2005 bmw reviews

This is the BEST sport tourer/tourer I have ever owned. I have had 6 Gold Wings, 2 FLHTCUI, and 2 ST1300's. This 07 R1200RT wins hands down in my opinion. I am just totally blown away by every facet of this machine. BMW did it's homework on this model. Show less

I've really enjoyed this bike. It's a great tourer and yet allows off road travel to those "What's over there?" places. With the crash bars, you can come up with some very different seating styles to stretch out your legs and give your back a rest. The conti tires are great in the rain and dry pavement and give superglue grip on dirt and mud. They do tend to wear fast on pavement though. Only problems so far is the gasket for the fuel pump access on the tank leaked and needed to be reset. I was in the icefields of Canada when that started leaking but was able to fix it with tools I had on hand, and the crash bars broke at the bash plate and needed welding. The bike is heavy, once you lose it on a gravel road or loose dirt, you're going down. BMW panniers are wide but able to stuff enough materal to go camping for several weeks. Probably the best panniers I've ever owned. haven't ridden the 1200 yet, put don't think at this point I need to. Very satisfied so far. Show less

Going from a Ninja to a Boxer takes some getting used to. The sound, the feel and the performance are different. Once you get the hang of it, the ride is smooth, comfortable and the performance is excellent. I have taken this bike out for a 4 day trip with a backpack and it was not hard on me at all. However, the real bonus to this ride is the fact that you don't see many other bikes like it around. Also, this bike turns heads like you can't believe! You park this thing somewhere and when you came back to it, there is always a few people around asking you about it and complimenting it. I've even had a few big Harley dudes say how much they thought it was a hot bike! Anyway, I know there were only 50 shipped to Canada and 300 to the States out of a total of 1100 produced, so this is quite a unique machine out on the road. That is something I really appreciate. Show less

She's the one that got me thinking about a touring bike after owning several metric V-twins. On long rides, she would get uncomfortable, and like they say 'If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy!'. It took a couple of months to get used to the low speed handling of this top-heavy beast, but the ABS brakes, handling, and overall comfort of this machine have spoiled me rotten! Heated seats and grips, electrically adjusted windscreen, cruise control - and best of all, my wife falls asleep riding on the back, so you know she's comfy now! Show less

As all the other reviews have stated to one extent or another, this is very nearly THE perfect motorcycle. The highs: Great handling (terrific balance), great power (the hexhead boxer is a winner), terrific ergonomics, great reliability, decent weather protection, and the exclusivity of being on such a distinctive machine. The lows: the stock seat (200 miles in one sitting is too much), and the buy in cost (although if it's the one machine you want- get it). All in all, I am more than just a little satisfied with this machine. It initially looks expensive, but if you can afford the payment on a Hyundai you can afford the payment on a BMW R1200GS. Show less

Owned bikes for 30 years and ridden just about all types of bikes. The K1200S just blew me away! A great package of looks, speed, comfort, confidence inspiring handling, reliability and it silences the BMW-critics. I have taken this bike around Europe a couple of times and this bike is a missile on the roads there. The Busa and ZX-12R are awesome bikes, but the technology on this bike for the brakes and suspension are just too, too good. If you want a sports tourer or want to change, try one... it has all the grunt you will ever need! And puts a smile on my face every ride. Minus points - (every bike has some....) 1.) Headlight could be brighter 2.) Seat - fine but needs a bit more comfort for european long riding stints otherwise fine, but wouldn't compromise by fitting one of those padded sofa-seats, uuurggh. Would rather suffer. 3.) No underseat storage space to speak of... annoying, because I don't like to spoil the great looks by adding bags/raks etc.... Just a personal view, but I am still in love with this bike 7k on.... and no plans to swap for anything. Show less

Been a long time HD rider and figured it was time to go for a little more comfort, and less vibration and noise. My first car (1969) was a BMW 1600, was in love with it for many years and figured I'd give the BMW motorcycle side of the house a try. In July I got a very good deal on a previously owned LT (less than 1K original miles) and loaded w/ more stuff than I could have afforded were it purchased new. Only problem I'm having is finding a comfortable position for the legs. Used to stretching out my legs on the Harleys and after putting on almost 1200 miles in 3-days I have not yet found that sweet spot. I hope a few more thousand miles will fix that, but until then will try and put as many miles on it as I possibly can. It is one beautiful machine! Show less

I have been riding for the last 30 years. I have owned dirt bikes, road bikes and dual sport bikes. This bike is awesome. It has the power for a quick acceleration and the the throttle is very responsive. I perform my own maint. and so far have found the bike and service manual both easy to understand. After prepping for a trip it loads very quickly and once loaded the center of gravity is much the same as empty. This bike does not want to run with the crowd....It wants to lead. It handles well in the corners as well as blasting down a straight line. The only drawback I can see so far is the weight and height of the bike. Since I am vertically challenged, both can present a problem when stopping or in stop and go traffic. At the same time, the same drawback turns into a plus once the bike is rolling. The other drawback seems to be the life of the tires, but at the same time, with a harder compound tire I might not take the curves like I do and that would make the fun meter decrease. Bottom line, would I change anything, HMMMMM...I do not think I would. I think the BMW engineers did an awesome job when they designed this bike. It is made for traveling and part of the fun with traveling is being able to experience the road, the curves, hills and mountains and this is one bike that will let you, and then let you push just a little bit more. Show less

Overall I am very impressed with the complete package. A few niggling details however have left me with a less than 100% satisfaction. The items that have bothered me are: 1.) Front rotors were replaced at 3K mi due to excess squealing. They were machined improperly at the manufacturer and covered under warranty. 2.) Gear indicator failed at 5K mi, no neutral indication. If I wanted to start the bike I had to pull in the clutch even though it was in neutral. Bike, of course, would cut out when I lowered the kick stand because of no indication of the gear. Potentiometer located in the rear transmission housing (required the bike to be split in half) replaced under warranty. 3.) Had some issues with a flat battery that would not remain charged after last dealer service, causing the bike to not start. It turns out there was a faulty update in the CANBUS servicing package. I must say though that I have enjoyed each and every single mile I have ridden on this machine. Very comfortable even two up. The boxer motor is awesome. I however am concerned over the on going discussions of final drive failures on the current crop of BMW R bikes. Show less

I love it! I have taken my bike for a weekend in the twisties in Arkansas and the hill country in Texas, it can hang with all the other lighter bikes out there and in my humble opion is much nore comfy. 300 to 400 miles of twisties and I am still fresh as a daisy. That never was the case on my gixxer. I wish aftermarket stuff was more prolific and cheaper but it is a dream to ride. My buddies are "Dang that thing is fast" I just wish I was a more capable rider to get even more out of it, but I am working on it. Show less