General topics » Prospective 1200RS owner with post-test-ride questions!

I'm hopefully finally scratching my longstanding BMW itch soon, and joining the ranks of owners. I'm really keen on the 1200RS, and test rode a 2015 Sport SE model today, and really, really enjoyed it; it's an amazing machine. I was pleased to find this forum and hope, as a complete BMW newbie, someone will be able to help with a bit of advice about it!

The bike rode really well; but I experienced two potential issues; quite an alarming 'clunk' when engaging 1st gear, and secondly a rumbly vibration through the pegs at around 2500-3000 rpm, in low gears. Back at the dealers, both of these were greeted, predictably, with a "OhTheyAllDoThatSir" (as in boxer engines). Is this fair/accurate? Wasn't a huge issue for me, obviously unless it's a fault or the harbinger of a problem.

Other than that I was a bit concerned about my leg position; ie my knees are quite a lot higher than I'm used to. Fine today on a short run, but possibly I'd be struggling after a couple of hundred miles. I've ascertained that at least the bike's fitted with the middle of the three available seat heights, so I easily could gain 30mm there. (The BMW Accessories catalogue describes the three options as "Rider seat", "Low rider seat" and "Extra low rider seat", which implies to me that the highest one is actually standard - can anyone confirm? If so it might give me some negotiating ammo!).

Finally, can anybody tell me about possible options for lowering the foot pegs or raising the suspension this bike, if in the future I decided that the seat-peg distance was still too low after raising the seat?

Would be very grateful for any advice, and hope to be 'joining the club' soon!

Hi fella

The dealer didn't lie about the gearbox...They do indeed all do that sir,I believe there is a seat called the sports seat that will give you a little extra height and you can get some lower pegs too,sorry about the vague reply but my RS fits me perfectly so I've never bothered with seat or pegs.

Thanks very much both - very reassuring to know that the clunk is 'OK' and that there's a solution to my overly-folded legs if I need one!

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #3

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Vibes in the pegs - simple solution, use a lower gear, rev harder as the sweet spot is a little higher up the rev range

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How tall are you and what were your prior rides?

Context.....it's the critical ingredient.

Sports Seat supposed to be the highest seat.
This bike turns into corners very well and you will be be scratching those lowered foot pegs if you fix one.
I read somewhere in the forum that the 1st gear clunk has been improved by BMW on the second model afterwards.

Zitat von freddyfruitbat im Beitrag #1

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and secondly a rumbly vibration through the pegs at around 2500-3000 rpm, in low gears.

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I have that "clunk" too but I don't think that it does any damage. I did my drivers training on an old BMW F 650 CS and it also had that "clunk".

My first RS clunked, I must admit that it upset me as I like a smooth box.

The second RS, the one I have now is silky smooth, yes, you get the first gear clunk as expected on multi plate clutch, but after that it's smooth and seamless changes.

My advice is to ride whichever bike you are thinking of buying before you do ( even new , as it's still a lottery).

Ged

Clunk is std. Mostly on the 2015-2016 model as the 2017 model got some mods to the final drive. (judder damper on output shaft, revised selector drum actuator, transmission shaft + transmission shaft bearing)
There's a sport seat that is higher than std. Many R1200R and RS got a 4th gear "thrumble". My buddys R1200R had it when new, but it went away after service and some running in. There was a long thread about this in the "old" forum.
Hope you sort the seat/footpeg issues out, the R1200RS is a fantastic bike that works for about anything except offroad .

Mine only clunks in to first when its warm...doesn't do it when cold (!). It's loud enough to wake drivers up at traffic lights.....

There are all sorts of vibrations, ticks and other weird noises that come from the engine (only a little quieter than the old oil heads).........I think they "all do that" and that is part of the character that gets under your skin that leads to a long term relationship with boxers.

Zitat von boxter im Beitrag #9

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My first RS clunked, I must admit that it upset me as I like a smooth box.


Ged

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I am about 6ft 2in and have the sport seat which helps, don't have peg lowers but oddly found bar risers help with the position. hope you enjoy your RS if you buy.

maybe try another RS if there is one close to you

Graham

I'm 6' 1" and I came from a bid adventure bike so I was a little concerned about leg room but after a year I can say my legs are not a problem, to back this up I've just completed 1000 miles 2up with luggage in 4 days in Scotland.

I suggest you do not lower the pegs. IMO you will not be happy with the "grounding" in turns if you are being "sporty." The clunk is normal - as it is on many other bikes. The vibration you mentioned is common though apparently not all RS's do it. Mine is very noticeable between 2200-2800 RPM in 4th. It is not noticeable in any other gear or in 4th at other RPM.