Added this to the stable a couple weeks ago:
It's quite the bike. I rode a 2010 version at the local (State College, PA) dealer's "Demo Day" about three weeks ago, and was lusting mightily for its DOHC radial valve engine after reading a couple road tests, but they only had an '09 model in stock.
They REALLY wanted to move it, so I got a pretty amazing deal on it ($16,400 OTD with about every option available, plus an Akropovic pipe). It has electronically adjustable suspension, onboard computer (avg speed; fuel mileage; mileage available till empty; ambient temperature), ABS, heated grips, handguards, and probably some other stuff I forgot.
It's the first BMW I've ever owned, and I'm quite impressed with the attention to detail, fit/finish, etc... I was not that impressed by the vibration - I figured its opposed cylinder layout would cancel that out, but the guys at the forums tell me it's common.
It's not horrible, but it IS more noticeable than I was expecting. Having ridden, primarily, inline fours for the past 30+ years, I'm used to silky-smooth. Getting soft, I guess...
I also have a 1000cc Suzuki V-Strom, which is a similar "adventure tourer", and find an interesting contrast between the two. The V-Strom is a rock, the R1200 is a rock in a velvet glove!!
It's quite the bike. I rode a 2010 version at the local (State College, PA) dealer's "Demo Day" about three weeks ago, and was lusting mightily for its DOHC radial valve engine after reading a couple road tests, but they only had an '09 model in stock.
They REALLY wanted to move it, so I got a pretty amazing deal on it ($16,400 OTD with about every option available, plus an Akropovic pipe). It has electronically adjustable suspension, onboard computer (avg speed; fuel mileage; mileage available till empty; ambient temperature), ABS, heated grips, handguards, and probably some other stuff I forgot.
It's the first BMW I've ever owned, and I'm quite impressed with the attention to detail, fit/finish, etc... I was not that impressed by the vibration - I figured its opposed cylinder layout would cancel that out, but the guys at the forums tell me it's common.
I also have a 1000cc Suzuki V-Strom, which is a similar "adventure tourer", and find an interesting contrast between the two. The V-Strom is a rock, the R1200 is a rock in a velvet glove!!