2012 vs 2011 for an average rider

[spotrot]

Waited long enough - gotta get one. Calling dlrs tomorrow. Input from the experienced is very much appreciated.

Main dilemma: is the 2012 really noticeably better than the 2011 for an average rider in
1. torque in daily driving range
2. DTC
3. Ergonomics

One magazine editor said he couldn’t really notice any torque difference (but he was riding at a track).
I know from experience that much “newer, better” stuff is mostly marketing exuberance.

Background: I’ve ridden a 2010 S100RR and a 2011 R6 (at Miller Motorsports) but just love the torque of my regrettably bulky Hayabusa. I’m not a track star so I probably won’t appreciate any subtleties. With the S1000RR, I may try some novice-level Jennings rides this spring in FL and 1/4 mile in Eagle ID this summer.

One issue is that the only color I like is the 2010 green and 2011 yellow (maybe 2012 black). It’s nice to have something you like looking at.

P.S. The discounts I see on 2011 leftovers and demos are only about $1k and 2k respectively. To me, that’s a draw; the extra year or miles will drop the resell prices by that amount if I sell in a few years. So I’m only out the interest on $1 or 2k for a few years, which is nada.

[War-Eagle]

If I were in the market I would buy the 2012. Even if theres no noticeable difference for us mortals, it would be nice to have the newest one out.

[1000RR]

Will you notice a difference... or will the average rider notice a big difference, probably not.

But for $1,000, if that's all they're dropping the "last years" model, I'd go with a '12 if there was a color you like. If you like a color from 2011 better, you won't go wrong going that way either.

[AMPforE]

Originally Posted by 1000RR

Will you notice a difference... or will the average rider notice a big difference, probably not.

But for $1,000, if that's all they're dropping the "last years" model, I'd go with a '12 if there was a color you like. If you like a color from 2011 better, you won't go wrong going that way either.

+1,

For an average rider you will not know a difference. When you get to the point where you can identify what's wrong with your setup, then you can make educated decisions on 2011 or 2012. You might not even choose a BMW. Just kidding. LOL

[Triple Threat]

If it were me, I'd shoot for a 2012.

True the 2012 is a much better track bike, but only a slightly better street bike IMO. I think the 2012+ will fetch the additional $1,000 upon resale, which means what you put out now, should be money you'll bank later and and you get to enjoy the super-cool-latest-offerings. However, if you must have Yellow (I get that too) as I love the Yellow bike, one on my favorites really.

Bottom line: Shoot for the 2012, and if you end up with a 2011/10 bike, you will still enjoy it nearly ever bit as the 2012.

Hope this helps,

Triple

[Motif]

Get whatever your pockets can handle

[markjenn]

We're still in the honeymoon stage with the new bike where all we have is the hype and all the talk is about vast improvements. I think this will be tempered over time and in a decade you could look back and see some steps forward and maybe a few backwards. There are a lot of bikes where the first year or two are considered the best overall. (I'd love to have the first year of the CBR900RR, GSXR750, and R1. I do have the first year of the CBX.) What people fail to realize is that bikes are about tradeoffs and compromises and usually when you gain in one area you lose something in another. Improvements are often just a reshuffling of priorities.

Having said all this, if the cost difference wasn't huge, I'd definitely get the 2012. It probably is a better overall bike and I'm sure BMW has made all sorts of refinements and improvements that are likely to pay off over the years and miles. It also will hold its value a lot longer. And its nice to have a new bike that is not immediately dated.

I'd get a 2011 only with a heavy discount, at least $1500 or more.

- Mark

[andy and the r man]

If you're worried about resale, buy a 2011 from someone who's in the throes of winter right now. It's post Christmas and pre tax season so a lot of folks need some extra $. Get a great deal on it and laugh all the way to the bank.

I sold my 2006 Hayabusa to get this one. I have a 2012 on order, but I would notice the differences. If you know you wouldn't, don't spend the extra money. It's pointless. Steal a 2011 and have a great time on it.

[dattaway]

I had a choice between a 2011 or wait a few months for a 2012. I chose to ride. Glad I made that decision.

[Karlb]

if I was standing in a delaership in front of a 12 and an 11 and the only price difference was 1k. I would get the 12, 2500+ price savings and I would go with the 11 and some ohlins or wheels or exhaust and pcv (pick one or more) but me I would (and did) find a used bike that had some stuff done and now have a very nice 2010 for less than a 11 would cost me out the door new