Things I HATE about my 2015 BMW R1200R LC (and some things I love too) Review and Thoughts
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ส.ค. 2018
- An honest review of my BMW R1200R LC in Cordoba Blue. This is the "premium" package with D-ESA and quick shifter. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have!!
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I got one of these. Put 22,000 miles on it last year.
205 today.
128 mph this morning.
maybe that was yesterday.
It's a fucking rocket.
Great job! I’m considering this bike and your review was very thoughtful, informative and organized. Thanks.
I have one like this, only problem it has, it sticks too my Butt, very hard to get off....
A dash warning light is illuminated when the key fob battery gets low with plenty of advance, more than 1000 miles in my case.
Very good review! Thanks!
Totally enjoying my 2017 R1200R with sport seat and ride modes and gearshift assist pro. Changing the fork oil to the BMW spec 11.5 spec fork oil makes a great improvement.
I owned a BMW R80GS, 1980 model many years ago. I have owned many Japanese bikes as well over the years. Keep in mind, with the cylinder heads out each side, not under the "tank" like most anything else you are likely to ride that there is a direct line between the heads and your ears, for this reason boxer series BM's tent to have a lot of noise that other bikes don't, mine certainly did. Certainly with a bike like this there are things you just have to get used to. I wouldn't mind something like this now!
Great review and realistic; The LED indicators are a pain! I had them on my S1000 XR and I brushed past fairly gently and snapped one clean off…. £47 UK including 20% tax / VAT. I guess that would be about $55 to $60 (ish) US each. It looks easy to fit until you realise the plasticky build quality of the XR means you have to take off the seat, luggage rack, side panels and dismantle the tail section with horrible plastic rivets holding it together to replace the indicator. Approximately 2 and a half hours with swearing and coffee!
I have just bought a R1200 R and it has the LEDS🙄
Thanks for posting, very interesting. I have the 2016 model in bright white and red with all the packs on it. I love the bike and have used it as much as time allows - only 3000miles in a year. I have ridden 250 miles in a single stint on country roads and through towns with just a quick fuel stop and felt fresh as a daisy when I got off - a very comfortable bike, even though I only have the tiny black flyscreen. My only gripe is the gearbox! I get people looking at me like I don't know how to ride it sounds so bad from 1st to 3rd! The engine sounds like a tin of bolts being shaken - worse for the first second on start up! Engage first gear and wait for the metallic CLLLLLLUNK as the bike leaps forward with the clutch fully in. I just ignore all the noise and enjoy the bike - noise? That's what they all do as the dealer told me...
Ha! Yep the gearboxes on these are CLUNKY! Compare it to anything Japanese or British and it feels terrible
How does your passengers like the rear seat? I`m looking at this machine in the 2018 model to provide a more comfortable experience for my wife
Thanks for a good review. Can you please tell me how are you satisfied with the suspensions and Esa when comes to twisty roads also some bumpy ones. Thanks
Goran Kirjakovic the bike handles beautifully in twisties - Best boxer for that task
Good owners review that Thanks- I got a lot from it😉
Way late to comment but you have the best looking bike ever made
I just bought one the exact same colour an hour ago. Getting her on Tuesday, can't wait!
coming from my old 1150 gs after 100000kms., with which I rode very quickly in the mountains.....this bike is a reel bmw flat twin...the gear box is ok ...cornering is easy,,,so paradise!:)))
Great honest review. Did you finally change the seat? If so, to which? I also have the same machine 2017 model, and I tend to glide toward the tank while riding.
I eventually did get the taller seat. Have since traded this bike off for an RT and then traded the RT on a V85TT
Yea, i have too heard BMW say it's not a real leak. 40,000 k's no problems with lights. No flat spot here. Yea, mine rattles like a snake up close and it's on it's 2nd valve clearance service. You have a second key that slides between the pillion and rider seat to a wireless connection directly underneath should key fob go flat. In the 2017 only first to 2nd is an issue, quick shift'er there on is very good, especially if your on it. Down shifts are sweet just make sure your slow enough from 3rd to 2nd or it's noticeable. I love the burble and pop on deceleration also. The new 1250 don't seem to have it. This bike is so comfortable and is everything my Gixess 1lt is not.
I have the same issue with the forks on my Kaw. They are pitted and leak about like yours. Tried to get it covered UW, but they say the pits are from impact. Unclear to me how they get impacted that hard from the side, but short of small claims court, it's a battle I'm not likely to win.
On the bright side, I was reading that superglue fills the pits nicely and once sanded down makes life much easier on new seals.
saddlebag Use Araldite not superglue it's a well known fix that a lot of people have used. 👍
Great review, thanks. Would you consider a Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 as an alternative?
Scott Burton I had a Sprint 1050. Very very different bike, but still a great bike!
I like your honesty. People tends to glorify the brand and any one who has owned a BMW motorcycle will have pros and cons to the brand or model itself. What you say about the gearbox is the same for the previous DOHC models (I own an R1200R 2012). It sounds like a tractor and neutral to 1st sounds like hitting it with a hammer. Also the front fork seals, my god, you will not expect that from a premium brand motorcycle. By the way, the LEDs are around 55USD each.
Victor Jaramillo thanks my friend! That’s why I wanted to make this video. I’m not loyal to just one brand, and being my first BMW it was possible to be objective about my opinion. There aren’t any reviews out there that really discuss an honest on its face opinion of these bikes so I wanted to make one! Thanks for watching and subscribe if you’d like I plan to make more!
Nice review. I just purchased a used 2015. Little confused about the seat height. BMW says there is a high and low seat. Are they different seats or just installed differently?
There are part numbers on the bottom of the seat. The one shown in this video here is the standard seat (or the LOW seat if you have an RS). The RS Standard seat is the high seat for the R, etc
Tilt the handlebar a bit forward, that helps! Nice review.
Strange, I have the exact same bike and mine doesn't surge at all. I commute daily and deal with urban traffic and no problem at all, very smooth.
It’s because he bought a demo bike which was probably thrashed and not run in properly
@@MsDenver2 there some ue programming program i guess,,did your bike got it?
Hi, question about wind-screen from Puig: which are the dimensions? Is this Sport or Touring size, in cm how tall are you? Screen indeed looks great on this bike. Thanks, Slawek
Very good review . just stumbled on it as i ma considering either a 2016 or 2014 for substantially less money . My issue is that i am 6 3' and with the low seat i am wondering whether i will be a bit cramped
Did you buy one ? How did you get on with any cramping issues ? I have long legs so this could be a factor as to whether I get one.
@@juggalo0777 yes I got a 2016 low mileage model and am very happy with it . The dealer gave an option to choose between 2 seats . I took the higher one and legs are not cramped . They also told me that they could lower the pegs slightly ( apparently there a a way to do it ) , but thus far I never felt the need for it . Sure on long rides (300 miles plus a day) I feel like extending my legs a bit but it’s not a big deal.
@@mehdibb4186 brilliant. Thanks for the response. Glad you are happy with it. I am seriously looking at getting one.
Your review is spot on.. I have owned a 2015 1200R and I basically agree with evrything you said, especially your commente about de transmission... thanks
I have a 2017 and it is the nicest BMW gearbox I have ever used...and yes the low seat is horribly low and I am 6ft..got it reupholstered..wonder which year had the box upgrade ? mine has a key - would never buy a proximity key model
i like keyless myself
Hey, do you know about any major problems with the air-oil cooled earlier models 1200? Can this generally work as starter bike. I got a good offer on a neat looking 2007 model and I'm considering it. Thanks
wewdome just make sure the ABS system is functioning properly. Otherwise the air cooled bikes are great!!!
I can really appreciate some good nit picking from a person coming from some really nice bikes to compare to. These are the kind of issues that a typical reviewer on a one time ride would never comprehend. Good to know what we’re really getting into before making a purchase decision. I’ve had a boxer before, and looking forward to having one again. Since I’ve got 2 KTMs at the moment, there’s nothing here that would prevent me from choosing the BMW. That is, I’ve spent enough on the KTMs keeping them going! Lol
Thanks Darryl! I really loved this bike but ultimately traded it on an RT of the same generation and have now had that bike for a couple of years. Tremendous machine. Not nearly as good looking as the R but such a great bike
I did 4k on this bike. I love it especially taking corners.
Magical Eish likewise! Great handling machine
I have the same engine in my R1200GS and the jugs throw a lot of heat on my lower legs. Its my biggest complaint about the bike in the summer but I like the heat in the winter.
Brad Bilski I changed in autum 2010 from a GS to k1200rs, next thing I bought new warmer boots .
It makes that a perfect Christmas motorcycle;)
Is it normal for this bike to drift on the left when you let go of the steering? I have the 2017 Manufacture date and was bought 2018.
normal - and it goes to the right when accelerating... welcome to boxer world - but it is very subtile with the watercooled engine - was much more before
Agree. Surging has been an issue since 2004 or earlier. Tractor transmission has also. The rumor is always “next gen fixes it.” I’m on the cusp of buying a 2012 - pretty disappointing to hear it’s still an issue. Maybe I’ll stick with a BMW inline four or give Triumph a try.
Tim, after 2015 when the R1200R got the liquid cooled boxed the transmission was completely changed. I have ridden the oil cooled bike and it’s clunkier than my water cooled bike. Starting in 2017 they improved it even further. If you can swing it financially you would be very happy with a 2015 or later Roadster
Get a R1250 Shift-Cam bike.... it's the solution to the 80 years of BMW Boxer surging.... :) Actually, it is, too.
You can use grip pupies for smooth throttle response
Lieve Geysen I have used a set and they make me feel too disconnected from the bike so I removed them.
I love my 2018 RT !!
what brand is the phone/gps mount that you have ? I want one , thanks !
Its a RAM Mounts Ball Mount
I think BMW lost something with this generation. The camhead R1200R had great suspension from factory (paralever and telelever), great brakes, engine with some character, and simple instrumentation. I like the round headlight way more than the transformer look of the liquid cooled. I’ve owned two Triumphs and four BMWs, overall I felt the BMWs had the better build quality.
Doug Herbert I agree!!
I have a 2011 R1200R model and most of the quirks I experience with this bike seem to have been inherited by later models despite the fact that they are now water cooled. The thing I hate most is the surging experience in 2nd and 3rd gear particularly in the range 2500 to 3000 rpm. Haynes do suggest that you disconnect and then reconnect the battery and afterwards open up the throttle gradually a couple of times before firing it up. It worked for a few days but then the bike started surging again. It's not a major issue if most of your riding is extra urban. Once it is in 4th gear and above and doing decent speed (e.g. over 70 kph), the ride becomes quite smooth.
My riding is 95% urban and this just means that most of my riding is in that particular rpm range in 2nd and 3rd gear. My advice is to keep away from this bike if, like me, you ride it often in city traffic.
Your comments about the gear change being somewhat agricultural are true though perhaps a bit exaggerated. I wouldn't classify them as bad as a Harley and I've ridden some bikes where the gear change was especially bad. I rode a Moto Guzzi V7 a while ago and almost dislocated a toe getting it out of first gear! Your disappointment may be due to the fact that you are comparing it to the obviously smoother three cylinder Triumph.
Ultimately, whether or not you are satisfied with this bike depends on how capable you in seeing beyond these quirks. Others not mentioned in this video include the rough idle which can be quite disconcerting and the incredibly complicated alarm system which I haven't mastered after almost 8 years of ownership. Having said all this, humankind still has to build a better looking bike. Ride safely.
I hear that the air/oil cooled bikes had no bothersome heat coming off the engine, how bad is the water cooled engine heat on a warm summer day ?
Not bad at all. Less radiant heat than the earlier bikes since it is water cooled.
@@JFish-xj8oj Thank you for the quick reply. In my experience it is the radiator that radiates most of the bothersome heat onto persons legs.
All boxers have power flat lines and surges.
About the suspensions also its always like this.
This setup of boxer/crankshaft/suspensions was always this and that for a biker that used to own another bikes.
Alguien sabe cómo desconectar el control de tracción para poder hacer wheele?
I too have a 2015 blue R1200R with all the fruit. Previous bike a 2006 Speed Triple (still own it). Biggest gripe is the "shite" gearbox. Worst box I have owned in 53 years of riding. Dealer tells me they are variable, but unfortunately, I got a dud. Next would be the instrumentation. Not that well though out, none of the modes cover my needs. The clock and trip meters are hard to read when pressing on. My bike also has weeping fork seals. Dealer told me it is grease that was packed in at assembly and would eventually stop. It has slowed up a bit, but is still evident. Bike has done 15,000 k's (9400 miles). You are right about the keyless start. It is the answer to a problem I didn't know existed. A month or so back, got my gear on, jumped on and no start. Didn't know what was wrong, thought the battery was flat. It was the battery in the key-less start that was stuffed, so wasted an hour or more sorting this out. I ride in a "spirited fashion" and love the quick shifter. It works best when you have the "whip" out, but is not real flash just plodding along. I also leave the suspension in Road mode. We have some fairly rough roads here in Australia. It is far more comfortable, and capable than my Speed Triple. I also agree about the seat height, of choice I would opt for the one off the RS (a little higher). Took it for a track day and put it into Dynamic, and it acquitted itself very well. Will wait for the new 1250 motor to arrive and may consider upgrading. Probably my last bike.
Hello Brian. Could you please tell me some more information on how the suspensions perform with Dynamic Esa, please as I am really interested in this bike model 2015. I have ride a Honda hornet for the past 10 years. Would like to switch to this one and want to get as many informations possible. My main concern is suspensions. I have never ride anything else. Still have to try it. Thanks
Probably been said in the comments...but even if your key battery goes on you you take the seat off the back and in the middle is a piece of plastic with a hole cut out..place your key on it and then press the button ! The bike will start even of the battery is dead ")
the key fob still works if the battery dies. He should have read the manual.
You didn't installed a frame slider?
Rohan Singh nope, I have insurance :)
@@JFish-xj8oj lol but wouldn't it but you in next year's premium payment
why this and not the S1000r ?? Same price and better performance for the s1000r.
Survivalist i do a lot of touring and the S1000 isn’t as comfortable or capable on the long ride. This bike is equipped with full hard luggage and the torque of the motor is outstanding. I like the boxer engine most.
no flat spots
own that bike never had issuse
Great review - just note that going from a street triple.......
Can i ask what type is that windscreen you have please ??
I believe he said it was a "Puig Sport" windscreen.
Maybe I'm getting old, but I find these angular aesthetics butt ugly. Thanks for the review though haha.
I think you need to get rid! Sounds like you hate it 👍good honest review
Paul Brook I loved it while I owned it but have since sold it on for an RT
Hey Fish, good review, however it could be vastly improved with an edit. Take all of those umms and ahhhs and pauses and chop them out. Don't worry about transisions - just chop it up and make it go 2x faster. Trust me this will work
I GOT THE SAME BIKE,, THE ONLY 2 THINGS I HATE, ITS THE CHANGE TO 1, 2 AND 3THR GEAR WITH THE QUICK SHIFTER,, SO I DO NOW WITH THE CLUTCH, AND THE FCK EXHAUST,, ITS UGLY AND BIG,, I NEED THE SC PROJECT FOR MY BIKE...
ITS A REALLY REALLY NICE BIKE,, I DID THE BAJA (CELAYA-TIJUANA-LOS CABOS- MAZATLAN - DURANGO - CELAYA(6,150KMS)) AND I LOVE THE HANDLING OF THE BIKE,, WITH THE SHAFT IT DOESNT NEED OIL FOR THE CHAIN (COUSE DONT HAVE IT). THE FUEL GOT ME BETWEEN 280 KMS AND 320 KMS ENOUGH. I REALLY LOVE THIS BIKE.
I HAD A DUCATI SCRAMBLER,, IT SHAKE IT ALOT, I FEEL THE R1200R REALLY SMOTH AND POWERFUL ..
ENJOY THE BIKE MATE.. CHEERS
SORRY ABOUT MY ENGLISH..
Sell it mate and get a Honda as you don’t sound happy at all
My one woks very fine and I really enjoy it when I ride on mountain roads full of curves. This not a bike for boring straight american roads....
andre leg you haven’t been to America then! Some of the best riding on planet earth :)
Sounds like you need to buy a Honda.
If I were you, I'd get rid of this bike. Coming from Triumphs triples to this, is no comparison. This is an honest review but it sounds like that talk you have with a close buddy about a staying with the girlfriend you're not sure of. You know, the one were you say she's great, but she sometimes has bad breath or talks to much, she's messy etc. The BMWs are nice bikes but this isn't a Speed Triple, which sounds like what you're looking for and they have all the bells and whistles this year.
The only thing I do not like about this bike is how it looks. It's absolutely agly! For me the 2013 model at the most.
There are way easier and better ways to wash a bike these days!
The clue is in the fact you bought an x demo bike , that’s a NO NO , don’t you know that demo bikes are thrashed. You should have bought a one owner second hand that really looked after the bike. Or better still if you can afford it a new one. Know wounded there are things a bit iffy . It was probably never run in correctly as a demo some people just don’t care , probably thrashed from the start mate.
I have to say that the Cicadas in your background make a far more interesting noise, than anything coming out of your mouth. You have a lovely bike in a BEAUTIFUL colour. Stop MOANING……..
Looking at one of these. I like the video but please stop smaking your mouth :(
Cry me a river. It's a motorcycle. If you had been on a motorcycle in the 60's you would have less to complain about now. It's not perfect, it's an adventure.
It’s called a review! I’m sure it has helped many people who are considering this bike. I’ve since traded it in for an RT, but only after 20,000 miles. It was a great bike for me, with some issues.
Your giving a lot of complaints about your bike so why oh why did you buy an x demo , bad choice
Can’t watch anymore your depressing me , just sell the thing and stop moaning
Sounded like a sound, balanced review to me.