The BMW R1200 R is the BMW bike that nobody buys - but you should!

This BMW R1200 R is the hidden gem of BMW's wide range of motorcycles - but almost nobody buys them. People love the BMW R1200 RT - Why not the R? We test one to find out...

[@davidfarrar1038]

Just traded my 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 special for a 2017 R1200R with 1 previous owner, 8000km and full service history. The BMW is the best bike I've ridden in over 30 years of riding.

[@chrisblackburn8299]

I bought my R1150R brand new in 2001. It was my dream bike then and my feelings haven’t changed in 22 years.

[@PedroDVC]

Absolutely on point... most people complain and talk shit about BMWs because they never owned or rode one. I've owned two Yamahas thinking I was a Yamaha fan boy and owning a BMW changed my mind completely.

[@JFish-xj8oj]

Absolutely agree. It’s as functional as a GS, and more fun than every other boxer. Had a 15 with full luggage and touring screen rode it 10k miles per year. Most versatile bike I’ve ever owned

[@stephenbushway901]

I put 50-50 tires and a skid plate on mine. Suspension travel and gearing are it's limiting GS factors but it's pretty good off road if you take it easy. Love my Cam head!

[@Agent_954]

I sold my 2011 R1200RT for a 2016 Cordoba Blue R1200R! No regrets. This bike is so underrated and underappreciated.

[@markjackson6878]

I've owned mine since 2016. I have a different exhaust system that has twin output that really sets it off. I wanted to change it but then realised it does everything so well. Travel to Europe with luggage no effort. Beat mates on the twisties no effort. Power off the line is tough to beat. Easy to ride and fun.

[@geneclarke2205]

Thanks. Yes, agree. I bought a 2014 in June 2022 with panniers and high screen with 4,200 miles for $6,000. Best investment I ever made. I did test a 2019 but I like to old school design and ride of the 2014 plus the 2019 was double the price. Even the Harley guys let me ride with them as it appears German bikes get a passing grade. You are so right, an overlooked gem.

[@jeffkeni]

That was fun and informative. Thanks for sharing!

[@Manofwar7]

Had a 2007 loved it. May get another.

[@rosewood1]

I have 2012 R1200R Classic Telelever Paralever ESA 110hp . It's an extraordinary machine. Very fast but also very capable on bad roads. It really likes to be ridden as a Telever bike but the versatility is amazing. It can be ridden across appalling corrugations and mud no problem. Or it will blast to exocet speed. And carry pillion and touring gear!

[@mototrips1]

I have a 2016 as well...great bike!

[@alan36753]

Well said sir. This is biking’s best kept secret. It does the lot and puts a smile on your face

[@davidives7997]

I'm on my 3rd one of these. So versatile, even 2 up with luggage. I love em...

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

Yup, way fun motorcycle! If I had room in the garage for another bike this would be the one.

[@trailingarm63]

I've been saying much the same thing for years. This is the best all-round motorcycle for a mature man or woman of 5ft 6ins or above. I have one from 2012 - an oil-head as they call them. I have a touring screen from MadStad Engineering of Florida which gives you long-range capability. I also have the factory high seat, because I have long legs. Finally I have pulled the handlebars up and back about 2 inches with a spacer because I want to sit upright. The bike has a lot of torque which means great acceleration. It has a low centre of gravity and is light for what it is (about 235 kgs I think). Feels like a 250 to me and handles like a gyroscope. The shaft drive is perfect and virtually maintenance-free, and the centre-stand is great for working on the bike or washing it. Most people will still buy a GS or a 1600, but for a pure motorcycle experience this is the bike.

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

Thanks for the tip on the windscreen, as Chris is thinking about that right now. Enjoy!

[@codyweinhandl7059]

Nice I want one so bad I have a 2000 r1100r and this is basically the newer version I love my r1100r I have factory bags, hand guards and a windshield and love it. I agree if I get one I noticed the handle bars on the these are more strait and more forward I live in north dakota and they are really hard to come by.

[@clayfarnet970]

You are 100% correct. I have a 1997 bmw r850r with only 94,000. I have it set up for touring with tall windscreen and bmw side bags. It’s not fast but it keeps up with my buddies through the twisty’s. I paid $2k for a bike that will out live me and I saved enough to buy a nice ST10. 👍👍👍

[@UnimpressedAussie]

Have had ninja 650, mt09 tracer, s1000xr and now an r1200r (2018)... this is the bike i should have bought when i bought the xr. it's near perfect.

[@geoffc3191]

My 2011 model remains the best bike Ive owned over the past 50 years. EVery time I called in to the dealer for service they’d lend me the next model in hope! I’d tell them they should never have sold me my bike as nothing they’d offer me subsequently can better it😂

[@CCitis]

I have an RS... same deal... underrated bikes for sure.

[@kenzi.h]

I own the r1200r since 2015, replaced it by a 2017 and next one will be the r1250r. I love this motorcycle so much that I’ll don’t change it.. ❤

[@nicholasszapiel6769]

I owned the 1200rs but would have the R now if i had a choosing, i wouldnt buy anything new with a tft screen they all look generic every bike maker uses the same cooky cutter tft setup, the 1250 engine on the new r sounds wierd and agricultural, the 2015 r was the best version bmw made.

[@raywraith823]

I ve Just bought a r1250r. What do think about it? Great video

[@busterrabbit]

Had my R1200R Sport new in 2015, 50,000 miles ago. For a solo rider it's better than a GS 90% of the time, the GS is slightly more roomy for a pillion (assuming they get on over those panniers! The GS has better wind protection for motorway work and the suspension is better for bumpy British B roads, but otherwise the R is the GS's equal. It's far easier to move around and nip about on, and in fact it has was tuned for more low and midrange than a GS and feels more lively.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

That landscape with the boxer! 🥰

[@ChipMautz]

Nice review! If my '92 K100RS ever goes down for the count, I may look at one. In fact, I think I'll check them out this fall at the Barber Vintage Festival in a few months.

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

Oh man, I really want to go to that sometime. May be time for another LONG trip!

[@cesarcordero6930]

O owned a beautiful blue 2016 R1200RS same bike but full fairings But get a bit dissapointed whit the huge amount of front squat when hard braking, So i learned that i need a 2011 R1200R because of the telelever so i finally found one whit less than 20k on the clock ....

[@karstenramcke6637]

I have this bike since 2017,, it is the best bike ever had

[@keldonator]

This song is from the wooden hand made instrument dude... I forgot the channel but it was instantly recognized.

[@Wavesum]

I love mine great bike :)

[@marcbell6948]

Just brought 2016 what a difference in weight from my k1200gt. So much easier to move around!

[@RGHSHOW]

that's because the gs riders pretend they are going to ride dirt but it's never see the dirt lol

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

I believe you may be correct, sir! :)

[@ronaldthomas9396]

The R1200R is the best selling boxer in Germany!

[@kurtkrak]

Just picked up my RS today. Premium edition The answer to the question is - BECAUSE THE GAS TANK IS NOT BIG ENOUGH! Otherwise, a wonderful machine

[@tonyireland1434]

I have an r850rt 2000 model fantastic bike, but just a bit heavy nearly 300 kgs good for long distance very comfortable no numb butt, keep her between the ditches guys chat ye later .

[@praveennair5588]

Hi Jay, Nice video👍👍👍. I have similar 2016 model. I am getting clunky sound while shifting gears. Is this common in this models. Do we have to do anything to make the gear shift smoother.? Looking forward for your reply.

[@JFish-xj8oj]

Normal. It’s a clunky gearbox

[@leftlaneonlycc]

he passed away in a motorcycle accident a few months ago.

[@karstenramcke6637]

No mine is shifting smooth

[@bakeredwards]

I have a g650gs and an aprilia mille, this could replace them both.

[@miketr732]

Great review, I have a opportunity to buy a 2016 r1200r bmw. With 0 miles on it . Brand new! I'm so tempted to get it. Just sold my Kawasaki zzr1200. So I have some play $$$.what do you think the value of this bike is? Thank you.

[@miketr732]

He wants $10,000

[@malcolmironmonger]

Jay. Question :Which one is better, your choice? I have a 1600 and I have a secret desire for the R1200R!

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

I ride a lot of miles, and I'm tall. For me the K 1600 GT is still king.

[@scottashdown3686]

@@JayBearjaysbigadventure What if I’m only 5’6” and 155 lbs?

[@briancox8422]

I think you were looking at a 2014 Yamaha FJR1300, not a Honda ST1300

[@aps-pictures9335]

Ahhh you’re selling this to me so badly, but I’ve a deposit on an 850 GSA new lol… but just how practical could you tour on this… anything can be done, but…

[@berlinteo]

15:24 the CBR650R is a four, not 2 cylinder

[@johnthompson9896]

For Australia at least a larger 22/23 litre fuel tank would have helped.

[@UnimpressedAussie]

top box and a milk bottle with 3L of petty in it and done :D

[@user-kr7gz2kv5v]

Discovering shifter 😢

[@stevejones1318]

Audio not great. I like the R1200s, but I steer well clear of used Bmw bikes because they are overly complicated and parts are crazily overpriced. Safer to buy Japanese.

[@terrykelly8982]

So this R is yours? You buy it from a dealer or a private seller?

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

It is owned by a friend of mine, and we bought it at the Harrison Eurosports here in Salt Lake City in 2018. They carry BMW, Triumph, Ducati and more. Great people!

[@terrykelly8982]

@@JayBearjaysbigadventure We? So you went in halfs with a bud on it?

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

Nope her bike 100%. She just lets me play with her toys, so to speak! :) That's the kind of riding buddy you want, right?

[@rogerr8029]

@@JayBearjaysbigadventure what year sir? Great video review

[@JayBearjaysbigadventure]

@@rogerr8029 This one is a 2016. :)

[@KillerwhaleTRX]

Its much to pricey for what it is!