New Member Introductions » HELLO FROM MONMOUTHSHIRE

I'm looking to change from my current Triumph 1200 Tiger Explorerwhich I have had over 3 years now. Its a nice bike, very smooth engine and handles better than expected but time for a change. Noisy engine, clutch bite is all in last few mm, top heavy but nice and comfortable and suits me at 6ft 4 in

Thinking seriously about a R1200RS SE as I'm not sure I really want a dedicated tourer yet. I've seen that the model was uprated during its 1200 life (ie not the 1250 revision) If thats true can someone tell me what that was and when it was cut in. Would have to try one for space with my wife on the back as we usually have 1 week and some weekend trips during the year (so need luggage) and she is 5ft 8in to 5ft 9 in. Kindly seeking the experience of the members here.

Great bikes - single or two up. Unsung hero of the Boxer range.
R1200RS - came out 2015 - plenty of people here happy with that model - I had one
R1200RS - 2017 model year - clutch and other minor upgrades to ABS/Brake light/ Hill hold - I've got one love it.
R1250RS - 2020 - revision to cc / Camshift technology/ TFT screen plus lots of other stuff. People seem to like them too

I had the 2015 RS1200 and march 2017 changed to the updated RS1200 for no other reason than I got a deal offered.
I few things change, damper in gearbox area (never found problems with the 2015) but gearbox casing is a different shape
The 'water leak' issue was hidden when they re-routed the water pump internally with a rubber tube exiting around the gearbox/mainstand so you don't see any stain on the engine.
There is a small drain hole under the left cylinder on 2015 model and until the water pump 'ran-in- the bearing, like mine leaked but the overflow tank never needed a top-up.
By now they will have been replaced or stopped leaking. Never got mine changed but some bikes had 2 or 3 water pumps but the issue may have been overstated on forums, who knows?
2017 had other stuff, I think mine has high speed flashing rear light when excessive/late/emergency brake applied - probably some fancier name that that!
2017 has reflectors on fork legs that were added for some EU directive/world safety and they all came with them, again who knows why?

Just checked and an earlier thread my help you.

Differences between Model Years 1200RS

My wife had room as a pillion but preferred the bmw top-box once I fitted the padded backrest.

Thanks guys, it looks like I'll be looking for a 2017/18 model. Smoother engine I think is partly due to a revised flywheel?
I REALLY like the look of the sport model with red frame!
I have ridden a GS1250 and the engine in that does seem quite lively but the 1200 engine has all you 'need' and I believe is tuned for even more torque for the RS than in the GS bikes.
1250 models a bit to ££ for me anyway.

Thanks for all the quick responses.

Now to find one (just missed a peach at Allan Jeffries! Why is it that your 'ideal' bike always sold 'yesterday' or you see it the week after you've bought a new bike??