A brief synopsis of my K 1200 R History

I bought an '06 K 1200 R last March and from practically day one have had nothing but problems. Basically everything everyone has mentioned on this forum, except all of it on the same bike. Multiple brake failures, one resulting in a stoppie that landed on the pavement (I miraclously landed on my feet over the handle bars), throttle issues, ignition failures, transmission problems, high frequency vibrations (hurt my wrists after five minutes of normal riding), disgusting gas milage, exhaust sputtering and back firing, and it goes on an on. Basically it spent so much time at BMW I never had to wash it because they always do a nice job for me and I probably didn't really have to rent a parking spot.

For those of you who are interested more detailed history is here with two threads in this forum

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showt...highlight=nejat

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showt...highlight=nejat

But I'm not here to dwell on that anymore I actually have tremendously good news ...

NY State's Lemon Law, which I over qualified for, and BMW's new attidude, maybe because of the recent buyout, and their reluctance to go through legal red tape has replaced my bike with an '07 model with similar options I originally had and because I was not as happy with a Sport they gave me a discount on the CF Bellypan which is on order. They were also generous in many other ways, Kudos BMW.

Before taking their offer on the Sport, I took it for a test ride to see if I liked the new fairing on the highway. I'm one of those rare folk who likes the wind hitting them on the chest, go figure. It turned out to be not as bad as I expected so I went for it, otherwise who knows how long I would have had to wait for a regular KR.

Before continuing I have to give it to BMW NA for radically changing their attitude over the past year. This time around the people involved were amazingly understanding and more then very helpful, so thanks BMW.

Now for my assement of the new K 12 R Sport, the caveat being; since test driving the original and getting the new Sport I have driven five different KR's. The best ones were a loaner, for all the times my bike was in the shop, and the one I own know. Each and every one of them has had very different characteristics. Mainly in throttle control.

The two that were very similar were my original '06 KR and the '07 Sport I demoed, at least before mine started to have a major melt down. I remember distinctly having an overly sensitive throttle on my way home with my new bike last March as I did with the demo. In both cases remember being much more concious of throttle input. Of course all of the similarities ended when mine started to break down.

I really don't remember the original demo ride; I was so exciting I just remember being elated. I probably took it very easy since it was the first bike I rode with more than 80 hp.

The '06 loaner was amazing, its brakes were always flawless and the throttle input was phenominal. I could snake through NYC traffic without barely touching the brakes, which goes a long way to building confidence in a city with a sea of chaotic yellow sharks. I definitely enjoy bikes with strong engine braking, which this bike had. As I understand it they have since changed it in the latest software upgrades because it was too much for many riders. My new sport does not have as much engine braking but the throttle input is even more percise and for me that is the most important thing after working brakes.

Not to jynx anything, but I have never enjoyed riding as much as I do with this new Sport. As for the wind resistance this bike has its own character compared the to the naked lady. I'm guessing its because of the fairing and stream of air it creates, but it takes more work to flick this bike around than it did my original KR. I'm not saying its too difficult but it is a good work out. On the upside, even in my AGV flipup, the air is cut at the perfect place where you still get wind hitting you but your head is much more steady. My shark helment was great at high speeds but my AGV did not know how to cut the wind. On the Sprot its extremely comfortable.

I look forward to upgrading it with a wish list a mile long. Though I'll let it break in before I go there.

Be good and Happy and Safe Riding,
Nejat

she does not have an attitude, does what I ask her and comes out looking great

here are some more pictures. http://www.pbase.com/nejat/newbaby

my original girl was beautiful too http://www.pbase.com/nejat/newtoy

Congratulations. Gotta say, the yellow was a knock out color, too bad about all the rest. Should have named that one Freddie.

I find the air coming over the windscreen at speed is completely smooth and just seems thicker as the speed increases.

At the first check-up, the mechanic took ALL the slack out of the throttle. It is very precise and much easier to roll on smoothly now. I didn't know it wasn't until he changed it.

I am very happy with mine.

Dave

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KR Sport

Congratulation Nejat. Hope everything works out much better this time around.

Thanks I hope so too.

BTW I forgot to comment on about the tranny. I do not perceived much of a change. Since it's new it rarely clunks and finds the gears very nicely, including N. However, now that I'm more confident in my bike and am thinking less about throttle control (that really used to take 75% of my concentration to ride safely) I find that when riding aggressively, since its new and I'm still breaking it in I need to shift @ 7K, it shifts super smooth.

Actually I find the clutch engagement point is much better. I barely need to squeeze in the clutch when shifting, its almost feels like power shifting, which I'm not doing nor do I know how to. one, two, three ... click, click, click its awesome. Normally in the city I barely get out of first gear., so i'm enjoying the shifting while in break in mode.

Has anyone else found this to be true?

beautiful bikes and nice shots! (nice camera!) lucky man!

Thanks RSPECT, I am a fortunate man in many respects.

That yellow really pops with that color engine and wheels. I sympathize with you about the problems you've had as mine goes into the shop.....again. Transmission problem. My patience is wearing thin, but the KR now has a black, insanely fast stable mate that will more than keep me happy while it's being repaired. The dealer needs to sort things out with this bike or it's bye-bye!

Off topic a bit but how does the big Kaw handle? I know how she runs, FAST!

It looks and feels about the same size as the KR the times I had an opportunity to sit on one.

I'm kinda in the market as well. Lots to chose from, Busa, 14, 10, gixxer, r1, etc.

(I feel like my transmission is going to let go anytime, and with the mods I've done, there is NO WAY they're going to cover me under warranty.)

I chose the 14 because of its comfort and because of my experience with Kawi, the reliability. It corners better than my KR and it's easier to ride fast. I got tired of being bike-less everytime that thing had to go back to the shop.