Triumphrat

Calliway · 05-07-2008

I wouldnt think so considering I have magazines from late 04 and they were reviewing 04 models and then early 05 magazines that had the 05 style as "coming soon".

JohnD · 05-07-2008

DOOHAN1 (post #14),

I currently have a new (completely redesigned for '08) Kawasaki Concours 14, with ABS (called GTR1400 outside of the U.S.A.). I understand your comment of "uninspiring". Although I would not use that exact word. This bike is a virtual missle. Fast, vibration-free, confortable (once I put a Corbin seat on it), handles well for a sport tourer, great bags, shaft drive etc. Nevertheless, it is not exactly INVOLVING. I think that this feeling would be true of the BMW too, although I have not ridden it. They are maybe too sophisticated, lean too much to the touring side of the spectrum. It is really a matter of where you want to be along this sport-touring scale and not the horsepower/torque numbers. My next bike will be closer to sport for a more involving ride, and the Spring ST may fit this equation.

bakwheeltango · 05-07-2008

I have rode the k1200s.here's my thoughts.

great looking bike.... I prefer the sprint more. The finishing is not as nice as the Sprints.
it is more of an aggressive sitting position meaning more race like/leaned over.

I rode one on the pacific bmw demo day last year. the dude leading us was a nut ball and I followed directly behind him and opened that beemer up.

if it was capable of a 170kph in first (as I read somewhere) I was darn close.

it rips no doubt. I hate to admit that was grinning from ear to ear.

so yes the bike hauls a$$. and like I said... 170kph in first gear. great right?? here's the kicker though: it only starts to get in the rpm fun zone after your already breaking every canadian speed limit. so great you commute the autobahn everyday aaaaand she's a shaft drive so there's no re-gearing that badgirl
I got right back on my jealous girl after riding that wild cat and liked how my girl pulled hard everywhere.

Oh, there was a another guy there that asked me if I was "trading up" I laughed and said if you only knew.

Hatchetman240 · 05-09-2008

I was just going to post about how this BMW is a nice bike, but only over 30MPH. Under that speed and its like trying to drive a snowmobile on pavement. At legal highway speeds through 25 over the limit, it is roughly equal (and perhaps slightly inferior) to the sprint. Over 25 past the limit the BMW takes over as a clear champ.

I am telling you, at lower speeds (30mph) countersteering is HARD on that BMW. Also the dynamics of the bike and how hard to have to force it into turns change dramatically with different speeds. It was a very stressful ride compared to the Sprint.