BMW K1200S - would I just be buying a load of hastle
Discussion
Hi all
I'm hoping people with experience of these bikes can give me a steer / some advice.
I've just been to see a 2005 K1200S. It was lovely. Immaculate condition. Full BMW service history. 24,000 miles.
It's for sale at the right price too. I'm very tempted.
BUT I've read lots of horror stories about big problems with these bikes. My concerns are:
(1) Can chain issues. Having checked with the BMW dealer this bike never had the preventative fix that In understand some dealers did offer. It will cost £130 to have that done now. Equally, there were no undue noises or rattles on start up.
(2) ABS problems. I've read all sorts of horror stories and the idea of being suddenly left with residual braking terrifies me. Even with the engine running in neutral the "brake failure" light was flashing away. The seller said that the warning light disappears as soon as you ride off, and posts on various forums suggest he's right.
So would I just be buying myself a big liability if I went with this bike? Or am I worrying about nothing?
Any guidance appreciated!
Thanks!
I'm hoping people with experience of these bikes can give me a steer / some advice.
I've just been to see a 2005 K1200S. It was lovely. Immaculate condition. Full BMW service history. 24,000 miles.
It's for sale at the right price too. I'm very tempted.
BUT I've read lots of horror stories about big problems with these bikes. My concerns are:
(1) Can chain issues. Having checked with the BMW dealer this bike never had the preventative fix that In understand some dealers did offer. It will cost £130 to have that done now. Equally, there were no undue noises or rattles on start up.
(2) ABS problems. I've read all sorts of horror stories and the idea of being suddenly left with residual braking terrifies me. Even with the engine running in neutral the "brake failure" light was flashing away. The seller said that the warning light disappears as soon as you ride off, and posts on various forums suggest he's right.
So would I just be buying myself a big liability if I went with this bike? Or am I worrying about nothing?
Any guidance appreciated!
Thanks!
Ahh, I trying to remember somethings about them and it makes my brain hurt thinking back.
Some critics said that BMW used the public to do the R&R.
Pre 2007 the ecu can only be flashed a limited number of times. Not sure why that is of consequence?
Certainly I recall the advice of buying a post 2007 bike. Unless the price is sweet!
I ended up getting the 1300S. Apparently all the bugs were ironed out for that.
Get it and enjoy it but don't pay too much is my two cents.
Some critics said that BMW used the public to do the R&R.
Pre 2007 the ecu can only be flashed a limited number of times. Not sure why that is of consequence?
Certainly I recall the advice of buying a post 2007 bike. Unless the price is sweet!
I ended up getting the 1300S. Apparently all the bugs were ironed out for that.
Get it and enjoy it but don't pay too much is my two cents.
I had x2 1200S's in a row - lol. Each from new and both did over 40k miles.
I've now had 3 x 1300S on similar mileage (first one written off by BMW Battersea - second written off by an errant ped (istrian)
Sort of enough said I think. But absolutely fantastic bike that will stay with virtually any other bike. Great on the open road - I use mine on the main A3 and in Central London - around town with the mirrors folded in its incredibly slim and will get through just about any gap a cyclist would - honestly. Its one of the main reasons I like them so much. Haven't really had any trouble with them neither. First one was the bumble bee colour thing - the only issue with that was the engine cam cover corroded and looked like it had been submerged in salt water. (Maybe it had) So might be worth checking that. But at the time I queried it under warranty and they changed the whole bloomin engine (at 18k!) other than that its been just great. Really brilliant. So good that I want another bike just to break the habit but I know it wouldn't compare. Got a Motorsport 1300s now and have continued the love affair - Silverstone MotoGP bound at the end of month .
Its funny isn't it how personal and intimate these machines become - don't think I ever loved any car/woman/job/drug like this.....
I've now had 3 x 1300S on similar mileage (first one written off by BMW Battersea - second written off by an errant ped (istrian)
Sort of enough said I think. But absolutely fantastic bike that will stay with virtually any other bike. Great on the open road - I use mine on the main A3 and in Central London - around town with the mirrors folded in its incredibly slim and will get through just about any gap a cyclist would - honestly. Its one of the main reasons I like them so much. Haven't really had any trouble with them neither. First one was the bumble bee colour thing - the only issue with that was the engine cam cover corroded and looked like it had been submerged in salt water. (Maybe it had) So might be worth checking that. But at the time I queried it under warranty and they changed the whole bloomin engine (at 18k!) other than that its been just great. Really brilliant. So good that I want another bike just to break the habit but I know it wouldn't compare. Got a Motorsport 1300s now and have continued the love affair - Silverstone MotoGP bound at the end of month .
Its funny isn't it how personal and intimate these machines become - don't think I ever loved any car/woman/job/drug like this.....
Edited by captainsensible on Thursday 10th August 21:29
I had a 2005 K1200S on which I did almost 50k miles, followed by A K1300S on which I did 56k miles. I now have my second K1300S with almost 30K miles on it.
They're great bikes. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they're the second best "do it all" road bike you can get. 50mpg, 200 mile range, all day 600+ mile comfortable, handling that won't be embarrassed on Alpine passes and performance that'll keep up with just about anything that hasn't got wings and needs air traffic control permission. They're the second best only because the K1300S beats them!
All that said, I wouldn't touch a second hand K1200S with a barge pole! The list of likely big, expensive issues is pretty long:
* ABS/Power brake unit. Will very likely fail, leaving the brake warning light on even after the bike is moving. Stopping the bike without the powered brake unit is hard work. VERY expensive to replace. Can be repaired but repair not approved by BMW and repair is still a few hunder pounds.
* Coils. These will fail leaving you with a 900cc triple. Expensive to fix as you need to dismantle half the bike to get to them.
* Radiator. This will clog up and corrode. There are no S/H or patern replacement options and a new one is over £600.
* Cam chain jump guard. If this has not been replaced then expect the cam chain to get noisy very soon. If you're lucky, you'll need to replace the cam chain. If you're unlucky, then you'll need a new engine.
* Switch gear. This should have been replaced for free by BMW but a number haven't as it was only replaced if the owner was having issues. BMW are unlikely to replace it for free now and it's very expensive to replace yourself.
* Front suspension ball joints. These last anything from 1000 miles to 100,000 miles but tend to fail sooner on bikes that don't get used day in, day out.
I would bet that at least 50% of the above would happen within the first 2 years of ownership and wouldn't bet against all of them happening in the first 2 years.
Most of these issues have been resolved in the K1300S, which is also a much "nicer" bike to ride than the K1200S. If anyone asks about buying a K1200S I tend to suggest that, if they have the money to pay for the repairs then they put it in up front and buy a K1300S instead. If they don't have the money to pay for the repairs then buy a Blackbird.
Check out the opinions of current and former owners here: http://eurokclub.bike/index.php
They're great bikes. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they're the second best "do it all" road bike you can get. 50mpg, 200 mile range, all day 600+ mile comfortable, handling that won't be embarrassed on Alpine passes and performance that'll keep up with just about anything that hasn't got wings and needs air traffic control permission. They're the second best only because the K1300S beats them!
All that said, I wouldn't touch a second hand K1200S with a barge pole! The list of likely big, expensive issues is pretty long:
* ABS/Power brake unit. Will very likely fail, leaving the brake warning light on even after the bike is moving. Stopping the bike without the powered brake unit is hard work. VERY expensive to replace. Can be repaired but repair not approved by BMW and repair is still a few hunder pounds.
* Coils. These will fail leaving you with a 900cc triple. Expensive to fix as you need to dismantle half the bike to get to them.
* Radiator. This will clog up and corrode. There are no S/H or patern replacement options and a new one is over £600.
* Cam chain jump guard. If this has not been replaced then expect the cam chain to get noisy very soon. If you're lucky, you'll need to replace the cam chain. If you're unlucky, then you'll need a new engine.
* Switch gear. This should have been replaced for free by BMW but a number haven't as it was only replaced if the owner was having issues. BMW are unlikely to replace it for free now and it's very expensive to replace yourself.
* Front suspension ball joints. These last anything from 1000 miles to 100,000 miles but tend to fail sooner on bikes that don't get used day in, day out.
I would bet that at least 50% of the above would happen within the first 2 years of ownership and wouldn't bet against all of them happening in the first 2 years.
Most of these issues have been resolved in the K1300S, which is also a much "nicer" bike to ride than the K1200S. If anyone asks about buying a K1200S I tend to suggest that, if they have the money to pay for the repairs then they put it in up front and buy a K1300S instead. If they don't have the money to pay for the repairs then buy a Blackbird.
Check out the opinions of current and former owners here: http://eurokclub.bike/index.php
Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 15th August 15:44
I've also got one, bought it with 22k miles on it and did a 3000 mile euro trip. I think it had stood for a year or so before I picked it up, as the tires were flat and was dusty, but in the way that was not dirty. It was fantastic, however it did develop a missfire due to ignition coil 200 miles to the end. Still made it home, and was a (relatively) simple fix, but did oil and everything with it.
The idea was to sell it straight after the trip (3rd bike), but now I'm considering hanging onto it and selling the others.
The idea was to sell it straight after the trip (3rd bike), but now I'm considering hanging onto it and selling the others.
black-k1 said:
Most of these issues have been resolved in the K1300S, which is also a much "nicer" bike to ride than the K1200S. If anyone asks about buying a K1200S I tend to suggest that, if they have the money to pay for the repairs then they put it in up front and buy a K1300S instead. If they don't have the money to pay for the repairs then buy a Blackbird.
I'll second that. I had a K1200s and while it was being serviced the dealer gave me a K1300S as a courtesy bike. The difference was chalk and cheese so I traded mine for a K1300S there and then.I absolutely love the K1200S but I echo the points that it seems like a testbed for the K1300S. You may get lucky with a cheap K1200S but the potential to meet some stiff bills is there too. I still see plenty of K1200's around but the ones that survive well tend to be those that are in constant use with an attentive, long-term owner who has poured the cash in when they need it.
As much as I love them, I couldn't get a K1300S as my dad has one. He's on his second now, an anniversary model in the motorsport colours. His earlier bike was an orange one. Both have been very reliable, excellent bikes.
As much as I love them, I couldn't get a K1300S as my dad has one. He's on his second now, an anniversary model in the motorsport colours. His earlier bike was an orange one. Both have been very reliable, excellent bikes.
So ... I bought one. 2007 K1200S in black. Without the servo assisted brakes which were worrying me so much. Just ridden it 40 odd miles home. I was a bit intimidated getting on it to be honest as it's by far the most powerful bike I've ever ridden. But it was delightful. Well mannered. Easy to steer / lean over. Surprisingly light feeling. Excellent brakes. And none of the snatchy throttle I've read people warning about.
So far, I'm delighted.
So far, I'm delighted.
Edited by Knight_Ind_2000 on Monday 28th August 11:15
Knight_Ind_2000 said:
So ... I bought one. 2007 K1200S in black. Without the servo assisted brakes which were worrying me so much. Just ridden it 40 odd miles home. I was a bit intimidated getting on it to be honest as it's by far the most powerful bike I've ever ridden. But it was delightful. Well mannered. Easy to steer / lean over. Surprisingly light feeling. Excellent brakes. And none of the snatchy throttle I've read people warning about.
So far, I'm delighted.
Happy days, we do love a happy ending...any pics?So far, I'm delighted.
Edited by Knight_Ind_2000 on Monday 28th August 11:15
Knight_Ind_2000 said:
So ... I bought one. 2007 K1200S in black. Without the servo assisted brakes which were worrying me so much. Just ridden it 40 odd miles home. I was a bit intimidated getting on it to be honest as it's by far the most powerful bike I've ever ridden. But it was delightful. Well mannered. Easy to steer / lean over. Surprisingly light feeling. Excellent brakes. And none of the snatchy throttle I've read people warning about.
So far, I'm delighted.
I hope you are very happy with your new bike. As stated above, I think these are the second best "do it all" road bikes you can get, second only to the K1300S.So far, I'm delighted.
They like Tesco Momentum fuel. It allows them to pull top gear from 30mph without any snatch.
Ride safe and enjoy.
Unbusy said:
In black you say? Proper Job!
Yes indeed! Jet black with silver wheels and frame. Looks quite classy actually and the styling has held up very well in my opinion. It certainly doesn't scream "10 year old bike", and people who've seen it are surprised it's that old. I've heard it said before that BMWs age well and judging by the two I looked at before buying (2005 and 2007) I have to agree. Maybe because they're "aspirational" bikes people look after them? Also the shaft drive helps; no chain and sprocket to look dirty / tatty.black-k1 said:
I hope you are very happy with your new bike. As stated above, I think these are the second best "do it all" road bikes you can get, second only to the K1300S.
They like Tesco Momentum fuel. It allows them to pull top gear from 30mph without any snatch.
Ride safe and enjoy.
As you clearly know these bikes well can I ask some questions please:They like Tesco Momentum fuel. It allows them to pull top gear from 30mph without any snatch.
Ride safe and enjoy.
1. My bike gets warm crazy quick. Like within half a mile of commuting traffic it's up to temp with the radiator going. To be fair it was in stop start traffic on Monday in 26 degrees and never got any hotter ( so the coolant / radiator is obviously working) but is it normal to get up to temp that quick?
2. Can I adjust the pre load on the shock for two up, luggage etc? Or do I just have the three ESA modes?
3. How awesome is the noise from the air intakes when you open it up??? Sounds like a f
king jet engine!!!Cheers!
Knight_Ind_2000 said:
As you clearly know these bikes well can I ask some questions please:
1. My bike gets warm crazy quick. Like within half a mile of commuting traffic it's up to temp with the radiator going. To be fair it was in stop start traffic on Monday in 26 degrees and never got any hotter ( so the coolant / radiator is obviously working) but is it normal to get up to temp that quick?
2. Can I adjust the pre load on the shock for two up, luggage etc? Or do I just have the three ESA modes?
3. How awesome is the noise from the air intakes when you open it up??? Sounds like a fking jet engine!!!
Cheers!
1. Yes, they get warm quickly. One of their known issues is that the radiator becomes blocked and they get too warm too quickly. You can test all is OK by standing the bike in neutral with the engine running. The fan should come on pretty quickly, but should then go off again after a minute or two. If the fan stays on and, worst still, the temperature continues to climb then you're looking at new radiator time! You can delay the inevitable (and it will only delay it) by removing the radiator and VERY CAREFULLY cleaning between the fins. Remember that the cooling system then needs to be pressure filled.1. My bike gets warm crazy quick. Like within half a mile of commuting traffic it's up to temp with the radiator going. To be fair it was in stop start traffic on Monday in 26 degrees and never got any hotter ( so the coolant / radiator is obviously working) but is it normal to get up to temp that quick?
2. Can I adjust the pre load on the shock for two up, luggage etc? Or do I just have the three ESA modes?
3. How awesome is the noise from the air intakes when you open it up??? Sounds like a f
king jet engine!!!Cheers!
2. As said above, bike in neutral, engine running and press and hold the ESA switch after about 2 or three seconds the image on the dash will start flashing allowing you to release the ESA button and cycle through the solo, solo with luggage, pillion option by pressing (and releasing) the ESA button. When you get to the preload you want, press and hold the ESA button again until the dash stops flashing.
3.
Ride safe and enjoy!
BMW warranty is worth looking at. It comes with brake down cover.
My 13S has 58K on it and still running well. The main things to check on a 12S is that all the recalls have been done. Also the bikes like to be used. Fewer problems with high mileage bikes. I did 1900miles in mine over a few weeks and it was very good.
My 13S has 58K on it and still running well. The main things to check on a 12S is that all the recalls have been done. Also the bikes like to be used. Fewer problems with high mileage bikes. I did 1900miles in mine over a few weeks and it was very good.
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