REVIEW: 2008 BMW K1200S Long-Term Test - Images/Video

[SHIVA]

This is a long-term review of BMW's 2008 K1200S, starting on May 3, '08. This comprehensive review of a Press bike includes comments on almost every aspect of the bike, testing of some aftermarket parts including Sargent seat and TPX waterproof radar detection system, ride reports, images and videos.



This year is the 25th anniversary of the K bike and what better way to acknowledge this history and heritage than to test ride the most recent flagship K series from BMW.

I did a review of the very first K12S that hit our shores in early 2005, followed by a long-term review of an ‘06 bike. Although I rode a K12R Sport for about 2000 miles in August of ’07 I hadn’t been on a K12S since 2006.

The 2008 BMW K1200S feels surprisingly different than the previous versions that I have ridden. As a whole the K12S is an entirely different animal than the K1200R or the K1200R Sport. There is certain sophistication that’s inherent in the “S” which can’t be found in others.

Same as my long-term review of the K1200R Sport from August of 2007, in this “living review” I’ll be testing K12S accessories as well. The two accessories are a very beautiful Sargent seat and new for 2008 resilient waterproof radar detection for bikes called TPX from Adaptive Technology.

This is an ongoing review, so look for this thread to expand with more reports, stories, images and videos… Cheers, S

Here are 4 new videos from today to share with you. Make sure to select "Watch In High Quality" an option available with these videos on YouTube.

First is my overview of this 2008 K1200S which can be found here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XlRw6INjHE0

Second is my overview of the Sargent seat. www.sargentcycle.com
http://youtube.com/watch?v=F4BF1zat-Qs

Third is my overview of the TPX, radar detection system from Adaptive Technology. www.radarforbikes.com
http://youtube.com/watch?v=px7b9LPRdvo

Fourth is my overview of the BMW Sports exhaust system for the K1200S made by Laser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB-_ICfOXuo


* * * * * * *

Links to my other reviews on this site:
The F800S story "The Heretic:" http://bmwk1200s.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6586

The first K1200S that hit our coasts at retail level,
http://bmwk1200s.com/ride_report.htm

Then the K12S 06 version
http://bmwk1200s.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4052

The K1200R
http://bmwk1200s.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3821

The 07 K1200R Sport
http://bmwsuperbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6651

And the 06 K1200GT
http://bmwk1200s.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3464

[SHIVA]

I am a big fan of radar detectors on bikes. Granted they aren't legal in every country in the world, but in the US they are in almost every state except for a handful. I have been using V1 on my K12RS for several years but when I heard that a new company has put out a waterproof radar for bikes, I got excited.

Car radars aren't too practical on bikes, because they aren't weather proof and if you try to box them in some waterproof housing they look terrible and the box itself will cut down on their sensitivity. Using a radar that you can leave on the bike in all kinds of weather is welcome news to all riders.

Here is my video overview of the TPX, radar detection system from Adaptive Technology.. Make sure to select "Watch In High Quality" an option available with this video on YouTube.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=px7b9LPRdvo

www.radarforbikes.com

And here are the radar system installation pics, the installation was very quick and hassle free:

Here's the TPX nicely installed on the '08 K12S:


We used the very slick and infinitely adjustable Techmount for the TPX radar.


The installation took minutes. We took out the left tank panel, ran a very clean install, and hid the wires in a cavity under the left tank panel.


Here's a close up shot of the Visual Alert system, or the secondary LED display. The unit also offers a wireless in-helmet audio alert system.

[Jamie]

Very, very nice

Thanks for posting

[SHIVA]

Thanks Jamie, Since you have been on so many K1200Ses I think you can concur that the '08 feels specially tight. I am very impressed so far.

After we installed the TPX radar system yesterday, Wayne and I pulled over to have lunch at a local restaurant.

[SHIVA]

I picked up the K-S with almost no mileage, this is unusual because Press bikes usually have had their 600 miles service performed. So my review will soon involve a 600 miles service as well. I am hoping to schedule the service in advance for a quick turn around.

I have broken in a few new K bikes and they always get noticeably smoother and faster after the 600 miles service.

The bike now has about 200 miles on it, I picked it up with 30.

More to come...

[Jamie]

......I think you can concur that the '08 feels specially tight..........

quite correct, in more ways than one, a fairly big difference from the '05/06 to the '07/08

[anthony_semone]

Shiva,

so how "clunky" is transmission on this bike?

tony

[SHIVA]

ah the clunk.... well, the reason I haven't mentioned the tranny yet is because the bike is brand new. and brand new bikes are always a bit stiff everywhere.

there is a pretty noticeable clunk into first, however the gears change pretty quietly and smoothly after that. Neutral is easily found (for a BMW).

I am hoping the clunk into first will get less noticeable after 600 miles service.... But the bike as whole feels different from the '06 model. It's finally a real joy to ride this bike.

More later! S

[anthony_semone]

S,

Actually, since my last post here, on my most recent ride, if I keep up the rpm and if I press the shift lever with more authority and as little clutch lever pull as I can, when I hit it right, there is hardly any clunk..

I'll be excited to read what your further experience is like w/ the bike. I can't wait to get more training under my belt so I can appreciate it more.

take care,

tony

[SHIVA]

yea, there are a few techniques for smoother shifts. on BMW's specially going into 2nd, it's good to shift with authority. Even on my own K12RS with 64K miles, I still miss 2nd from time to time, go figure. can't be casual about BMW gearing.

like you said, it's good to pull in the clutch just for 1" or even less, the bike shifts better that way.

But I don't really find the tranny so clunky, just going into first for now, it's pretty loud. in the 05/06 2nd and 3rd were also clunky...

more to come... S

[SHIVA]

TUESDAY:

as expected the bike is getting better with each mile. since I picked up the bike with hardly any mileage on it, as the odometer turns ever upward the power and eagerness increases.

although I have put only about 200 miles on this bike so far, I'd have to say it's very very impressive. and I know we have members on our forum putting thousands of miles on the '05 and '06 K's but the new K12S feels like a different bike.

This bike is "eager" now, which is a trait every sport bike should have. A high-powered sport bike must be a thorough-bred, eager to gallop. A super fast sport bike must sling shot from idle and the new K does that.

With all due respect to owners of the '05 and '06, the earlier K's were a bit too lax in low RPMs, they tend to come alive at about 8K revs. But the new K, partly due to my throttle adjustment, is a thing of beauty. I am thoroughly enjoy riding it.

For those of you who have watched my new intro video on this bike you know that I set up the bike before started riding it. (you can see the video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XlRw6INjHE0)

If you remember from my K12R Sport review of last summer, I am not a fan of BMW's new grips. I find them to be too narrow for my hands and I wear medium size gloves, I also think the grips are just too hard for a street bike. They may work on the track, but are too harsh for street use. Also, narrow, hard grips tend to transfer a lot of the engine vibration to the rider. So a little $8 Grip Puppies, foam sleeves for grips, make a lot of sense.

I also took all the slack from the throttle cable. I like to feel the power from the get go. You touch the throttle, the bike comes alive. So, this little adjustment has also IMO greatly helped with the overall feel of the bike.

So far so great. I think, I can say this with some authority that the K BIKES ARE BACK!!!!....

More later... S

[SHIVA]

THURSDAY:

So, how is the Sargent Seat:

I used the Corbin seat on the K1200R-S last year for about 2000 miles. And now I've put only about 200 miles on the Sargent so far.

Sargent and Corbin are as different as seats get.

Corbin's are leather, they have a certain plushness because of it, they aren't waterproof, and as a whole they need care. They are extremely heavy. They feel like they weigh about 20-30 pounds+. Real heavy. They are comfortable, but they hold your butt in one spot. I think that's their trademark. You sit a certain way on Corbins. Also Corbin requires a bracket to be mounted before the seats can be used. But they work fine as aftermarket seats, no question. I liked them on that K12R-S.

Sargent, even with the storage pod feels as light as the OEM and that's saying a lot. Sargent is probably the most hi-tech seat maker out there. If you watch my video on YouTube I think I cover all their advantages. http://youtube.com/watch?v=F4BF1zat-Qs They require no modification to be used on the bike. They are totally waterproof and hassle free, they require no pampering. I have had Sargent on my own K12RS for several years and it still looks great.

For my money, Sargent is the way to go, hands down. S

[KSnake]

Shiva, I have enjoyed your comments on the '08 test bike so far, including your U-tube video. All the comparison reports I noticed on this site from those who have owned both an '05 or '06 KS and a more recent KS say there is a big difference between the '05-'06 and the '07-'08. I wonder which parts have been changed to create this difference. Has anyone compiled a list of the parts that have been changed in the two eras of the new K1200S? The change in brake systems has been written about in detaiil on this site, but that alone would not account for the performance differences you and others have written about. I note your concern about offending me as part of the '05 ownership crowd with an unfavorable comparison of my older '05 with the newer model you are testing. Perhaps others feel differently, but I welcome an honest view of all years of this model. I am enjoying my '05, but it is not my child and any insults to the '05 will not be interpreted as an insult to me. If my '05 turns out to be a worthless piece of crap that is like a time bomb waiting to disintegrate between my legs, I'd like to know about it. I have survived larger financial losses.

For what it is worth to someone who is worried about the clunk of the older '05 models, I have noticed a big difference in the smoothness of the shifting of my '05 from when it had less than 5000 miles and when it had over 10,000 miles.

[Fido]

Shiva, I have enjoyed your comments on the '08 test bike so far, including your U-tube video. All the comparison reports I noticed on this site from those who have owned both an '05 or '06 KS and a more recent KS say there is a big difference between the '05-'06 and the '07-'08. I wonder which parts have been changed to create this difference. Has anyone compiled a list of the parts that have been changed in the two eras of the new K1200S? The change in brake systems has been written about in detaiil on this site, but that alone would not account for the performance differences you and others have written about. I note your concern about offending me as part of the '05 ownership crowd with an unfavorable comparison of my older '05 with the newer model you are testing. Perhaps others feel differently, but I welcome an honest view of all years of this model. I am enjoying my '05, but it is not my child and any insults to the '05 will not be interpreted as an insult to me. If my '05 turns out to be a worthless piece of crap that is like a time bomb waiting to disintegrate between my legs, I'd like to know about it. I have survived larger financial losses.

For what it is worth to someone who is worried about the clunk of the older '05 models, I have noticed a big difference in the smoothness of the shifting of my '05 from when it had less than 5000 miles and when it had over 10,000 miles.

Shiva...I have an '06...and would appreciate the same input as KSnake. Thank you.

[SHIVA]

since the 05/06, besides the Servo brakes being ditched these bikes are now sporting new tranny and as far as I know new clutches too. in addition to these changes, the way the engine feels, specially in low-end is much more impressive than the 05/06. part of the changes are normal maturing of the assembly line and fine tunning of varied parts that make these bikes. these bikes now have an overall maturity which didn't exist in the older generations and I don't think that these changes are minor.

I suggest those of you who are currently riding the 05/06 to try to demo a new KS and share your thoughts here. I know there is good inventory of KS bikes at dealerships, so demos should be easy.

S

[SHIVA]

Also, This Sargent seat that I am testing is for my review purposes and will be returned to them after I am done with this K1200S. Sargent is planning to make this seat available to purchase as a demo.

So, put your name down with Sargent if you're seriously interested. S

[WayneFromAdaptiv]

Shiva,

It was good hanging out with you last weekend, and thanks for testing out the TPX. Looking forward to hear what you have to say about it.

[SHIVA]

Hi Wayne, Good to hear from you. I'll do a review of your radar system this week. Also, I have set up a separate thread about TPX in our Parts & Accessories section that you view below.

http://bmwsuperbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8475

Have a great week, S

[SHIVA]

TUESDAY:

Adaptive Technology’s TPX radar system.

OK, let’s talk radar. As mentioned above I’m a long time user of radar detectors on bikes. I have been using a Valentine 1 system for about 7 years or so. I have also used wireless in-helmet radar audio warning systems extensively.

That’s why the first time I read about Adaptive’s new radar for bikes in Cycle World, I got very excited. I contacted Wayne Chen almost immediately to find out how far along they were with this new radar detection system. Wayne, along with his partner Adam Gold are founders of Adaptive.

When I met with Wayne and Adam at the 2008 Motorcycle show in NYC, I got a sense that these two have a very good grasp of the shortcomings of current crop of radar systems. Almost every radar detection system sold in the US does a fairly good job of picking up bogies or hazards. The main issue is that all these radars are made to be used inside cars and trucks only. Meaning they aren’t meant to get wet or be beaten on by the elements. Also, all the current detectors are pretty useless on bikes unless accompanied by a secondary audio or visual alert system. The reason is that alerts and warning lights on radar systems can’t be seen or heard on bikes at normal highway speeds. To be exact, they can be seen if you are looking at the radar’s warning panel directly, at all times, which of course is not a possible solution.

There are companies that sell secondary alerts for bikes. On Valentine for example, if I want to use an audio/visual alert, first I have to get their Remote Audio Adapter, then buy an alert system from an aftermarket vendor. It can work, but it’s cumbersome and takes up too much room on the bike. With escort, also one needs to go to aftermarket for an alert system.

Radar on bikes users tend to be serious long distance riders who log thousands of miles a year. And any serious rider will go through rough weather time and again. One solution that’s out there for using radar systems in bad weather is to put them in ugly Plexiglas cases. You won’t see this solution on high-end, gorgeous sport or sport touring bikes. Also, normal radars need to be strapped on to bike mounts for extra security to prevent them from falling off on bad roads.

Knowing all these limitations of the current crop of radar detectors, the need for a product like Adaptive’s TPX is quite real and that’s the reason for my excitement.

I have a video overview of Adaptive’s radar, plus some images above.

The installation was pretty hassle free, so was the mounting of the visual alert system. The visual alert looks pretty stuck and fits nicely on the dash. The TPX slides and locks in place, mighty handy, as it eliminates the use of security straps.

The TPX system has 3 modes, City, City NoX and Highway. When you use any radar detectors long enough you tend to ignore them in major cities, because they go off for any radio band that covers their range. I turn my V1 off in cities, however the TPX has an interesting city mode called City NoX, that actually make this system relatively usable. Keep in mind, by cities I am talking major cities, not towns or villages. The NoX mode, eliminates all X band and also won’t flash continuously, as in, it won’t annoy you, unless it’s certain the threat is serious. I am using the TPX on City NoX mode almost continuously, even on the highways, because I don’t want to be hassled by the X band.

Explanation of radar bands.
First there was the “X.” X band is the oldest in use for speeding and easiest to detect, and it has been for the most part phased out of use in the US, however, there are still some counties that are using old X band radar guns, because of these few municipalities, the X band detection still remains on radar detectors. In the past several years of using radar, only once was I tagged with an X. Of course X casts a very broad coverage, so it’s detectable from a relatively far distance.

K and Ka bands. K and the newest Ka (kay-a) having a narrower bands, are detected only from about half a mile or so, maybe a full mile on a straight road with no obstructions. It also means the K or Ka radar guns can only detect speeders within approximately 1/2 mile range. The Ka being newer is harder to detect than the older K band. In my experience almost any time I’ve been tagged it was with the Ka gun. If you see Ka on your radar, it’s a good chance the bogey is serious. Similar to X band, there are still some K guns in use around the country, but today’s radar gun of choice operates in Ka band.

Laser. Initially laser was supposed to change radar detection system for good. With its promise of ultra precise tagging with no warning it meant radar detectors were going to be obsolete. However, the draw back of such systems that need to be used like a rifle (hold to your eye, aim and fire) meant the good officer can no longer lay back in his patrol car and have his coffee and donut in peace, reading his favorite paper while monitoring speeders. I don’t think I need to spell it out, but the laser turned out to be a big noise about nothing.

I can safely say 98% of all radars that I have come across through my travels have been in Ka band, left ON at all times. That’s so because officers can park their cars in the shade, set their always-on guns to alert them if a speeder goes above a certain limit which is normally about 10 over the flow of traffic, or 15-20 over the limit.

Back to the TPX system. The system works as promised; the unit is unusually robust, even though it’s very light weight. It feels like it can take a beating. I love that it slides and locks in place. I also like the extra large buttons meant to be used with gloved hands. The visual alert is pretty brilliant too. I specially like that it looks stock. The system has no problem picking up bogies. The visual alert is bright and noticeable in daylight. I haven’t used their wireless in helmet audio warning system, but it looks pretty first rate. Also the wiring system that came with this unit is high quality and weather resistant.

I admire Wayne and Adam for putting out such a unit. Our community needs such a product and I am glad they thought of it and from my so far short experience they have put together a very impressive unit.

[SHIVA]

WEDNESDAY

It's a good morning, when I get to do 120 on my way to work. This bike is very fast. Of course there is no shortage of fast bikes in the world, but to be highly stable in high speeds is what counts and the K1200S has that done pretty good. The KS is very comfortable cruising around in the triple digits. The bike is so planted that unless you keep monitoring your speed you can easily double highway limits without noticing it. I am just loving this bike, this is a highly impressive, comfortable, fast, stable and flickable Hypersport...

Has BMW made the ultimate Hypersport to finally get me off my Nandi?

hmmmmm...

[lch6257]

Shiva,

I have been anxiously reading your review of the 2008 K1200S and appreciate all of your insight. You made the comment about whether this bike is now matured enough to convert you from your K1200RS, Nandi(beautiful bike, btw). I can relate to your question as I am trying to decide if this bike is enough to either upgrade from my 2007 F800ST or trade in my Ducati 1098S . Love the Duc, but it is a great 3-4 hour ride on a Sunday. So practically, speaking it is not practical at all save for a fast Sunday ride or a day at the track. Their is nothing wrong with that, except that I am maturing as a rider since the BMW. The F800ST is my first BMW and it has just knocked my socks off. The bike is so rideable and awesome in my favorite place, the switchbacks and twisties. It is great in the wet, cold, and is quite capable touring. The 1098S can be ridden faster in the corners, but I always feel I am a bit over my head on it as I like to ride hard and fast and to master the Duc is a task not for mere mortals. I am blessed with a marvelous stable. Wife says I am welcome to get a new bike, but only for a trade or sale first. I have the chance to ride a Night Black K1200S at my dealer when I am ready, but I like to do my homework first. So, I ask: HOW GOOD IS THE 2008 K1200S? Do you love this Motorcycle? Have you ridden a 2007? Is the 08 that much better as I can find 2007s for $11K-$12K with low miles if you look hard enough or is the 2008 worth $17K fully loaded? Does your test bike have the ASC on it? Any good? Is the K1200S getting a facelift for 2009? Any input is appreciated.

[Asphalt]

[quote="SHIVA Has BMW made the ultimate Hypersport to finally get me off my Nandi?

hmmmmm... [/quote]

Yes...
I have been riding my K12S for just over a year now and out of everything I have learned about her, on or off the track, the most impressive thing is how versatile she is. Cases, no cases, back roads, mountain roads, straight desert highways, fast, slow, stupid fast, stopping on a dime, tucked down, sitting up...flat out comfortable.
It really is a bike that creates a whole new niche that I don't think anyone is going to bump off the throne for a long while.
But, Shiva, please tell me you would keep Nandi...right???

[lch6257]

Asphalt,

Great comments, the versatility sounds excellent. Riding for the real world as they say. Q: How is she in the parking lot or better yet, the interstate parking lot if you get my drift..?? My F800ST is amazing at 1 mph or less, I just wonder how this heavier machine would fair. As long as it is respectable in a parking lot.

[SHIVA]

lch6257, thanks for your comments, as far as I know there is little difference between 07 and 08s. so, if you can pick up an 07 for a bargain, you may want to go for it.

As for changes to the '09, all I can say is that BMW seems to use a 5 year cycle for updates, and these bikes came out in 2004. so, we should be near a face lift. no other info is available. also keep in mind these bikes new in the US with options and tax will cost a good 20 grand, so there is nothing wrong with buying a great no mileage previous model year's version.

Asphalt, I agree with your comments. it's the M series of bikes, fast, but comfy, competent in all types of roads, but compliant enough as a daily rider...

As for Nandi, I really have no incentive to sell the bike, it's 9 years old, has 64,000 miles, it's highly modified, so, it won't fetch much on the used bike circuit or as a trade in, so I rather keep it, because I still enjoy riding it... Nandi is a keeper... S

[Asphalt]

Good to hear, Shiva. Gotta keep the classics!
Ich, the K12S is definitely at home at high rpm and higher speeds. But, I live in L.A. and this bike is a fine high traffic commuter. Slim enough to split lanes. Slow speed throttle response has never been an issue for me, despite what others may find. Some bikes just run differently and are tuned better. I have a full Akra ti exhaust and evo race filters and the bike is very smooth just about everywhere on the tach. The low CG on the K12S makes it feel lighter than it actually is. Honestly, though, you cannot justify not buying this bike based on sub 5mph riding performance...that is just silly and, IMO, misses the point of owning this motorcycle.
Hope that helps!
By the way, the 800's kick serious ass. Had a loaner last month and it was a very cool bike.