Toni P
Reviewed: 17 August 2010
Superb all rounder. Long days in the saddle, no problem.
Comfort, strange but true, its easier on the body and wrists on longer runs than my FJ1200. Suspension is excellent, especially on rough and potholed roads, the duolever showing what its all about here. Very fast but very easy to control the power. The brakes are top class. Finishes are superb and it is very well bolted together. For such a heavy and long bike it is suprisingly easy to ride. ESA is great for quick adjustment for two up riding. Centre stand is perfectly designed and placed, no effort at all to operate. Looks great in the yellow/black/silver colour scheme. Good mpg.
Backlash on the shaft at low speeds, very noticeable riding in town traffic. Gearbox can be clunky. Pillion seat poor for a tourer, angled too steeply forward forcing the pillion to brace hard, too narrow and the rear footpegs not for taller people.
Great engineering, good quality materials and very well put together. Very fast but is easy to ride slowly, its not "an on/off power" bike, torgue through the range which makes it a good tourer. The suspension is superb over the UKs winter ravished roads. The bike remains stable even over the nastiest of rough and broken surfaces. The fuel consumption is good for its class. Although a heavy and comparatively long bike it hides these well when on the move, even in town traffic. The most suprising thing for me is how comfortable the bike is over long distances. I also have an FJ1200 which is a "sit up and beg" machine, outwardly appearing to be the better mile muncher. However, the K1200S is much better. It takes much longer for the aches and pains to kick in and despite the lower handle bars, is easier on the wrists. If you are thinking about getting one I would urge you to consider getting one from a dealer or with a dealer service history. Like many modern bikes it is laden with technology which needs servicing properly. I bought mine when it was over 4 years old and it came with a years' BMW warrantee. The service from the dealer is second to none. Who else will lend you a BMW S1000RR for a couple of days whilst your bike is being serviced? A superbly capable machine, I just hope it lasts as long as my 22 year old FJ1200. Unless you want a light as a feather sports rocket ship that eats roundabouts, then the K1200S has to be at the top end of your wish list
