BMW K1200RS

Definitely the best BM so far. It's fast, smooth and versatile. My husband has been riding BMW's K1200RS for the last 18 months (with 14 years experience of various other BMW models). During this time he has covered 22,000 miles in all weather conditions. So far it can't be faulted. It has been totally reliable.The only expense has been servicing and tyres. The original tyres were Metzeler MEZ4 which were found to be adequate only. They were changed to Bridgetstone Battlax BT56(front) and BT57 (rear). They completely transformed the bike from a tourer to a sports tourer. They encouraged the rider to explore the limits of the bike, the grip was ...

First, to qualify this report. I've had a lot of bikes and have used them for fun, commuting and touring. I've had most makes (Honda, Yamaha, CCM, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumphs and BMW's), and some pretty fast ones too (stage 2 tuned 150 bhp CBR1100XX Blackbird). I use a bike most days and travel between 10-15 thousand miles a year on them. I use them for pleasure and as workhorses. What I say next will not sit easily with some of the more effete magazine road testers (who mostly travel to work in cars, have total access to a car park full of motorcycle exotica and don't have to spend a penny of their own hard earned on their rides). The ...

NEWS FLASH! At the 2002 NEC Bike Show, BMW showed their K1200GT, which is based on the K1200RS, with many improvements to the fairing, which should improve rider comfort significantly. The GT is due for release in the UK in Spring. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I have owned several BMWs and travelled 50,000 miles to date on my current K1. I have considered a K1200RS as the spiritual successor to the K1, but found it wanting. The engine is remarkably powerful, which makes its six-speed gearbox both tiresome and superfluous - I am sure two gears would be enough! The suspension is firm, but its handling is solid and dependably BMW. The disappointment ...