Just joined up to take a proper look around at folk riding the R1100s and R1200s boxers. I'm currently riding a CBR6 but am thinking of defecting to the dark side.
So anyone who can hold forth on the pro's and con's of the R1100s vs the R1200s do drop me a line - although you may well be bored of that old chestnut by now )
Met a bloke down in Tavistock (Dartmoor) who had a lovely boxer cup edition of the R1100s which is what interests me the most. But it was quite heavy and that was just lifting it off side-stand - though this may be just down to me being used to the Honda.
But the new HP2 sport looks great, god knows how much it'll cost though:
Speculation on the pricing of the HP2 bike puts it in the silly money category (£14k or thereabouts) which is a lot of cash for a boxer twin. The 1200S is a smart bike, if you can get one at less than list. Probably a few end of summer bargains around if you hunt for them. The 1100S is a good old workhorse, which looks particularly smart in the red white and blue boxercup colours. Be aware of flakey paint on forks and engines.
Take a long test ride though. if you're new to the boxer twin engine, it takes a while to get used to it's unique character. most BMW dealers would let you take a bike out for several hours, if you ask them
Have fun testing and choosing.
Cheers,
Paul
You really need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.
Thank you very much for the warm welcome... must be the light side.
Got a test ride at South London Motorcycles on Saturday to try both the R1100s and R1200s which they've got. Not a bad part of the world to test ride, at least compared to central london. I have heard from a friend who has had his GS from new for a few months now that it does take a little getting used to - so I shall allow for that
Anyway, looking forward to talking more in the near future.
I went from a fireblade to a GS some years ago and fell in love with the boxer engine - difficult to explain why its just got lovely waves of rideable torque and immense engine braking when rolling quickly off the throttle. This latter fact coupled with the unique suspension system ensures a very balanced ride. It will feel slightly agricultural at first if you're coming from an inline four, just give it time though because the engine is anything but rough, a bit of a contradiction I know but thats how I see it. Now on a R1100s which for my money is better than the GS for the real world... just my two penneth!
For my money; The 11S makes a great sporty ride that will tour well. The Boxer-Cup is the most desirable of the lot.
The 12S is more sport oriented, has more punch with less weight and it borders on being seriously fast. Both bikes have tremendous torque curves with power everywhere but the 12S will surprise you with its top end rush and agility. Both have huge character and make for a fun riding experience unique to the Boxer Ss.
The more I ride my 12S, the more I love it. I wouldn't trade it for any other bike made, period.
"Four wheels move the body.....Two wheels move the soul"
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