Second-hand advice BMW K 1200 RS

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Second-hand advice BMW K 1200 RS
Bilski

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Used purchase

Second-hand advice BMW K 1200 RS

Second-hand advice BMW K 1200 RS
Travel sofa

K 1200 RS pilots often eat up kilometers. But despite high mileage and numerous used vehicles on offer, prices remain stable at a high level.

Peter Limmert

09/06/2001

The mighty four-cylinder designs from BMW, especially the K 1200 RS, polarize. Technology freaks find the Bavarian sports tourer irresistible: the longitudinally installed engine with cardan shaft, regulated catalytic converter, ABS, the adjustable windshield of the full fairing, the variable seat height and position of the handlebar ends. Skeptics complain about the high weight, the oversupply of complicated technology, the clumsy appearance? and the handsome price.
The installation position of the four-cylinder in-line engine, tilted 90 degrees to the left into the vertical, is truly unique. Even when the first K model appeared, the K 100 (1983), the English specialist press did not save with biting ridicule. They christened BMW’s ambitious concept “Flying brick”. With an aerodynamically refined, but optically very getting used to full fairing on the K1 (1989), BMW withdrew the engine from the irritated gaze of the public.
Today, two generations later, the construction is based on the K 1200 RS more than rehabilitated. For sensible fans of the white-blue brand, the K is the perfect travel device. Even the more emotional boxer friends admit enviously what the K-creation is all about: steam in all situations. The extraordinary elasticity of the engine, which is designed to be even longer-stroke than its predecessor, the K 1100 RS, is one of the most outstanding properties.
But if you are toying with the 290-kilogram bolide, you should not make a decision without a detailed test drive. Drivers well under 1.80 meters have to stretch their arms far over the tank despite the adjustable handlebar halves. For long-legged pilots, on the other hand, the knee angle is very narrow, which is why they mount the adjustable footrests in the lowest position. Including the 2000 generation, BMW offered a so-called comfort handlebar as an option, the higher position of which enables a much more touristy seating position. From 2001 it is part of the standard equipment.
It takes getting used to that the longitudinally running crankshaft of the machine causes a clearly noticeable right-hand twist after starting. Only from around 75 km / h does the driving experience for straight-line stability become more neutral. Vibrations are completely kept away from the driver by rubber elements between the engine and chassis. BMW is also going its own way with front wheel guidance. The Telelever system prevents the fork from plunging deeply when braking. The new six-speed gearbox, which has long been desired by the BMW clientele, works at least when cold, especially in first gear, which can initially only be fully engaged with the clutch being engaged, and due to its design, it is not quite as precise as the Far East standard.
In 1997, its debut year, BMW launched two product recalls for all RS registered by July of that year. In the first case, the fan wheels and the cooler housing were replaced and the electronic control units replaced. In the second case, the adjusting screws for the clutch and brake fittings were checked and additionally secured. In the case of used 1997 machines, prospective customers should inquire whether these changes have been made.
The sports tourer passed MOTORRAD’s endurance test over 100,000 kilometers (issue 19/2000) with no problems. The fork stanchions leaked four times. And the K 1200 RS consumed an average of half a liter of oil per 1000 kilometers. A value that BMW regards as unusual, normally its 0.2 to 0.3 liters. The fact is, however, that many RS drivers were concerned about similar, if not even higher, oil consumption, especially during the first 5000 kilometers. From model year 1999, the K 1200 was fitted with different pistons and rings, which suggests that BMW was unsure of the need for lubricants itself.
A phenomenon with several RS: The front tire wears out faster than the rear one. In some cases it was ready for replacement after just 5000 kilometers. The assumption that the heavy front section is the cause of the rubber corrosion when cornering quickly in connection with the Telelever remains unconfirmed. The Metzeler ME Z4 lasted a good 10,000 kilometers at MOTORRAD, but it was criticized for a certain sluggishness when turning. Increased air pressure (2.9 instead of 2.5 bar) brought little, the specification Z4 B with a stiffer carcass a significant improvement. Those who like it sportier choose the Bridgestone pairing BT 56/57, but have to accept compromises in terms of service life. A good compromise between sportiness and mileage: the Dunlop D 205.
The K 1200 RS is available with 72 and 96 kW. Those who like to drive in pairs are better off with the throttle variant, which offers up to 6,000 rpm up to ten percent more elasticity. A conversion costs around 180 marks (air filter housing) material, around 1.25 hours of working time plus registration fees. In relation to the purchase price of the used one a no brainer. K 1200 RS are not available for less than 18,500 marks for the 1997 model, despite the currently very large range, while 2000 machines are traded for around 26,000 marks.

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Market overview – BMW K 1200 RS

The flagship of the BMW four-cylinder series, the K 1200 RS, has been sold around 8,000 times since its debut in 1997. The Schwacke list noted: year of construction 1997 (33,000 kilometers) 17,600 marks; 1998 (24,600 kilometers) 19,300 marks; 1999 (16,200 kilometers) 21,300 marks; 2000 (7800 kilometers) 24100 marks. In the field of great touring athletes, the K 1200 RS not only competes with some boxer models in-house, but also with the Honda CBR 1100 XX. Meanwhile also equipped with a regulated catalytic converter and very handy despite its high weight, it makes BGMW a lot of customers. Already a bit of an older caliber, but still potent in the race: the Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100 with always excellent brakes, but chassis that can be improved. The brand new Yamha FJR 1300 is playing on the belly market? still ?? not matter.

Reader experiences – BMW K 1200 RS

For a year now I have been driving my 1200 RS in the open version in medium and long-distance use without any complaints. Positive: amazing handiness despite the high weight, good ergonomics for fatigue-free long distances, elastic pulling power and finally a properly shiftable, well-coordinated gearbox. Negative: the non-adjustable damping of the Telelever suspension at the front, too much manual effort for the brakes, too much tire wear at the front (the Dunlop D 205 only has a mileage of almost 5000 kilometers, the rear tire lasts twice as long). Apart from the miserable luggage rack, the aerodynamics of the windshield is worse than in the previous model K 1100 RS. Manfred Luckenbach, Meckenheim I bought my K 1200 RS in April 1999, new with full equipment. In the meantime I have driven 32,500 kilometers and from the engine ?? after four years of poor throttle setting with an R 1100 RS ?? very impressed. The weight of the machine could be lower because I’m only 163 centimeters tall and have to think carefully about how to park the K 1200. The sitting position is very sporty for my size, whereas the boxer was a sofa. I don’t like the left case, which is narrower because of the relocation of the muffler. Otherwise, I’ve never regretted the purchase.Angela Heidenreich, GronauWith around 1500 kilometers, a fluctuating idle speed made a visit to the workshop necessary (vibrated ventilation hose). Another visit was due to inspect the hooked gears. BMW is still miles away from the standard of today’s Japanese transmissions. The engine is the icing on the cake of the K 1200 RS, and the chassis is also really great, wind and weather protection are good, but were better on the K 1100 RS. Eric Osladil, Castrop-Rauxel

Technical data – BMW K 1200 RS

Technical dataMotorWater-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, longitudinal crankshaft, one balance shaft, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder operated via bucket tappets, electronic intake manifold injection, engine management, regulated catalytic converter, displacement 1171 cm³, rated output 72/96 kW (98/130 hp ) at 7000 rpm, six-speed gearbox, electric starter, cardan. Chassis bridge frame made of cast aluminum, long-link telescopic fork with spring strut, stanchion diameter 35 mm, two-jointed single-sided swing arm made of cast aluminum, one spring strut, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double disc brake at the front with four-piston calipers and floating 0 305 mm, rear disc brake, 0 285 mm, ABS, cast aluminum wheels, spring travel front / rear 115/150 mm. Dimensions and weightsSeat height 780 mmTank capacity 21 litersWeight with a full tank 290 kgService intervals every 10000 kmTest valuesMaximum speed solo / with pillion 234/219 km / hAcceleration 0 -100 km / h solo / with Passenger 3.5 / 4.8 secConsumption 7 litersFuel SuperSpare part pricesSharp partsClutch armature 398 MarkHandbrake armature 398 MarkHalf-handlebar 100 MarkRear-view mirror 69 MarkFront indicator 114 MarkTachometer 362 MarkTachometer 362 MarkClock 230 MarkHeadlight 352 MarkRear mudguard, painted 667Marker frame, rear 96Tank, front bumper, 667Frame Mark per side panel 568 MarkDisc 116 MarkWear partsBrake pads front and rear 129 MarkClutch friction disk 192 MarkBrake disc front 290 MarkAir filter 48 MarkOil filter 24 MarkBattery 173 MarkElectronic control unit 1455 Marks strengths and weaknesses / 1997Comparative test 7/1998Comparison test 9/2000Long distance test 19/2000Comparative test 8/2001Tire-free Type 589 Front Back 120/70 ZR 17 170/60 ZR 17 Bridgestone BT 56 F / G Bridgestone BT 57 RDunlop D 205 F / G Dunlop 205 GMetzeler MEZ 4 Front Metzeler MEZ 4 Footnotes: 1Tests can be ordered from the publisher, telephone see box on page xxx.

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