Buying 2010 R1200R?

[Stef.]

Hello everybody!

My name is Stef. and I am a 45 year old, female motorcycle enthusiast who lives with her family in Vancouver B.C. Canada. I am thinking of buying a 2010 R1200R in the next couple of days but worry a bit about the fact that BMW might include the double overhead cam into the R1200R from the beginning of next year. I certainly don't need the 5hp more and the more torque but I wonder what would happen should I have to sell this bike sometime in the future. I guess that interested buyers would want to see the new motor and not the 2010 one? On the other hand, waiting another season is a season lost for me. My husband has the GSA 1200 (2008) and we would like to do some more touring in the future. I have been test driving the R1200R and found it awesome. The GSs are not my style of bike (I come from a cruiser...), so the only bike for me that I like, including the looks (very important for a cruiser rider ) is the R1200R.

Would you think this unreasonable to not wait until next year? Following one of the other discussions in this forum, I am also slightly concerned that BMW will pull the bike off the market here in Canada or re-design it more towards a sport bike- which I would not like.

I am very interested in your comments.
Many thanks
Stef.

[ka5ysy]

Hi Stef ! Welcome to the group.

I have a 2007 R1200R that was actually the release day bike for my dealership. I test road it over a 40 mile loop I use for such things, and came back and handed over the credit card for the deposit. I have over 18000 miles on now, and use it daily and ove every second I am on it.

I recently did a test ride on a new R1200RT with the new engine, and while there are noticeable differences due to the remapped fuel delivery and new head setup. It is a very smooth engine out of the box and comparable to my RR after about 6000 miles of run-in. I believe that this engine is an evolution rather than a revolution, so to quickly answer your question: No, I would not wait and lose a season of riding speculating on when/if the new engine gets put into an R1200R. There are also rumors going around that the RR may be discontinued in the next model year which would be a shame because the RR is probably the most versatile bike most of us have ever owned. Think of it as an RT "Lite" because you can use the same luggage as the RT without the higher CG some complain of. If you love the bike buy it and enjoy until something else grabs your fancy !

When I bought mine, the mechanic who set up the bike for me made the comment that this is the only motorcycle I would ever need. So far that is the case, although I was seriously looking to add an RT until the local BMW car dealer landed an X5 diesel on the lot . The RT turned into an X5 capable of towing the RR anywhere I don't care to ride to. Maybe if the RT had come in red ...

[websterize]

Welcome, Stef. The scuttlebutt seems to be that a new R12R is on the way soon. If you're not wedded to hard-to-find options, I'd probably wait. Then, you could go with the new model or get a killer deal on the previous (current) generation.

Anybody know when in 2006 BMW Motorrad announced the R12R?

[TAG-Caver]

Hi Stef, welcome to the forum. My .02 is not to waste a season. All motor vehicles lose value, the hot stuff of today is the old news of tomorrow. If the only change is the DOHC I'd be picking up a 2010 model and enjoying the road. I agree, if they make it more sport oriented like Yamaha did to the FZ1 a couple years ago, I'd have to look elsewhere for my next streetbike. I like a versatile do-it-all machine like our beloved R1200R.

Good luck to you no matter which path you take.
Kevin

[xprof]

Get one while you still can, Stef!

[red baron]

At least here in the US the R1200R will be history in the 2011 season. This however maybe different in Canada. Regardless you will not make a mistake by buying a R1200R. It is a wonderful all arround bike and in my opinion the most underrated bike in the BMW line up. You definitely will enjoy this bike.
Peter

[gezerbike]

Hi Steph. I don't know if you have read the attached thread, but it might be a while before you can get an R. It is certain that BMW will not be selling them in the US going forward due to slow sales. I don't see where the new motor would change that situation. Get one while you can. I don't see these bikes dropping in value because BMW isn't bringing them in, possibly just the opposite.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19531

[Stef.]

Thanks so much for all your replies. Yes I did see the other thread re the possible discontinuation of the R1200R. The dealer here in Vancouver offered me to give me the R1200R (2010) for $1000 less than the normal price. So I do think it is a good deal. I will let you know in a couple of days how the outcome is. Many thanks again!
Stef.

[deilenberger]

Stef,

Take a test ride. That should resolve it for you..

And a comment on value. Unless you're planning on selling it within a year or two of buying it, I doubt if the intro of a new engine will change the value of the current model drastically long-term. Take a look at the R1100 series and the R1150 series oilhead bikes... values didn't plummet when the R1200 engine was introduced. If you look at a late vintage R1150R roadster and an early vintage R1200R roadster the difference in price seems typical for the difference in years, no big step function due to the new model (although I wouldn't consider another 1150 - some people who are budget limited would.. so they hold value.)

Will BMW make a roadster next year? Jury is out, but from what I've seen it wouldn't surprise me to see them skip a year - no reason to make an older engine design strictly for one model... plus I can see them thinking the lack of the roadster might kick up the F800R sales (which I actually wouldn't even consider - but I'm guessing some people will.) Is there a roadster in BMWs future? I'm certain there is - it's too iconic a bike for it not to be in their future. When people think of a BMW - they think of the roadster (and my black with white pinstripes one..)

When I was thinking about buying the R1200R - I was hemming and hawing a bit before taking the test ride (it was ALL over after the test ride..) - and a good riding friend who was battling cancer said "Figured out how to live forever?" - and I realized - no, I haven't - and wasting time thinking about the decision for something I really wanted to do was just stupid.

As someone said to me once: "Just DO it.."

And post photos of it as soon as you bring it home

[Tarmac]

My advice, buy a used one. Take your time, and you CAN find a low mileage bike, and save thousands of dollars.

See my post from last month

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19624

[Stef.]

deilenberger- I have driven the R1200R (2007) last Monday and yes that's what convinced me that I really wanted one....

Tarmac- for one second I thought about buying the 2007 used R1200R but frankly the price was too high. They wanted 14500 Can $ for it. They would have given it to me for 14000 but that was still too high. There was another one on Craigslist for 10000 which was tempting but I have to admit that I really fancy the new model with all its bells and whistles and three year road assistance. It is a lot of money but than I really want to keep that bike for long term. I don't want to sound morbid but I am 45 and who knows how long I am able to ride a motorcycle? As deilenberger says so rightly- better today than tomorrow.

Will go back to another dealer today and see what he can do about the price. The other one offered me a $1000 discount, but I would love to have the discount AND the first service free.
Th dealer who I would love to buy from because we bought the GSA1200 from him and they are very nice has two models at the moment:
black with white stripe: safety package (ABS...); touring package and alarm (they forgot to order the comfty seat for this one)
blue: safety package (ABS...); touring package including comfty seat and instead of alarm - ESA

Both come with the standard screen. Anything re the screen that I have to keep in mind? What's the advantage of a bigger screen apart from protection against stones? Anything else that I need to keep in mind?

Many thanks once again for all your opinions and advice. As a newcomer to BMW this is very much appreciated!
Stef.

[waynemathews]

deilenberger- I have driven the R1200R (2007) last Monday and yes that's what convinced me that I really wanted one....

Tarmac- for one second I thought about buying the 2007 used R1200R but frankly the price was too high. They wanted 14500 Can $ for it. They would have given it to me for 14000 but that was still too high. There was another one on Craigslist for 10000 which was tempting but I have to admit that I really fancy the new model with all its bells and whistles and three year road assistance. It is a lot of money but than I really want to keep that bike for long term. I don't want to sound morbid but I am 45 and who knows how long I am able to ride a motorcycle? As deilenberger says so rightly- better today than tomorrow.

Will go back to another dealer today and see what he can do about the price. The other one offered me a $1000 discount, but I would love to have the discount AND the first service free.
Th dealer who I would love to buy from because we bought the GSA1200 from him and they are very nice has two models at the moment:
black with white stripe: safety package (ABS...); touring package and alarm (they forgot to order the comfty seat for this one)
blue: safety package (ABS...); touring package including comfty seat and instead of alarm - ESA

Both come with the standard screen. Anything re the screen that I have to keep in mind? What's the advantage of a bigger screen apart from protection against stones? Anything else that I need to keep in mind?

Many thanks once again for all your opinions and advice. As a newcomer to BMW this is very much appreciated!
Stef.

The comfort seat and ESA are much better than the alarm, hope you like blue.

You'll find extensive discussion of the merits of windscreens elsewhere in the forum, and a general impression that they are a highly personal matter. The sport screen does a good job of decreasing wind pressure on the chest at the expense of increased noise. If I sit up very straight, the noise drops markedly. I'm planning on removing the screen as soon as it gets a bit warmer. I've not had any of the buffeting issues with the sport screen that others have reported for larger screens.

Wayne

[Mollygrubber]

Hello fellow lower mainlander! (there's a couple of us here)

I saw the R12R you were talking about on Craigslist for $10k. I'd be tempted... looks pretty nice. However, there's something about a shiny new one that's very appealing - if you forget about the depreciation. I would not hesitate, and did not last year when I bought mine (Biarritz Blue - highly recommended color, and in your situation I'd rather have ESA than an alarm - it's useless IMHO). It's a great bike, a real all rounder that you don't see in front of every Starbucks. In fact, I like to say that Starbucks poses behind our bikes...

As far as windshields go, it's very subjective (and debate inspiring) but if you read the threads, most people have good luck with the Cee Baileys line, which uses the BMW 'tall' mounts.

As a side note, get all your options at the time of purchase (cases, windshield etc.) and they'll be covered under the bike's warranty.

I don't know where you're shopping but I've had many good experiences at Pacific Yamaha/BMW in Richmond. Talk to Sheldon Coles, he's a good 'un.

ps. if you can get $1000 off, I'd say grab it. I couldn't weasel them down when I tried.

Regards from N. Delta,

Peter

[Motorcycle_Girl]

Welcome!

There will always be a new model of something coming out next year. If I had unlimited funds there would be several makes and models of bikes in my garage. When I went bike shopping last year (due to the fact that I did not have unlimited funds) I needed to find a bike that would do everything that I wanted, and make me smile. The R1200R fit the bill. You will not be disappointed.

Celeste

[xprof]

Get the blue one, Stef. With your checkbook hidden somewhere on your person, go in and ask them to switch mirrors from an F800GS and take it for a little ride; I'm sure you'll love how much better they work and look. Then ask them what else they can offer to clinch the deal on the spot, like bags or a rear rack. Only then pull out the check book, buy the damn thing, and ride, ride ride! I really think you'll be delighted that you did.

[Stef.]

Thanks once again for all your advice- really very much appreciated. Peter I have talked to Sheldon and am in negotiation with him. Just came back though from John Valk and they have the blue one with ESA and anti-theft for $268 more. I am inclined to go for this one. Sheldon offered me $1000 off his blue bike. John Valk is now offering $400 off and the first service free. They say the first service is about $500- so it comes to $900 (not exactly because of PDS and GST but roughly). We walked out and said we would think about it. Re.: windscreen: I agree this is very subjective but nevertheless it hit me to see that they wanted roughly $600 for a higher screen from BMW...Fortunately the bike comes with side boxes so no need to buy any of those.
Anyhow...now I am waiting for a phone call from John Valk trying to match the other offer.
Stef.

[Tarmac]

...I have to admit that I really fancy the new model with all its bells and whistles and three year road assistance.

I don't think any bells and whistles have been added since the introduction. A 2007 is the same as a 2010.

AMA offers roadside assistance for $39 a year.

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/ama-offe ... 87964.html

Is there such a thing as CMA?

[xprof]

One more thing on windshields: If the bike comes with the short, "sport" screen, take it. No one I have ever met likes the tall, "touring" BMW screen, and it is insanely overpriced. BUT, if you ever want to add a taller screen, buy a set of the "tall" BMW mounts (without the screen), for later mounting of decently-priced shields from Cee Bailey, CalSci, Parabellum, etc. You will have to read about modifying the lower bracket to tilt the screen back, in any case. But all that can wait until next winter...

[Stef.]

Thanks for the tip. Yes it does come with the sport screen. Apparently there is one with a size inbetween the touring one and the sport one. That's the one that was on the bike that I tested. Anyhow- as you very rightly say- this can wait for later.
Stef.

[Mollygrubber]

n.p. Stef, good luck on your hunt. I admire your ability to 'walk out ' and say you'd think about it. I was more like "I can't believe they'll let me buy this bike! Give me a pen... NOW!!!"