Testing the K1200R for a full week: Wow! (images)

[SHIVA]

I got there around 8, you're right. I am planning to take the bike out again tonight... I'll decide were to go... maybe hooters in Union... S

[SHIVA]

Guys, I am planning to be at two places the same time tonight... not exactly

I'm going to the Waterfront Cafe 201-507-5656
1 Paterson Plank Road, in Carlstadt, NJ

It's like a country club, with a very popular Thursday night bike night.

I am also going to try to hit:

Hooters, in Union, NJ
908-964-5317
2319 US Highway 22 West, Union, NJ

Please feel free to join me if you are in the area. I'll be on the Graphite K1200R.

Cheers, S

[SHIVA]

Day 6, 40 Miles... Total 510 miles



I rode the bike to the heart of the city today. I had a meeting at 4, which lasted until late. When in the city I parked the bike on the street (with no wheel lock) and happily it was still there was I returned.

Because I didn't get to leave the city until about 8, I made it only to the Waterfront Cafe which is mainly a H-D scene. Not a bad spot, they had a live band, who played a couple of Pink Floyd tunes, I'm a fan, so it was fun.

Initially when I got there a bunch of people gathered around the bike and were checking it out in depth. One guy took out a flash light and was checking all the hidden details, such as the Duolever and the Paralever and so on. I talked to one H-D rider, who was complaining about all things with Harley badge that is now made in China and the emphasis to sell branded merchandise vs. actual bikes. I have mentioned it on this forum before, in the US, H-D riders comprise the largest group of new BMW motorcycle owners. So, it's no wonder there was so much interest. The word about the K12R has gotten around, most knew that it packs over 160HP. I guess it makes sense for older guys to be so much more open to technology than Squids. The race boys I chatted with who were in their 20's, in previous nights, couldn't care less about technology. Those riding RR bikes who were in their 30's were a lot more receptive. Guys in their 40's are specially more receptive.

On the way back, I pulled up next to Ducati 800 Supersport in yellow, by a light. He's eyes lit up when he saw the R. He said, wow, that's the R. So of course I showed off and drag raced the bike at the light. The "R" is one quick beast.

I kept the bike in "comfort" the whole ride. It suited today's riding.

S

[SHIVA]

Hi Guys, So today was the last day of my week long test ride. And Trainer and I were planning a nice finale for this thread. We wanted to post some videos and images of us doing burn outs and stuff, but as it turned out this ABS-Servo-Assisted-Semi-Linked-Brake bike doesn't allow burn outs. We did try!!! The rear wheel wouldn't budge, the only way to pull this off would be to put it against a wall and spin the rear wheel without using the front brake, but that would be cheating. So, I am sorry to wrap up the story for this mazing machine and this rather very cool week with a whimper. If you plan to do tricks on the K12R, make sure to get the non-ABS.

I'll be testing the R1200S after the MOA rally. By the way, I'll be at the MOA annual event in Vermont. It would be great to meet you guys there. Maybe we can even do a little BMW-K.COM gathering. Interested?

S

[K12]

as it turned out this ABS-Servo-Assisted-Semi-Linked-Brake bike doesn't allow burn outs

It does - even without putting the front wheel agains a wall! The trick is to pull the brake lever before you switch on the ignition, start the engine and keep it pulled afterwords. The ABS / servo brake needs to initialize without any brake operation. With the brake lever pulled all the time as described, the integral brake will not initialize and therefore allow to use the front brake without affecting the rear brake. Did this already several times



(the guy in front of my S did not really keep the bike standing still)

Manfred

[SHIVA]

Thanks for the pic and the info. I probably should have tried this a couple of days ago and not on the last day of the review. I should have known that you guys would have offered a solution... S

[deadbird]

He He He,
Mine's got no ABS.
He He He.

[teerex]

He He He,
Mine's got no ABS.
He He He.

Cheater!!!

[Tango]

How would you know the ABS didin't initializate? the ABS control light stays on?

[Oregon_Rider]

That's funny... when my niece and nephew posed with the Seattle girls they did not ask for money. Actually, they love the kids. They take them outside and play football with them... They're poor dad just has to watch.

[TRAINER]

All rules change when you ask them to come outside and stand next to a bike during a busy night.. Not to mention women in your neck of the woods are simply "nicer" than ours here in the NYC area..

[Heath3n]

.. Not to mention people in your neck of the woods are simply "nicer" than ours here in the NYC area..

Quote modified for improved accuracy.

[SteveRed]

Nice write up Shiva! Good to see how your impressions were refined after a few days... makes it easier to love or hate the bike when you can actually ride it over a week. Can't wait to get my KR back from the painters... I have been riding a Triumph R3 (2300cc) so am used to power but looking forward to getting back on a machine that handles.

Hey Deadbird... Did you eventually get your carbon issues sorted??

[Cartilage]

Shiva,

One item I'm now in a position to confirm, after my So. California trip, is how cool the K12R runs. I had hours of 112-degree desert riding east of 29 Palms, and an actual sand storm with desert heat for 2 hours around Palm Springs, but the temp gauge stayed pretty much in the normal range.

As for engine heat on the rider, my reference bike is my older K75, the coolest BMW I've ridden, and the K12R stands up very well against it. A year ago, between Colorado and Virginia, I did notice some heat from the stock exhaust system on my right calf, but I was not adequately dressed (light pants), and a high boot would have deflected it.

C.