R1200GS or R1200R?

[Blackdog]

I was having a lot of trouble with a bad knee so I sold my beloved Buell XB12R and bought a cream puff 2005 1200GS. This has lessened my knee angle considerably and I'm a lot more comfortable. I can put on 200 miles a day, maybe more with no pain. I ordered the Suburban Machinery lowered pegs for even more leg room and knee angle.

I had considered the 1200R at one time as I'm really a Sport bike/Sport touring type rider but I thought the GS would offer the least knee angle. I have found the GS a great bike, but it's big and tall, and feels awkward at times. I'm wondering now if I made the right decision. Would the "R" offer as much leg room as the GS? Maybe a "R" with the high seat and lowered pegs?

[famousperson]

What is your height and inseam measurement?

[Dan-A]

The R12R is definitely more tucked than a GS.

[Blackdog]

What is your height and inseam measurement?

30" inseam, I'm 5'10", 180 lbs.

[bobw]

I would do a test drive. I am the same height and inseam and I find the RR to be very comfortable, but with a knee or other health issue a small ergonomic change could cause you more pain than another rider would worry about. The RR is a hoot to ride and is the much better looking sister.


Good luck!

Bob

[famousperson]

I have the same inseam, too, and, with the normal saddle, find the riding position just a tad cramped. Not enough to ruin my pleasure but enough to be planning on adjustable pegs as my next purchase. 1 1/2" doesn't sound like much but people who have installed them say it makes a world of difference.

Also, some one who found the low saddle too cramped, moved to the normal saddle and was just fine. I wouldn't doubt that going from the normal saddle to the tall saddle would make the same sort of difference.

But, yes, I agree with Bob, do a test drive. The R1200R is a real street bike, whereas the GS is definitely a different breed.

[gsmoto31]

As an owner of several R (1100, 1150, 1200) and GS (1150, 1200) bikes, here is my perspective. The R12R is by far the easiest and most exhilarating bike to ride. I ride this bike to work every day and always look forward to my commute at the beginning and end of every day. Now that's a concept, huh? On the other hand, the R12GS is a bit more comfortable for me to ride and it is my first choice for long distance touring. I have taken the R's on long trips, but the GS is superior in that area. In addition, my wife prefers to ride on the back of GS more than the R. Fortunately for me, I can own and ride both bikes on a regular basis. BTW, I am 6'0", 180 lbs, with a 32" inseam.

[Blackdog]

I never put the 2 bikes side by side to compare knee angle. It sounds like the GS would offer the most comfort in that regard. My bike with the lowered pegs has my knees at about a 90 degree angle which is perfect.

My problem was going from a small (XB12R) bike with a 30" seat height to a much bigger bike with a 33" seat height. It's just going to take a little time to get use to it. I ride 70 miles a day just to and from work than maybe 300 miles on week ends. The GS tours great. I could only last 30-50 miles on the Buell.

[ka5ysy]

I have ridden the GS a number of times at my local dealer, and am always back to wondering what the big deal is. The GS is a nice tall bike with a good suspension system, but I still leave them with a "ho-hum" kind of feeling. During the first RR ride I ever took and the end of 2006 when I first saw my soon-to-be owned bike, (which happened to be the release day dealership bike being unpacked) I took the 40 mile test ride loop I use, and came back smitten with the machine and bought it on the spot. Very few things in life have ever done this.


Two days ago I think I violated the Eilenberger Rule (don't ride a bike you cannot afford to buy instantly) and took a ride on the K1300GT. That machine caused the same reaction as the RR. Yikes !!

Report here:

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... php?t=7142

[bobw]

ka5ysy

Excellent post on the new Kay. The only thing saving me is the fact that my closest shop is over 100 miles away and due to no time or poor weather when there, I haven't ridden the demo......yet. If it was closer, I know I would be sticking a fork in the deal. Still have my fingers crossed they will import the KR and or KRs. I like a little nudity.


Cheers

Bob