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Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:32 pm
by snavetrauts
but do you have a lady bum for that rear seat....Unfortunately I do
Stuart
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:33 pm
by Gromit
I've done around 60k miles on several 1100S's, the last of which was an '04 BCR. It really is a great bike, and for covering distance on A-roads at speed it is a very effectively swift and comfortable tool. Much better than a VFR800 IME.
PB very kindly let me have the use of his (late & lamented) 12S for an afternoon last Sept on the oop norf tour. Getting back on the BCR felt like riding a truck.
The 12 is lighter, steers more quickly and more accurately, I found it more comfy too which was a surprise. The motor's got enough poke to be interesting too. In fact seeing as I very rarely (if ever) carry a passenger and don't need vast amounts of luggage capacity I'd buy the 12 in a heartbeat...if I was in the position to.

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:41 pm
by snavetrauts
that's 3 of you that have specifically mentioned that it is better for comfort...one of you ebven mentioned you got rid of the 1100 because of your back and the 1200 is better..... I am greatly encouraged considering the eeven more sporting nature and looks
Stuart
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:47 pm
by Stevie
snavetrauts wrote:that's 3 of you that have specifically mentioned that it is better for comfort...one of you ebven mentioned you got rid of the 1100 because of your back and the 1200 is better..... I am greatly encouraged considering the eeven more sporting nature and looks
Stuart
Yeah, but, because of this:
but do you have a lady bum for that rear seat....Unfortunately I do
You're knackered.
Fan of the R12S over the R11S that I am, I still wouldn't try and put my wife on the back of one.
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:48 pm
by Gromit
snavetrauts wrote:that's 3 of you that have specifically mentioned that it is better for comfort...one of you ebven mentioned you got rid of the 1100 because of your back and the 1200 is better..... I am greatly encouraged considering the eeven more sporting nature and looks
Stuart
Stuart - it was a surprise I admit. I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam so any bike which has a roomy riding position is a Good Thing. Whereas on the 11 I felt like I was sitting 'on' the bike, the 12 is very much an 'in' riding position which also helps confidence. Good legroom, and the stretch to the 'bars was fine. I had a good 3 hours riding PB's bike and had not a twinge of discomfort. Jeez...even the seat felt fine.
As a bike for 1-up, comfy, fast road riding the 12 takes some beating. Sure it's no Blade or R1 etc etc but I could do a long day's riding on the 12S whereas on a litre sportsbike I'd struggle tbh.
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 7:25 pm
by herrman
Shock, Horror, BMW 'Sportbike' is comfy and now available with hard luggage!!!!
Stuart,
Ive had 3 1100Ss and covered around 90000 miles on them and the 1200 is in my opinion a natural progression. I find it at least as comfortable as the 1100 and now that I have the luggage it suits my needs, I never carry a passenger so that is'nt an issue for me although I doubt if it would be very passenger friendly. Must also say that I would not want to commute in heavy traffic on the 12 as it can feel a bit gutless on small throttle openings and just makes hard work of it. If I'm honest I think that the 1100S is the better ALL ROUNDER but for me at least it was time to move on. On a slightly different note during the last week I have had both the K1200R Sport and a K1200GT on loan for 24 hrs each, Apart from the novelty of having all that power available they both left me unmoved and I certainly would not consider buying either. Takes all sorts I guess!!
Regards Peter.
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 11:45 pm
by nab 301
snavetrauts wrote:that's 3 of you that have specifically mentioned that it is better for comfort...one of you ebven mentioned you got rid of the 1100 because of your back and the 1200 is better..... I am greatly encouraged considering the eeven more sporting nature and looks
Stuart
I took a demo out for a half day last year and it (the 12s) was definitely more comfortable (6' 4") , (more seat to peg room,) the demo was definitely a bit rough low down (unbalanced throttle bodies? ) but had a lot more go than the11s at the top end ,better gearbox action and superb brakes, couldn't really justify spending all that on something I don't really need though....
Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 6:11 am
by Twodogs
Yes i did have a "sled betty" or as you put it Stuart,a "lady bum" on the pillion,but as the R12S is now the object of my desire and the 12 really dosn't look very "Betty" friendly, she had to go. The "Betty"...not the 12!

You'll need to add the 12 rather than replace the 11 i'm guessing Stuart,so as to keep your "lady bum" happy
Andy

Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 8:02 am
by snavetrauts
twodogs...... now there's dedication
Stuart

Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:43 am
by Man-of-Mystery
I have had one of each. I am biased in favour of the 1200 on power, looks, and handling. I would have liked my old 1100 better if I had not made the mistake of asking for ABS. ABS is very scary in a Scottish winter.
M-o-M
Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:58 am
by Stevie
Kid Ory got no ABS then? I have ABS on my 12 and the only time it has kicked in was in the Canal St. Multi-story when I was denied right of way going down an exit ramp. You're right! Scary!
Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:34 am
by Man-of-Mystery
Multi-storeys are for wimps!
M-o-M
Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 11:04 am
by WayneL
Hi Guys
I've had the R12s for a while now and finally have panniers and a bagster tank bag fitted, just like all true sport sport sport bikes should have.
I technically still own a R11s (99), its on consignment for sale, but I did manage to take it for a spin a couple of months back.
The R12s is a sharper tool, it has more motor, better (sport) handling, better brakes (less weight?) and better overall feel and feedback over the R11s.
The riding position I find a little less comfortable than my R11s, but it was fitted with the high rise bars (about 20 - 30mm higher than stock). Having said that I have done a couple of 5 to 6 hour rides without any problems.
I made the mistake of buying an R12ST, a while ago as a reaction to the initial release of R12s without luggage. Big mistake, comfort doesn't equall rider satisfaction, it's the Fang factor that counts! Speed and cornering whilst carrying as much luggage as I need to.
Yep, the pillion seat and position looks awful, I'll never no for sure

but the better half will jump on it for the occasional trip we do. Won't get the hair dryer in that little bag though! And if I have too, I'll buy a cheap, older more comfy beemer for trips with the missus. Is that called a win - win?
You know you want it!
cheers
Wayne
seat height question...
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:46 pm
by mkatz
(near) trivial question:
I used to have an R1100S... until I totaled it about 5 years ago. I'm about to buy a replacement and get back into riding but am concerned about sat height as I'm fairly short (inseam 30") and would like to ba able to (at least almost ) flat foot at stops.
Does your R12S sit taller than your old R11S? I've been told that the seat is shaped narrowly at the front to ease height concerns.
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:13 pm
by madman
I will not buy a 1200 because I can't touch the ground on one as much as I can on the 1100. If I change bikes now it will be for a K1200R sport.