New Member Introductions » Hi all - looking at the RS

Hi all. I'm seriously thinking about a new R1250RS but finances want me to consider used R1200RS. Haven't been able to sit on or ride either, the the Low Seat option sizes well with my 29" inseam. I've been riding Harleys for over 35 years, presently riding a 2008 RoadKing (full dresser w/ motor work) and a 2015 VROD Night Rod Special, but I really miss my Honda VFR 1200F, which was most awesome, but uncomfortable.

Inseam challenges aside, we have no dealer out here on Long Island NY, and those in neighboring states have no inventory. The dealer situation makes parts and service a challenge new or used.

Hoping to learn what to look for in a used R1200RS and hear about the good, bad and ugly. Would really like to know what I'm getting into.

You will get lots of advice but you may have to change your name first...

Alan

Welcome to the forum.
The MAX BMW website shows they have a 2016 RS in the New Milford, Ct store and another 2016 in Troy NY.
Give the New Milford shop a call to see if they really have the bike on hand and if you could test ride it.
Ask if they have a low seat available for your ride.
https://shop.maxbmw.com/machine/inventory.aspx

The 2016 has the 1200 engine. 2019 is the first year for the 1250 shiftcam engine.

I have a Low seat I no longer need if you decide to go for a 1200rs.
Don't think there's too much to worry about with the these bikes. Service history is very useful though.

Use this site to compare the riding position of the RS and VFR.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

I found the ergonomics similar to my old VFR800- a different animal than 1200 to be sure.

However, in my case, the ergos changed dramatically when i put an RDL seat on, raising me up a bit. This put pressure on my shoulders and made all day rides surprisingly uncomfortable. I added heli bars and problem solved. Just be aware lowering the seat will impact all stock feedback. (Could make it better or more upright if lowering seat, but can’t swear on that)

I traded my 2005 Harley FLSTN softail deluxe in for a 2016 R1200RS lupin blue and white in September 2016.
I had a lower seat put on, as I am about the same inseam as you. Long torso.

It's a great bike. Much better than Harleys in the things that count most- agility, acceleration, high power-to-weight, excellent braking and ABS, well-engineered safety features, a lot of equipment for your money, handling, reliability and on and on.


I still like Harleys, the sound, the look, and the low-bird feel of almost being on rails in corners.Harley's bags (panniers to us erudite Beemsies) are much, much better. The BMW panniers, while roomy and high up, suck balls for integrity of their hardware. Too much plastic under tension against metal bits that can freeze up. And the internals are a nighrare to rectify.

But I will tell you, I think Harleys are the single worst thing you can be on in emergency situations when you need to call on braking, swerving, agility or generally accelerating out of trouble. I could share more with you on a pm.

Did you hear about the acquittal of the truck driver involved with the death of multiple Harley motorcyclists' in Laconia area NH in 2019? I really know nothing about the details of the incident or the case, nor have much of an opinion about faults because I haven't read. I do have personal experience with accidents on a Harley in emergency situations. I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of the 7 killed had their Harley punish them much more severely than other bikes would have in a very bad emergency situation. I could be wrong. And I don't wish to be off-putting or depressing or insulting to you.

Moving right along ....

Call around the various BMW dealers. and see if they have new or used examples to test ride. That's another aspect of BMW versus Harley. Generally the Beemer dealers allowed much more generous, multiple test rides, and it use to be you had to search wide and far for a Harley dealer to offer the same- if they could or would.

As far as what to look for- you'll build knowledge and a checklist with your conversations and research. Another good reason to go to those Beemer dealers and talk as well as ride.
The obvious things are no visible signs of serious damage, no funky warning lights or electrical weirdness, signs of well-caring, service records, 1-owner not multiple, tires that look recent with a good amount of tread no matter what mileage, no drips or leaks, power and acceleration should blow you away, should be comparable to a new one you test road at another or same dealer, etc.
They really don't have alarming notorious big problem areas. They are so well built and engineered.