2001 BMW reviews

I have had a one week loan of the a 2001 model K1200Rs from BMW NZ, for a magazine write up. I can gush about it here, more measured when it goes to print. Anyhow, it hauls blindingly, only those that have ridden Blackbirds, Hyabusas and ZX12R's could find it providing anything other than mindblowing power. When it is time to slow the power assisted linked brakes are simply miles better at it than me and make the thought of returning to non power assisted and independant wheel braking like visiting your Aunty Ethel - old boring and in need of more than eight pot callipers. There is no pitching and unsettling dive under brakes just enormous strength and remarkable composure. Better than the VFR800 system I'd venture. I've tried them both) Anyhow turn in is admittedly a little slower than a 'sportbike' but not by much there, leaving one to revel in the K1200RS's mid corner stability which other BMW models also provide. Thanks to the telelever front and well sorted paralever rear. No other bike I have ridden short of a Honda SP1 provides midcorner assurance like telelever Bimmers. THe big K12RS is also super comfortable and keeps you dry and warm. Did I mention the engine's power - simply glorious and mountainous start to finish. Best road bike in the world? may well be. Makes a VFR 800 feel aneamic, rough, and uncomfortable, to overstate it only slightly. Pricey no doubt but I really can't think of a better road bike. Whoops back to that engine again though the last comment - the long stroke in line four engine is a smooth staggeringly quick piece of engineering so if you can keep your licence for more than two or three months you are Mr Self Control. Show less

I have had a few bikes in the last few years mostly sport bikes and one dirt bike. I have to say that this is the best all around motorcycle that I have ever been on. It's not the fastest, best-accelerating, or even handling machine in the world. But it does all those very well and can go off road as well. You can cruise on the interstate at 90mph for long-ditances or at 5 mph in the woods. IT'S GREAT!!!!! Show less

I came from a K-bike to this, being my first Boxer. I was immediately impressed with the abundant torque and "real world" power that is available everywhere in the power band! Couple that with superb handling and relative light weight and you've got a great sport package! The bike is really a dream to ride! To me, it rides that almost diminishing line between sport & sport-tourer. I can hang the luggage and go sport-touring. Or, drop it and hit the twisties with the Jap bikes. And, you can forget what anyone has ever told you about BMW's...this bike will impress and surprise other sport riders with it performance! Handling is light & fast! Tons of torque on tap when you roll on the power existing corners! Fit & finish is typical BMW - outstanding! One ride and you'll fall in love! Show less

This bike is my girlfriends and she and I both enjoy riding it. It is smooth for a single and gets over 60 MPG around town! There is enough power to run at 70-80 on the interstate and if you rev it enough to accelerate briskly around town. You aren't going to keep up with sport bikes in red light drags but they also cant go off on dirt roads or handle the occasional pothole or rough road. The F650 is also very capable of carrying luggage. It is designed for it! Show less

I fell in love with this bike the day I first got on it. It was my first boxer model and was sort of intimidating with all the electronics. I've had it now for six months and have logged 7,000 mi. on it with all applicable service work done at a local BMW dealer. The good side is that this bike handles so well you feel like superman flying through the air! Accelleration could be better but is consistant. The bad side is that the ABS sensor seems to go out of whack often and I have to turn the bike off and restart it. Small things have gone wrong like some caps and covers falling off and a leaking turn signal lens. My local dealership has been... well, if you don't have anything good to say... All in all a good bike, but some far east rides are just as good and cost much less. I am a BMW man at heart, but one must give credit where credit is due. Remember: Cutting edge German technology is only cutting edge till someone else does it cheaper! Show less

This was my first bike and I selected it because of the light weight, low center of gravity, and anti-lock brakes.My dealer has been great and I have not had the surging problem with the fuel injection. Only complaint is the gearbox often hits neutral on the 1-2 shift. Bike is very smooth for a 1 cylinder. BMW accessories are very overpriced! Show less

Hello everybody, I bought my bike in November, 2000 and have a little more than 8,500 miles on it so far. What can I say: "What a perfect standard bike!" After 5,000 miles I really felt this engine loosening up. Every 1,000 miles after that ... smoothness galore! This is my second bike. Before this one I had a BMW F650. After one year I wanted more power and stability so I upgraded to the R1100RL. Feels much safer now on the highway at 80 mph. This bike feels like a train on tracks! I love the seating position and the heated grips. The only negative point I feel are those spokes. They look wonderful but cleaning them takes forever! My wife enjoys sitting on the back when we go on little trips. She says she feels that this is a far more stable bike and that she has more space too. By the looks of it you don't assume that this bike is fast but I can assure you that she can kick butt if necessary. In a few years I am planning on buying the R1150RT while definitely holding onto this one. It's a keeper! I wish all of you safe and happy motorcycle-moments for 2002. Show less

This past April I purchased a Black 2001 K12 LTC. I have been riding bikes for the last 20 years and I never had a bike that is this much of a pleasure to ride. Once you become familiar with its weight (about 10 minutes) it handles like a dream! This bike is much more sporting than the 2001 Goldwing. My father purchased a new Goldwing, also in Black, in April. We have traveled more than 7000 miles to date. He seems to never be able to catch up to the Beemer on most backroads. As a matter of fact on most Interstates also. Everywhere we travel people always comment on how beautiful our bikes are. I have to proudly say the K12 gets the most attention! Show less

This is my second bike, having bought and sold a Buell Blast in the course of 3 months. don't have a lot to compare it too but this bike is smooth and powerful but not overpowering. Still braking the bike in but so far its great in the twisties and stable at speed. I have the ABS brakes, which I would highly recommend for beginning riders. One good thing is that you don't see a lot of them on the road. No complaints, anticipate many happy miles ahead. Show less

I test drove this bike in the Black Hills of SD. I loved the way the bike performed, and handled... especially the handling on the canyon roads. My wife loved the seat and indicated how you can actually see something other than the back of my helmet. The disappointing part of the bike was it's incredibly high seat and top heaviness. Drop the seat and the top heaviness would be minimal I think. I dang near dumped it when I stopped to turn around. BMW change that seat height so I can own one. Mitch Show less