posted August 30, 2006 07:17 AM
Edited By: jw on 30 Aug 2006 08:28
bmw K or 14 I noticed that a few members here own BMW K bikes. There's one locally k1200r for 12500, used with 3000 miles. Just wondering if anyone had opinions. Personally I think its a hot looking bike especially with the belly pan. Not sure if it'll feel like a pig especially since 14's are going for less than 10000, now.
posted August 30, 2006 08:29 AM
The K1200 *S* is more of an apples-to-apples comparison to the 14, but even then the intended audience is somewhat different. The 14 is an all-out hypersport bike with no additional bells and whistles. That's what you get when you "upgrade" to something like the BMW S... a little more weight, but lots of options like heated grips, maybe heated seat, cruise, hard bags, windscreen options, shaft drive, etc.
The K1200R is a way cool bike... but that ventures even further from the touring mission than the K1200S and the ZX-14 are capable of. It's more of a hard-edged street-burner than a long-legged bike. Lack of a good faring package really limits it's appeal to any long-distance, high speed stuff - which is exactly why a lot of guys (like me) bought a '14.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14 | Black D&D Slip-ons | Speedo Healer | V1 | zumo 550 | Heli-Risers | PhantomX
posted August 30, 2006 08:54 AM
Edited By: Vegasdude on 30 Aug 2006 10:09
The suspension is better on the K1200. The K has a longer wheel base but it handles pretty well. The front suspension of the K1200 is way superior than the 14 especially in corners that are bumpy. The 14, however, is no slouch. The 14's suspension reacts and feels just like the K1200 in "Normal" suspenion mode. The brakes, in ;my opinion are better on the 14. The 14 is faster and accelerates quicker than the 1200, even though once you get the 1200 up to 150 or so the 1200 runs pretty well. The 1200 runs cooler than the 14 and will never overheat. It would be a hard choice if I had to choose one or the other. That's why I have both...............
Ok I stand corrected. Thank you, I mistakenly thought putting a naked beamer on these threads for comparison sake is like putting the ZX14 on the Aprilia Scooter threads. But you're right, a comparison is in order
posted August 30, 2006 09:04 AM
English rag compared the zx14, busa and the beamer couple months back.
They rated the beamer most comfortable, best front suspension.
If I remeber correctly the points tallied up to the beamer as being best.
Whatever, in my world HP and torque, handling and brakes out score the other points.
For the money a zx14 would be a much better deal IMO.
For the money saved you could make the 14 more comfy, more powerful and bolt up ohlins supension front and rear, and still have some jingles in yer pocket.
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posted August 30, 2006 09:20 AM
...yah but you don't have to carry any chain lube with the BMW...and we all know how heavy and messy those cans of lubes are ____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
posted August 30, 2006 10:20 AM
IMO the Beemer group designed a long, heavy bike and then spent a few thousand extra dollars on each one in engineering cost and techno goodies to make it feel and handle as if it were shorter and lighter.
If I wanted a status symbol I would by the BMW. I bought the ZX-14 because I felt I was getting more bang for my buck.
posted August 30, 2006 10:43 AM
I have the K1200S - love it. But a definite different feel than the ZX-14. I love the ZX-14 - so I just chose my mood of the day. I have ABS on the Beemer too - but I can't say I'll ever use them knowing I know how to brake,etc... - altough a good thing to have in the rain (but I refuse to ride in the rain - once had a bad accident in the rain about 28 years ago - so no longer. However, the BMW geometry of the front suspension - now that is a work of art!!! Yeah, I have the money to spend and I like my toys, but I am tame about them because my wife I think tends to get upset when I get new toys. Bottom line, get the Kawasaki - better value for the buck, and definitely LESS EXPENSIVE to keep up mechanically.
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1987 Red/White Ninja 750
1988 K1
1991 FatBoy
2004 VROD
2005 K1200S
2006 ZX-14 - Red
posted August 30, 2006 10:45 AM
Before I bought my zx14 I test drove a BMW k1200s. It was a very nice bike, but I felt like an old man or a yuppie riding on it. I didn't feel like I was ready for all that yet. Compared to the zx14, the bmw is slooooowwwwwwwww. First time out I hit the rev limiter in gears 1-2-3.
posted August 30, 2006 03:36 PM
Edited By: jw on 30 Aug 2006 16:36
I envy you guys with both a K12 and the ZX.
Thanks for the comments. The intial cost and future maintenence of the K12 and the tuning potential of the 14 really make this an easy decision.
Then why is it SOOO HARD? If I wait long enough, the used BMW will be sold and my choice will be much more clear. NO WAY I'm spending $15K for a bike.
quote:I have the K1200S - love it. But a definite different feel than the ZX-14. I love the ZX-14 - so I just chose my mood of the day. I have ABS on the Beemer too - but I can't say I'll ever use them knowing I know how to brake,etc... - altough a good thing to have in the rain (but I refuse to ride in the rain - once had a bad accident in the rain about 28 years ago - so no longer. However, the BMW geometry of the front suspension - now that is a work of art!!! Yeah, I have the money to spend and I like my toys, but I am tame about them because my wife I think tends to get upset when I get new toys. Bottom line, get the Kawasaki - better value for the buck, and definitely LESS EXPENSIVE to keep up mechanically.
Don't forget though, the BMW comes with a 3 year warranty and the 14 with a 1 year.
quote:Before I bought my zx14 I test drove a BMW k1200s. It was a very nice bike, but I felt like an old man or a yuppie riding on it. I didn't feel like I was ready for all that yet. Compared to the zx14, the bmw is slooooowwwwwwwww. First time out I hit the rev limiter in gears 1-2-3.
The 1200S is anything but slow, even compared to a 14...the right rider wili stay on or gain on the 14 because it is a superior handling bike, especially in the corners, where it counts. At lower RPM's, it will outpull an un-modded 14 all day. If you feel old riding the S, you must be basing that statement purely on perceived image...the S is a serious sport bike. It's no slouch by any standards...it's not my 1st choice, but it's on my list of hot rides. Don't be going up against one unless you really know how to ride...fucking GS's will outhandle the 14, slow or not.
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FYYFF!!!
quote:Before I bought my zx14 I test drove a BMW k1200s. It was a very nice bike, but I felt like an old man or a yuppie riding on it. I didn't feel like I was ready for all that yet. Compared to the zx14, the bmw is slooooowwwwwwwww. First time out I hit the rev limiter in gears 1-2-3.
The 1200S is anything but slow, even compared to a 14...the right rider wili stay on or gain on the 14 because it is a superior handling bike, especially in the corners, where it counts. At lower RPM's, it will outpull an un-modded 14 all day. If you feel old riding the S, you must be basing that statement purely on perceived image...the S is a serious sport bike. It's no slouch by any standards...it's not my 1st choice, but it's on my list of hot rides. Don't be going up against one unless you really know how to ride...fucking GS's will outhandle the 14, slow or not.
EXACTLY!! BTW. those GS's handle pretty damn good!!
quote:Before I bought my zx14 I test drove a BMW k1200s. It was a very nice bike, but I felt like an old man or a yuppie riding on it. I didn't feel like I was ready for all that yet. Compared to the zx14, the bmw is slooooowwwwwwwww. First time out I hit the rev limiter in gears 1-2-3.
The 1200S is anything but slow, even compared to a 14...the right rider wili stay on or gain on the 14 because it is a superior handling bike, especially in the corners, where it counts. At lower RPM's, it will outpull an un-modded 14 all day. If you feel old riding the S, you must be basing that statement purely on perceived image...the S is a serious sport bike. It's no slouch by any standards...it's not my 1st choice, but it's on my list of hot rides. Don't be going up against one unless you really know how to ride...fucking GS's will outhandle the 14, slow or not.
EXACTLY!! BTW. those GS's handle pretty damn good!!
Scary....very scary how the GS eats up corners...especially on bad roads.
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FYYFF!!!
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posted August 30, 2006 07:17 AM
Edited By: 
