Just had a ride on the 2012

[YELLOPER1L]

I was lucky enough to spend 90 mins today riding a fresh out of the crate 2012 bike. Thankfully the snow waited until after I was finished.
I am surprised to say that other than the blessing of heated grips, if you'd blindfolded me before I got.on I wouldn't have been able to tell which model I was on. The bike had 2 miles on the odometer when I got on it so obviously the limiter was in place but I genuinely couldn't feel any more midrange than there is on my 2010. Bear in mind that the temperature was -4°c so I couldn't wring it's neck but I did ride the same roads I usually do which was a mix of fast A and B roads. I bumped against the limiter several times while accelerating hard but the available grunt felt no different.
The only area which felt a little bit different was the suspension. It felt a little bit more supple but that could be down to setup.

I must admit that I like the new tail, the wee vents on the airbox cover and the nice new rev counter backing but getting back on my own steed wasn't disappointing in the least. I went there today with the intention to order one if the numbers were right but for me it would be pointless. Perhaps in hot weather or on track I'd feel the difference but its not a step forward IMO.

If you've bought one you'll love it but if you already have a 2010 or 2011 then it's all down to whether you must have the latest and greatest. If so then go for it. If not then sleep soundly in the knowledge that no significant advances have been made over your beloved bike.

[Godzilla]

Thanks the snow hit here before I went to the dealers. Good to read your write up. I am of the same opinion (although have not ridden yet). Not enough difference to swap. Plus I would think with the Ohlins suspension have a better bike for me anyway.

[Shoei Biker]

You went out for a test ride today? Respect is due.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the new bike; I'm wondering about used versus new (and saving nearly 3k) but I do like the new blue!

[YELLOPER1L]

Originally Posted by Shoei Biker

You went out for a test ride today? Respect is due.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the new bike; I'm wondering about used versus new (and saving nearly 3k) but I do like the new blue!

The snow started just after I got the 2012 back to the dealer. I've never ridden home so fast and leant so little!
I liked the blue but it looks a bit Rizla Suzuki IMO. Not necessarily a bad thing but i preferred the black one or motorsport, cos everyone knows its good for an extra 10 bhp I rode the red, white and black bike. It looks better in the flesh but I would have preferred either a red bike or a white bike. I just couldnt get the feeling out of my head that it looked a bit like a crashed bike with race fairing panels. Back at the dealer they told me that officially it is red and silver! It's clearly white!

[pimpedc6]

I kind of figured as much on the boost in midrange power. Going up one tooth on the rear on a bike with this much HP should be barely noticable at best. I think they are only minor tweeks, but probably only noticable by pro riders. I like the new color schemes and the tail though

[andy and the r man]

Originally Posted by YELLOPER1L

I was lucky enough to spend 90 mins today riding a fresh out of the crate 2012 bike. Thankfully the snow waited until after I was finished.
I am surprised to say that other than the blessing of heated grips, if you'd blindfolded me before I got.on I wouldn't have been able to tell which model I was on. The bike had 2 miles on the odometer when I got on it so obviously the limiter was in place but I genuinely couldn't feel any more midrange than there is on my 2010. Bear in mind that the temperature was -4°c so I couldn't wring it's neck but I did ride the same roads I usually do which was a mix of fast A and B roads. I bumped against the limiter several times while accelerating hard but the available grunt felt no different.
The only area which felt a little bit different was the suspension. It felt a little bit more supple but that could be down to setup.

I must admit that I like the new tail, the wee vents on the airbox cover and the nice new rev counter backing but getting back on my own steed wasn't disappointing in the least. I went there today with the intention to order one if the numbers were right but for me it would be pointless. Perhaps in hot weather or on track I'd feel the difference but its not a step forward IMO.

If you've bought one you'll love it but if you already have a 2010 or 2011 then it's all down to whether you must have the latest and greatest. If so then go for it. If not then sleep soundly in the knowledge that no significant advances have been made over your beloved bike.

I'll disagree. I rode a 2011 for many miles and the 12 I now own, is hands down a better bike. The suspension, handling, and midrange are all very noticeable differences.

Why were you running up to 9k with 2 miles on the odometer? The book states they want it under 5k before the first 300 km?

[Godzilla]

Originally Posted by YELLOPER1L

Back at the dealer they told me that officially it is red and silver! It's clearly white!

You want to tell your dealer to read the official BMW sales brochure.

Colours are clearly stated as:

Racing Red Non-Metallic/Alpine White Non-Metallic
Blue Fire Non-Metallic
Saphire Black Metallic
Alpine White, Magma Red and Lupin Blue with metallic highlights.

[ManfredH]

Originally Posted by andy and the r man

I'll disagree. I rode a 2011 for many miles and the 12 I now own, is hands down a better bike. The suspension, handling, and midrange are all very noticeable differences.

That's what one can read in recent motorcycle magazins. The best statement: "they built an entirely new bike, but they don't publish this information"

[andy and the r man]

Originally Posted by ManfredH

That's what one can read in recent motorcycle magazins. The best statement: "they built an entirely new bike, but they don't publish this information"

Agreed. They didn't overhaul a whole host of things to have it be identical.

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by andy and the r man

I'll disagree. I rode a 2011 for many miles and the 12 I now own, is hands down a better bike. The suspension, handling, and midrange are all very noticeable differences.

Why were you running up to 9k with 2 miles on the odometer? The book states they want it under 5k before the first 300 km?

I cant comment on the '12 yet, will reserve judgement 'till i take one out but having one of the first 2010's (2yrs) i find it hard to justify the extra £'s to trade up? I think ohlins on mine would probably cancel out the 'better handling', not being a racer i doubt if midrange difference would be that noticeable, i've tried the smaller front sprocket, the only colour i like is the ms but prefer mine. I LOVE the rear end, there must be a way to fit it to mine When i sling a leg over mine it just feels as if it belongs now
Roll on the summer !!!