BMW R1200R Ride Review

BMW R1200 R Test ride review.

I finally got my grubby hands on the R1200R, so here I am giving it a solid test ride.

NB. Pinch of salt warnings:

1. This bike has a quick shifter called 'Shift Assistant Pro'. Cost is about 200 Euro extra. I waffled on about the DCT transmission, but that's not an option with this bike so I've cut it all out! Utter nonsense!

3. If it isn't essential to the running of the bike, assume it's an extra!!
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[pistolpete]

Great review, I bought the same bike 4 months ago and and have 5, 600 miles on it so far and absolutely love it!

[CaptainK]

Once you have that keyless ride (GS) there's no wanting to go back. Hang on. When I ride my Kwakasaki now I'm forever going back to get the key. Same with the GPS and the wurly knob, changing music tracks, zooming in and out of the map, skipping waypoints, phone and tyre pressures it's the dogs danglies but as you say cost a good few bob. Don't reckon much on the shin ding on the starboard pot, and most of the bike out of the GS parts bin, test rode one and yours is a spot on cracking review. Nice one.

[edcgadgets-de]

I have this bike with all options ticked by the previous owner. It’s a fantastic bike. I had the F800R before. I love all the luxurious options the bike has, center stand, luggage rack, and all electronic assistants and gadgets. I’m very happy the speedometer is analogue though.
I removed the windscreen bc the airflow hit my neck which was uncomfortable. I like the even airflow on the full naked bike more.
I installed Bar risers, grip puppies and a phone cradle in the BMW navigator holder. It’s a fantastic bike and we did a lot of adventures so far!

[tomhas]

really enjoyed your review and had a great laugh also. had the pleasure to ride this bike for a day. the cylinders are a real pain in the shin but you forgive them immediately when twisting the throttle! I thought the gas mileage was amazing too. I averaged under 5l/100km and didnt go easy on it..

[KMDL]

I know I'm tad late watching this 4 years late but good informative & fun review on a bike I've owned for just 4 weeks. Spot on with your observations in such a short period of time. Thank you!

[tedwitus]

just now finding this bike, this review Thank you Andy Man and your awesome Cam — just in time i'm hoping to buy my next last bike this year 2018 and this is the clear leader in the clubhouse

[vriendelijkegroet]

Nice review Andy, I have been a BMW flattwin fan for many years, you will get used to the twin layout and save your shins. Looking at your great travelling videos and the fact that you mentioned you are quite tall, I believe the GS/ GSA would suit you better...but I did a eurotrips on the R too many years ago, its the most agile boxer, even more than the GS imo, great for riding the Alps or Pyrenees, in the end any bike works. The only thing is, the mountains are so far away, I live in Amsterdam, then the GS is more comfy. The older aircooled version are still excellent value without the modern gadgets! The paralever, well I got so used to it so much that I hate normall forks. By the way, the extras are not that expensive, and its worth it when freezing your hands off..

[taffy]

At last. A decent video with sensible comments. Thanks man.

[michaeljkasnter]

Sold !! I bought the Blue and White R today!! Safest bike on the planet!!

[odd_job_]

Just to add - in case someone here is interested - I used to own the base model (Blue) which had no extras at all, so basic suspension and standard riding modes (road/rain) and I have to say it was awesome. I now have the Sport model (white/red) which as a ton of extras (dynamic ESA, extra riding modes) and I don't really notice any difference lol.

[jc]

Thanks for that spiffing review Andy old bean. (Only just watched as I am in gathering as much info as I can on the R1200R, as its on my short list) As a longus limbus chap, like myself, was the ride height okay for you?

[MichaelBrashier]

Great video. I got one of these last summer and posted a review on my channel. Best bike I ever owned! I love it. I disagree with you about the comfort. I find it perfectly comfortable but then I prefer to have some wind on me. Although, towards the end of the video you said you could ride it all day so I guess I find it as comfortable as I do.
Did your test bike have the quick shift option? That's a great feature.

[montha]

Good review, they are a great all round bike with lots of speed, comfort & handling, like u said u can live without some of the extras which is what I did, but there is some good ones to add on such as gear shift assist, ESA suspension & heated grips for the cold weather, those add ons will add to the value of the bike later, led indicators also tidy up the clean lines to the bike, I didnt get the keyless ride I prefer to have the key where I can see it, it's not a big job putting it in and turning it lol

[jhezbeat]

Another entertaining vid. Are there any future plans for a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport review? I Haven't had the opportunity to sit on one yet. Thanks and ride safe amigo! :)

[alan]

I have this bike too and kept it longer than any previous bikes just so hard to find a better bike that copes with everything so effortlessly

[gavinskipp]

Nice in depth review again Andy. I do like the multi viewpoint camera work, I appreciate how much of a faf it can be to set up and edit, so well done you. P.S a question from one who still ides in the technological stone age- does the keyless ignition turn the bike off if the key fob becomes out of range ? any ideas on that.

[DJS]

ah, the joys of the roll. friend of mine low-sided his almost new R1200R during his first run in the twisties. can be quite...interesting if you do not anticipate it during cornering.

[YatinKanetkar]

Good job with the review !
Are you planning on reviewing the Bmw f800r ? The f800r and the r1200r are bikes that I'm looking at mainly because I am interested in a bike for commuting. The f800r seems to have a lower bar for entry as far as DIY maintenance is concerned mainly because it's chain drive. What are your thoughts?
As a side note, this is becoming one of my go to channels for bike reviews and bike maintenance so I'm waiting with bated breath for any more videos that you may be putting up !

[Enusiast]

Thanks for a great review....
I'm very close to purchasing one....drooled over BMW's for many years but never had one....
Wondering about the higher windscreen option....have had several 'screens over the years and they usually end up as a compromise....
Interesting to read that the power and torque are almost the same as Honda's 1200 V4 great trailie but very top heavy....

[flacajak]

Finall, what seems like an honest bike review, not one that panders to the dealership just to make sure they get asked to do another!