The Waiting is the hardest part... (2024)

ZAMIRZ said:

So how's it been and what are you planning on using it for?

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I've been on a R1200R for 3 years or so, and it's been a really amazing bike. I'm going to put in my pantheon of Magnificent middleweight bikes, with my Laverda SF, VTR1000, and my '52 Rapide, and R1100RS.
However the wind blasting on long rides became a background irritant.
The R1250RS is a pinch longer so it's a nice solid state-splitting tool, and mostly wind manageable.
Most of the miles I've ridden were on R1200RS rentals, so I was shocked at how much the shift cam motor is different. It's still got low end snap, but it spins up faster and smoother, kind of like a V4. Say what?
Yes, it's kind of delicious since you can smack the throttle and expect to be f*cking flying, maybe even with one wheel up. Cornering is better suited to my "stick it, then go" technique than the R12. So far I've only done one serious shakedown to Tomales from SF and back, and a first day ride to the East Bay, but it has exceeded my somewhat high expectations.

It's heavier than I'd like, around the garage, but i don't think that's a big deal.
I think it would be an excellent commuter, especially with handlebar risers and a better seat.

My initial impression?

Winner!

Let me just add that the Brembo brakes are remarkably effective. I practiced some slow speed maneuvers and quick stops to get a feel for them. Smooth, no drama, no dive, and quiet!

Nice! I'm looking forward to the market craziness dying down in the next year (hopefully!) and perhaps finding one used at a decent price.

There was a K1300S on Craigslist last week that looked like it would fit the bill perfectly. I made plans to go see it on Saturday after the rain, but someone came and bought it the Friday before when it was still pretty wet.

ZAMIRZ said:

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Nice! I'm looking forward to the market craziness dying down in the next year (hopefully!) and perhaps finding one used at a decent price.

There was a K1300S on Craigslist last week that looked like it would fit the bill perfectly. I made plans to go see it on Saturday after the rain, but someone came and bought it the Friday before when it was still pretty wet.

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Nothing sexier than a wet motorcycle! No wonder that guy pounced.

Keep in mind....
This will be the last year of the 1250 RS, what BMW will do next year hasn't been leaked yet, but people expect a 1300CC moto. Personally I hate the "bigger is better" mentality of manufacturers. If I last that long, I'll be buying an R something in 2026; I iike to wait till BMW gets ALL the bugs out of a new model, then grab one in the last production year, when there are incentives. I got a couple of them, military service and BMOA membership, combined saved me 1,000 dollars. Nice.

I liked the R80 GS motor, so where is MY idea of a better bike? an R80 motor, with Shiftcam and Quick-Shifter, blah blah, that's close to 400lbs?
That's what I'd like. Or how about an R50/2 replica, with Ohlins forks/shock, fuel injection and a slightly softer solo saddle?

moto-rama said:

Nothing sexier than a wet motorcycle! No wonder that guy pounced.

Keep in mind....
This will be the last year of the 1250 RS, what BMW will do next year hasn't been leaked yet, but people expect a 1300CC moto. Personally I hate the "bigger is better" mentality of manufacturers. If I last that long, I'll be buying an R something in 2026; I iike to wait till BMW gets ALL the bugs out of a new model, then grab one in the last production year, when there are incentives. I got a couple of them, military service and BMOA membership, combined saved me 1,000 dollars. Nice.

I liked the R80 GS motor, so where is MY idea of a better bike? an R80 motor, with Shiftcam and Quick-Shifter, blah blah, that's close to 400lbs?
That's what I'd like. Or how about an R50/2 replica, with Ohlins forks/shock, fuel injection and a slightly softer solo saddle?

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I get your thinking, but it's not manufacturers that drive the thinking- it's the market (demand). Add a pinch of smog and fuel efficiency needs, ever-longer longevity and it becomes financially unfeasible to design two core (engine/frame) bikes. There are "spy" pics of a 1300GS already floating around- I don't believe in such leaks however, more likely the PR department's calendar. They'll need to start building pretty darn soon to have a fleet ready come late fall.

NorCalBusa said:

I get your thinking, but it's not manufacturers that drive the thinking- it's the market (demand). Add a pinch of smog and fuel efficiency needs, ever-longer longevity and it becomes financially unfeasible to design two core (engine/frame) bikes. There are "spy" pics of a 1300GS already floating around- I don't believe in such leaks however, more likely the PR department's calendar. They'll need to start building pretty darn soon to have a fleet ready come late fall.

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I don't see how BMW would want to continue to make larger displacement motors. Except they are still pushing the R18 pretty hard, despite it's sluggish sales numbers. Reminds me of the Honda VTX 1800. Porky!
I rented one, well I got one as a rental due to a mix up, and it had some serious balls. But my gawd, such a pig.

shiryu said:

After a five month order wait this Pikachu finally arrived...

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Oh, those red wheels. Someone in the design dept must have been partying all night long.
Even though black wheels are less likely to show dirt, grime, bikes need to have more red.

cheez said:

Dude. Naming this thread as you did is a Petty crime. The earwormin'!

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I see you've taken it to the heart....just don't let it kill you baby, don't let it get to you.

And @cheez Let me just add that there were those that made me feel good, But never as good as I'm feeling right now.
\
And there will be pictures! No more whining about windy days, either. This MRA Vario with it's own nifty spoiler passed the "I-280 90mph in a crosswind" test! So that road trip to New Mexico... is ON. And there will be fishing rods in the side cases.

My waiting is almost over. Got word it hit the warehouse today and should be at the shop at the end of next week. Not in time to break it in before the Rally, but still it is imminent!

Ms. White, my 15 will be posted for sale here in a couple weeks.

budman said:

My waiting is almost over. Got word it hit the warehouse today and should be at the shop at the end of next week.

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I was actually wondering about that. You'd offered a few hints in various threads that a new one was on the way. I figured it should be close by now, looking forward to seeing it.