..according to the net it's the only sportsbike on the market with a shaft drive.
@barrkel ...Something may have gone wrong during the editing process, I haven't got a clue what you mean!...(well spotted) ;-)