R12S to GS to XR

[xspencex]

I sold my R12S about a year ago now, it was a sad day indeed but having bought a LC R1200GS running two bikes was becoming a problem. No reasonable storage options meant it had to go. . .

The GS and I never really got along however. I seemed to have more than my fair share of gremlins which meant I think I only covered about 1,500 miles of problem free riding. Apart from a glitchy Gear Shift Assist it was dominated by a strange suspension issue. Eventually this was resolved by the dealer but not before I'd had enough and decided to switched to an S1000 XR.

The XR is perhaps the bike I should have bought in 2015 had I waited a few more months. I'd have had the GS and XR as options. . . maybe even the RS. . .

I've covered about 4k miles so far on the XR and I've enjoyed every single one of them. It's an incredible bike. I do fear for my license and this may well become more of an issue as I get more familiar with the bike and comfortable with the use of its power. I have never had to constrain myself so much riding a bike before it's quite a challenge. If I was to call out one downside I'd admit the XR is not the most relaxing bike to cover big miles on. I'm limited to touring Scotland at the moment and that's OK because Scotland is kind of 'bite size', the XR is just fine. However, I harbour a plan to ride up the Norwegian coastline to visit the Arctic circle - the XR would probably drive me nuts. Its restless throttle and super keen engine would have me over the bonnet of the local cop car in no time and perhaps a little frustrated with its constant effort to urge you on. . .

In a few years time I may well look back to a more relaxing boxer engined bike . . I have a keen eye on the next gen R1200GSA. . . and maybe if storage allows, another R1200S alongside.

Some pics below. . .

[Paul]

Nice pictures! It sounds to me like you really need to try an R1200RS, which IMHO would seem to combine the best bits of comfy sporty touring that your 3 previous bikes all give you different elements of.

Cheers,

Paul

[scottie58]

I now own your R12S!

It has undergone a complete rebuild over the winter - a sort of HP2 influenced look

There is thread on the forum with a link to my blog of the rebuild if you are interested

It's a small world...............

[xspencex]

Scottie, I'm so interested. I can't begin to express how much I love that bike, I'm so happy it's gone to a good home and had some TLC! I've done some miles on it!

[scottie58]

Ironic - I am originally from near Edinburgh and it has ended up with me.

I bought it from a dealer in Blackpool as you do....

Suspension has been serviced ( really needed it!), wheels painted, bodywork is now white & black , zard exhaust etc.... take a look at my blog

www.ianr1200s.blogspot.co.uk

cheers!

[xspencex]

Yes, my to do list was becoming quite long. . .sorry about that. Quite embarrassing when you see jus how much it needed done.

The rear Ohlins has the extra preload adjustment cuff. I haven't seen that on any other R1200S.

[dave the german]

I've got a '15 GS TE - 9500 really enjoyable miles with no issues up to now - really love the bike and also love my 12S. What were the suspension issues you had? I would also love another 12S, but that's to keep my current 12S company

[xspencex]

Hi Dave,

It was a strange problem. . . difficult to diagnose. I noticed it when commuting first, the roads in Edinburgh are awful and when I hit some rutted of uneven road I felt the bike shudder and lose it's composure. Worse if I was turning it would 'hop' off line. It seemed to work better when I had weight and rarely revealed itself when I was on tour. . .of course I generally had a fair few extra kilos on the back. It was as if the sensor on the front was telling the suspension to firm up the preload. . . it was harsh. I rode round it for ages because the BMW dealer thought nothing was wrong. . . I started to thing I was going nuts. I rode another GS. . . it had a smoother ride in Dynamic than I had on soft. . . it just didn't make sense.

Anyway, they eventually swapped out the rear shock and I rode it for a few days and the problem had been solved. . . but not before I'd already decided to go for an XR which has sublime damping and suspension. Firmer of course but it never looses it's composure over bumps and is massively confidence inspiring.