Thinking of adding a daily commuter/tourer from the BMW family

**Wild Pete** · 05-25-2011, 06:55 PM

Thinking of keeping the S1000RR for spirited rides and as a track monster. So I have been thinking of adding another BMW motorcycle and would like any inputs from any owners or past owners of the three bikes I have narrowed it down to.

The only reason I'm keeping my choice to BMW is because, it's tax free for me and no questions asked on whether or not I can get this new bike registered back in the states (US spec'd BMW's) when my tour is up here in England.

My three choices are and in no particular order:

F800ST
R1200R
K1300S

Looking for two up comfort for when ever I can get my wife to ride with me. Something that can handle some luggage for trips.

ItsSarcasm · 05-25-2011, 07:06 PM

I test rode the K1300S, which I was cross shopping with the S1000RR.

It was very comfortable, but it didn't hide its weight well in the turns. I think it would be perfect for trips that involve the freeway, but not really agile enough for around town in heavy traffic.

Though, people on much larger bikes than the K1300S scoot around town every day, so maybe it is just me being used to sportbikes.

In a perfect world, I would have the S1000RR for fun, the K1300S for touring, and the F800ST for around town.

lightcycle · 05-25-2011, 11:13 PM

If you care to expand your search criteria a little bit, can I suggest the R1200GS? Great two-up comfort -as well as one-up comfort, rugged good looks *cough*, and a ton of luggage options. Also, you have a sportbike already, nice to have different sort of bike to tool around on vs getting a sport-tourer.

I've got a R12GS that I take around the world or to the grocery store. It's that versatile.

Agree with the poster above that the K-bikes are piggish in the tight twisties. I've ridden a K12/13S on canyon roads and they much prefer fast sweepers instead. You have to muscle the bike to turn-in, and direction changes are an unnatural act. Forget about U-turning that U-boat. On the other hand, with its low centre of gravity and wide handlebars for leverage, I can U-turn the GS on a dime!

**Triple Threat** · 05-26-2011, 12:05 AM

R1200R or better yet the F800ST, you can tour on that baby.

TT

**Wild Pete** · 05-26-2011, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightcycle

If you care to expand your search criteria a little bit, can I suggest the R1200GS? Great two-up comfort -as well as one-up comfort, rugged good looks *cough*, and a ton of luggage options. Also, you have a sportbike already, nice to have different sort of bike to tool around on vs getting a sport-tourer.

The R1200GS never came to mind. Just looking at them I didn't think I would be able to touch the ground. I'm on the balls of my feet with the S1000RR. So something that would fit my inseam is another selling point. I did see they offer a lower seat. Maybe I'll try and sit on with that option.

Selling point. Something that would be a final purchase, I don't see me getting any more toys in the near future. I would have to make this count. A bike I could live with for a long time and put some miles on it.

One problem I have is, I can't test any bikes here in England. What ever insurance BMW dealers use here won't cover me for some reason. So I'm left with just sitting on them for fit and feel.

craiger527 · 05-26-2011, 06:42 AM

My vote would be for the R1200GS. It is the single greatest motorcycle made and it keep's validating that the more I ride it. There is not much this bike can't do. I've seen one at a track day in Birmingham, Al at Barber Motorsports. Last weekend I did 1000 miles in 3 days to Deals Gap, ran with the sportbikes, did some offroad to Buck Bald and was able to pack plenty of gear. Awesome!

**Wild Pete** · 05-26-2011, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craiger527

My vote would be for the R1200GS. It is the single greatest motorcycle made and it keep's validating that the more I ride it. There is not much this bike can't do. I've seen one at a track day in Birmingham, Al at Barber Motorsports. Last weekend I did 1000 miles in 3 days to Deals Gap, ran with the sportbikes, did some offroad to Buck Bald and was able to pack plenty of gear. Awesome!

Sounds like a bike you would keep a long time. I will add this to my list.

What options did you get with it?

GS TRV · 05-26-2011, 11:11 AM

Ive had an 03 1150GS from new and they rock

you can get a low seat option on a 12GS.

see UKGSER.com for all the info you need.

lightcycle · 05-26-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Pete

Just looking at them I didn't think I would be able to touch the ground.

I'm a short focker as well - 5'7" (with platform shoes and standing on a couple of Beijing telephone books). I just learned to shift off the seat when coming to a stop, got used to only putting one foot down and planning my stops and parking spots well in advance.

I look like the Karate Kid at stop lights: two hands up on the handlebars, left foot down, seat under my right thigh and right foot dangling in the air, crane-style... but it's still the best bike I've ever owned!

kvr929rr · 05-26-2011, 11:53 AM

I'm only 5'5" and 150lbs. and I ride an R1200GSA. The height issue is easily handled on the GS or GSA. You can get a low suspension from the factory for the GS and Wilbers does aftermarket lowering shocks for the GSA. Plus you can get a low seat for them. Your wife will be the most comfortable on the GS/GSA versus the other bikes you listed. I have the GSA, a K1200S and a CBR1000RR ( currently evaluating an S1000RR) and the GSA is by far the easiest to ride, most versatile bike on the planet. It feels like a tractor, but once you make the adjustment that it's a fast tractor you won't look back. Don't let the Telelever naysayers scare you. It works very well for the type of bike it is. Unless you're jumping it like a motocross bike it's not an issue. Here's a link to one of the better GS/GSA sites Oilhead Boxers - ADVrider