Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought).

Two Wheels Better · 1 Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:50 pm

Two Wheels Better

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Whether to buy another K12 which was offered to me today...
It's a Checker Cab yellow K1200RS with a stack of accessories, relatively low mileage, in very good nick, but needing tyres and the dreaded ABS pump. It looks like this but has a non-genuine 'screen, full Remus exhaust and pannier lids painted yellow and grey with checkerboard pattern to match. It's so ghastly it's cool.

Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). Checke10

What do you say? Mebbe I'll wait 'til next year, see what it's worth to him then! Wink

Last edited by Two Wheels Better on Fri Jan 16, 2015 12:02 pm; edited 2 times in total

WoodyAUK75

WoodyAUK75

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Better give me the address so I can go and check it out ... for you, of course. Any ATMs nearby?

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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WoodyAU wrote:Better give me the address so I can go and check it out ... for you, of course. Any ATMs nearby?

The Foodworks on Ivy Street's got an ATM, no? Laughing

Last edited by Two Wheels Better on Fri Jan 16, 2015 12:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

WoodyAUK75

WoodyAUK75

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The credit union on the corner has, but can only get $1000 out at a time. That bike looks fantastic for that money. ( Not that I have that much money to throw at a bike at the moment. I've kind of promised the Mrs we'll go on a cruise around NZ if we can afford it). I don't know much about ABS, are the pumps expensive? Can you bypass it?

Brad-Man

Brad-Man

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Tell me that this thread is in jest and that you have already purchased it - snapped it up.

If you don't and it's in the US I will...

Kyle10

Kyle10

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That's less than half the book value. A bargain/steal if all the stars align w/it.

k-rider

k-rider

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Its ridicules
a bike like that ,would cost about ten times as much in denmark ,
i wouldnt think for two seconds to buy it

k-rider

Mossy1200

Mossy1200

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k1200 café racer.

Kyle10

Kyle10

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Mossy1200 wrote:k1200 café racer.

Mossy1200

Mossy1200

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WoodyAUK75

WoodyAUK75

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This bike- http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281546024504?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 is going to need an engine transplant. A little bit of creative engineering and you could have something really special!

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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I couldn't resist, so I bought the thing. I did a double take at the odo, which reads 20,700 something miles. I verified this by the service records. The battery is charging and I'll give her a flog on Monday, my day off, weather permitting. The weatherman says 100% chance of rain. It will be pouring on someone's head. But not mine.

WoodyAUK75

WoodyAUK75

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If it is indeed in miles, does this mean private, or grey, import? Will it need compliance?

Rick G

Rick G

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Two Wheels Better wrote:I couldn't resist, so I bought the thing. I did a double take at the odo, which reads 20,700 something miles. I verified this by the service records. The battery is charging and I'll give her a flog on Monday, my day off, weather permitting. The weatherman says 100% chance of rain. It will be pouring on someone's head. But not mine.

Hmmmm worst case of Kpox I have seen for some time Doctor do you think there were enough of those things made to satisfy his ghastly habit.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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WoodyAUK75 wrote:If it is indeed in miles, does this mean private, or grey, import? Will it need compliance?

Nuh, I'll walk into the the DMV office (Dept of Motor Vehicles), file the paperwork, pay the 9.5% fine (taxes), obtain a new plate or a sticker for old plate, not have to prove I have insurance (per Washington state law as it appllies to motorcycles only), go home, not fix the ABS pump unless I want to and not have to prove to anyone I've not fixed it or fixed it, no one's looking over my shoulder, stick the new rego sticker to the plate, start the motorbike, proceed to terrorise the neighbours. It's that easy. This be Americaland!

Aeroflow "barn door".

Actual.

Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). Imag1015

Noise maker.

Sometimes you're the windscreen. Sometimes you're the bug.

WoodyAUK75

WoodyAUK75

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Sorry man, I saw WA for work and figured you were at the mines in Western Australia. I swear the older I get, the more I see what I want to see.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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RicK G wrote:

Two Wheels Better wrote:I couldn't resist, so I bought the thing.

Hmmmm worst case of Kpox I have seen for some time, Doctor, do you think there were enough of those things made to satisfy his ghastly habit?

'A gentleman of leisure ought to have a stable of fine thoroughbreds.'
~Unknown.

AJ.Valente

AJ.Valente

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You didn't mention what year it is, although ABS must be before 2000(?)

Ya, mine came with a windscreen that looks like a Texas Cowboy hat. Prior owner riding upright with handlebars ALL the way back.

I'm considering one of BMW's comfort screens that gives better protection at speed.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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All K1200RS models had ABS, just varying types, integral, etc. It's a 5/2000 mine. The fairing design changed significantly in June of 2001. The black pods which house the turn indicator lens, and where one could imagine a mirror, is the early type.

ZTechnik make a good replacement 'screen.

Mossy1200

Mossy1200

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Nice Bike

Great find.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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WoodyAUK75 wrote:I don't know much about ABS, are the pumps expensive? Can you bypass it?

To follow up, the ABS pump for this model is US$2600 new, though there's a reliable rebuilder in Moscow, Idaho called Module Master who'll do the job for $500. As for bypassing it, the speedo sensor goes through the pump on K1200RS & K1200GT models so simply fitting a new set of hydraulic hoses around it is the way to go if you don't wish to spend the dosh, but you must leave the ABS pump on the bike, plugged in to the system. I'm going for a rebuild.

With some irony the PO was heading to the shop to place it for sale on consignment and on the ride in the ABS warning began to flash - it spit out a failure code - not just a flat battery. After a complete circuit flush it was deemed defecto - the brake fluid was that dirty. Proper maintenance pays. He'd won a new R1200R Hexhead at the national BMW rally in Oregon last year so he just pushed the K12 'off the cliff' and I grabbed it before it hit the ground.

Dunno what I'm gunna do with it at the mo'. It was a bit of a slow-mo impulse buy. I've already got two daily riders, another K being built and yet another K in storage until Spring. Perhaps after a thorough go-through, battery replacement, new tyres and ABS pump rebuild it'll be up for sale.

Know anyone who might be interested?

Rick G

Rick G

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Has the ABS unit got the electronics integrated with the pump or in a separate module along side.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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It's the unit that has the electronics attached, not actually seperate, and it also fits early R1150GS & GSA, R1200C, R1100S, non-servo varieties, generally up to late 2002 models.

34 51 2 331 637 @ US$2564.53 plus tax!

Rick G

Rick G

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Does that Module Master fix the electronics or just the hydraulic bits. Why I ask is that I have a module here that is from a K1200GT that just doesn't work no body knows if its electrical or what and it was going in the bin so I grabbed it but I have no way of reading fault codes. Tosi Tabuki is able to check the electronic side but has no way to check the rest.
Just wondering if it is worth sending it over there.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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RicK G wrote:Does that Module Master fix the electronics or just the hydraulic bits. Why I ask is that I have a module here that is from a K1200GT that just doesn't work no body knows if its electrical or what and it was going in the bin so I grabbed it but I have no way of reading fault codes. Tosi Tabuki is able to check the electronic side but has no way to check the rest.
Just wondering if it is worth sending it over there.

It'd be worth contacting them from afar. TBH, I just post them a bad unit and it comes back, works as intended and the customers goes away feeling only half-burnt at having to lay out the dosh. At least at about $500+ it's not $2500+!

We have not had a come-back due to a bad rebuild, in two and a half years of dealing with them.

I don't know how many times you have to repeat to people to completely flush their ABS system at least every two years, and more, but who listens!?

Module Master

How'd that old advert on the tele go, "you can pay me now, or you can pay me later."

AJ.Valente

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Thanks TWB. I found another site that has hundreds of posts on this model. Lots of reading and decision making. One of the advantages of coming late to the game is most subjects have been covered already.

Your suggestion is spot-on--I've decided on the short Z-Technik faring.

I'm going more towards the sport side of things rather than touring de jour. Thus, tires, shocks, chip, etc., and will forgo driving lights in lieu of HID. This will be a sport bike with saddle bags, just like my old R90S was.

Enjoy the ride and, GO Seahaaaks, err, Patriots! cheers

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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AJ.Valente wrote:Thanks TWB. I found another site that has hundreds of posts on this model. Lots of reading and decision making. One of the advantages of coming late to the game is most subjects have been covered already.

Your suggestion is spot-on--I've decided on the short Z-Technik faring.

I'm going more towards the sport side of things rather than touring de jour. Thus, tires, shocks, chip, etc., and will forgo driving lights in lieu of HID. This will be a sport bike with saddle bags, just like my old R90S was.

Enjoy the ride and, GO Seahaaaks, err, Patriots!

AJ, you'll like the ZT 'screen. I am using one on my K1200GT. They're nicely 'streamlined' and air flows right over where it should with little buffeting, even to my long limbed passenger.

Tyres....these lardy bikes require a C or GT load range due to the forward weight bias - the Telelever pounds a front tyre into submission but with great feel over the road in the rough - so be choosey in brands/models. I'm using Metzeler Z8 (dual compound C load) on the K1200GT. The '00 K1200RS will get Michelin Pilot Road 4 - best wet road tyre I've ever used, bar none. However, on this K100 Big Block project I've already picked out gummy Pirelli Diablo Rosso II's in 120/60ZR17 to sharpen steering and 170/60ZR17 to fit the Paralever rear end, and because the bike is so much lighter and won't be a tourer. There's heaps of mountain roads round this here neighbourhood, as you know! The life of the tyre isn't a critical factor. Stickyness is, however.

Gridiron...I did watch the end of the game with friends and, wow, what a come back from behind. I'm not a sports fan, but. You can feel the excitement round here. The Seahawks are a good team, for sure. I once lived in New England and the very first American football game I attended was opening day at Sullivan stadium (when it was known as that) and Miami Dolphins flogged the Pats. The pre-game, four hour-long barby was alright.

Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). 22936

Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). 22936

AJ.Valente

AJ.Valente

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Two Wheels Better wrote:
Tyres....these lardy bikes require a C or GT load range due to the forward weight bias - the Telelever pounds a front tyre into submission but with great feel over the road in the rough - so be choosey in brands/models. I'm using Metzeler Z8 (dual compound C load) on the K1200GT. The '00 K1200RS will get Michelin Pilot Road 4 - best wet road tyre I've ever used, bar none. 120/60ZR17 to sharpen steering and 170/60ZR17 to fit the Paralever rear end, and because the bike is so much lighter and won't be a tourer. There's heaps of mountain roads round this here neighborhood, as you know! The life of the tyre isn't a critical factor. Stickyness is, however.

You recommend a 120/60 for the front? Wouldn't the shorter sidewall also affect the "rake" of the bike?

Anyway, mine came with RoadPilot3's. We don't get that much rain here in the NE, and some people like the 3's better than the 4's. So, guess I'll have to figure that out on my own.

The freeze-cracked roads here in New England call for special consideration of tires and suspension. Corners on these old highways are not too fast, that, and given rough surface conditions--I believe the somewhat heavier K1200RS to be better suited to the terrain than say a lighter and more nimble road machine (as the S1000RR, etc.). It's a bit of a challenge, but the advantages are many; very little traffic, few patrol cars, and great scenery.

AJ.Valente

AJ.Valente

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TWB,

What they're saying on another site is the lower profile front tire (120/60 R17) is unstable at higher speeds. It also causes the bike to feel heavy at lower speeds. Evil or Very Mad

However, another post says the 110/70 R17 made a huge difference in turn-in. :bball:

So, it seems a narrower tire is the trick to improved turning radius (what you're looking for). Hope that helps.

Enjoy the ride.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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Lest you think this particular new-to-me RS is the recipient of this tyre...

60 series tyres, in place of standard 70s, have a tendency to place more 'weight' on the front wheel, improving quick, low and mid speed turn in, and making the front end feel lighter (I can best describe it as planted but nimble, like being on tippy toes, agile and graceful), while certainly sacrificing straight line stability at high speeds.

This is proven in a mate's K1 with K12 wheels and on an R1150RT, both of which I've thrown a leg over in the Cascades and on I-5.

Since my project bike (an unfaired, lightened, lowered roadster) will spend its time considerably under 90 mph on my smoothly paved commute, and up over the local mountain passes, there's nothing given up whatsoever in using a 120/60ZR17 59V Pirelli Diablo Rosso II on the front of this particular bike. The back end of this naked K100/K11/K12 hybrid will get the 170/60ZR17 Pirelli due to Paralever and wheel width dimensions

110/70 tyres, using your example, are best for 350 - 400 lb motorbikes, but perhaps not this sub-500 lb 'bike. I wouldn't use a 60 series on my K1200GT, K1200RS or even my own R1150RT, and unless you've stripped over 100 pounds from your 600 lb bike I wouldn't recommend it for you either.

It's important we consider all of the crucial facts of a situation when making a critical decision like this, and in offering constructive criticism to others as well.

I've spent some time making this decision and it's borne of the advice of club roadracers I know, the Metzeler/Pirelli tyre rep in my region, an actual try on, and my 39 years of road ridin' and dirt slidin'. I've pulled those boots on, so to speak.

I'll let you know how she goes.

Cheers

AJ.Valente

AJ.Valente

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Two Wheels Better wrote:
110/70 tyres, using your example, are best for 350 - 400 lb motorbikes, but perhaps not this sub-500 lb 'bike. I wouldn't use a 60 series on my K1200GT, K1200RS or even my own R1150RT, and unless you've stripped over 100 pounds from your 600 lb bike I wouldn't recommend it for you either.

Got it. Thanks for the clarification. Cool

I enjoyed considerable success on the venerable K100 following advice on this forum. The other site has posts going all the way back to when the K1200 was new, at least the later models. But, its more haphazard, not nearly as organized as the K100 site.

As you say, the 1200 is a heavier bike, so one must be careful in tire selection. Right now my choices seem to be (sport touring) Metzlers and Michelins (in stock sizes), and (racing tires) Pirelli. There is some mention of other brands (Bridgestone, Avon, etc.), but no real analysis of their pros & cons. So, looks like I'll have to do more research to see what works best around here, and what fits my particular riding style (counter-steering).

Thanks again TWB.

Enjoy the ride. :pirat:

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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What ever you do with tyres, be sure the front tyre is a C load or GT rated, or you'll notice significant weave at extra-legal speeds on the 12RS.

I dislike the Metzeler Z8 Interact/Roadtec for their wooden feel and their tendency to skate in the wet on my 12GT, as though they're on the edge suddenly - perhaps they are.

On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 feel stable, planted and extremely confidence inspiring at all times, wet or dry. They are my favourite sport/touring/commuting allround tyre.

Mossy1200

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Found you an accessory

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/other/auction-878470929.htm

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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I have nothing against chairs or those who love them. I'll stick with two wheels for the time being. That's for when I can no longer hold myself up. If 'they' let us burn fossil fuels by then, maybe you'll see me doing controlled doughnuts round the oldies home.

Two Wheels Better

Two Wheels Better

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Decisions, decisions...K1200RS offered (and bought). Img-2010

ABS II module back from the rebuilder in Idaho ($380 shipped), fitted new Volar brake pads from eBay ($27.79 delivered for three sets), replaced left calliper with secondhand from spares stash (the original full of sludge), added Spiegler braided hydraulic hoses ($150 shipped), new Shinko Verge 016 tyres ($205 the pair), changed the oil (15W50 Mobil 1 full synth) and oil filter, four new sparkies and a replacement seat for $99 from eBay - the original had a tear - and we're good to go.

I took the maiden ride this morning and out again at smoko for a half an hour burble. She flies, and is oh so smoooove! I love the rumble, and cackle on overrun, of that Remus Innovation carbon fibre can! If it wasn't from Germany I'd named her Yellow Peril.

JR_K100RS

JR_K100RS

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She looks quite fine TWB , you could call her Bumble Bee perhaps , beats me with this machines lovely lines BMW put mirrors on stalks !

John R

Tenox

Tenox

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I made it back to K series too. Smile

One just cant stay away of these. This time K1200S from 2005. ServoABS, heated grips and 39 000km on the ODO. MRA touring windshield and LeoVince slipon, otherwise stock.

Waiting for the spring...

charlie99

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woohoo !

Rick G

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Welcome back I always knew you had the Kpox Laughing

Tenox

Tenox

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Hope this works since Dropbox has done some changes.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hjg8xcvvohzxbpq/IMG_20170828_124214.jpg?dl=0

My new lady.

Edit: Repaired the link. One year with this one so far, but only about 5500km.

Last edited by Tenox on Sun Mar 04, 2018 8:12 am; edited 1 time in total

Ringfad

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Nice !

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