2002 BMW reviews

This is truly an amazing bike. I can't think of any faults except that the transmission is a bit clunky compared to a Japanese ride; you can't row through the gearbox like other bikes. The seat feels like your sitting in hot fudge - I rode 1300 kms this weekend and never had to stop once because of soreness. I don't think I'll ever go back to anything else. I thought that the adjustable windscreen would be gimmicky but it is a very useful option actually. Previous bikes include 2000 Honda ST1100, 2004 650 V-Strom, 2000 GSX-R, and a beaten 1984 Honda 750 Interceptor. Show less

I bought this bike new in May of 2002. The first year saw numerous long distance rides through the mid-west and New England. I also commuted regularly. This year I finished my first Saddle Sore and I enjoy this bike as much now as when it was new. Pros include rock-solid stability, cruise control for long mileage days, integrated luggage, heated grips, easy to adjust suspension, adjustable windscreen; seat; and footpegs, and overall reliability. The bike is heavy but in my opinion this just adds to the overall stability. Slow manuevering is not difficult but does take some practice. There is a slight delay (half second) in the ABS braking from the time you initiate the brake and braking occurs. I have not found this to be an issue and frankly, the ABS has saved my bacon a few times - the bike stops very quickly and without drama. Maintenence can be expensive - My service intervals have ranged from $120 - $500 the latter including tires. I have run a range of tires including Michelin Macadam, Bridgestones BT020 and Metzeler RoadTec Z6. The Michelins were very stable on long slabs and big sweepers, but were a bit of a work out in the twistys. The Bridgestones for me were the opposite - great handling in twistys but at the expense of stability on the highway/freeway. The Metzelers have been the best of both worlds - stability and fun when the curves hit. Power is what you would expect from a 1200cc bike, but there are faster bikes for sure but I've never felt I didn't have enough power for sport-touring which is what most of my riding consists of. The best way to sum up this bike after four years in the saddle is elegant. There are other bikes that have caught my eye, but this one will always be in my garage. Show less

At age 43, I decided to get back into riding after being away for over 14 yrs. Yes, I know it's been a while. Let me just say you never forget how to ride, you just get rusty but it comes back very quickly, with me it did anyway!BMW K1200rs is not a whimpy bike & it let me know that right away upon test riding it at the dealership. It has raw power, comfort, style, pizzaz, incredible handling for its large & heavy size, basicly it kicks major butt! It's ready for you, the question you must ask yourself is - are you ready for it? Trust me, I've riden many bikes in the past and this one I'm keeping. Show less

I have a 2004 R1150GS and this is one of my all time favorite motors. I have been riding for 35 years and have owned 44 motors including my current 2003 Harley Ultra Classic and the GS. This machine provides a great ride for wandering throughout the country and also handles interstate riding well too. The roughest terrain I ride is an occasional dirt road as the bike is primarily intended for highway use. At 5'7" I am probably one of the shorter riders but I have never felt that the bike is too big. You either accept to get on it and handle it or don't. I like the big size and the way it handles. Seems like the heavier that you load it (with luggage for trips), the better it rides. This is a great machine and gives one the feeling that he is indeed riding a man's machine. I would definitely purchase another Show less

I have been riding this bike since May of '05 and put about 3000 miles on it in that time. What a machine! Nothing I have ridden even begins to compare with the fun this bike delivers. Touring, twisties, urban evasion, this bike does all with style. The gearbox was a little clunky at first and there was some surging between 2500-3500rpm but both of those disapeared after the 6000mi mark. The German engineering shows through. Dual disks and the telelever system make sure that extreme braking feels under control. Heated handgrips make cold mornings bearable. don't forget that BMW has excellent aftermarket support for this bike. If you're considering another bike, go test drive it - then try the R1150 R . You'll see... Show less

I find the bike perfectly balanced. Easy to maneuver in the city, strong and sound on the highway, and tight a fast through twisties. Also good is that the passenger has a comfortable position and can thoroughly enjoy the ride. I love the power and stability. Its lines are just beautiful. Show less

Coming from beat up rural 125's the Dakar is an absolute pleasure, its just heavy enough for off-road use, but with tkc80 tires it still administers a reasonable performance. Accelerating to any legal speed is effortless, not instantaneous, but not a task. At high altitudes is the only time I feel underpowered. I comfortably do 900 mile days fatigued only by the dim factory lights in the evenings. I carry all the gear I need to survive indefinitely and can still pick the bike up easily. Ultimately if you are only going to own one bike, and want the option to leave the tarmac this bike trumps everything. Vital accessories:
Improved lights
Alloy hand guards Show less

Traded my '86 Airhead for this bike. Bike is large but well balanced at all speeds. Almost intimidating to get on with my Stitch, but super ride once moving. I use regular gas for smoother operation. Premium fuel does not run as smoothly. This is just my opinion. Have ordered larger windscreen, as stock screen does have buffeting. Will play around until I get 'right' screen for me. Seat good, can move around, use bicycle pants for longer (300 mile) trip. Jesse bags have high utility, can hold helmet. Plush but not mushy ride. Brakes nicely modulated. 70 MPH VERY smooth in 6th gear. Engine seems most comfortable around 4000 RPM. No shifting issues. Love telelever. No bad effects from rear shaft drive. Mirrors usable. I like to ride and plan to commute and travel with this bike. See you around. Show less

After riding Harleys and Hondas for thirty years, I bought this bike for dependability and comfort for both myself and the wife. I have been on two long trips, one to Sturgis and one to Colorado in the last two years. I cruised at 90 mph without breathing hard, and passing Harleys all the way. The bike is very smooth and dependable. The local sevice is excellent. The only complaints are the lack of someplace to put your feet other than straight down on long trips. Highway pegs would be nice. Show less

Before I had the chance to ride the GS I was very put off by the looks of the bike. Since buying the bike, it has become my most used and favorite bike. I currently have four bikes including a 600 sport bike(F4i) and an RT. Pros: great seating position, good two up, good wind protection, excellent handling, reasonable power, and shaft drive. Cons: only reasonable power, oil consumption (should stop by 10K miles), and cost. If I could only have one bike, this would be it. I would buy another one. Show less