BMW K1200R SPORT (2007 - 2009) Review

If it was more nimble it would beat all the super bikes!

This is the icing on the cake . Just a bit moody at very low RPM. Once you move above 6 k.. it transforms into a primadonna!

I prefer my bikes to be privy of all gadgets that add complexity. I find this a real man's bike 😁

The ESA suspension makes the K1200R an all-around bike. You'll have to be a Kamakazi to reach the limit of the bike on any public road. Do not make any mistakes it is a fast machine. I can easily keep up with my friends who have the latest bikes. Time and again, you'll flow through a bend and think, 'I could have added another 25mph to the speed!' Best be sure, though, you'll not hold the three-figure speed for extended periods, the windshield is poor, and the high speeds affect one's neck and arms after 20 minutes or so. The bike is brilliant with ride quality and comfort. It is a hammer on the anvil of speed. The acceleration and power delivery are decisive and never cease to bring the greatest pleasure to the rider. It is amazing how apparent long journeys are conclusively trammelled into insignificance. It is not the ability to ride very quickly indeed that dominates; it is excellent handling and staggering torque which makes overtakes and progressive riding a dream. I can easily ride 160 miles without issue, which is the maximum range of the fuel, so the fuel stop becomes a rest stop every time.

I'd give it 10 out of 5! The engine is simply fantastic. I'm sure it is BMW's claimed 160+ bhp. It certainly is quicker than my ZZR1100. Power is everywhere, but go past 6500rpm, and you have unleashed the most fantastic power delivery. The acceleration keeps compounding by the air being rammed into the induction system. On an autobahn, I tried a rolling start from about 50mph and counted until the indicated speed was 170mph. I'd think it took about 16 seconds. It is a fantastic engine.

You'll eventually hit the ABS brake issue. The RH Secondlife kit is expensive at around 700 pounds. However, this is the best solution for the issue. Ok, you lose the ABS and power assist, but be sure the brakes are more than up to the job. Get your head around oil changes, which is a pain as the left footpeg has to be removed. Remember, though, BMW created some magic here, and if you change the oil every 3000 miles, your clutch and valve clearance maintenance is very much extended. Keep a good eye on the paintwork. The engine paint is appalling! As soon as you see a bubble, deal with it. Follow these simple guidelines, and your machine will be as reliable as any other at 18+ years of age.

My bike is given the full service every year regardless of mileage (£550). And as already mentioned, I changed the oil between services. Use whatever tyres you like. I prefer Bridgestone S22's (around £360 a pair). If the bike is ridden relatively fast, the tyres should last for 4000 miles: this is subjective. You may ride your tyres into the world of slicks. I believe any money spent on servicing is a long-term investment and therefore is relatively low. Beware, the bike has a colossal thirst! Twist the grip, and you'll be lucky to see more than 35mpg, and the tank is small (four gallons?).

You could add a higher screen. And the Bridgestone S22's are genuinely unique. I prefer my bikes to be standard or as near to the original as possible. I have changed the handlebars to higher and wider as I'm getting a little older, which makes for a more comfortable experience. Do what you like to make the bike your own.

Even though ABS fault, stopped extremely well. Superb ride quality, simply the best.

Great power, very reliable.

Brilliant quality but let down by known common faults of weak/faulty ABS and fuel gauge.

Only necessary stuff done at garage, mostly serviced at home.

Very little of any note. Not needed anyway.

Once underway feels light and very stable especially at motorway speeds. The small fairing gives some protection for my 6 ft stature without feeling like there is a barn door on the front. It's a motorbike after all you're meant to feel the wind . 200miles in the saddle is fine.

Stating the obvious but it's a very fast bike. It's happy to plod along at lower speed and although I'm an older and not the best rider it can get addictive to turn the throttle and warp factor 9 makes the most boring stretch of quiet motorway suddenly get very exciting. Just need to remember even quite motorways have hidden dangers - be careful out on those streets.

33,000 miles and 3 years of ownership no problems so far. Some slight corrosion , but this bike is ridden and not polished after every ride. Gearbox sounds clunky , read they all do this and never got any worse just get use to it, no false neutrals and neutral easy to engage when at a stop.

Not noticed this in many reviews but given the performance and reliability this is a seriously cheap bike now , under £3,500 to buy, mega performance, mpg between 45 to 60mpg and independent specialist service never over £300.

mine has the electronic suspension adjustment , nice to play with but not really sure it makes any real difference. 33,000 miles still on the original shocks and doesn't feel tired . recently rode a friends 8,000 version and both felt the same.

Fantastic ride quality, heavy if predictable handling. ESA suspension does it's job well.

Stupidly powerful if a little peaky, doesn't like low rev work and the worst clutch since a knackered CB900F doesn't help. Once above 6000rpm turns into a missile.

ABS pump needed rebuilt, engine paint is flaking, cheap fasteners rust literally overnight. Immobilizer drains battery. Clocks developed faults. Awful clutch.

Anything to do with this over complicated beast costs serious money. Local independent workshops won't touch it.

ESA is great, heated grips don't work, no centre stand, ditch standard exhaust to lose about 10kg. Pilot Road tyres suit it well.

In my experience (30 years+) it cannot be beaten. A taller screen made my 6ft5in frame more comfortable.

The power delivery is beautiful although I do have an ongoing fuelling issue.

German build-quality through and through apart from the ongoing fuelling issue that plagues all K1200 models.

Tyre consumption is predicious

The fuel gauge lies like Boris Johnson's Brexit Bus Slogan and I've had to push it to a garage twice.

Yes, it is a little reluctant to turn at very slow tight corners (car parks etc) but add a bit more counter steer and it's fine - I may get a handle bar conversion to make it a bit easier. It actually seems to turn quicker than my old 1050 Sprint. It is without a doubt the most stable bike I've ever ridden at high speed. It feels almost glued to the road. Fast overtakes and change of direction are no issue whatsoever. The ESA is also a very good option and you really do feel the difference.

Phenomenal power and very good mpg. Almost turbine like up until around 8k and then 10k when all hell breaks loose! It's quite sedate at lower rpm but there is a real superbike snarl when it gets going.

Not had it for long but as soon as it was delivered it developed a clutch squeal and judder under hard acceleration. A new clutch under warranty seems to have sorted this out - however it's still annoying. Only other mechanical issue is the judder/vibration you tend to get when in neutral and clutch engaged. This is extremely common and not an issue (other than being annoying) as confirmed by numerous online posts and an independent BMW specialist friend. The other issue is the utterly, utterly, utterly appalling paint finish quality on the metal. It's a BMW - not an old GS500. The majority of the paint on the lower end of the engine was flaking as well as the front suspension. I ended up stripping this back with a wire brush tool on a dremel, de-greaser, multiple washes and a steam clean. Applied high temp acid etch primer, hammerite smooth silver and high temp lacquer. It's not showroom finish but it's a good match and miles better than corroded alloy. Seriously BMW should hang their heads in shame for such appalling workmanship. I've read that it was due to them not cleaning the alloy originally and is not just a problem with this model!

Apart from the potentially expensive electric issues (if/when they do crop up) as long as you shop around it's not too bad. MPG is fantastic. Little country lanes and sat in traffic will see about 39mpg, little bit more spirited around B roads and you're at about 45mpg and the motorway almost 60mpg. All this on something that will annihilate almost anything else in a straight line. Tank range is circa 200miles +.

ABS combined brakes are fantastic. Heated grips are a welcome addition, fuel gauge, trip computer, ESA and an option for easy satnav/dashcam connection. Reason for 4 stars is because there seems to be absolutely nowhere for storage. The seat lock takes up an enormous amount of room which could quite easily fit something else you need to carry.

Too good.

That's the wow part. The engine gives the feeling of an electrical engine.

I will give 5 in spite of the clutch died a little too quickly and a couple of times already the sensor which shows the gas level.

Way more expensive than any Japanese.

...but it costs and it worth every penny.