BMW K 1200 RS reviews

I have owned nearly a dozen bikes during the last 50 years plus. I have wanted a K1200LT since they came out but could never justify such luxury. I am so sorry I waited. I bought a 1999 with 7,403 miles on it last year from a guy just like me. There is nothing about it that I don't like. It has performed flawlessly and I find myself making excuses to ride it every day. The K1200LT is one of those machines that you can park but you have to look back at it when you are walking away. I really like the way that bike makes me feel. That is surprising at my age. Just don't wait. Show less

I traded a great 2003 R1150RT for a new 2012 R1200RT. It's much the same but also much different. I know that sounds strange, but after one has ridden both, it will be understood. The new RT still feels like a traditional BMW Boxer twin, but is smoother, accelerates better and has a much torqueier feel. The new windshield provides a different still air pocket for the rider, and the ESA II adjustable suspension provides the rider with three different bikes to ride in one. The comfort mode allows for a smooth feeling almost luxo touring bike. Normal mode makes the bike feel almost like the 1150's feel, but with the above improvements. The sport mode is great. It tightens up the suspension and makes the bike handle very similar to a sport bike. Turn in is a little harder to accomplish, but once set, the bike tracks turn with precision which is not expected from a bike of this size and weight. Overall, I believe the improvements are worth the extra expense required for its purchase. Anyone wanting a bike that will take you quickly through twisties, but can also be used for daily commuting, and traveling from coast to coast, can do much worse than to choose the latest Boxer from BMW. Show less

I just bought a used 2009 LT with 2,600 miles on the meter. I'm getting ready to retire and was looking for a touring machine - I plan on making some long trips. I traded in a Triumph T-Bird with 15K on the meter. I was originally looking at the 1600GTL but it did not fit my frame. I found this one in the showroom in a like new condition. There is nothing wrong with it - I mean nothing. I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer size at first but was really surprised at how well this bike handles even on the twisties. The quality is superb. It has loads of power, and is wonderfully smooth with all the options. It truely is the ultimate riding machine. I love the hard bags - lots of storage space for the long hauls. It's the first Beemer I have owned but probably wont be the last. I love this bike!! Show less

I'm 59 and a Chopper man since the beginning, until, I had to accept the fact it was time to go for a GT bike. I bought the 1200RT second-hand (20,000 miles) and I can say just one thing: fantastic! It's like a bicycle with the engine of a formula one car. It's easy to pilot, has an unbelievable engine, total comfort and is totally reliable. I regret one thing: I should have bought one earlier. Minus point? Well, when bought new, the options are pretty expensive. Show less

A V-Star cruiser has been my ride for the past 11-1/2 years. I grew up riding dirt and eventually street motorcycles. It was mostly the on/off style of bike and riding for me. Ever since I first became aware of the GS line of BMW's, in the mid 1980's, I've been amazed by the go anywhere/anytime attitude and culture it inspired. Well I finally rejoined the on/off party yesterday afternoon thanks to Rick and all the kind folks at the dealership. I'm currently the overjoyed owner of a black 2011 R1200GS, with ESA, ABS, heated grips, hand protectors, on board computer and a top box. It's a great beginning to what eventually will become my very own set-up on an ultimate go anywhere/anytime machine. Show less

This is my second KRS, the first was a 2000. I am a long time rider and have owned many from dirt bikes to cruisers to sport tourers. This bike has it all. It's sexy, fast and comfortable. When people ask me about it they are shocked when I tell them it's a 1999 model. It has a timeless look about it that is still sought after. BMW has built a magnificent machine that just continues to last. I ride it to work every day about 80 miles round trip. The newer K's are very nice but I tend to gravitate to the classic lines of the early K1200RS. Show less

This is my first BMW. What a difference in ridability. This bike is so smooth, feels so comfortable and solid. It will not be my only BMW. Show less

I bought mine last summer. I rode it to Las Vegas on September 3, 500 miles in nine days and it was a real joy. I did 2,400 miles to Bike Week in Daytona in March. I had the bike less than a year and put 17,000 miles on it. I don't ride it to work either! At first the bike seems top heavy, and it probably is on gravel roads. On paved roads it cruises as fast as you want, with plenty of reserve to pass other cars. Did I mention this bike has plenty of power to get you out of the way of other cars? With a corded helmet, the stereo sounds great too. I recently completed my first IBA run (1,000 in 24 hours) and was comfortable the whole time. I have had three Harley Ultra Classics, and I won't be going back to them. The Harleys are hot, vibrate, and don't have good wind protection like the LT. I won't buy another bike without reverse either. The reverse, power windshield, and power center stand are just the topping on the cake to a really well engineered bike. Show less

I have owned many motorcycles, some tourers and other cruisers. I have never experienced a motorcycle so well balanced in handling, power, quality of fit and finish and ride ability under all conditions. This K1300GT has it all. At first, I was a little intimidated by the massive amounts of power this bike lays out, but got used to it in short order. When cruising on the freeway and going 80 mph. the engine hums at 5k rpm. but you never feel it because it is vibration free (or almost). It has such great balance on the engine and it pulls away from anything at highway speeds, making it a great "get out of the way" machine. Riding two up couldn't be easier with the ESA II suspension system that allows you to adjust your ride to any condition and number of passenger and/or bags. This bike purrs in mountain riding and handles the wickedest turns with ease. Show less

The decision to buy a bike wasn't hard; which bike to buy was tough. It took me a year of reading, test driving, and asking around to narrow it down. Lastly, I made a list of everything that I wanted to do on a bike, and one item was that I wanted to ride in the dirt, which meant "Sorry, Harley". don't get me wrong, Harley's are nice bikes, I wanted to play in the dirt and explore. There are so many dirt roads in every state that to ignore them just wouldn't be right. First the negative; the seat is uncomfortable, so plan on stopping and walking around every 150 miles. Now for the positive; it drives as well on the pavement as it does on the dirt. There is an almost endless reservoir of power, great torque, agile, light, and shaft driven (low maintenance). The gas mileage is awesome as is the eight gallon tank. On the interstate, I was passing cars and trucks with ease; on the dirt, the handling was amazing. If you have a little extra cash, get a top case. I bought mine from the dealer in Longmont Colorado and was really impressed. They treated me well, were professional, and wouldn't let me leave until they showed me the essentials (how to check the oil, where to hang my helmet, how to remove the side and top cases, etc.). They also worked with me on the price. In closing, if you want to ride on the streets, that's fine, but real men play in the dirt. And this bike will get you where you need to go and to those places where you wish you could go. Show less