Anyone own a BMW K1200s?

Bosley1957

Bosley1957

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I am thinking about buying a 2005 K1200s BMW.I ride a 2001 Cbr1100 Blackbird now and I really love the bike.I know someone who will buy my bike today so I figure now isMy chance to upgrade.Is there anyone here who has rode or owns the BMW?Is there anything I need to know or look out for?Are you happy you chose the bike?Please LMKThanksBob
 
I owned two Blackbirds, one K1200S and two K1200Rs so I might be able to provide some insight. I loved all of them. I actually traded my K1200S for my last Blackbird for economic reasons and didn't feel a huge change between the two bikes, i.e. that going "down" to the Blackbird was what I deserved for a failing economy. I have to admit that of the 30 bikes I owned over the course of 10 years that they all felt great. The BMW is a great bike but ride it back to back to your Blackbird just to make sure its worth the change, especially if you are going to be putting down cash for the BMW in addition to what you get for your Blackbird. I do love BMW's, so don't get me wrong. The Blackbird is a little more comfortable if you are sport touring although I had no complaints riding the BMW. As you can see, I'm having a hard time trying to convince you that you should make the change.
 
Thanks for the imput.I bought my Blackbird because my friendHad one and he loved it.I have had mine for a year and IThink it's the best bike I have ever been on.I know it will be hard to top the Blackbird but I figured theBMW would be just as fast but have better handling.I have read about the trans on the BMW being very clunkyThanks againBob
 
I had the opportunity to test ride a 2011 K1300S a few weeks ago. Amazing power and handling. Stability in corners outstanding. Wind protection not quite as good as my current bike but i mounted a tall touring shield so its hard to compare. Seating position for me at 5'9" not quite as comfortable as my current R1200R but this is a minor point and I am definitely thinking of upgrading. The bike simply blew me away in all other respects. I cannot compare to your current ride as I dont have personal experience on a Blackbird. Good luck with your decision!
 
Bosley1957 said:
I Think it's the best bike I have ever been on.
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If it aint broke dont fix it :happy3:

If your current ride meets all your needs for what you want out of a bike, why change? I love BMW bikes, but at the end of the day if my GSA did not do what I wanted it to do, I would look elsewhere.

Maybe check out BMW Summer fest, August 19th – 21st and see about some test rides of the newer models and talk to people riding the same year your looking at, who knows, you might just get a test ride from someone there.
http://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/summerfest/

I my current ride was perfect for me (which it is) I would not buy anything else unless I test rode it first to see if I was making a mistake or not.
 
I love the Blackbird but it is getting a little long in the tooth ,so when my friend asked me if I wanted to sell it I figured I would look for something newer.He has a BMW now and the Blackbird would be a second bike.I always wanted to buy a CBR1000 but I have to buy sometihing better for touring,
I will probably go to see the K1200s tonight if I can set it up with the seller.
Thanks again
Bob
 
I have an 06 K1200s. I love it! I have never ridden a blackbird although I have certainly heard great things about them and their awesome power. I think both bikes are wonderful overkill for the street. The features I really appreciate on the K-bike is the shaft drive (great for travelling), the heated grips and its amazing brakes.

The downside for me is other than oil changes the BMW is a dealer maintained bike.. I really enjoyed doing valve adjustments and fluid changes on my old Kawi. This was part of the enjoyment. Heck I don't even have a shop manual for my k-bike.

The other weird thing is the 3 button indicator switches. I hated them at first but now I like them.

I just rode mine to Vegas without a single problem. Its great for touring.

Good luck and post a picture if you pull the trigger.
 
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I previously rode a Blackbird for almost 10 years, then went to a K12S and now a K13S. The K12 is a nice bike, the main difference is it's shaft drive, so no worries about chain and sprockets, also a bit quicker than the Blackbird, but about the same weight. The K13 is better in almost every respect, so not a fair comparison to the K12. Ride the K12, your heart will tell you what to do. BTW I never regretted trading the Blackbird for the K12s.
 
Can't comment on either bike, but you might want to make sure you know where you'll take the BMW for service. BMW Toronto has really bunged it up for a lot of people who are now taking their rides elsewhere. That'll go a long way to your enjoyment of the 1200S.
 
GRAYZ said:
Can't comment on either bike, but you might want to make sure you know where you'll take the BMW for service. BMW Toronto has really bunged it up for a lot of people who are now taking their rides elsewhere. That'll go a long way to your enjoyment of the 1200S.
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This is a no brainer. Budd's BMW in Oakville has the best tech's in the business. John Parker and his boys go above and beyond your typical bike service. You're definitely not treated like "another number". They wear their passion for BMW Motorrad on their sleeve.
 
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