VFR 800 versus BMW K1200R...

As mentioned, I am bike shopping and am intrigued by a naked bike made by BMW which has some serious power....K1200R. Although the Beamer is sans fairings the ergos are said to be friendly with only a slight forward torso lean which I presume is similar in riding position to the VFR. Has anybody ridden both bikes to speak to a comparison in riding position and overall performance?
Thanks for any input,
George

 

My first thought is they are pretty different bikes and their is a significant price difference. I talked to a guy riding a K1200R a few weeks ago and asked him what he thought. He said its a typical BMW; very stable, a little slow tipping it to corners, and had lots of grunt. Parked next to the VFR it's longer and looked bulky. My thought was for the price I could have a new 06 VFR and a good used dirt or track bike, but I tend to be on the frugal (cheap) side.

Action

 

I own a BMW and the differences you will immediately notice are:
Parts are almost double what you will find for a Honda.
After market parts don't always work (i.e. batteries)
BMW's do not have the focus on details that Hondas have.
They are not as easy to work on as Japanese bikes.

Europeans have a different view on design, which can be fun. Good luck let us know what you decide. I have always like the bike you are considering.

Jack

 

Parts aren't that bad. Considering I spent 20 bucks on a replacement screw for my VFR a while back.

Your 650 is a way different bike then the K12, they have a BIG aftermarket. Not as big as the japanese bikes, however, some great exhaust and lots of go fast bits are available. The K12 is VERY easy to work on too. It was engineered to be mechanic friendly. I've done a good deal of electrical to my buddy's and have had the fairings off plenty.

A VFR riders take on the K bike: The K12 is sport tourer too. You can ride in a forward lean if you want, but it actually has very upright ergos for me (I'm 6'3" tho). It's slightly heavier and doesn't dive in as effortlessly as the VFR. Like the VFR, it eats up the high-speed sweepers and can hold its own in the canyons (once you learn the bike).

The cantilever suspension has a unique feeling. The front does not dive under braking, rather the whole bike squats. No suspension mods will be needed with the ESA system. Push a button to adjust for rider/passenger/luggage for preloads, another for comfort (think gold-wing), normal, or sport suspension modes. The sport mode almost hurts the kidneys, but does not make the bike bouncy at all. It's also one of the fastest stopping big bikes out there, hurray for ABS. (If you're shopping used, I recommend an 05/06 for the servo assist brakes)

You can ride the K bike all day long, and you never really want to get off.

BTW, it's really really fast too.

If you plan on touring on the K12R, the bmw removable luggage is amazing (and holds great at all speeds). Slightly bigger windscreens are available too that help preserve the look of the bike.

The cons: premium fuel, although the computer will detune the bike to adjust for whatever gas you have available. Which does not mean you can run crap gas all the time, just when premium is not available. Other con, the trannys on the 05/06 have a "skip" in them. I'm pretty sure not a problem on the 07. However, the 3 year warrantee has that covered. BMW knows it was a problem and is happily putting in new trannies (gratis) that completely cure the issue. (cartridge type, easy to change). Another 05/06 issue, there is a hesitation at low RPM (enough to make you spill in a parking lot if you're not paying attention). That's also fixed by a firmware upgrade in the computer. I doubt you'll find one with these problems, unless the owner didn't take care of it.

That being said, I love my VFR! But, I like to sneak out my roommate's K-bike whenever I can.

 

My last naked bike was a 77 cb750f back in the 80's and I recently spent some good quality time on a Tuono. After about 75mph, I'd forgotten how tiring it is fighting the wind blast.

 

SlowAviationEr got it right.

I'm short - 5'7" on a good day, so here's my 2 cents from a couple 10 minute test rides on the K -S & GT. the bike feels much heavier (hey , it is) so slow stuff is slower, turn in and quick side-to-side is more work to get the bike aimed, but it is solid once there. The long wheelbase and weight dampen the crispness perception I have of my VFR. Passenger would likely prefer the wider BMW perch (and the euro logo). I didn't like the BMW servo ABS feel, but have not ridden the VFR ABS to compare.

I hate the BMW switchology, perhaps because I don't have enough time to retrain my brain to German. The horn works great thought :thumb: once you find it.

 

Thank you Guys. SLOav8r...appreciate the comprehensive review. I have owned BMW cars...still have a 330Ci. I really like BMW engineering and am an engineer so that is my bias. I like the ETK for all BMW vehicles...both car and motorycles...complete parts break down, exploded view...where used etc.
As to parts...it is my experience to find an on line parts distributor. For BMW's I order out of BMA in California. Part prices at the dealer are ridiculous. Speaking of same, can anybody recommend a cost effective on line parts distributor for the Honda VFR? As to the bike differences, I was interested in general feedback. Yes they are quite different...fairings versus not...size...power and yes price. I have eclectic taste in motorcycles and see the virtues in many different motorycles but am leaning away from a crusier style bike with forward controls in particular because the ergos don't work for me. I need my feet under me with a slight lean into the wind. And SLOav8r...thanks for a comment about your height. Good to hear another tall guy likes both the VFR and K1200R. Good to have choices. I don't think the VFR can be beat for the money...just my observation but that Beamer has undeniable appeal with its solid naked platform and sick power.
Thanks again,
George

 

I was in your position about a year ago and I went with the VFR. I also own BMW cars and I swear by them... 330ci ZHP. The bike is a toy that I have to justify cost on because I only get to really use it once or twice a week with my job. My reason for not purchasing the BMW was purely cost. I couldn't find an R1100s which falls in about the same cost as a VFR when I was ready and the K1200s and K1200r are just a lot more $$$. I rode the R1200s and K1200s and I liked them a lot for different reasons. The K was more comfortable for distance and the R being a boxer had tons of character. The K was really smooth and with the seating and all that torque is great for comfortable two up riding. I will own one just not now with a new mortgage. That being said I was really surprised at how much I like my VFR. It is a great bike that is comfortable and it handles really well on the backroads. The engine is what defines the bike. It has good torque and it still gets the 4 cylinder rush at higher rpm. A long wheelbase keeps it stable in the corners so if you catch a bump mid corner it just hunches down and stays on track so you can get back on the throttle, that signature v-4 song echoing into the woods. Sometimes you just pat the tank and thank the bike for being so predictable and damn good. They aren't at every stop light either like some of the other Japanese sportbikes. The problem is when I go to a place with lots of bikes and I see those other European bikes a part of me wishes I just bit the bullit and got one. So if you really want the BMW it will get to you eventually, things we don't need always get us in time.... If the practical side wins you can accept the fact that the VFR is a great do it all bike that still has some street cred and low maintenance to further increase its price advantage. We live in a golden age of bikes.... enjoy it!!

 

There's definitely a major difference in feel between the two. After spending some time on the BMW though, I've learned that if you want to have some fun you have to jack up the rear a bit (push button of course). My buddy's BMW even has the rear torque arm lengthened about 10mm to bring up the ass end a little more then stock, so it dives real good now. Of course he is 6'8" and can flick just about any bike around like it's a 600.

What still gets me every time I read it is how much faster it is then it feels. 0-100 feels like 0-60. Big BMW cars are the same way.

 

Bla Bla Bla.
Just watch the video. It'll tickle your meat-n-two veg every time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDb3ecn09tc

be careful though, you just might have to wipe yourself off on the curtains after watching....

 

You capture the motorcycle dillemma perfectly. For the money the VFR wins hands down. For another $4-5K have to love the Bimmer for what it is...a special and even more rare bike with big power. There have been some reports that the BMW 1200 motor has a odd vibration at particular RPM. The VFR motor by contrast is like a dentist's drill. We do indeed live in the golden age of bikes and its all good.
Many Thanks,
George

 

Love the Vid...Thanks! The VFR even has more motor then you need on the street. That thing is a rocket...lol.
George

 

True dat on sensation of speed. Bimmer cars don't feel that quick but they pull pretty hard...a credit to their solid platform.
Thanks,
George

 

The K1200 inline 4 is very smooth. The boxer engines, however, do have a few spots were you get an odd vibration... that's the nature of the beast.

I borrowed an R11S for a few days before I made the decision to buy it or not. Certain RPMs present a unique vibration that can be best described as a ball-tickler. For what it's worth, anyone looking for a sport tourer that's just a bit bigger and more comfortable then the vfr for long hauls, should check out the R1100s. A little tough to find on the used market, like the VFR, because people hold on to them for a long long time.

 

Thats what I thought about the R12S I rode, just a little smoother than the R11S and more powerfull but that engine does have some character. I think BMWs are so well known for the Boxer Twin and its what they do very well. I like the K bikes too but the only thing that makes it hard to justify is the inline 4. I really like the attention to detail on the K bike and my favorite color combo is the K12S in the Alpine white with blue stripes(or is it the other way around?) I think we all like that uniqueness and thats why most of us have a VFR or two in our garages. Its a tough call, what we really lust after and what really makes sense. Sometimes we get the best of both worlds. Lately I've been watching videos on Ducati 749s. I could add that to my VFR and that would pretty much do it. See this really is a sickness.

 

The Inline 4 on a BMW bikes, in and of itself, is unique. The power delivery is great, not like any inline you're used to.

Love the blue & white too.

 

Anyone else hear the tune " Transformers, Robots in disguise " whenever the spot a K1200R ?

In all seriousness I like the KR's funky looks and with optional larger fly screen think it would make an excellent Sports tourer.

 

Great pic of tha K12S.... That is a great bike!!!