BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE REVIEW

This is a user review of the BMW R1200R, walk around and test drive. The R1200 is one of the most popular motorcycle product lines in the world. And in 2023, many people are still looking to purchase one. See what it feels like to ride the famous BMW boxer engine. Thinking about buying a BMW 1200GS? This bike is very similar, except is a more stripped down version, which BMW calls a "roadster" motorcycle. Find out if the R1200 is worth your money! We cover the BMW F800ST vs the BMW R 1200. We highlight the PROS and CONS of owning a BMW motorcycle - including the fuel strip failure on the R1200R. Hit that LIKE button if you found this video helpful!

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[GreatMotorcycleRoads]

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[nadyamifsud]

The fuel strip issue is new to me. I've had this bike since 2011 and, thank God, I did not experience that problem. What seems unique to my bike is that a red light comes on at the bottom of the speedo for about 1 second once I turn the key and before I fire it up. Nobody, not even BMW Munich, could shed any light on this. It started doing this at around 23, 000 kms just after a service. Great video!

[stephenbushway]

I love my R and I bought it for the same reasons. It's very versatile and to my eye, a beautiful bike. I consistently get 48 mpg's and I'm not light on the throttle.  It's one modern bike that valve checks are very easy to do, too.
Another thing to check is around the filler hole in the tank. On many bikes it was not painted and get's rusty. It's a little, fiddly job to de-rust, prime and paint but if it goes un-detected can rot out and render the tank useless.

[Artur-lhks]

Cool movie
Cool motorcycle
Cool music

[grogman]

I have a 2013 that has been a blast to ride. Other than performing routine maintenance it has been trouble free. Yep, that fuel strip condition bit me too. I reset the trip computer and learned not to trust the strip.

[FamMenn]

Wrt. to top case (your comment at 02:51), I'd recommend buying the bigger one from that generation, sold at that time with R1200RT (2005-2013) / K1200GT / K1300GT. Still available new from BMW (over EUR 500 / USD 550 here in Europe🤑), or used. Uses exactly the same mounting mechanism on the aluminum-grey rack you already have. Same codeable lock cylinder too (enables you to use one single key for ignition, saddle, side cases and top case). With 49 liter capacity it's huge, you can put two full-face/modular helmets in it (depending on model & size maybe) and it's waterproof

[janeg]

I've just bought a 2013 90th Anniversary R1200R - a real beauty. I agree that the later models aren't as pretty - the newer headlight seems to have been inspired by the front end of the Suzuki Gladius....not a great design move by BMW!

[EricDolecki]

Looking at a 2013. LOVE all the Rush. Rest in peace Neil. Great review

[petervincent]

What a brilliant and balanced review. Excellent.

[oldschoolbudapestworkout]

It's one of my bikes. No regrets since I bought it, perhaps I ride Hayabusa and TL1000S as well

[StephenCruthis-flwz]

I have a 2008 bmw 1200r and love it, also have a new harley low rider and alternate day to day riding both but like the bmw a lot better, , it handles great but like he said fuel strip doesnt work have to set trip and fill up within 200 miles but that is easy to remember and maintenance is easy but I will let dealer set valves for me

[terryanderson]

Well executed review! Much better and to the point than most.

[serpents]

I just got a 2007 one (last Sunday). About that "clunky" gearbox... The first time I rode that bike I thought the gearbox was broken because I barely touched the shifter and it was in 1st gear. I used to have a Yamaha SZR 660band a Ducati Monster 600. Gear shifts on those bikes sound like someone pounding a steel plate with a sledgehammer or a bolt action howitzer (although they actually feel relatively smooth). The fuel strip seems to be only partially broken. The tank is empty with 2 bars on the display. Anyway, so far I'm loving it!

[FamMenn]

Very comprehensive review. We love your website too, makes us dreaming trying out some routes one day (did the Mohawk Trail in MA 2 yrs ago, starting in Cape Cod, but by car), keep it up!

[murraehaynes]

Nice review…I love my R1250R for the same reasons 👍🏼

[FamMenn]

This 2011 R1200R is a great all-round bike. It is my wife's touring bike (bought last year in perfectly mint condition with less than 4, 500 mi on the odometer!), with the very effective ZTechnik V-Stream wind shield (the mid-size slightly tinted one) and she loves it, very good handling (she's 5'8), nimble at all speeds, comfy.😊

[gorrdd]

Seth,

I guess this the ride you now have. Answering my own question from you prior review review video on the F800.

Gord

[KBauer-csrh]

How about 250k miles on these engines. I have seen some of the older Versions in Europe with around 400k Kilometers on it and still going strong.

[jiribudin]

I have a 2013 model (90year edition), without fuel strip, big windshield + spoiler, chip tuning (but need higher octane, if not more vibration from burning) 4.2-4.6l/100km (51-56mpg) !!! = no cons, air cooled, telelever, powerfull, very light and very easy to ride, best R model ever or another choise NineT

[skynyrdd]

Good review but you might get better fuel economy if you change gear and didn't sit in 2nd all the time...lol