VFR vs BMW K1200s

Bikes are or should be about passion, not calculated cost of ownership. Otherwise most of us wouldn't do it. It would be hard to make the argument on just objective terms. Otherwise a lot of us wouldn't ride at all, since most of us don't use the bike for primary transportation, and thus while we have our bike, have to maintian another vehicle for regular duties. Nearly all the costs of the bike are therefore a financial drain. Maybe a little offset, for some, by gas or parking savings is they commute a lot. But that is way offset by cost of bike, insurance, gas, parts, mait., tires (especially tires it seems), helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, etc.
Mile for mile, my car is much cheaper to run than my bike -- although YMMV (pun intended). In fact it is the largest single discretionary drain on our family economy. But yet I keep at it.

You also have to keep in mind that we all have differing incomes and financial obligations. $10k price difference is the world to some, and almost nothing to others. While I make way above the national or even state average, I also have a pretty hefty mortgage (compared to most of the country). But I am still comfortable enough to be able to bike, without really worrying about it. And a fairly nice bike at that.
Strangely enough, when I had my K1200 and CBR600F3 at the same time, I actually made about a 3rd less than I do now, but I had less expenses.
We are all in a different spot.

 

I'll let u ride the XX... Not too sure on the K12...
Nobody rides the K12 really... He's lucky he got to ride it that one day, it's why he kot pics

I work Sunday... u off saturday?

 

Well said on both accounts Spike

 

Damn guys. What ever happened to being allowed to have your own opinion?

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

XXFirefighter, That is my favorite color on the K12S.... As far as costs go, I settled for my VFR and someday I will have a BMW bike. I've had the cars for years and theres nothing like the drive. The bikes are even more pure. It is about passion, I love my VFR and I am happy I got it. The V4 has character and its a Honda.... But on the other side, its a Honda. If it wasn't for the special paint job it just dissappears into the crowd. Maybe thats the draw to the Sprints, Monsters, and all these European bikes. We spend a lot of money on a hobby/sport and we all want to be unique. We want other guys to look at our bike and wish they were us riding off on it. So I can't really put a price on that if it fits in the budget.

 

For whatever this fact is worth, BMW bikes have hideous, and I mean possibly the worst resale value out there. This may say alot about how overpriced they really are, or it may just point out how small a group BMW buyers are. I personally would have a very tough time spending 18k or more on a bike worth thousands less the day after purchase, but I'm cheap - I live well below my means, the used VFR was the perfect choice for me. I don't care what anyone else thinks, so long as the bike gives me a smile and challenges me that's the only factor that matters to me.

 

What happen to the biggest bang for the buck philosophy ? :biggrin:

 

An interesting discussion. Things tend to change with time. Guy I know always loved British bikes. Presently owns 12 bikes, five in daily ride state and seven projects. His favourite bike is a BMW R1200GS. Never thought I would see the day but there it is. Sometimes we change and sometimes our bodies change and so do our tastes. There is no right or wrong decision just what is right for you. Personally I wouldn't want a K1200. A bit much for my abilities but I can sure understand why people like them. The VFR will do me for a while yet.

 

Opinions were had by all. But the IDEA that there are bikes to ride, other then Hondas, had to get defended a bit...

 

I switched

and dont regret a thing. Awesome machine

Darren

 

BMW riders are very much like Harley riders. There are only two kinds, the real-deal, ride all the time bikers, and the take it to the bar/coffee shop once a month on sunday posers.

If you're going to be one of the later you'll be wasting your money. If you're already one of the latter, please sell your VFR.

 

Haha.. Late in the game here but..

I test drove a BMW K1200S.

It's powerful
Rear is a bit too stiff for my liking
It's VERY VERY light compared to the VFR
It was hard getting used to the feel of riding it, and personally I think the VFR is more comfortable.

I love my VFR, but after owning it for about a year now, the weight of the thing sometimes really wears on me when doing a lot of twisty/turney touring.
On the flip side, it's very very stable on the highway(200km per hour and not really worried about it) and straights and can keep pace well with a CBR1000.
Though, I've stocked up my VFR quite a bit.

I still love my VFR. Only wish it was lighter

 

I was looking at 1200GS's when I bought my VFR. I think the Bimmers are great motorcycles but I do struggle with the price. That said a pimped out BMW costs about the same as an average Harley so price is all relative to income. Sometimes paying too much for something is worth it if that thing fills your heart with joy everytime you see it, touch it, or ride it. Someone said a ways back you should get what moves your soul and I totally agree. Life is too short, do what makes you happy. glad the OP is enjoying his BMW.

 

If I were to buy another ride today, I believe it would be an R1200GS (or even possibly an F800GS). But I would keep my VFR, too.

 

Ive been wanting a K1200s (k1300s would be better!), a Blackbird, concours 14, kawi 250r, Duc Monster, another busa, Zrx 12, Rc51, Suzuki 650f, triumph 600TT...etc....anyways, If i could Id have a warehouse fulll of different bikes and cars and so would most of you...dont be brand loyal to the point it blinds you to all the great choices...That bieng said the only reason I chose the VFR over the K1200s was I didnt have the extra $$$...Its an awsome bike, not exactly better but very nice....my only mental thing about beemers is they are too forgiving to beginners, for example if a person only rode Beemers for years..then dove on a Honda and hit the brakes..well that would be a panic dive forsure as the telever front barely dives...But thats IMO..not that its bad but it does take away a learning experience for a new rider...ya know!!! Post some pics they are sharp!!!

 

The very first bike I ever owned (Dad owned, sister and I shared) was a BMW F650GS Dakar. Sooo much fun, soo forgiving. That being said, the next bike was a 2002 VFR. LOTS of fun, although even a little heavy at times (and I am 6'1" and 210 lbs. Owned a CBR after that, now back to a 2000 VFR. Through the years I've always remember the first time I layed my eyes on a R1200s at the dealership. Before the '02 VFR, was considering the K1200, but just too pricey. Always love the VFRs, but that R....someday, someday.



Absolutely beautiful...only thing missing are some Steelers decals:smile:

 

Must admit to secretly liking the R1200S in Red/White, its funky and bold design wouldn't look out of place on the cover of '60s / '70s Sci Fi Novels eg by E.E Doc Smith etc, shame the Boxer Twin sounds pants with a aftermarket exhaust.

 

Have had three vfr's and would have a fourth cause they are a great bike. Bought a K1200S and the reason being is that weight, fit, air flow, comfort are very similiar to the vfr. The K for now is just more trackable (does not matter the gear) and man it's like riding a learjet on the road. Not fast learjet just fluid learjet. My vfr's were very comfortable bikes. The K for me is a bit more. The vfr's engine was outstanding. The K for me is a bit more. The fit finish on the vfr is excellent. The K for me again is a bit more. The K1200S in the tricolor just makes me drool. I wish vfr's would put some splash in the colors. Wish the vfr had a little more electrical capacity. The K1200S has the more I wanted. Hopefully the next generation vfr will address some of the above but for now the K1200S comes closes to the vfr I want.

MP
Dublin, Ohio

 

OOO just released Funky Cool new model Robots in disguise Orange Blank K1300R.

 

VFR vs K1200S Overlay

Overlay of VFR and K1200S. Very similar geometry, K1200S 4" longer.