I hope other "motorcycle review expert guys "will learn from this gentleman . No blubbering , loud music and nonsense , just what we need: Bike ,civilized KNOLLEGABLE driver,road and sound of engine and exaust.
Yes you certainly can tour on this bike. Better than a tourer in my opinion. You are not blown off at speed and when you arrive in town it is nimble and darty and not heavy, clumsy and cumbersome like a dedicated tourer. 20,00 miles all over Europe and Sunday cafe runs it just does it all. Trust me, its a great bike and a grower. (Tip, get the Akro...!)
Way back...because of this review, I sold my 2011 R1200RT and bought this exact 2016 Cordoba blue R1200R. I miss the RT, but couldn't be happier with the R. Less wind protection yes, but lighter weight, leads to better handling in the twisties. It is such an under appreciated bike. It's perfect.
Great riding and audio. Nice to not only demo gentle wheelies but also real-world ABS. Still have my R1150R but of course considering this great flexible platform.
I am not convinced that this this bike is actually better than my 2012 R1200R classic. My bike has Telelever front end and when I have a pillion and I am cornering through tight downward bends it still handles brilliantly. It doesn't dive. Yes it requires a more deliberate riding style but it handles rough roads and corners beautifully. I also use the Tacho more than the speedo.
I've watched ALL your videos , and some several times ! But , I would even be able to have your opinion about the last model GS 1200 Adv , why should I buy one in September ( model 2017)
i have a 2017 and love it. On long rides i have zero issues with the seat, maybe my ass was just made it or BMW improved things. Also the cruise control does keep the speed going downhill, as much as 10kmh is gained depending on steepness. i also found the gear change indicator useful until i got use to the bike at low speeds. Steering input is so minimal i often rest arms on tank long distance and it easily goes round corners on body position alone. I agree about quick shifter, just 3rd to 2nd can still be abrupt if at speed. I simply don't use up-shifter unless i'm on it too. I have the medium screen fitted and it is enough to hunker down behind at speed or raining, just a bit of buffeting on shoulders only. Nice video and one of the better still relevant reviews for those like me that can't afford to buy new.Thanks
love my 2009 r1200r. was looking originally at SE1050 as i have tiger 955 too ... with good approp 80/20 tyres, a rebuilt higher rally seat and an insane fuel range this is my pretend GS that is my daily ride now. Retiring the 955 I was dreaming of the the V85 ..but nup the boxer has everything. Oh I got a GS style windscreen fabricated by a marine screen maker here that works a treat for long trips. My Tele also came with a neat fly screen that lives on the bike and works really well. A keeper.
What a great review.Clear commentary and not a bad work spoken how refreshing. Excellent riding demonstrations.I now understand why BMW bikes cost a bit more,but what technology and safety that have built in by far covers that small price increase compared to other bikes. Definitely going for a test ride. Safe riding fellow bikers and have fun too.
i bought the 2016 R1200R with all the packages ~ $21,000 , i have a little over 37,000 miles. 3rd set of tires, michelins. before buying my bmw bike i was strictly a sportbike rider. i heard about the R nine T , but the dealer didn't have any, but they did have the watercooled R1200R . sales guy convinced me to buy it. but they would not take my 2013 blue white gsxr 750 in trade , so i financed the purchase then paid it off a year later. sold the gsxr 750 for a triumph 2017 bobber.
Oh I also use my bike for 3000 k trips Canberra Melbourne Adelaide return in winter. Yes not suitable for touring lol... Heated grips are brilliant screen deflects fine unless your exceeding speed limits rather dramatically.
Pretty much my conclusion , have had a 2017 for a year now and totally enjoying it. My 2017 has a few enhancements including the transmission upgrade to almost illuminate the cling in N to 1st gear. The sport seat 840mm adds a nite sporting seating position.
Hi, I live in Australia, with big distances, and am changing over from a Harley Sportster to, I think an BMW 1200R. You quote 'Use: All, but Touring'. Why not touring? Especially with a handlebar lifter, to allow you to sit back a bit?
Not touring because the lack of wind protection. This is easy to get around, because you can get the same bike with a fairing - the R1200RS! I personally would buy the RS because the bike would provide wind protection so I could do even more riding. The R does a great job of not blasting you with air - even without a fairing. But when it gets cold ....
Very good review. I must say one thing.. as I recently sat on one, I'm 5'11'' and don't have short arms.. It is a bit of a reach to get to the handlebars.. Not terrible..but in my opinion..should be an inch..or maybe two..closer to the rider.
I'm 5'7 and weigh 55kgs and I have no problems with reaching the handlebars, gear levers or rear brake. But the side stand is a bit of a reach with my stumpy little legs, it's under the left side cylinder. Smooth ride though, feels light and balanced despite it's 230kg weight, and it goes fast in a safe way, best bike I've ever owned except for maybe my RG500 Gamma.
I'd buy the RS every time over the R - because it's the same fantastic bike with a good size fairing - a do anything bike. (it's the same bike) The RT is a touring bike. A nice pleasant bike to spend hours aboard. (haven't ridden the latest models) The GS is a completely different animal - one I love. There are many videos here to inform you of this bike - only now it has a better (and more narrow engine) and a zillion other changes. Rougher back roads, off-road (with knobbies please) go anywhere.
I guess you're not bothered by the heavy and noticeably slower steering of the RS relative to the R, nor are you bothered by the more forward lean to the riding position. I do wish someone would do a review of Z-Technics windshield for the R1200R (www.nationalcycle.com/vehicles/motorcycle-1/bmw/bmwr1200r/2017bmwr1200r/z2355.html} If it performs without causing much buffeting, it could be the answer to having the excellent low speed handling and nimbleness of the R and enhanced touring capability somewhere between that of the RS and the RT. This windscreen goes on and off without much effort, so one could have a highly flexible bike. Thanks for an excellent review of the R1200R.
Great review. I love this motorcycle and believe it to be the best on the market not to include the safest. It isn't the fastest which I could care less about speed, but it isn't the slowest either. It's perfect and has torque on tap when needed. I will work on this as my next bike and your review was excellent.
This is a really good review. Curious if you could comment as to why the BMW is able to brake in a lean. Which technology allows it? I just purchased a 2014 R1200R, last of the air cooled. Hope to ride as confidently as you.
@@motorcycletesting Man, what date & time were you on that road? Just you and the road, no traffic. That is motorcycling heaven. BTW, are you planning to check out the new 2019's R1250R when then come to the US (Fall 2019)? I'd like to know your feedback. Thanks.
My mind is rattled from so many recent miles on a bike and endless hours of video editing - I think we did it on the CA coast below Monterey. Every rider needs to experience this road.
+dry509 The transmission is as smooth as the smoothest out there. So un-boxer-BMW like. They really have engineered the BMW foibles out of this incarnation to make it a bike even a BMW hater would LOVE! Can't tell you about the low speed fuel mapping - I only tested it on twisties so was hardly ever at low speed and constant speed but the fuelling is glitch-less and the typical boxer engine linear torque and engine braking makes throttle control learner-level easy. :)
had one, pluses phenomenal brembo braking, plenty of power, big all around boxer, minuses footpegs waaaay to high, rizoma makes a lowering kit, ridiculous pricing, I rather have a home, great robotic looks with a war and peace manual , bachelor degree to comprehend how to use everything, otherwise a great bike
The 1000R is a race bike compared to this. A zillion times faster, less comfortable, on and on. The important question is what type of experience do you want. These are not anywhere close to the same category of motorcycle. I love both. If I had to choose which to buy I'd be thinking for a long time. I've been on both recently - The 1200R is refined, comfortable and you just want to keep riding. The 1000R is a hyper bike. Best if seeking out corners, wouldn't want to tour on it, easy to loose your license with. We have a BMW XR test coming soon - not the bike we expected at all. We will probably piss a lot of people off with this one. Good Luck.
Nice and very detailed review of the BMW R1200RS. I had an older model: the R1150R with the *telelever system.* They got rid of the telelever. I guest it was too heavy. Anyway, in a year I'll be moving from Alaska to Asheville, NC (my Mother's & Father's home town). So I am excited because I'll by a BMW. Either I get the new scrambler R Nine T, R1200R or the R1200RS. This will take most of my money to buy. Hopefully I pick right. *What do you think?*
I hope other "motorcycle review expert guys "will learn from this gentleman .
No blubbering , loud music and nonsense , just what we need:
Bike ,civilized KNOLLEGABLE driver,road and sound of engine and exaust.
Thank You! Yes, and the sound is indeed very nice. So is the torque. So is the styling ...
Yes you certainly can tour on this bike. Better than a tourer in my opinion. You are not blown off at speed and when you arrive in town it is nimble and darty and not heavy, clumsy and cumbersome like a dedicated tourer. 20,00 miles all over Europe and Sunday cafe runs it just does it all. Trust me, its a great bike and a grower. (Tip, get the Akro...!)
Way back...because of this review, I sold my 2011 R1200RT and bought this exact 2016 Cordoba blue R1200R. I miss the RT, but couldn't be happier with the R. Less wind protection yes, but lighter weight, leads to better handling in the twisties. It is such an under appreciated bike. It's perfect.
Best review I have seen about this Motorcycle.
Thank You!
Great riding and audio. Nice to not only demo gentle wheelies but also real-world ABS. Still have my R1150R but of course considering this great flexible platform.
Thank you.
I am not convinced that this this bike is actually better than my 2012 R1200R classic. My bike has Telelever front end and when I have a pillion and I am cornering through tight downward bends it still handles brilliantly. It doesn't dive. Yes it requires a more deliberate riding style but it handles rough roads and corners beautifully. I also use the Tacho more than the speedo.
Thank you sir, for helping me make a educated purchase of a 2016 R1200R. What a concise review and the editing is top shelf. Good health!
Now only missing the opinion on the BMW R 1200 Adventure, I hope it's soon! Excellent work done to motorcyclists. Congratulations from Portugal!
Thank You! If I can get one I'm gone!!! (see our previous GS videos) But, I might not come back to do the video.
I've watched ALL your videos , and some several times ! But , I would even be able to have your opinion about the last model GS 1200 Adv , why should I buy one in September ( model 2017)
i have a 2017 and love it. On long rides i have zero issues with the seat, maybe my ass was just made it or BMW improved things. Also the cruise control does keep the speed going downhill, as much as 10kmh is gained depending on steepness. i also found the gear change indicator useful until i got use to the bike at low speeds. Steering input is so minimal i often rest arms on tank long distance and it easily goes round corners on body position alone. I agree about quick shifter, just 3rd to 2nd can still be abrupt if at speed. I simply don't use up-shifter unless i'm on it too. I have the medium screen fitted and it is enough to hunker down behind at speed or raining, just a bit of buffeting on shoulders only. Nice video and one of the better still relevant reviews for those like me that can't afford to buy new.Thanks
love my 2009 r1200r. was looking originally at SE1050 as i have tiger 955 too ... with good approp 80/20 tyres, a rebuilt higher rally seat and an insane fuel range this is my pretend GS that is my daily ride now. Retiring the 955 I was dreaming of the the V85 ..but nup the boxer has everything. Oh I got a GS style windscreen fabricated by a marine screen maker here that works a treat for long trips. My Tele also came with a neat fly screen that lives on the bike and works really well. A keeper.
Great review - I have learned so much from all of your reviews. Thanks!!!
Excellent review. Loads of information. Now I wait for a used one to hit the market with low mileage.
great review, i've had the bike for over 9 months now and learned much more in just 28mins video.. wish it was longer tho!
What a great review.Clear commentary and not a bad work spoken how refreshing.
Excellent riding demonstrations.I now understand why BMW bikes cost a bit more,but what technology and safety that have built in by far covers that small price increase compared to other bikes.
Definitely going for a test ride.
Safe riding fellow bikers and have fun too.
Well said. More expensive for sure but making fantastic motorcycles.
i bought the 2016 R1200R with all the packages ~ $21,000 , i have a little over 37,000 miles. 3rd set of tires, michelins. before buying my bmw bike i was strictly a sportbike rider. i heard about the R nine T , but the dealer didn't have any, but they did have the watercooled R1200R . sales guy convinced me to buy it. but they would not take my 2013 blue white gsxr 750 in trade , so i financed the purchase then paid it off a year later. sold the gsxr 750 for a triumph 2017 bobber.
Oh I also use my bike for 3000 k trips Canberra Melbourne Adelaide return in winter. Yes not suitable for touring lol... Heated grips are brilliant screen deflects fine unless your exceeding speed limits rather dramatically.
I’m a bit late to the party by about 7 years but really good review….thanks 🎉❤😊
Pretty much my conclusion , have had a 2017 for a year now and totally enjoying it. My 2017 has a few enhancements including the transmission upgrade to almost illuminate the cling in N to 1st gear. The sport seat 840mm adds a nite sporting seating position.
illuminate...i suspect you mean eliminate ...big difference in meanings
Great review, thank you. Had an earlier model r1200r and was the best bike I owned- regret selling it for a R6
I just bought R1200R l am enjoying my new bike, it a great bike heaps of grunt
Hi, I live in Australia, with big distances, and am changing over from a Harley Sportster to, I think an BMW 1200R. You quote 'Use: All, but Touring'. Why not touring? Especially with a handlebar lifter, to allow you to sit back a bit?
Not touring because the lack of wind protection. This is easy to get around, because you can get the same bike with a fairing - the R1200RS! I personally would buy the RS because the bike would provide wind protection so I could do even more riding. The R does a great job of not blasting you with air - even without a fairing. But when it gets cold ....
+mvrtvcom Many thanks for your advice, I'll now look into the RS. Excellent review, well edited, keep them coming!
@@motorcycletesting The RS provides more wind protection, but you seat more inclined in it.
Very good review. I must say one thing.. as I recently sat on one, I'm 5'11'' and don't have short arms.. It is a bit of a reach to get to the handlebars.. Not terrible..but in my opinion..should be an inch..or maybe two..closer to the rider.
The bars are adjustable and may have been setuo wrong. Loosen the pinch bolts and move them back. Problem solved.
You can rotate them a little but they're tubular bars.. You can't bring them closer without a riser. And I was just a little too leaned forward.
I'm 5'7 and weigh 55kgs and I have no problems with reaching the handlebars, gear levers or rear brake. But the side stand is a bit of a reach with my stumpy little legs, it's under the left side cylinder. Smooth ride though, feels light and balanced despite it's 230kg weight, and it goes fast in a safe way, best bike I've ever owned except for maybe my RG500 Gamma.
Great review. Your "all but touring" categorization makes sense. I'd love your thoughts on R vs. RS vs. RT vs. GS.
I'd buy the RS every time over the R - because it's the same fantastic bike with a good size fairing - a do anything bike. (it's the same bike) The RT is a touring bike. A nice pleasant bike to spend hours aboard. (haven't ridden the latest models) The GS is a completely different animal - one I love. There are many videos here to inform you of this bike - only now it has a better (and more narrow engine) and a zillion other changes. Rougher back roads, off-road (with knobbies please) go anywhere.
I guess you're not bothered by the heavy and noticeably slower steering of the RS relative to the R, nor are you bothered by the more forward lean to the riding position. I do wish someone would do a review of Z-Technics windshield for the R1200R (www.nationalcycle.com/vehicles/motorcycle-1/bmw/bmwr1200r/2017bmwr1200r/z2355.html} If it performs without causing much buffeting, it could be the answer to having the excellent low speed handling and nimbleness of the R and enhanced touring capability somewhere between that of the RS and the RT. This windscreen goes on and off without much effort, so one could have a highly flexible bike. Thanks for an excellent review of the R1200R.
excellent review. Keep up the good work!
Thank You!
Excelent review, worth a new subscriber ! This bike simply rocks ! Thanks
Thank You! This is an incredibly well rounded motorcycle. You can get the same bike with a fairing as well.
Great Review. Love the R1200R. Barebones no nonsense motorcycle.
Thank You!
Great review. I love this motorcycle and believe it to be the best on the market not to include the safest. It isn't the fastest which I could care less about speed, but it isn't the slowest either. It's perfect and has torque on tap when needed. I will work on this as my next bike and your review was excellent.
You like the bmw so much are you going to buy one?
perfect road, i am in a dilemma, either this bike or harley davidson “ sport glide “ ??
Excellent review !!!
Thank You!
NICE REVIEW, HOWS IN THE TWISTIES ? TOP SPEED ?
This is a really good review. Curious if you could comment as to why the BMW is able to brake in a lean. Which technology allows it? I just purchased a 2014 R1200R, last of the air cooled. Hope to ride as confidently as you.
you can brake any bike when its leaning ...its a matter of knowing how much...racing teaches you this as you do it all the time
Can you tell me what bag was on the back of the R1200R in the video?
First time on your channel.....very impressive review....great format and photography.....where is that road??
So Cal. Thanks!
@@motorcycletesting Man, what date & time were you on that road? Just you and the road, no traffic. That is motorcycling heaven. BTW, are you planning to check out the new 2019's R1250R when then come to the US (Fall 2019)? I'd like to know your feedback. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this review. Could you please tell me where you rode the bike for this test?
My mind is rattled from so many recent miles on a bike and endless hours of video editing - I think we did it on the CA coast below Monterey. Every rider needs to experience this road.
See, I was wrong! Somewhere above Southern California.
What was the route? Looks like a fun ride. Totally free of cars.
+Chris Lee Looks like he's on Hwy 58 in California. West of Buttonwillow. Really great stretch of road.
None of it happens by mistake! Thanks
This would be my next bike. Will there be a TFT Screen option for 2017/2018?
TFT is on the 2019 models.
Why are there two speedometer? Or screens? is the second one an OEM/Factory part?
I wonder how different the seating position is on this bike comparing with R1200GS
They are taller and heavier, specially if you are a guy on the shorter side of things.
What year bike?
Great review.
How was the low speed fuel mapping..was it smooth or did it hunt?
It was excellent. If it stumbled I would have reported and tried to even show it. It's not our Grandfathers opposed twin. So much more.
What helmet camera are you using here?
Steve Rodgers watch the start of the video
Also is the transmission smooth or clunky?
+dry509 The transmission is as smooth as the smoothest out there. So un-boxer-BMW like. They really have engineered the BMW foibles out of this incarnation to make it a bike even a BMW hater would LOVE!
Can't tell you about the low speed fuel mapping - I only tested it on twisties so was hardly ever at low speed and constant speed but the fuelling is glitch-less and the typical boxer engine linear torque and engine braking makes throttle control learner-level easy. :)
+Lee Court Thank you.
Smooth!
had one, pluses phenomenal brembo braking, plenty of power, big all around boxer, minuses footpegs waaaay to high, rizoma makes a lowering kit, ridiculous pricing, I rather have a home, great robotic looks with a war and peace manual , bachelor degree to comprehend how to use everything, otherwise a great bike
:)
Nicely done,thks.
No, Thank You!
Where are you riding? You look like you are on Hwy 40 in Utah.
pretty sure thats HWY 58, Ca. Taft to Atascadero
CA
if for some reason insurance is cheaper with this model i would pay the extra 800 for this opposed to the s1000r
The 1000R is a race bike compared to this. A zillion times faster, less comfortable, on and on. The important question is what type of experience do you want. These are not anywhere close to the same category of motorcycle. I love both. If I had to choose which to buy I'd be thinking for a long time. I've been on both recently - The 1200R is refined, comfortable and you just want to keep riding. The 1000R is a hyper bike. Best if seeking out corners, wouldn't want to tour on it, easy to loose your license with. We have a BMW XR test coming soon - not the bike we expected at all. We will probably piss a lot of people off with this one. Good Luck.
Dramatically improved format....-but pretty long.
We are trying to figure out the "too long" thing but have not found an answer. Comments are welcomed.
you guys still showing this..??
What year is this bike?
2016
Nice and very detailed review of the BMW R1200RS. I had an older model: the R1150R with the *telelever system.* They got rid of the telelever. I guest it was too heavy.
Anyway, in a year I'll be moving from Alaska to Asheville, NC (my Mother's & Father's home town). So I am excited because I'll by a BMW. Either I get the new scrambler R Nine T, R1200R or the R1200RS.
This will take most of my money to buy. Hopefully I pick right. *What do you think?*
are you not aloud go over 30 in the us
25 mins. of dashboard/handle bar/road feature & NOT the bike! Grrr!!!
more than 9 min. watching and still we haven seen the bike. No walkaround or so..bye bye.
Sorry, but there was an unavoidable reason. Simply impossible at the time. I love our walk around video - it takes long enough to do.