The BMW K1200S as Used Motorcycle
With the BMW K1200S impressionable types outside BMW's cult of personality were not impressed with the first BMW K1200S back in 2005. After all, it's only good for 270km/h at the top of sixth gear – a virtual doorstop next to Suzuki's 300km/h Hayabusa. Meanwhile, the BMW's 150 rear-wheel horsepower are quite sufficient to dilate more discerning eyes with 10.3 sec 400 meters runs at 221km/h. This just in: Zero to 100 in 3 seconds flat is quick. No discussion.The rest of the package on the BMW K1200S is either innovative or weird, depending on your point of view. Led by BMW's Duolever fork, which makes the BMW K-four series to not to be mistaken for anything else. Solid, substantial and stable as any suspension should be. Comfortably sporty ergos accommodate two full-sized adults, and that angular fairing shrugs off oncoming wind and weather perfectly.
At 254 kilos full of fuel it's on the hefty side, though elegant engine and chassis design keep most of that mass low, creating a surprisingly manageable motorcycle. The BMW Duolever front end is something of an acquired taste. Steering is heavier than your average Japanese sportsbike, but more linear, on the brakes or off. The BMW Paralever rear suspension does a descend job, and optional electronically adjustable suspension allows on-the-fly adjustments to accommodate prevailing conditions.
With BMW, outright mechanical failures have been few, but quirks are abundant. Early 2005 BMW K1200S's came with semi-spastic fuel delivery, though current software in the engine's command/control computer should have been fix. The BMW K1200S was essentially fixed by 2007. Shifting is smoother and quieter on later models, and ABS – sans power assist – is a big improvement over '05 to '06 . There have been various recalls for things like potential condensation in the dry-sump engine's oil tank – and a fault in the ignition switch's security electronics that kept some motorcycles from starting was fixed as well. Make sure and relevant recalls have been handled on any BMW K-series motorcycle you're considering buying secondhand.
And if the relatively steep original asking price was the only impediment between you and a new one underachiever status has bright side. Most BMW motorcycles you can buy used in Thailand, which are sold by BMW dealers, are in excellent condition.
