BMW K1200S review - road test. Can't stop laughing towards the end.
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 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
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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.
Rode one for 9 years, great bike. Traded it on K 1300 R......
Same as me, I watched this like 50 times now I have a K12 and I love it :)
Bought K1200S last week. Can't wait to get on the road. Great video. :)
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 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.
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!
BMW makes the finest sports tour machine. The benchmark for all motorcycles.
I feel so lucky to be able to ride any bike I want on the planet, I love my job and doing UA-camy stuff. :-)
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. :-)
The best test-drive report ever!!!!!!!!
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
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!
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!
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
Lovely ride but what a roundabouts!!
@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.
thinking of changing my vfr 800 for one of these things. thank for the most honest review and probably the most truffle on utube
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
What a bloody place to do a test drive with a BMW !
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.
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
It's a good looking bike. I like the livery.
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.
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
@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!
I will look forward to seeing those! Thanks again!
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.
Love this video - seriously considering getting one when I am no longer skint in a few years time!
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. :-)
Sharp looking bike and looks very clean for 21k miles.
good vid.
wow sounds like you were having a lot of fun.
this is the lambo of bikes so no wonder.
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.
t 6min 51 you made NO attempt to go round the mini roundabout, instead you opted to go over the painted surface, Police here in Scotland were issuing fixed penalty tickets for this, also from a motorcycle riders point its safer to keep off painted lines on the road as you will have less grip and likely to slide especially when its wet,,
Surley you should be setting an example of good lane disipline?
I was like that when I got my FZ8. I was amazed by the power coming from a 650 cruiser.
Well, now I know you ride as crazy in the UK as you do in the US. Nice short video, thanks!
It sounds so gorgeous.
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.
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…
I think the fazer is an excellent bike too, the BMW is just mental, right choice! lol
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
Nice bike some nice smooth over takes, but my mate got 3 points for running over a mini round about ;-)
fantastic sound. very deep and agressive
Know the feeling, riding my K1200S in Tasmania, perfect roads for it but have to be careful with all the trucks & tourist :)
@fil668 Thanks. I've actually owned 4 Blackbirds. Being a shorty I found the lean to the bars a little uncomfy but fantastic engines!
Just by the laughs I think it would be safe to say you enjoy it
That's how it came into the shop so it was a bonus.
Absolutely beautiful bike
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.
Sounds amazing mate, nice review - looks like alot of fun ;-)
Yeah, people have mentioned that, must be a problem with Powerdirector 9. Thanks for bringing this to my attention :-D
I suppose the BMW surprised me as others I'd ridden were relatively boring. Took the Toblerone out today and loved it! :-)
Interesting to note the zooming in of the camera usually coincides with acceleration! ;)
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 👍
You should see the roads in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. As for roadrage, yes it happens often.
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!
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
excelent bike. looks like you added some things to it
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
Still makes me smile too, especially from around half way onwards.
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.
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?
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.
@kaiser9100 ..according to the net it's the only sportsbike on the market with a shaft drive.
Beauty, especially without side-bags :)
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?
@penguinrobby...basically, WHAT A MACHINE!! It's like a happy puppy, wants to play all the time and the sound is pure music and poetry combined! Not sure I'll hang onto it in the long run as I do have a business to run and would go bankrupt if I kept everything I liked - lol. Re: the swearing, that was really a tourettes moment and totally accidental. :-D
love the sound
your vids are amazing!
That's exactly how you should ride in traffic and on the open road. Good review, subscribed.
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.
very nice sound
@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...
I didn't want that video to end! Haha, awsome!
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.
@markgr1nyer .. It does sound fantastic. Good luck with the Mod1, it's much easier now they've changed it.
David Hockney: A Bigger Picture
"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?
I think BMW is very expensive for maintenance and have a history of electronic failures, I liked this bike a lot but ... after doing some research I finally bought a Honda Blackbird PGM-F1 fuel injection unit, did a suspension upgrade front and rear and the bike is a high flying mean machine with a precise handling and firm grip and fitted Akrapovic carbon slip-on cans, love it to bits, I saved a lot of money by choosing the big XX all this for less than 4k euros, used market is full of them, and is a bike that experienced riders have owned so you will find them in pretty good condition.
But you still ride a Honda. He rides a BMW. Case closed.
K1300S is my next bike, won't be selling my K1200RS or my K100RT, BMW make a fabulous road eating machine.....
Were you so pleased solely because of the sound or because of the whole riding experience with the bike?
“...gotta rev it!” Proceeds to NOT rev it. At all. 😂
If you listen real close the rev can be heard just under the squealing...
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!
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!
Won't be laughing when the ABS packs up and it cost £1400 for a new unit, or the clutch rattles itself to death. The radiator last 50k and nobody makes a replacement except BMW. A recall on the top end does nothing to stop it rattling. The K1300 is a better bike. If you can afford a K1200S plus it's repairs, then you can afford a K1300.
Buy a blackbird or busa. 👍
Or ZZR1400
While I can't afford one, even used, now you know why I want a K1600 GT(L). :)
Get a Blackbird, you won't be disappointed at all, I had a very tight budget when I was searching for one, same thing happen to me, but the big XX is an excellent machine, trust me.
Really nice bike,was looking at that before I brought my Fireblade...Do miss my super blackbird though...Numb bum on the blade.
Had a Bird for 8 years,owned an 07 blade for 3 and a half years. Got fed up with numb bum and now have a 09 ZZR1400.
Wow - looks good, looks great fun....but perhaps too addictive? Looks just as licence endangering as my Street Triple! I want one!
60miles/h in 2nd gear
Beautiful bike by the way.
The k12 is expensive to look after but if you have full history go get the BMW warranty as it could save you a lot. The k13 is a better bike and has lots of little fixes worth having. They are fun to ride and with ABS and the clever front suspension very safe to ride. Speed builds fast but as it start low in the rev range there is no kick, just keep an eye the speed as you will be going a lot faster then you think.
Hi - thanks for your comment. I'm just wondering what makes the k1200 expensive to run?
Lovely bike and video :) When a bike makes u laugh from just riding, atleast something is right with the bike :D
I got my 07 K1200s a month ago having ridden an R1 5vy for the past few years. Akraprovic can fitted which sounds animal. It a great bike on the twisties. My only comment would be I fnd it a bit choppy at 2000 revs in low gear. (I commute on it daily and find this apsect of it a bit frustrating as forever clutching!) Do you know if this can be mapped out? I dont think the Akraprovic was dyno jetted but Ive been told by BMW the sensors woulkd adapt automtically to the aftermarket can. Let me know re mapping if you can. Thanks and enjoy
I have a test ride on one of these on Saturday, fairly scared after coming from a restricted license to this!
I've owned 4..grey,black,blue and a red one. Loved the bike but wasn't keen on the riding position. I can't speak for your height though, may be best to get a test ride.
I think you'd need to spend some time in the saddle first, not sure you'd like the big change in riding position. Try it, nothing to lose.
just wanted to know if you are allowed to wear your motobike helmets when you go into service stations to pay,we cant in australia.