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Motorcycle User Reviews - 2006 BMW K1200R

Bought the K1200R last April 19, 2006. I was going to ride it to Maggie Valley during the BuRP Rally but I was unable to break-in the bike in time so I had to ride good old Vulcan 98. The Beemer now has over 3600 miles on it.

It's a tall bike and I have to tiptoe at stops. I got ABS, ESA (electronic suspension), heated grips, and luggage grid. I have installed a Cee Bailey 20" windshield, Remus exhaust system which is only 9 pounds and upped the HP by 8 horses and the exhaust note is just excellent. With the ESA you can preadjust the load while stopped and adjust the ride on the fly from normal to comfort to sports when you're riding hot.

The K1200R is rated at 163 horsepower at almost 11,000 RPM. I don't know what the horsepower at the rear wheel is but I read somewhere that it's about 149 rwhp.

Shifting at first, second and third gear is clunky. From fourth on up is smooth.

The ABS brakes are linked. Front brake lever activates both front and rear. Rear brake pedal just the rear.

I've taken the bike to the track twice and it will not do a wheelie by accident. The bike has a long wheelbase but you have to have the RPM above 7K to raise the front tire. I've lifted the front wheel in 4th gear at 9K+ RPM.

Top speed that I have pushed the bike to is 171 mph on a straightway according to my GPS which I have not erased just to show doubters how fast I was moving until I ran out of straight track and had to stand on the brake pedal and a handful of brake lever. It will slow down and stop within a few heartbeats. There's a recall on the brakes because they squeak badly. They are to be replaced with larger diameter rotors and installation of a banjo bolt on the hydraulic brake line.

Another thing I don't like is the Canbus electrical system management. The auxiliary power outlet is only good to 5 amps and my Gerbing heated apparel (7+ amps) will not work on it because it shuts down the power. I had to install a powerlet socket wired directly to the battery so I can ride in comfort when it's cold.

I love the bike. Ride is excellent. It's nimble and corners very well. It's a keeper. -- Vulcan AL

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