BMW K1200S

[gsferrari]

Im just back in from a test rided of the BMW K1200S. Wow! What a nice ride...I rate it better than the Busa and 12R for comfort and ergonomics. If you are a tall rider then this bike might be just right for you.

Power...nowhere near the Busa 12R league but there is plenty of oomph...It goes pretty quick on the twisties...the Busa might struggle to keep up with this bike on a mickey-mouse track. It has better traction through the corners and doesnt stand up if you go in too hot (trail braking is VERY predictable).

The K1200S doesnt dive as much under heavy braking and seems more stable than the Busa. I didnt experience any headshake during my ride...this was a problem with the Busa (not as terrible as the 10R and 636 kawis but the shake is there...).

An analogy would be - K1200S to Busa is CBR1000RR to Gixxer 1000R (stability only). Reverse it when you want to compare sheer maniacal power.

The seats are plush and there is no buffeting from 40mph upwards. Nice width to the bike and you can really HOLD on to it with your legs.

What can I say...I am impressed...but getting one will mean waiting until December

That is when the color that I want comes out. I already have a deposit on a 05' LE Busa...

Confused...torn and still extremely pleased that I got to ride both bikes in anger.

Dont be selling your Busa in a hurry

 

[BentValve]

Ive never experienced even the slightest headshake from my Busa in the 5500 I have put on it.

The K1200S is ugly.

 

[gsferrari]

It is better looking in person. When I saw the pics I was like "BMW did that?!?

"

But then again...look at the Z4 and the 7 series

it is MUCH nicer looking in real-life...quality...quality...quality. Everything feels soooo right. The instrument cluster is very informative. The buttons are a bit weird...especially the turn signals (messes me up because the Horn is also right there). The windscreen is fantastic...does an excellent job unlike the stock Busa screen.

This bike is PERFECT for long blasts on the interstate or through hills. The sound!!

Sounds like a Ducati with a hint of Ferrari Formula 1 scream at the upper revs

The Busa sounds too civilized in comparison...even the gixxer thou "snarl" sounds boring.

The thing about the sound is how it changes depending on the revs...from a burble at idle...to a boom at the lower revs...to a screaming shrieking hellish sound towards the redline.

Freaky...

Feels faster than it is because of how well it takes to cornering. This thing will leave the Busa behind on a track which is technical.

I got pics...will load them when I get a chance.

 

[05busa05busa05]

i looked at the yellow/black paint scheme a few days ago and it looks like ass......they were telling me it was the "busa killer" for this year......i just laughed. The best part is my busa was half the price of the K1200S.

 

[greeneinc]

Thanks for the information. I read an ad for the new BMW on the back of my Motor Cyclist magazine. I have to say it does look nice even in the photo. The guy is doing a wheely. It would definitely be different to see one at a gathering.

 

[gsferrari]

i looked at the yellow/black paint scheme a few days ago and it looks like ass......they were telling me it was the "busa killer" for this year......i just laughed. The best part is my busa was half the price of the K1200S.

I dont think it should be marketed as a Busa killer....the performance gap in a straight line is HUGE...and we all agree that the Busa isnt quite the "killer" on a twisty section of road.

Someone actually pulled a wheelie on the K1200S?? Man!! I tried all day and didnt lift the front wheel

I have never tried a clutch wheelie so I wouldnt know. I am also a BIG HEAVY guy at 6'3" and 240 lbs.

So as I said...it is probably competition for bikes like the Yamaha FZ1, Suzuki SV-650 etc. in terms of "classification". It is *much* quicker though...

Can it beat a Stock Busa in a straight line 1/4 mile dash?

No...didnt work out that way with me...maybe with a good rider (I am the pundit of newbs) who knows how to lauch it. I did the Busa at the same time and it was faster...but didnt feel like it was faster...the K1200S felt faster but wasn't in reality.

Cosmetically I prefer the Busa's lines but the BMW is also attractive. A little more angular..a more along the BMW tourer lines...

If someone with a little more riding experience can do the A/B it would be more meaningful...I am just yapping like a yuppy greenhorn

 

[TheDude27]

It also splits cars at 120 nicely (thank you BMW dealership for your open house)

. Its a nice bike, not as much power as the busa. Very smooth tho, and the electronic suspenison is cool, but not even close to being worth the price difference.

 

[shenoyp]

thanks for the review gs....

...personally i found the new beemer pretty attractive!!

 

[onerabidshark]

nice review

 

[BigK]

167hp, 0-60pmh in 2.8 seconds and a very comfortable riding position. I almost bought one, but couldn't work a deal on the price.

 

[MidnightBusainSD]

thanks for the write up i'm surprised you think it will do better in the twisties since it's got about a 3 in longer wheelbase then the busa hmmm intersting i've been wanting to hear a ride review i have seen 4 of them bikes on the interstate by where i live i wish i could get a chance to chat with a owner

 

[gsferrari]

I think the better handling is because of the weight distribution and the confidence inspiring suspension. There was very little dive even under maximum braking and trailing the brakes in corners didnt make the bike want to sit up into a potential high side.

The Busa felt more "Top-Heavy" if you know what I mean...I dont know the correct technical terms...

It is also easier to use your legs with the Beemer...grippy and the width is perfect to really hold on tight.