VFR vs BMW K1200s

I am seriously considering switching to a BMW K1200S and would like advice from anyone who is familiar with both the VFR and the K1200S. I currently have a 2004 VFR. What are the strenghts of both bikes? What would I gain from the K1200S? I am assuming the I would gain a more comfortable seat and suspension as well as better riding posture-am I correct? Any input would be much appreciated.

 

I haven't riden a K1200 but I have looked at them. A lot more power. The suspension system is quite different so I am not sure how it would work but in theory it should have a stiffer front end and therefore have more stable handling. The rear is very similar to the VFR if I remember correctly. Shaft drive of course. Yes you are right the seating position is more upright so it should be more comfortable. I also understand that the handlebars are adjustable which should be a plus. Superficially the seat seems similar to the VFR so only time in the saddle will tell you how comfortable it is.

Overall the K1200 should be a better bike than the VFR with good performance, of course at almost twice the price it should be.

 

The BMW is obviously much more powerful (167HP & 98Lb/Ft) as there's no replacement for displacement.

I would say the BMW is for all intents & purposes twice the price of a VFR since no one gets a BMW with out a ton of accessories. I've been shopping for a BMW for the wife lately & I get the impression deals are not very forthcoming. In other words, you pay what's on the sticker.

Looking at the pics on BMW's website, the riding position looks about the same. I doubt the riding position is much better or worse than the VFR but I've never sat on it.

It weighs only about 20 lbs more but I would still say the VFR is probably a more agile ride.

Basically, what it boils down to is the VFR is a unique bike. It's the ONLY V4 sport bike on the US market. The BMW has typical BMW quirks but it's still an inline 4 so do you really want to pay about $6000 to $7000 extra? What does one get for that money? 70HP & the best motorcycle warranty on the US market. Is that worth it?

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Go to wijenke.net, its a bmw sportbike website..... They are based in Holland and they are the VFR World equivalent. The guys there go back and forth between Boxer twins and K bikes..... Boxers have less power but lots more character. Blacksp and Roloo seem to be the most knowledgable and experienced on there. I really considered an R1200s when I decided to get a new bike. I like it better than the K for the same reason I like the VFR. Uniqueness and agility are more important to me than big HP numbers. Read their comparisons, they have owned both and its intiresting to see their point of view. If you can't get to the site by the address, google blacksp and go in through his profile page. I am a member there..... They are good guys.

 

I was on the fence between these two when buying my bike. It came down to price. If youve been riding forever and this is your holy grail and your going to keep this bike until your 6 feet under, then go for it, spend the cash on the BMW. But for my money the VFR was a better value, the BMW is an awesome machine, but a little too much machine for me at this stage. I cant afford to ride that thing around.
I think it is the only bike that rivals the VFR for technology, which I like.

 

I took a demo ride on a K1200RS at Bike Week. I was surprised at how much it felt like my VFR...with another 60 horsepower! Except for the additonal power (fun, but not really needed) it had no particular advantage in terms of handling or comfort. Actually, my VFR with the Sargent seat is more comfy the the Beemer. Hard to justify the price difference...

 

I went to see the K1200RS before I bought my VFR. I am only 5'7", the thing is huge. The other thing that turned me off is the price, I can get a nice car for that price. I looked at the F800 too which was more sized for my height, it is a really nice machine. When I sat on a VFR it fit me like a glove and I forgot about the German bikes.

 

I'm lucky enough to be able to ride them both...

They may both be called sport touring bikes, but that's about where the comparison stops (oh yah the single sided swing arm thing too). I love my VFR, but the K12S is probably one of the most amazing machines I've ever ridden.

Not to take away from the VFR, they are just VERY different bikes and can't really be compared.

But to answer our questions. The riding position is little more upright with the Corbin seat, and the ESA suspension can adjust from the softness of a gold wing to something track ready enough to bounce you out of the saddle. It doesn't nose dive either, the whole bike squats to the ground under braking. It's a damn nice setup.

 

Well, I made a decision....I am buying the BMW! However, I am not going to sell the VFR just yet. If after riding them both for a few weeks I still love them both then I will just have to convince the wife to let me keep them both. The good thing is my brother wants to buy the VFR so if I do sell it I can still ride it occasionally. I decided to buy the BMW after riding it again because of the following: adjustable suspension (very comfortable), performance, luggage, 2 up riding ability, shaft drive, and style. I sure do love the purr of the VFR engine though (even if it isn't as fast). I will post my opinion in a few weeks.

 

I would have told you to get whatever moves your soul...cuz that's all that matters.

My viff has me sneaking into the garage to make sure she's still there.

Can't put a price on that.

 

by buying a BMW over the VFR you are
1. providing more profit to the dealer.
2. giving up the infrastructure that Honda possesses in the US.
3. potentially givingup the smile when leaned over in a turn.
4. that sound.

that's really too much for me to sacrifice, but good luck.

 

Wow, somebody find me a violin...

ALL bike dealers make a profit. If not, they need to close their doors.
He already OWNS a VFR, so honda's "infrastructure" is safe, for now...
I have the same smile on the VFR that I do on the K12S or any other bike I ride, I'm sure he will too.
Every vehicle has a unique tone... My buddy's K bike turns just as many heads as my VFR.

Congrats on the BMW, btw. Now put some damn pictures up.

 

BMW's a fine. However, they cost more, and there'in lies the rub.
they cost more because they charge more.
I'm unconvinced that they exceed the fit and finish of an equivalent Honda, Yamaha, etc.
a triumph of marketing.

 

I looked at BMW bikes for the first time this go round in Dec and liked not only the R1200S that I came to look at but the Sport and K models as well. I also shopped the Triumph Sprint St. Much different bikes all of them. Settled on the VFR bang for the buck/dealer network/reliability/fun factor. 6 or 7K for a virtually new VFR, worked comparing to either 11k or over 17k. Now that finances are getting a bit tighter really glad no bike payment. Also full coverage in Va on a VFR was 311$ that is tough to beat. Got to compare total ownership costs:rapture:

 

I fell in love with the R12S when I was with my buddy bmw shopping...


It's all sorts of sexy. I'd be all over it if it was dedicated twisty/track machine though, I just do way more touring/commuting though. So the VFR and Blackbird suit me just fine.

And total ownership costs are irrelevant when you find the bike that fits you PERFECT. That's why my buddy has the K12S now. If it was a question of money, he'd still be rocking the Blackbird or a new George Foreman Grill (ZX-14).

 

thats the bike I almost bought. Really good looking and sitting. I was a little worried about the dealer being over an hour away, and once I started focusing on the V4 it was all over. I agree you need to buy the bike you feel most passionate about, regardless of cost or it'll sit in the garage gathering dust.

 

Ok...

There's your .02 cents worth of posting so now you can sit and listen. Let someone who has all the bikes mentioned above speak. Your so so so far off on the BMW fit and finish being the same as a Honda. And I am a HUGE Honda fan. I flew to the UK two times to ride with 186 other XX's. I know my XX and I KNOW my K12S. The K12S blows my XX or VFR (yes I got one in the garage) in fit and finish out of the water. THE only thing the K12 is missing is the cam gear whine. BUT however, it makes up for it with it's beastly exhaust note and smoothness. As for being more "nimble" then the VFR??? Come go for a ride, we'll see who's more nimble.. It's ALL in the rider. I'm 6'8" 260lbs and can toss the big bikes around. The XX is my track bike. Full custom suspension. And if you can out corner me? cool.. good for you... But my 180hp will reel your ass in dam quick

The K12S IMHO blows the VFR and XX away... It's a different class of bike. It's why it's so much money. I LOVE the VFR and still deeply in love with my XX. I'll always have the XX. But it gets used ALOT less now The K12 really is all that... Look @ these pics and tell me it's not clean and smooth...

 

My argument is a financial one, not an emotional one.
Truth be told, I long for a Duc.

I just don't get the benefit of paying an additonal 5,000 to 7,000 for the BMW emblem and cache.
Then again, my heart skips a beat when I hear a Monster.

the bmw looks great. enjoy it in good health.

6'8"?? play basketball in Division 1?
if the blue was a little darker, you'd have Villanova's colors.
GO CATS.

 

You can say that about virtually anything.
You can buy a Wal*Mart T-shirt for what (I don't actually shop at Wal*Mart), $1; or you can get a Armani one for $180. Are they both t-shirts, yeaup.
Does a $10.99 Casio keep time, yeaup. Is it likely free of any manufacturing defects, you bet. But yet you can still buy a Rolex for thousands or even hundreds of thousands more.

There is something there, largely untangible, but there.
But also in this case, there is something you can see and feel. Many things actually.
The K12 way out powers the VFR, way.
Will do 2 up with greater comfort and ease.
Has a shaft drive which is more expensive to design, engineer, and build, but cheaper to maintain.
Has additional features above the VFR. Depending on K12 models, included luggage, cruise control (real cruise, not a throttle lock), accessory socket(s), ABS, gear indicator, etc.
depending on model, greater wind protection
More factory support for accessories engineered for the bike.
Suspension that adjusts with the push of a button
For long haul comfort, I will take my old K12RS over my VFR every time.
There is also the history and heritage, and yes panache. But there is enough there that you can make a solid factual argument for the K12's.