My Bike v2

[objectuser]

I finally have the first round of modifications done to my bike. These were mostly getting it ready to ride longer trips. Hopefully we'll be able to do that a few times this coming year.

One of the reasons I was interested in the R1200R is because it is so versatile. I'm coming from a Kawi Versys, which is another great bike because of its versatility.

My bike is a 2009 with now just over 10k miles on it. I've replaced the Vstream that was on it with a Cee Bailey's screen.



I've added a Givi topcase adapter so I can use my Givi E52, which is my favorite case because it holds my entire backpack and then lots more.



Added a RAM mount for my Garmin GPS, which we use for almost every ride.



I replaced the Moto Techniques risers with some 3.5" Rox Risers to bring the bars back to me for an upright riding position. You can also see the RAM mount attached to the windscreen mount in this photo.



Also added a Russell day long seat with a backrest. I had a Russell on my Versys and it was awesome. But I've never had a backrest. On our trip to Colorado last summer, my back was getting tired, so I thought I'd try it out. It's removable, so I'll probably not have it on most of the time.



The Russell replaces a Bill Mayer seat that works great with the slightly forward position most people use with the R1200R. It will be going up on ebay soon once I figure out how much it's worth.



I've taken a couple of rides with all of the modifications and now the bike is working great for me. I need some longer trips though to see what other adjustments need to be made. The bike came with the Illium Works highway pegs, which I've used and love. I'm looking forward to some nice long rides with plenty of twisty back roads. I love how the bike smoothly cruises at 70 and then dives into the corners like a sports bike.

Hopefully spring will come early next year, like the end of Jan.

[nylife]

very nice setup

[BigEasy]

The Russell replaces a Bill Mayer seat that works great with the slightly forward position most people use with the R1200R. It will be going up on ebay soon once I figure out how much it's worth.

Once you figure out what you want for it pm me. I could be interested if the price is right. Enjoy the fun!

[objectuser]

Will do, BigEasy.

Went on a quick grocery run just now. I still think I could use to bring the bars back slightly more, but I'll need to be on the highway for a while to know for sure.

I just love how the engine sounds. I'm still getting used to how much engine compression there is when I slow the bike. I really need to be gentle on the throttle. Loosening my grip always helps.

I'm still amazed at how easy I can turn and control this bike. Slow, deep turns are no problem (though my definition might be off). Fun bike.

[bicyclist]

Did you unload the Versys? I saw your ad over on their forum some time back.

[objectuser]

No, it's still in my garage. I'm hoping I get more interest in the spring. Every time I look at it I think, "What a great bike!" Hopefully someone else will think that same thing soon.

On the plus side, having four bikes in the garage is becoming routine for us. Maybe when the Versys goes I can fill that void with something else!

[bicyclist]

On the plus side, having four bikes in the garage is becoming routine for us. Maybe when the Versys goes I can fill that void with something else!

Ah, yes, I well understand. I have an F800ST that is occupying a slot that needs to be filled with something else. R12R? I have room for only 3 bikes.

[celticus]

The Russell replaces a Bill Mayer seat that works great with the slightly forward position most people use with the R1200R. It will be going up on ebay soon once I figure out how much it's worth.

Once you figure out what you want for it pm me. I could be interested if the price is right. Enjoy the fun!

If the price is not right for Big Easy it might be right for me so in that case give ME an email.
Mark

[BigEasy]

It's all yours for the asking Mark. I'm out due to an impulse buy on a set of wheels for one of the other bikes.

[celticus]

I did the impulse buy on wheels for my R1200R earlier this year.
Thanks

Mark

[Ric]

Wow....(and don't take this wrong....I'm just talking).....it's your bike and you should make it comfortable for yourself. But....haven't you sort of taken a Mustang Cobra and tried to make a Cadilac out of it ? I'm curious, I mean, you essentially have a brand new bike there, a 2009 model; it's not like you couldn't afford something else and had to make do with modifing a 20 yr old bike. Did you first consider buying an RT or an HD or an FJR or NT or ST or something else ? I mean, it's a "Roadster".... you know, if you drive a new Corvette across country you should expect to stop and stretch your legs a little more frequently than if you had driven a 760Li.

Ahhh...I'm just curious.....I always wonder why Goldwingers pull big wagons behind their bikes when they could be driving a super nice 328i convertable.

[mogu83]

I've wondered the same thing Ric. I like Peter Paul Mounds and my riding buddy likes Peter Paul Almond Joys. Why would anyone put Almonds on a perfectly good PP Mounds.



The point 'some times you feel like a nut - sometimes you don't' or different strokes for different strokes.

To stick with GM products. The R1200R is more like a two door Chevy sedan than a Corvette or a Cadillac. You can pop in a modified 350ci V8 with stiff suspension a five speed and go racing with the Corvettes, you could upgrade the interior add a sound deadening package add soft suspension, order a small V8 and cruise the super slabs with the Cadillacs or you could leave it stock with a V6 and have a comfortable and dependable ride back and forth to work every day.
That's why I'm on a R1200R. It gave me a opportunity to make a bike that fitted my needs perfectly (and mine does).

[objectuser]

Yeah, I considered a whole bunch of bikes. And I loved something about every one of them. So many great bikes out there.

• RT: Loved it, except for maybe three things: 1) I was still leaning forward and even though there are risers available, it's much less flexible in that area because of the clip-ons 2) I think it had probably too much wind protection for the Texas summers 3) my long legs conflicted with the fairing. I really liked that bike though. Loved the gadgetry.
• MTS1200: Amazing bike, fit me well. It's an 11 degree twin, though, and I was wanting to get away from the vibes of the parallel twin on the Versys. So that made me want to try something smoother, even though the MTS felt smoother than my Versys. Great bike.
• Tiger 1050: Great engine, but I didn't care for the rest of the bike. Everything looked dated to me. And after riding some others, it didn't have the handling I liked. Excited about the new Tigers though. Maybe a future bike.
• C14: I think that's a great bike. The things that bugged me were 1) the weight, 2) again the forward lean (which I think could not have been corrected for me by the available risers ... would have had to go with those HeliBars, which are awesome, but it would have been an expensive mod, 3) the useless mirrors.

Anyway, I looked at even more than that. The R1200R to me is a lot like my Versys: versatile. I want something I can ride around town, take on long trips, and have fun with in the twisties. The Versys was that, but the engine aggravated my wrists. I also just wanted to try something else.

Did I make the right decision with the R1200R? I'm not sure. I love the handling, the sound and feel of the engine, the power, the weight. But it's been harder than I expected to create a comfortable riding position. And I'm still not sure I'm there. Ask me in a year. By then I'll probably be ready for something else either way.

Oh, and speaking of cross country trips in a sports car: I drove my Porsche Cayman S to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama and back again with no issues at all. Totally comfy, even with the racing seats and track suspension. But leaning forward on the bike doesn't work for me, even for a short ride. Alas.

[Woland]

But leaning forward on the bike doesn't work for me, even for a short ride. Alas.

What is it that bothers you with the forward lean? I'm bothered by to much weight on my wrists or they will start hurting, but the answer to that is strengthening my stomach and back, using a back-protector with a wide Velcro waistband that fits tight and thereby supporting my upper body without my hands. If I´d try figuring that out with bikes or mods I´d go crazy, and broke as-well

Just a thought, it works very well for me.

[mogu83]

Did you consider bar-backs? Their must be at least a half dozen different ones on the market for the R1200R. Most have different amounts of up and back measurements so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The good thing about keeping a bike for a while is you have the time to adjust it to your individual needs and when you get it 'just right' you'll have a smile on your face every time your ass hits the seat.

BTW: I was extremely hesitant to put bar-backs on my bike figuring they would do weird things to the handling but I've noticed very little if any effect, and my back and arms feel a lot better. Longest day on the bike was 18 hours Topeka,Ks to Jersey Shore, I was tired but back and arms were OK.

[objectuser]

What is it that bothers you with the forward lean? I'm bothered by to much weight on my wrists or they will start hurting, but the answer to that is strengthening my stomach and back, using a back-protector with a wide Velcro waistband that fits tight and thereby supporting my upper body without my hands. If I´d try figuring that out with bikes or mods I´d go crazy, and broke as-well

Just a thought, it works very well for me.

It's mostly my wrists and back, but also my neck as the rides get longer. If I tried just adding muscle, I'd never make it over 30min on the bike. Getting fitter is certainly good advice, but there are certain genetic limitations I must acknowledge.

Did you consider bar-backs? ...

Not sure if this was to me, probably not but I'll answer for me anyway ... I have the 3.5" Rox Risers on my bike (seen in the pictures in the first post). I'd like to go back even further, if for no other reason than I want to use my Tag Metals T2 bars I took off my Versys. Very comfortable, much wider bars.

[Ric]

Yeah, I considered a whole bunch of bikes. And I loved something about every one of them. So many great bikes out there.

• RT: Loved it, except for maybe three things: 1) I was still leaning forward and even though there are risers available, it's much less flexible in that area because of the clip-ons 2) I think it had probably too much wind protection for the Texas summers 3) my long legs conflicted with the fairing. I really liked that bike though. Loved the gadgetry.
• MTS1200: Amazing bike, fit me well. It's an 11 degree twin, though, and I was wanting to get away from the vibes of the parallel twin on the Versys. So that made me want to try something smoother, even though the MTS felt smoother than my Versys. Great bike.
• Tiger 1050: Great engine, but I didn't care for the rest of the bike. Everything looked dated to me. And after riding some others, it didn't have the handling I liked. Excited about the new Tigers though. Maybe a future bike.
• C14: I think that's a great bike. The things that bugged me were 1) the weight, 2) again the forward lean (which I think could not have been corrected for me by the available risers ... would have had to go with those HeliBars, which are awesome, but it would have been an expensive mod, 3) the useless mirrors.

Anyway, I looked at even more than that. The R1200R to me is a lot like my Versys: versatile. I want something I can ride around town, take on long trips, and have fun with in the twisties. The Versys was that, but the engine aggravated my wrists. I also just wanted to try something else.

Did I make the right decision with the R1200R? I'm not sure. I love the handling, the sound and feel of the engine, the power, the weight. But it's been harder than I expected to create a comfortable riding position. And I'm still not sure I'm there. Ask me in a year. By then I'll probably be ready for something else either way.

Oh, and speaking of cross country trips in a sports car: I drove my Porsche Cayman S to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama and back again with no issues at all. Totally comfy, even with the racing seats and track suspension. But leaning forward on the bike doesn't work for me, even for a short ride. Alas.

Excellent answer....thanks for not taking my question the wrong way.

I have similar reasoning for owning an '09 R12R. I've riden since I was 12 (now 58). And I have always taken a bike the way it comes from the factory (other than some engine hop-ups I've done). To me, if I get fatigued I pull over; it's part of the adventure. I also know that the more riding done on a regular basis, the less riding position bothers me (weigh on my wrist, tired back, etc...). But, I've always been a fellow that doesn't let a lot bother me; even moderate aggravation to others I can tend to ignor.

I'm aware of getting older (although I'm a big-time gym rat) and the day will surely come when even a weekend trip may be a bit too much. Hence, I am looking forward to owning a 325i converable !

[Ric]

I've wondered the same thing Ric. I like Peter Paul Mounds and my riding buddy likes Peter Paul Almond Joys. Why would anyone put Almonds on a perfectly good PP Mounds.



The point 'some times you feel like a nut - sometimes you don't' or different strokes for different strokes.

To stick with GM products. The R1200R is more like a two door Chevy sedan than a Corvette or a Cadillac. You can pop in a modified 350ci V8 with stiff suspension a five speed and go racing with the Corvettes, you could upgrade the interior add a sound deadening package add soft suspension, order a small V8 and cruise the super slabs with the Cadillacs or you could leave it stock with a V6 and have a comfortable and dependable ride back and forth to work every day.
That's why I'm on a R1200R. It gave me a opportunity to make a bike that fitted my needs perfectly (and mine does).

Gasp !!!! Blasphemy !!!

How dare you compare an R12R to a (what did you call it?) a two door Chevy sedan !!! I compared it to a Mustang. I own a Mustang and think it's a pretty good analogy. The Corvette statement was to over emphasize a point.

Pfffttttt.......two door Chevy sedan .....the very idea.....






Then again I think everything I own is a Hot-Rod

[objectuser]

Excellent answer....thanks for not taking my question the wrong way.

I have similar reasoning for owning an '09 R12R. I've riden since I was 12 (now 58). And I have always taken a bike the way it comes from the factory (other than some engine hop-ups I've done). To me, if I get fatigued I pull over; it's part of the adventure. I also know that the more riding done on a regular basis, the less riding position bothers me (weigh on my wrist, tired back, etc...). But, I've always been a fellow that doesn't let a lot bother me; even moderate aggravation to others I can tend to ignor.

I'm aware of getting older (although I'm a big-time gym rat) and the day will surely come when even a weekend trip may be a bit too much. Hence, I am looking forward to owning a 325i converable !

I wish I could do that. I modify everything I own to fit me, my limitations and my purposes. I'm not really a bling farkler: in fact, I'm sure I tend to make things less attractive.

When I first got my Versys, it fit me pretty well, but I couldn't sit on the thing for more than an hour, tops. And as the ride got longer that time got shorter. So I changed the seat a couple of times and then, with the Russell, my butt was no longer an issue. I like to stop and look at the sights, go slow and enjoy the road, etc. But I can't do that if I'm in pain. Just sucks the joy out of it for me.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I love motorcycling, love talking about it, love trying different bikes, enjoying the journey.

[Ric]

Excellent answer....thanks for not taking my question the wrong way.

I have similar reasoning for owning an '09 R12R. I've riden since I was 12 (now 58). And I have always taken a bike the way it comes from the factory (other than some engine hop-ups I've done). To me, if I get fatigued I pull over; it's part of the adventure. I also know that the more riding done on a regular basis, the less riding position bothers me (weigh on my wrist, tired back, etc...). But, I've always been a fellow that doesn't let a lot bother me; even moderate aggravation to others I can tend to ignor.

I'm aware of getting older (although I'm a big-time gym rat) and the day will surely come when even a weekend trip may be a bit too much. Hence, I am looking forward to owning a 325i converable !

I wish I could do that. I modify everything I own to fit me, my limitations and my purposes. I'm not really a bling farkler: in fact, I'm sure I tend to make things less attractive.

When I first got my Versys, it fit me pretty well, but I couldn't sit on the thing for more than an hour, tops. And as the ride got longer that time got shorter. So I changed the seat a couple of times and then, with the Russell, my butt was no longer an issue. I like to stop and look at the sights, go slow and enjoy the road, etc. But I can't do that if I'm in pain. Just sucks the joy out of it for me.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I love motorcycling, love talking about it, love trying different bikes, enjoying the journey.

Are you just riding once a month or something ? Really....you got to ride reguarly to get your butt and back use to it. I try to ride at least twice a week but usually get more time in than that during good weather. If you haven't been riding that much it will take a couple months of putting in rides every other day to get use to it. It seems like you won't every get over it but, unless you have some physical problem, your body will acclimate to it.

I didn't ride a lot a few years ago and when I got back to it my arse hurt me to no end. I couldn't go 25 miles. I remembered that this had never been a problem before. The only difference was that I hadn't been riding much. I started riding every other day after work for about 20 miles and put on some 100 miles every saturday and sunday. It took about two months (maybe three) and i was up to 250 miles before my arse started aching.

I always stop every 60 to 70 miles. Now I can again go all day long. I am in great physical shape but, I am also 58 yrs old. Try riding that little RD with the clubman bars in the picture above !