NEW OWNER REPORT: The Good, The Bad, the Ugly (long)

[mcavotta]

Hi everyone. I bought my new Granite Gray R12R after 6 years of hibernation from the two-wheel scene. My last bike was an R1100S, which I have previously described as "competent, but soulless." Sorry, but it's true.

Anyway, six days after bringing the bike home, I donned my equally new Motoport Air Mesh 2-piece suit and set out from Cleveland to the Westport, NY—on Lake Champlain about an hour north of Lake George, if you're wondering.

This would be the second longest trip of my motorcycling career, so memories of aching wrists and a bruised ass prompted me to factor in a couple extra days of recuperation. Amazingly, these would not be needed.

THE GOOD:
On the way up, THE BIKE PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY. Maybe I've got a little extra padding on my ass nowadays, but that's no enough to explain how effortlessly this machine eats up miles and how comfortable it is for a 6'1" rider with naught but the sport screen out front. It's probably been said here before, but this bike settles into a comfortable, smooth

For anyone wondering if this bike is suitable for touring—stock seat and all—the answer is YES, coming not from an Iron Butt veteran, but from a guy who hasn't put in a 9 hour day on two wheels for over 6 years. Big props to the R12R.

If you've spent any time in the Adirondacks, you know to say it's good riding is a gross understatement. From the fantastic vistas on the Northway (I-87) as it winds north out of Saratoga to the wicked-fast backroads like routes 8 and 9, the riding is as fun as it is breath-taking. With the system cases popped off, the R12R was plenty of fun solo and with my wife aboard...needless to say much nicer for her than the R11S.


THE BAD:
Unfortunately, all is not roses, and of course, what thing made by mad is perfect? But be that as it may, I have to say that the R12R previously described by the author as flawless, proved in fact to be flawed.

I left Westport for Cleveland yesterday morning expecting a repeat of the trip up, albeit with the decidedly un-fun portion of the road at the tail end of the journey (I-90 sucks). After some 400 miles in high-80s heat made bearable by the aforementioned Motoport kevlar mesh gear, IT HAPPENED.

With "15 miles" left to empty on the computer (figured after hours of steady interstate travel at 44mpg), the bike shut down at mile marker 476. There I sat—for three hours—waiting for BMW roadside assistance to come through (a comedy of errors I won't get into here because it's the bike that failed first). By the time the truck showed up with gas, the battery had died from running the hazard lights (seems like kind of a quick death, no?)

Anyway, technology is great until it can't be trusted (the movie Terminator proved that). I'm expecting my dealer to find nothing, as they've already said it was "unheard of." Has anyone else ever had this happen?

THE UGLY:
I still think the license plate light/bracket assembly is an abomination and hope someone proposes a solution before I break out my hacksaw. :-)

[rmak]

mca-

You don't need help with the good. I can't help with the bad.

But Nathan turned me on to a modified aftermarket tail light assembly that cleans up that ugly part:

http://piratesk12site.net/EvoSplate.htm

[fly]

I've looked at this several times and while it is an improvement I can't help thinking that you should be able to do away with the plate light altogether, build your own bracket similar the the Evoluzione but place the plate higher up. I think the top of the plate could be up where the plate light is bolted on the Evoluzione bracket - from what I can tell there is a clear part on the bottom of the taillight that shines downwards that would provide sufficient light on the plate anyway.
I would have bought this bracket had it not been for the expensive shipping by courier to Canada (won't ship USPS) and that would entail substantial brokerage fees as well. When all was said and done the simple bracket would have cost in excess of $150 - almost as much as if it were a factory part.

[mcavotta]

I've looked at this several times and while it is an improvement I can't help thinking that you should be able to do away with the plate light altogether, build your own bracket similar the the Evoluzione but place the plate higher up. I think the top of the plate could be up where the plate light is bolted on the Evoluzione bracket - from what I can tell there is a clear part on the bottom of the taillight that shines downwards that would provide sufficient light on the plate anyway.
I would have bought this bracket had it not been for the expensive shipping by courier to Canada (won't ship USPS) and that would entail substantial brokerage fees as well. When all was said and done the simple bracket would have cost in excess of $150 - almost as much as if it were a factory part.

I agree. So far, the hacksaw is the answer. But still, no thoughts on the bogus DTE read? Bummer.

[Lost Rider]

So in other words the bike is perfect, you just ran out of gas...
Sound like a ID10T problem, but I've been there too.
I never read anywhere in the manual that guarantee's the computer to be 100% accurate, how can it be with all the variables? It just calculates everything by averages right?
I would be embarrassed to complain to the dealer about running out of gas, personally.
I have ran out of gas once myself on the 1200R, the computer said I had 4 miles left. I didn't call roadside assistance however, I pushed it 1.5 miles to the next exit, but the 1200R roll's nicely. Lucky I was that close. It sucked, especially going up the ramp on I-294. All I could do was laugh at myself, pushing my mighty BMW down I-294, since I'm the one who drove to empty...
The only thing that pissed me off was how many bikes went by me, ( HD's ) and didn't stop. If I saw someone pushing their bike on an interstate, I would stop no matter what.

As for the battery, I know I leave mine parked illegally all the time with the flasher's on for 1-2 hours, never had a problem. Once while camping I left my GPS on for 12 hours, but it just cranked slightly slower, but still fired right up. That I would talk to the dealer about.



BTW, for me at least the stock seat IS NOT suitable for touring, that comes from 4 weeks of touring in the last 5 weeks, at least for my butt. It's the wrong shape. My longest day so far was 760 miles, and I finally figured out how to use my camp pillow under my Alaska Leathers pad so my butt's not on fire. This Wednesday, I'm doing an Iron butt 1000 mile ride, and I have plenty of Aleve to help me through it.

Glad you like your new bike, welcome to the club. How about some pics?

[mcavotta]

So in other words the bike is perfect, you just ran out of gas...

I beg to differ.

Sound like a ID10T problem, but I've been there too.

The way I see it, an idiot ignores information. Speak for yourself, thank you.

I never read anywhere in the manual that guarantee's the computer to be 100% accurate, how can it be with all the variables? It just calculates everything by averages right?

Right...averages that did not waver for HOURS of travel. 44mpg. No more, no less. Of course there's no GUARANTEE of accuracy, but 15 miles and 0 miles are hardly close. It's off by what, almost 10%? What good is a computer with badly calibrated sensors or algorithms? What good is a tire pressure sensor if it doesn't accurately keep you informed? Whatever.
It's not a reason to not buy this bike, but it DOES cast a shadow of doubt on all MY trip computer's data. If it's not accurate under an easy scenario of 300+ miles of interstate travel, when will it ever be?

This is the problem with something so close to perfect: Even small blemishes show up with prominence. Of all things, a computer shouldn't be part of the "character" of owning a BMW.

I would be embarrassed to complain to the dealer about running out of gas, personally.

Complaining because you weren't paying attention and complaining because you can't trust your instruments are two different things. If something's wrong, I would like it fixed. What's the problem with that???

[/quote]

[Lost Rider]

[quote="mcavotta"]

[Lost Rider]

Right...averages that did not waver for HOURS of travel. 44mpg. No more, no less. Of course there's no GUARANTEE of accuracy, but 15 miles and 0 miles are hardly close. It's off by what, almost 10%? What good is a computer with badly calibrated sensors or algorithms?
It's not a reason to not buy this bike, but it DOES cast a shadow of doubt on all MY trip computer's data. If it's not accurate under an easy scenario of 300+ miles of interstate travel, when will it ever be?



Complaining because you weren't paying attention and complaining because you can't trust your instruments are two different things. If something's wrong, I would like it fixed. What's the problem with that???

So since the dealer "isn't expected" to find any problems it still comes back to operator error. I learned my lesson, will you? maybe the wind speed or direction changed after HOURS of travel, or humidity, or any other variable that changed your MPG. After all, you must have rode for at least 20 miles with the gas light on. Coming in here making claims that the computer was wrong isn't exactly responsible. The gauge was at the bottom when you ran out right? It's not like it said you had 1/4 tank left, right?
I would never run my tank that low while on a trip, I was not far from home, and known gas stations when I let mine run dry.
Since I've ran out of gas myself, the ID10T problem is merly a poke at the humor for the situation, but if you want to be defensive so be it. Just having fun, new guy.

The way I see it, an idiot ignores information. Speak for yourself, thank you.

The way I see it, an idiot takes a brand new bike, goes on a trip, runs his tank down to what he thought was 1/4 of a gallon of gas, runs out, then comes on a forum claiming that BMW's computer isn't accurate.


BTW, nice head shot avatar.

[socalrob]

I ran my new 1200GSA down to about 12 miles to empty & put in 9.0 gallons. The weird thing is the tank on this bike is "only" 8.7 gallons. After owning my R1150R with its seeming 0.7 gallons or so of unusable/nonexistent capacity (off the 5.6 gal capicity as stated by BMW) I was completely shocked by both the fact that I got more gas in the GSA than the published volume AND that I was able to actually use that much gas.

I do have to say that if my new BMW quit while on the road with the computer showing 15 miles to empty, I would have put gas (I would have called AAA first as they bring gas, if needed) prior to calling BMW roadside assistance, which if you read BMW forums, your 3 hour response time is actually the norm or short. Especially as from reading BMW forums like Advrider, the gas gauges & computers on the 1200 series bikes have been not the most accurate things around.

Glad your onboard with the new bike mcavotta. The R1200R is really a fantastik ride from what I hear & from my test ride.

Chitown, take it easy on the n00b's

[DRothermel]

http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=10202

[mcavotta]

http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=10202

Thank you, this was helpful.

[mcavotta]

So since the dealer "isn't expected" to find any problems it still comes back to operator error. I learned my lesson, will you? maybe the wind speed or direction changed after HOURS of travel, or humidity, or any other variable that changed your MPG. After all, you must have rode for at least 20 miles with the gas light on. Coming in here making claims that the computer was wrong isn't exactly responsible. The gauge was at the bottom when you ran out right? It's not like it said you had 1/4 tank left, right?

I would never run my tank that low while on a trip, I was not far from home, and known gas stations when I let mine run dry.
Since I've ran out of gas myself, the ID10T problem is merly a poke at the humor for the situation, but if you want to be defensive so be it. Just having fun, new guy.

Regardless of what you may say, this is something I thought other forum members could glean without the requisite 3 hour roadside lesson: YOU CANNOT TRUST THE DTE READING.

Had someone told me that before, this wouldn't have happened. I'm trying to save someone the trouble I went through by pointing out that an important feature on the bike (to me) is actually more of a gadget than a gauge.

The way I see it, an idiot takes a brand new bike, goes on a trip, runs his tank down to what he thought was 1/4 of a gallon of gas, runs out, then comes on a forum claiming that BMW's computer isn't accurate.

Well, the computer simply wasn't accurate and anyone who thinks theirs is should reconsider. That's all I'm saying.

BTW, nice head shot avatar.

Thanks.

[Boxer]

ChiTown, is the fuel pump inside the tank, like the R1150R? I think the construction/design of the tank would be similar. Assuming it IS, you didn't have to push your bike all that way. When you "run out" of gas, you actually still have some. The problem is accessing it down in the side 'pocket' of the tank.

I haven't done this, but a trusted friend with 115K miles on his R1150R had to do in Texas when he ran out. You lay the bike down gently all the way onto the ground on the side that has the fuel line. The gas from the other side will flow over and give you 10 more miles or so....in a jam.

And I agree with our new friend cavotta. If you pay $15,000 for a bike that purports to have a digital, computer operated fuel sensor. It should work. That alone is enough for me to tell the dealer about. But it's a learning experience, and next time I'm sure he will get that gas when he sees that yellow light of terror!

[WhoZat]

I don't have an R12R..... does it have a "low fuel lamp" that alerts it's rider to the gas tank's status?

As suggested above, when I knew I was pushing my 30 mile limit (on my R1150R) after the low fuel lamp came on, I would stand on my foot pegs (while riding) and shake my bike from side to side to splash the gas from one side of the tank to the other. Some people actually modified their tank with a cross-over tube from one side of the tank to the other, taking advantage of ALL of the gas available.

In addition, I always take my new bikes out for a spin with some cans of gas (I use the Seafoam cans) in my luggage. I then run my bike until it runs outa gas, noting how far I can go until the tank is emptied after the low fuel lamp comes on.

If the information system referred to was that silly$250.00 computer toy/accessory, I not only find it's information useless..... but I would NOT put ANY faith in it's ability to detect gas level (in a motorcycle tank). I would IF the gas tank's capacity was larger and a very significant amount of remaining gas leveled to a reservoir that was not prone to splashing the gas about.

On a final note, all bikes seem to differ with this regard. It also depends on it's rider. My buddy and I filled up our 1150's at the same time then set out on the freeway for a rather lengthy, boring, arduous drone. At half tank we hit some nasty wind, head on..... it was really a-blow'n! My buddy was literally TWICE my size in weight and width...... HE ran totally out of gas, and I was able to motor on for another 7 miles and brought gas back to him. Bikes are unique, riders make a difference, riding style is everything, and those sensors & tubes in gas tanks are not set up exactly the same in every bike of the same model.

[thenewcamus]

what I don't understand is how 1/3 gallon of gas just disappears (est 45 MPG). I know it's different but the DTE on my Saab eventually says "Refill NOW" before going completely teets up on me, no reason Bavaria couldnt manage the same thing. Thats why I always keep a styrofoam cup of gas under the seat just in case

[Boxer]

I always keep a styrofoam cup of gas under the seat just in case

[thenewcamus]

LOL

[DSKYZD]

I was wondering if anyone would call bullsh1t on you camus.

[celticus]

mcavotta ,
"Had someone told me that before, this wouldn't have happened. I'm trying to save someone the trouble I went through by pointing out that an important feature on the bike (to me) is actually more of a gadget than a gauge."
Thanks, It DID bring to light that the gas gadget can be trusted but to no more a degree than a cold war era East German Surplus condom.
Thanks for reinforcing my mistrust. Now if anyone else runs out with a similar thought pattern we can point them back to this. I will keep your hard won knowledge.

Mark

[mcavotta]

mcavotta ,
"Had someone told me that before, this wouldn't have happened. I'm trying to save someone the trouble I went through by pointing out that an important feature on the bike (to me) is actually more of a gadget than a gauge."
Thanks, It DID bring to light that the gas gadget can be trusted but to no more a degree than a cold war era East German Surplus condom.
Thanks for reinforcing my mistrust. Now if anyone else runs out with a similar thought pattern we can point them back to this. I will keep your hard won knowledge.

Mark

You're welcome, Mark. My reason for doing this has been validated.