Tweaking it
As I come to the end of my time with the bike I've been thinking about changing a few bits on the Beemer. In truth, I’ve been pretty impressed with the raw package of the model, but that didn’t stop me taking a peek at the huge range of goodies BMW produces for the R1200R – check out the model’s accessories at www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk.
From engine spoilers to multiple seat options, adjustable footrests to an Akrapovic sports silencer, the bolt-on options for this bike are really impressive. If I owned it, I wouldn’t be able to help myself from whipping out the credit card and going on a bit of a spending spree, but with only a few months left with the ‘R’ in my garage, I thought it wiser to improve the bike practically, rather than aesthetically.
On longer journeys, often meaning long stints of motorway, the naked bike’s lack of wind protection has been a bit of a bind. It came to me with a short ‘Sport’ screen fitted, which has been perfect for blasting around on my more local rides. But I was curious to see how much the bike’s protection levels could be enhanced, which prompted me to order in the ‘High’ windscreen option (priced at £186).
It fitted a doddle, simply requiring four screws to be removed from the existing screen and a few grommets to be pressed into place on the new scratchproof plastic, before tightening it all back up again. The £35.50 bracket’s the same for both screen options, so you don’t have to buy a second mounting plate if you fancy both screen heights in your life.
While I can’t deny I prefer the look of the ‘Sport’ screen, I much favour the protection of the taller and wider ‘High’ screen. At quicker speeds it definitely reduces the amount of wind pressure hitting your chest. My helmet still feels pretty exposed, but it would on any naked. I’ve not tested it on any really long journeys yet, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to be a lot more comfortable in the future.
The other change I’ve made this month is to the bike’s tyres. The Michelin Pilot 4s fitted as standard have been awesome in all kinds of weather and temperatures. They’ve warmed up quickly, given good feedback and I’ve never once had any moments on them. I like their profiles, too, which seem to complement the Beemer’s stable handling by rolling predictably into corners.
With the best part of 4000 miles to their name, they’re not in a terrible state and are probably good for a few thousand miles more, before they start squaring off too much. But with time against me, I’m keen to experience the BMW with some new shoes fitted. Having recently tested a bike with Pirelli’s Angel GTs on-board, and being really impressed by their performance, I’ve opted to try a set out. They have plenty of tread on show, so I’m hoping they’ll be a good choice for the predictable wet and
The rider Bruce is MSL’s deputy editor. An experienced road-tester, he’s ridden almost every bike built in the last 10 years and many more besides. At the weekends you’ll find him competing in endurance races (and winning) with his brother, or just pottering around the UK’s roads.
The bike Cost new: £11,700 Performance: 125bhp, 92lb-ft Wet weight: 231kg Tank size: 18 litres Seat height: 790mm
This month Miles: 415 Miles in total: 3642 Average mpg: 48.6 Highlights: Even better fuel economy Lowlights: Knowing our time together is coming to an end
cold weather that comes to play each autumn.
Other than that everything else on the bike’s the same. I like the R1200R so much I can’t think of what else I’d want to add that could genuinely improve it. It’s got all the power I want, the handling’s bob-on and it has proven more than comfortable enough for me, especially so with the new screen in place. One other interesting thing to note is how improved the economy has become. More recently, I’ve been averaging tanks between 48-51mpg. That’s a huge improvement on where the bike was at when I first got it, though I don’t feel as though I’m riding it any differently. I guess the Boxer’s finally bedded itself in. Happy days.