Another R1200R ride report

[Deans BMW]

Written by Kevin Ash.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/07/15/mfbike15.xml&page=1

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/graphics/2006/07/15/mfbike1.jpg

[socalrob]

Yikes!

8295 Pounds Sterling "on the road". Thats $15,400 US. Does "on the road" include all dealer prep/shipping/taxes/license fees? I sure hope so. Especially as that is bare bones. That would be a $5,400 price increase over the RR wouldn't it?

Yikes!

[Deans BMW]

Remember that they have a VAT, plus that price has no bearing to the price here. The new K1200GT and the new FJR cost about the same in Jolly Old.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Is one of our more respected Journo's. He and Roland Brown always tell it like it is.
What you get for your £8295 includes the "stripper" version of the bike, taxes, preparation, licence etc.
You DON'T get: Heated grips (even though it's not possible to order one without them in the UK), Chrome exhausts, Centre stand, ABS, tool kit, or even a spare key!
If a UK buyer wants to add a few well chosen extras off that list and perhaps Luggage Cases he will have spent £10,000.
Check out the prices of the "Alterative" bikes Kevin lists on the last page of the article, now tell me if BMW are going to have a big seller on their hands.
The F800's have bombed here, stuck to the showroom floors like the tyres are superglued. The reason? Price mainly. All the road tests conclude that the 800 is nearly as good as the class leading Suzuki SV650S. Trouble is the Suzuki is "out the door" at £4499. The Beemer is £6299.
Pretty much the same story throughout the range. The K1200GT is £12155. The ST1300 is £11399 (but that price includes the "luxury kit" comprising tail trunk etc). The FJR is £10799. You can negotiate good discounts on the Jap bikes but not on the Beemers.
Having said all that, price plainly isn't everything. The R1200 GS at £9290 and R1200GSA at £9955 seem to sell as fast as they can get 'em out of the crates.
The R1200S at £9290 is available now in a showroom near me. Any colour option you want (includes a thick layer of dust!).
How do these prices compare to yours?
Si.

[socalrob]

Price isn't the most critical thing to me, I just don't want to get "hosed". I first thought their price was quoted in Euros, doing the exchange came out to $10,400 & I was very excited. Took me awhile to remember the lbs thing (whish my keyboard had that symbol).

I'd like to see a striped R1200R at $11,999 (or LOWER) but am resigned to seeing it at $12,999. Above that I won't be a happy camper.

The review was pretty positive, but in the negative catagory they mentioned vibes, which I don't recall seeing in the write up.

Looks to be a near ideal ride for my needs.

[Sir Limpsalot]

It comes over as a "rant" at BMWs pricing policies in the UK. Not entirely fair, as we get ripped off by EVERYBODY not just BMW.
Petrol is £4:50 a gallon, food, drink, house prices, entertainment, travel, you name it and we get shafted for it!
BMW are especially good at milking every last penny for their (admirable) machinery, that's all.
I (sincerely) hope you guys get good affordable prices and LOVE your new bikes.
Si.

[socalrob]

Simon,

If I lived in GB I'd probably ride a Triumph, home grown & I imagine great dealer network.

One nice thing I like about travelling to GB as a tourist is that I am not tempted to buy much, as I agree, your prices are high. You need to take a trip over here for some good deals on stuff.

[DarthRider]

Rob -
If Triumphs appeal to you, don't wait 'til you move to England!
They are a real "bang for the buck" motorcycle.
I'm not sure if I'm going to ride the 50R to Big Bend or bring the Speedy in the truck...if I have the Speedy, be sure and take it for a spin.