R1200R

[Rosscow]

Still thinking about the Triumph Trophy (which is still for sale!) but to be honest may be too large to comfortably take around central London.

Have seen a couple of very tidy BMW's - something like this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20210315...

Any experience? I've heard that they're very reliable but expensive to fix if they do go wrong...... interesting suspension set up and I know the marmite indicator switches!

Many thanks

[TT1138]

I’ve not had a 1200R but I’ve had an 850R, an 1100R, an 1100RS and a R1200GSA same year.

Unusual indicators are a complete non-issue. Takes 5 minutes to adapt to it and it’s actually a very good system. Same with the suspension. Once you get used to less feel from the front end and just trust that it’s doing it’s job it’s great. Makes the bikes feel very settled and can brake very late into a corner.

Service history is key, and you want one without the servo brakes. Very good when they work, but expensive to fix if they don’t. It wasn’t one of BMWs more successful technological implementations, but I suspect that was mostly down to people not bleeding the system correctly.

Engine is very reliable and will do very high miles if serviced on time. There’s a lot of nonsense about 40k mile bike adverts saying ‘just run in’. It’s a load of crap, but equally 50, 60k is nothing on these. Service history is very important.

Don’t skip the valve clearances, gearbox or final drive oil. BMW say 12000 miles, best done at 6000. Clutch, gearbox very costly to replace as half the bike has to come off. Rear paralever bearings and shaft drive only weak points, but there are some good independents who can sort these without too much pain. Parts availability is very good, both from BMW and online (Motorworks etc). Forum backup very good too, there are guides to basically everything.

[Krikkit]

Forgive my noobishness, but why would you want such a complex and tricky to repair beast when the same budget can buy something like a ZZR or Honda ST.

Much more conventional, but just as good at soaking up the miles in comfort.

[Rosscow]

If I wanted a bike like an ST then I’d just stick with the Trophy, but I feel they’re both too big really for London city riding.

ZZR? Again, not what I’d call conducive for city riding.

I also like the fact that it’s a bit quirky!