BMW K1200RS goes out of hibernation

[@therock8610]

I saw that you are prepared on this bike .... since I'm looking for one, are there any substantial differences between this and the next model? Thank you

[@gmcevoy]

Hi there! Thank you for stopping by! I have been asked this question a few times already, maybe I should do a video about it. :-) Here is what I can tell you for sure: As of 2001, the K1200 RS had a facelift, with a different headlight, and lowered foot pegs. Handlebars are slightly higher as well. As of 2001, the optional ABS system became standard equipment. In 2003, BMW introduced a GT version, with an electrically adjustable windscreen, and a few other things which I am not entirely aware of. In 2005 (or 2006, I cannot remember for sure), BMW stopped producing the "brick" engine, and changed to a completely different transversely mounted engine configuration. In my opinion, this first iteration that I have is absolutely fantastic. Worlds apart from the K100 which I previously owned. A technological leap forward, as it were. Hugely versatile with sporty touring in mind, it is as much at home on country roads as it is on longer stretches. It is also quite comfortable, and you can adjust handlebar and foot peg position to suit your preferences. I love this bike, and I intend to keep it for a long while. I will have to change the timing chains soon, and there is some work on the rear swing arm to be done as well... I will definitely document all of this, in due course. Thanks again for stopping by! Best of luck with your research!

[@therock8610]

@@gmcevoy Thanks a lot for the answer!! ✌✌

[@gmcevoy]

@@therock8610 You are most welcome. :-)

[@gmcevoy]

@@Pyrrho_ Thank you for your insight Craig! I didn't know that... Mine is one of the first, as it was manufactured in 1997. I did get it stuck in between gears for a split second once or twice, during hard accelerations. I must change the gearbox oil to see if it helps. I fully understand that you loved your KRS so much. It is a fantastic bike throughout, despite the weight of it. I had a K100RT before this one, which was a bit like a tractor in comparison, now that I think of it. I rebuilt it from the ground up with a strong 'cafe racer' taste to it. Great bike, with mountains of torque as well! Long Live the RS as you say! :-)

[@gmcevoy]

@@Pyrrho_ Agreed, weight is not so much of an issue when you are on the go, however it is less nimble than say a Honda CBR. Then again, this K1200RS is a compromise in between a crotch rocket and a tourer, which is exactly what I am in for. I think every KRS owner loves their bikes specifically for that reason. :-) Kudos for riding all year round! I am a true Sunday rider, so this bike knows only hot, dry tarmac.

[@carlosfueyo]

Thank you Geoffrey for this video. I've been driving bikes for nearly 40 years and I have to say that this is one of the best videos I've seen giving the basic recommendations (and probably the ones you need) for a respectful and save ride.

[@gmcevoy]

Wow! Thank you so much, Carlos! That is truly heart-warming. One can never be too careful, and I sincerely hope that this video finds many riders out there who might need a bit of useful advice that they don't already have. Thanks again!

[@chrisholton6309]

I have a 98' in Dolphin Blue, it has been a grin inducing monster since day one!! SportTouring= carrying what you need, at a high rate of speed!

[@gmcevoy]

I must absolutely agree... I was a little sceptical at first, mostly impressed by the dry weight of the bike. As of the first ride however, I told myself I would keep it for as long as I possibly can. It is a masterfully engineered motorbike, and a great joy to ride!

[@richardbonn3882]

Thanks Geoffrey ! Exactly as you say , great bike with respect = Great experience ! Also great to see intelligent bike videos !

[@gmcevoy]

Thank you Richard! Much appreciated!

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

Probably the prettiest motorcycle ever built, and in the best colour scheme!

[@gmcevoy]

I agree! If you are to have a K1200RS, this should be the colour scheme to pick! I know it was an expensive option at the time, too. So people who bought these bikes new and ordered this paint job usually took good care of their bikes. As time flies and the bike changes owner, anything can happen though. :-)

[@grahamsavage4994]

Keep up the good reviews mate , from Australia. We don’t have winter over here So we ride all year round. But still a good idea to check your bike on a regular basis.

[@gmcevoy]

Thank you Graham! Definitely worth looking over once and again, for sure.

[@racerrr2231]

BEAUTIFUL BM 👍🏾💯

[@atomicdmt8763]

love this bike - I have a 2003

[@gmcevoy]

I love it too. Such a well built machine. I hope I will find enough time to replace the clutch this Winter. So many other things to do though... Thank you for stopping by!

[@duke7888]

Great video, love the RS 😎

[@gmcevoy]

Glad you like it as much as I do, Daniel. Cracking piece of machinery indeed! Thank you for stopping by.

[@shanelovell9767]

Nice Bmw.

[@gmcevoy]

Thank you Shane!

[@RodriguesMedeiros]

Great! Enjoyed it very much!

[@gmcevoy]

Thanks again! You are most welcome. I am really happy that you enjoyed it!

[@anonamous365]

Pay no mind to the badged rapusts

[@erock150]

Enjoyed this video, I have a 2003 with 130,000 miles and still going strong.

[@gmcevoy]

Wonderful! Just finished running in (breaking in if you are from across the pond) :-) Thank you for your comment!

[@ivancardenas2860]

What’s the PSI (tire pressure for this bike?)

[@gmcevoy]

2.9 bar (42 psi) in the front, and 2.5 bar (36 psi) in the back, regardless if you are riding alone, with a passenger or heavily loaded.

[@philbryce5398]

How about u try those pressures in reverse. 42 in rear, 36 in front. Might handle a bit better. You’re welcome.

[@janstolk486]

charge the battery . i did not and fried the electronics . $ 3000.- damage

[@gmcevoy]

My goodness! That's awful! Tough luck, Jan. :(

[@Butts0hboi]

Is this a good “Beginner” bike I see one for 2600

[@gmcevoy]

They are indeed excellent value for money right now. I picked this one up for 1700. A great deal, even though it needs a bit of work. So if you see one for 2600, that means they are already rising in value, and I made a good choice (for once). Haha! Plus, they are great bikes to ride. Honestly, I would not sell this unless I really have to. I love it! It is great for touring, really comfortable and brilliantly engineered. It is a BMW of course, so you are really making a great deal even at 2600. Go and see it if you can, and you might be able to negotiate the price! Just look out for slipping clutch, because that is expensive on parts (over 600€) and quite complicated to change. One of those jobs where you end up throwing 1500€ at it because you might as well change swing arm bearings etc etc... Also, know that the timing chain (steurekette) needs to be changed at 80.000 kms. Anyway, best of luck, and thank you for stopping by! Kind regards, Geoffrey

[@nickwells55]

Have you changed the brake hoses, there prone to collapse internally and block up, will also put a load of garbage through your abs pump.

[@gmcevoy]

Hi Nick! No I haven't. I am a distributor of Goodridge products among other things, and have a good mind to upgrade to a set of braided stainless steel hoses. Debris in the ABS module does not sound good at all...

[@shiftyshamsk]

Swap the silencer for a performance type. Take the baffles out. Buy a smaller registration plate. Get yourself a tinted visor and scream through villages. Ride up close behind slower traffic. Give drivers the finger for not getting out of the way. Good times back in the 80's. 😂

[@gmcevoy]

Those were indeed the good old days!

[@Mr_Dia-Tribe]

Nicely done controlled excitement shall we say. i bet it felt every bit as good as it looks to be wizzing along those country roads on a glorious spring day

[@gmcevoy]

Well said! Controlled excitement is a great way of describing such a behaviour. It feels fantastic indeed, a true sense of freedom, enjoyed responsibly.

[@scottjones5455]

You do a great job on these presentations. Been a while, still riding the RS? I have a 2002 in black. I did a fly and buy about a year ago from Fort Worth, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee and back. The most fluid motorcycle I've ever owned, I also have the R1100RS from 1994.

[@gmcevoy]

Hi! Thank you for your kind words. I still have it, although I have not ridden it much lately as I am working on other projects for the time being. For some reason, after a short half-hour ride my hands get tingly. I have not figured out why yet. Otherwise it is a great bike to ride, I love it. It pulls nicely, and when you get used to handling the weight it is quite nimble. I now have a K1600GLT as well, which I hope to introduce to the channel some time or another. And something else which is still under wraps for now. ;-) Stay tuned!

[@faqtum]

I ALSO OWN ONE 2002 KRS. THANK YOU!

[@gmcevoy]

Great! Thank you for watching, and enjoy your wonderful bike! If you haven't already, head over to the maintenance video that I produced not so long ago. :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ3ClmSkr8Z7nck

[@SergeyAkhmanov]

Hi Geoffrey, thank you for the great video. Do you own a 72 kW or 96 kW version? Which one would you recommend?

[@gmcevoy]

Hi Serge. Thank you for stopping by! I specifically wanted the more powerful one. It is a heavy bike after all, and the more power the better, in any case. Although I have not tried the 72kW bike, I am pretty sure it would feel lethargic. It has 34 horsepower less, which is roughly 25% less than the 96kW engine that I have. I bought this bike as an upgrade from the K100 I used to own, which was somewhat like a tractor compared to this K1200RS. I would personally recommend the more powerful one, even though it is entirely up to you.

[@SsgtHolland]

Is this a nice first bike for an older starting rider?

[@gmcevoy]

Hi there! It is quite user-friendly, but rather heavy. It can be difficult to manoeuvre at slower speeds, but as with everything, it needs getting used to. One of the great things about it is that you can adjust seat height, handlebar and footrest positions to suit your size. I would recommend you go and see one and get a test ride, that would truly be the best way to get a sense of what it is like. :-)

[@SsgtHolland]

@@gmcevoy Thanks for the reply! There is one for sale in exactly that paint scheme...and I'm afraid I'm a bit in love. I might have to take a drive now..:)

[@gmcevoy]

@@SsgtHolland Much obliged. To be fully honest, I initially bought this bike to scrap for parts, as I needed an engine to fit in a Lotus Seven track day project which I have going on. I rode it and also fell in love, so I decided to give it the attention it deserves and enjoy it. I hope never to part with it. I cannot encourage you enough to go and see the bike near you. Look at the mileage and service history if it has one. Just know that the timing chain needs replacing at 80.000kms, and that a clutch replacement is expensive (600€ in parts, plus labour if you are paying someone to do the job). Use this as a lever for negotiating the price. Also, and this is just a fun fact, this paint scheme was among one of the most expensive options you could add to this bike when ordering it from new, as it had to be done completely by hand. In a way, each one is unique. Nobody cares these days really, but I find it amusing to know this. Somebody painstakingly laid the colours and stickers down and gave it his best. Pretty cool, don't you think? Let me know how the visit goes! I would love to know if you end up buying it. I hope to produce more videos about this marvel... Speak soon I hope!

[@SsgtHolland]

@@gmcevoy Thanks for the great tips, man! I will be going to see it on Tuesday, I will definitely let you know. Amazing fact about the paint job, I would have never guessed it was done by hand! The bike has 95k km's on it, so history and timing chain will be crucial to check out. Can't wait to see more of your bike!

[@gmcevoy]

@@SsgtHolland Looking forward to it! Mine is just about to clock 80k kms, so I must change the timing chain, among other things. Not sure when I will be able to do that, but it has to be done. :-)

[@80a7x]

Nice video!..I am interested in a 2000 K1200RS, now I have been a fan of these bikes for quite some time, but to be completely honest, I know nothing about them, I managed to find one being sold on kijiji for a good price (Canadian classifieds website) and have contacted the owner to book an appointment for a viewing, can you advise me on some of the areas to look into, or perhaps some questions that I should ask the owner , perhaps on specific service history, any help is greatly appreciated....likes and subbed

[@gmcevoy]

Hi Ahmed, thank you for reaching out! Glad to know that you are looking into ownership of these fantastic bikes! Service history is a must have, as things can get quite expensive. Timing chain has to be renewed every 80k kms, and that's usually an expensive maintenance procedure. Check for that "box of rocks" noise on idle. Highly likely it will make that awful sound. It is only the clutch actuating shaft rattling about. There is a fix for that, which usually ends up with changing the clutch. one of those "while we are at it, we might as well" jobs. A new clutch will set you back a good 6 to 800€ in parts only, so that's definitely one thing to look out for. Check that it doesn't slip by wringing the throttle at low RPM while on the go. Try not to exceed speed limits while doing that (*ahem*). Otherwise this is a fantastic bike in need of little more that an oil change every year and fresh petrol whenever required. You will love it. Have fun out there, and let me know how your viewing goes!

[@80a7x]

@@gmcevoy Thank you so much for the prompt response, I will keep you updated .cheers

[@fiestavision14]

Love this bike, ridden 125s for over 10 years and thinking this for my first real bike, i have riden big bikes before but never owned one. What do you think

[@gmcevoy]

Hi Jeffrey! When I moved up from a 125, I bought a Honda CBR600, thinking that 1000cc and over would be too dangerous. How wrong I was. Although that Honda CBR600 "only" had 106 bhp, it was light and frighteningly fast. So I would say I jumped into the deep end right away. I kept it for two years, clocked a few thousand clicks on it, and sold it on. This K1200RS does have 130 bhp, but I feel they are more manageable. The 600 I mentioned red-lined at 14500rpm, and as a sports bike demanded to be thrashed flat out whenever possible. Hence why I sold it. I would have ended up either without a driver's license, in a wheelchair or dead. This BMW is more refined, has heaps of torque, and is generally more predictable (in a good way). It is highly efficient, I should say. It is a heavy bike mind you, and is a tad on the expensive side regarding maintenance. Other than that, go for it! Beautifully engineered, extremely solid and well built. It is quite comfortable on long rides, and is an excellent compromise in between a sports bike and a tourer. Look for one with maintenance history and a stack on invoices proving it has been well kept, otherwise you will be facing hefty expenses to bring it up to scratch. There is nothing more expensive to run than a neglected BMW, believe me. To give you an idea of the cost of things, a new clutch will set you back about 6 to 800€ for parts only. Add labour to that, and you are very near 1500€. Timing chains need changing every 80k kms, and valve clearance needs to be checked yearly. That too is quite expensive, with 1 single shim costing about 30€ a pop. There are 16 in there... So as long as you are aware that it does require good mechanical following and that it can be expensive at times, go for it. This is an excellent bike with which I am extremely happy, and I wish to keep it for as long as I can. All the best Jeff! Thank you for stopping by!

[@calderarox]

im just about to buy a 1999 one, really happy to see your videos!

[@gmcevoy]

Fantastic! You are going to love this bike!