New R1200R owner, setting up the bike for touring

[idealistix]

I just got a black 2008 R1200R yesterday with 3,100 miles. I had a lot of fun riding it and it handles beautifully. It's got the following options / farkles: ABS, center stand, On-board computer, heated grips, BMW sidecases, low seat, Z-technik windscreen, and hyperlite brakes.

I like to go on long rides and rode to the Grand Canyon from Michigan last year on my ST1300. So I currently have two bikes but I'll put up my ST1300 for sale soon. Now I would like to set up my R12R for touring and for two-up riding. Here are my thoughts on what I need or already have for touring:

1. Better windscreen: The Z-technik windscreen causes a lot of buffeting. I'll have to modify it (cut-it down or change the angle etc.) or sell it and get a new windshield. I am 5'6" with a 30 inch inseam and have a relatively short torso. I know that there is already a lot of discussion on windscreens on this site, so I'll read them to figure out a solution that works for me. This is the highest priority modification.

2. I will also definitely need bar-risers. My wrists started hurting after only a few minutes on the freeway. What is the highest bar-back that you guys recommend? Ideally I'd like to not mess with extending the brake line, but I'll do it if it results in a more comfortable position. I'd like one that goes up as well as back.

3. Peg lowering kit for passenger: Any opinions on the MFW Vario Footpeg Mount: (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/p ... /4678/594/)? I am thinking of getting the 50 mm (2") displacement arm. Has anybody used this? Would you recommend the 30 mm displacement instead? My wife is 5'6" with probably 31" inseam.

4. Backrest for passenger: I searched everywhere but did not find a backrest available for the R12R. There is a "Bakup" model that might fit the R12R, but it's very expensive and proper fit is not guaranteed. I also thought about getting a topcase instead. Now, here is where I will rant a bit .. I already have the BMW sidecases, and NONE of the aftermarket topbox racks will fit. Since I like the sidecases, my only options are the BMW 28L ($500) or the 49L ($950) case, and these are expen$ive. And I also have to spend $320 for the BMW rack! I will probably opt for a used 28L top box. Any recommendations on the cheapest way to get a top box or backrest while using my BMW sidecases?

Other than these, the seat seemed fine, the heated grips worked great, and the bike has plenty of power. Coming from the ST1300, I was a little disconcerted by the amount of vibrations on the R12R, especially in the handlebar, but I'll probably get used to it.

Thanks for any suggestions / tips!
Abhi

[deilenberger]

I just got a black 2008 R1200R yesterday with 3,100 miles. I had a lot of fun riding it and it handles beautifully. It's got the following options / farkles: ABS, center stand, On-board computer, heated grips, BMW sidecases, low seat, Z-technik windscreen, and hyperlite brakes.

I like to go on long rides and rode to the Grand Canyon from Michigan last year on my ST1300. So I currently have two bikes but I'll put up my ST1300 for sale soon. Now I would like to set up my R12R for touring and for two-up riding. Here are my thoughts on what I need or already have for touring:

1. Better windscreen: The Z-technik windscreen causes a lot of buffeting. I'll have to modify it (cut-it down or change the angle etc.) or sell it and get a new windshield. I am 5'6" with a 30 inch inseam and have a relatively short torso. I know that there is already a lot of discussion on windscreens on this site, so I'll read them to figure out a solution that works for me. This is the highest priority modification.

2. I will also definitely need bar-risers. My wrists started hurting after only a few minutes on the freeway. What is the highest bar-back that you guys recommend? Ideally I'd like to not mess with extending the brake line, but I'll do it if it results in a more comfortable position. I'd like one that goes up as well as back.

3. Peg lowering kit for passenger: Any opinions on the MFW Vario Footpeg Mount: (https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/p ... /4678/594/)? I am thinking of getting the 50 mm (2") displacement arm. Has anybody used this? Would you recommend the 30 mm displacement instead? My wife is 5'6" with probably 31" inseam.

4. Backrest for passenger: I searched everywhere but did not find a backrest available for the R12R. There is a "Bakup" model that might fit the R12R, but it's very expensive and proper fit is not guaranteed. I also thought about getting a topcase instead. Now, here is where I will rant a bit .. I already have the BMW sidecases, and NONE of the aftermarket topbox racks will fit. Since I like the sidecases, my only options are the BMW 28L ($500) or the 49L ($950) case, and these are expen$ive. And I also have to spend $320 for the BMW rack! I will probably opt for a used 28L top box. Any recommendations on the cheapest way to get a top box or backrest while using my BMW sidecases?

Other than these, the seat seemed fine, the heated grips worked great, and the bike has plenty of power. Coming from the ST1300, I was a little disconcerted by the amount of vibrations on the R12R, especially in the handlebar, but I'll probably get used to it.

Thanks for any suggestions / tips!
Abhi

Since you just got the bike yesterday, I'd suggest:

1. Pay to join the forum as a contributing member. It sorta shows you see the value of this exclusive forum.

2. Save up for a new seat. In one day you don't have enough seat time to realize how truely awful the stock BMW seat can be..

3. READ READ READ the windshield threads. Try to sell the Z-Techic (good luck - everyone who has one is trying to sell theirs..) and look on the FOR-SALE, there is a BMW touring shield mount for sale at a good price. Get that since almost all the aftermarket shields are made to fit to it. Then look for the other "Don" here on the forum, and see if you can buy the block for the front of this mount from him. Install the above, and then given your height, I'd suggest the Cee-Bailey 20" might work well for you.

4. I would wait on the bar-backs until you've tried another windshield. The new windshield may provide you more wind support of your upper body, so the bar-backs will be unnecessary. Or not. But I'd wait on them.

5. Passenger backrest - can probably be provided by Corbin on one of their seats. Worth calling/emailing them to find out. I have nothing else good to say about Corbin - but they are the only one providing a backrest.. so your choice is limited It's that or the big bucks (and uglyness) for a tail-trunk.

6. Your bike isn't really broken in yet. A good valve adjustment at the 6,000 mile service may well clear up the vibes you're feeling (or not if you've only ridden 4 cylinder Japanese bikes..) You do know there is an engine in the R12R, but I haven't found the level of vibes annoying. You may find them reduced considerably if you fill up the fuel tank (dunno why - but every boxer engine bike I've owned does this.. I suspect the mass of the fuel provides some vibration damping.) If it really bothers you ManicSalimander makes heavy bar-ends that lessen and change the frequency of the vibes felt through the bars. I'd also suggest foam grip covers - $8 from beemerboneyard.. cheap and effective.

Good luck with it - and where are the pics?

[tinytrains]

1. Better windscreen: The Z-technik windscreen causes a lot of buffeting. I'll have to modify it (cut-it down or change the angle etc.) or sell it and get a new windshield. I am 5'6" with a 30 inch inseam and have a relatively short torso. I know that there is already a lot of discussion on windscreens on this site, so I'll read them to figure out a solution that works for me. This is the highest priority modification.

I changed to the tall (20") windscreen from Ztechnik. That helped a lot by getting the air stream our of my helmet opening. I am 5'6".

Scott

[Michael Hart]

I cut 4 inches off my Ztecnik and it did the trick. no more buffeting. I am about the same size as you.
Mike

[tinytrains]

I cut 4 inches off my Ztecnik and it did the trick. no more buffeting. I am about the same size as you.
Mike

It seems the standard 18" is about the worst possible height. Maybe I will cut my old one down some day.

[AncientMariner]

Abhi,

+1 on holding off on the bar backs. I too had some trouble with my wrists and also neck due to the forward lean. I had been thinking of the bar backs myself. However, I have found as I ride more, I am putting less weight on my hands.

Welcome to the fraternity. You're gonna love the way you look on this bike!

Bruce

[idealistix]

Thanks to all for the replies! I just took the bike out for another spin - this time after removing the windshield. I must say that today's naked ride was far more comfortable than my previous ride with the 18" windshield. Yes, there was a lot of windblast, but it was clean air. I will post photos over the weekend.

Don: Thanks for the detailed reply. I do plan to get the ManicSalamander throttle lock which should help with the vibes. I'll probably wait on modding the seat because I have a sheepskin buttpad that might do the trick. I know that the BMW stock seats do seem to have a reputation for being devices of torture, but this one seems to be quite comfortable. I may change my tune after my long ride though.

Scott: I am leery about getting an even taller Z-technik windshield. I think I'll try cutting my current one down first since it is a cheaper solution, and I am ok with some (clean) air hitting me.

Mike: after you cut down the windshield, how different does it feel compared to no windshield? Does it still block some air off your chest?

Bruce: I'll probably wait a week or two, but I am almost certain that I'll need the barbacks.

Abhi

[Michael Hart]

Abhi,
I cut 4 inches off my shield, now I get a nice non buffeting blast to the helmet. Its still high enough to keep the wind off my chest. The nice thing about that is on hot days my vents on the helmet actually work, and on rainy days the wind keeps the rain off the faceshield. I just got back from a 2200 mile trip and I am pleased with it. I am probably eventually going with a scout fairing.
Mike

[Ashveratu]

I am also 5'6" with a 30 inch inseam. The moto-techniques risers are not too expensive and set me in a better up-right position. They can be found here> http://www.moto-techniques.com/061062.htm

For the wind shield, as Don said earlier, you probably want to get a stock touring screen mount and then get a Don C mount riser block (he needs to come up with an "official" name for it...) which you can see here, just scroll down some viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19676&start=20 once you get the stock mount and block, start experimenting with screens. I am currently using the stock touring screen with a Don C block for daily city driving and a medium Cal Sci for long distance. http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/R1200Rprod.html

If you do not have a low seat, I highly recommend it. Actually, I may have one in my storage facility... (keep an eye on the for sale section). I had my stock seat redone by Sargent http://www.sargentcycle.com/ in to a low seat that I absolutely love.

You may also want to look into getting a set of the F800GS mirrors from a local dealer. They look a hellavu lot better and do not vibrate nearly as much as the stock ones.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[idealistix]

I added the following farkles last week:

1. Moto-techniques bar risers. The best $55 that I have spent on farkles. The riding position (upper body) is perfect for me now with the low seat.
2. SW-Motech crash bars. Insurance to protect the engine in case of a tip-over. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /3076/479/. It looks like it is part of the bike and doesn't detract from the design.
3. MFW Vario passenger peg lowering kit with the 50 mm displacement arm. My wife likes the new peg position much better now, and it doesn't interfere with the muffler. The rider pegs are a little further back than I'd like, but I can live with it for now. I can use the crash bars as highway pegs to give my legs a break.
4. Garmin Zumo 450 GPS (bought used).
5. BMW luggage rack. I really like the system cases, and my wife wanted a backrest, so spent the $300 to get the rack.
6. Bestem 2009 top-box. I still need to figure out a way to mount the Bestem adapter plate to the factory rack. I'll go with a semi-permanent mounting. The Bestem top box detaches from the adapter plate, but I'll drill a couple holes in the bottom of the case and bolt the case to the Bestem adapter plate and the BMW rack. This is much more secure than relying on latches to keep my wife from falling off the bike. http://www.bestemtopbox.com/product_inf ... ducts_id=5
7. I finally decided to try out saddlebag liners. I picked up the Bestem ones for $47, free shipping since I ordered it with the box above. http://www.bestemusa.com/index.php?cPat ... 6jnaqf9rg7
8. I cut down the Z-technik windshield by 2 inches. It is now 16" tall and still causes unacceptable buffeting at the helmet. I'll cut it down another 2 inches soon.

Once I have a useable windshield, my bike will be set up well enough for some serious mile munching. As things stand right now, I'd rather have no windshield than the 16" Z-technik. I am pretty certain that cutting it down another 2 or 3 inches will solve this issue.

[Rrider]

I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam and have tried both the 18" and 20" ZTechnik windshields. Both of them were awful. Way too much buffeting. Recently I removed the 20" with the idea that I should cut it down. Anybody want to guess how short I should go? I'm thinking between 14" and 16".

[TT RDHS]

I just got a black 2008 R1200R yesterday....

And I also have to spend $320 for the BMW rack! ......

Thanks for any suggestions / tips!
Abhi

I have a nearly new BMW rack, for the RR, that I would sell and ship (anywhere in the continental U.S.) for $240.

[xcell1600]

Calsci has a great article on their website on how to size a windscreen.

[Rrider]

Thanks. I'll check it out.