Things I HATE about my 2015 BMW R1200R LC (and some things I love too) Review and Thoughts

I got one of these. Put 22,000 miles on it last year. 205 today. 128 mph this morning. maybe that was yesterday. It's a fucking rocket.

Great job! I’m considering this bike and your review was very thoughtful, informative and organized. Thanks.

Totally enjoying my 2017 R1200R with sport seat and ride modes and gearshift assist pro. Changing the fork oil to the BMW spec 11.5 spec fork oil makes a great improvement.

A dash warning light is illuminated when the key fob battery gets low with plenty of advance, more than 1000 miles in my case.

I owned a BMW R80GS, 1980 model many years ago. I have owned many Japanese bikes as well over the years. Keep in mind, with the cylinder heads out each side, not under the "tank" like most anything else you are likely to ride that there is a direct line between the heads and your ears, for this reason boxer series BM's tent to have a lot of noise that other bikes don't, mine certainly did. Certainly with a bike like this there are things you just have to get used to. I wouldn't mind something like this now!

Very good review! Thanks!

I have one like this, only problem it has, it sticks too my Butt, very hard to get off....

Great review and realistic; The LED indicators are a pain! I had them on my S1000 XR and I brushed past fairly gently and snapped one clean off…. £47 UK including 20% tax / VAT. I guess that would be about $55 to $60 (ish) US each. It looks easy to fit until you realise the plasticky build quality of the XR means you have to take off the seat, luggage rack, side panels and dismantle the tail section with horrible plastic rivets holding it together to replace the indicator. Approximately 2 and a half hours with swearing and coffee! I have just bought a R1200 R and it has the LEDS🙄

Yea, i have too heard BMW say it's not a real leak. 40,000 k's no problems with lights. No flat spot here. Yea, mine rattles like a snake up close and it's on it's 2nd valve clearance service. You have a second key that slides between the pillion and rider seat to a wireless connection directly underneath should key fob go flat. In the 2017 only first to 2nd is an issue, quick shift'er there on is very good, especially if your on it. Down shifts are sweet just make sure your slow enough from 3rd to 2nd or it's noticeable. I love the burble and pop on deceleration also. The new 1250 don't seem to have it. This bike is so comfortable and is everything my Gixess 1lt is not.

coming from my old 1150 gs after 100000kms., with which I rode very quickly in the mountains.....this bike is a reel bmw flat twin...the gear box is ok ...cornering is easy,,,so paradise!:)))

Thanks for posting, very interesting. I have the 2016 model in bright white and red with all the packs on it. I love the bike and have used it as much as time allows - only 3000miles in a year. I have ridden 250 miles in a single stint on country roads and through towns with just a quick fuel stop and felt fresh as a daisy when I got off - a very comfortable bike, even though I only have the tiny black flyscreen. My only gripe is the gearbox! I get people looking at me like I don't know how to ride it sounds so bad from 1st to 3rd! The engine sounds like a tin of bolts being shaken - worse for the first second on start up! Engage first gear and wait for the metallic CLLLLLLUNK as the bike leaps forward with the clutch fully in. I just ignore all the noise and enjoy the bike - noise? That's what they all do as the dealer told me...

I like your honesty. People tends to glorify the brand and any one who has owned a BMW motorcycle will have pros and cons to the brand or model itself. What you say about the gearbox is the same for the previous DOHC models (I own an R1200R 2012). It sounds like a tractor and neutral to 1st sounds like hitting it with a hammer. Also the front fork seals, my god, you will not expect that from a premium brand motorcycle. By the way, the LEDs are around 55USD each.

Your review is spot on.. I have owned a 2015 1200R and I basically agree with evrything you said, especially your commente about de transmission... thanks

Good owners review that Thanks- I got a lot from it😉

Way late to comment but you have the best looking bike ever made

I have the same issue with the forks on my Kaw. They are pitted and leak about like yours. Tried to get it covered UW, but they say the pits are from impact. Unclear to me how they get impacted that hard from the side, but short of small claims court, it's a battle I'm not likely to win. On the bright side, I was reading that superglue fills the pits nicely and once sanded down makes life much easier on new seals.

I can really appreciate some good nit picking from a person coming from some really nice bikes to compare to. These are the kind of issues that a typical reviewer on a one time ride would never comprehend. Good to know what we’re really getting into before making a purchase decision. I’ve had a boxer before, and looking forward to having one again. Since I’ve got 2 KTMs at the moment, there’s nothing here that would prevent me from choosing the BMW. That is, I’ve spent enough on the KTMs keeping them going! Lol

Tilt the handlebar a bit forward, that helps! Nice review.

Great honest review. Did you finally change the seat? If so, to which? I also have the same machine 2017 model, and I tend to glide toward the tank while riding.

Strange, I have the exact same bike and mine doesn't surge at all. I commute daily and deal with urban traffic and no problem at all, very smooth.