New Member Introductions » Another newbie looking for R1200RS /R1250 RS

HI all ,my next bike is going to be a 1200 or 1250 RS , i am looking for some un biased honest feed back in regards to what (if any thing) goes wrong with these bikes i know nothing is perfect just looking for honest opinions here , what are opinions on the 1250 shift caam engine ?? do you think it may be problematic . All comments and opinions received with thanks

Depends on budget. If money is no object then the 1250 has all the latest developments and the shift cam which people seem to like.
If you're a canny customer the 1200 is an excellent bike and will be quite a bit cheaper . The only things you cannot have are the shift cam and colour TFT.
What you will get are better colour schemes as the new colours are shall we say ... interesting ( or we can say boring )

My 2017 Lupin is brilliant and I turned down a deal on a 2020 RS to keep it. It was just not worth the money to change. Each to their own.

Depends on budget. If money is no object then the 1250 has all the latest developments and the shift cam which people seem to like.
If you're a canny customer the 1200 is an excellent bike and will be quite a bit cheaper . The only things you cannot have are the shift cam and colour TFT.
What you will get are better colour schemes as the new colours are shall we say ... interesting ( or we can say boring )

My 2017 Lupin is brilliant and I turned down a deal on a 2020 RS to keep it. It was just not worth the money to change. Each to their own.

I have a 2018 1200. 7200 miles on the clock, I know, not much, and not problem one.

I have a '16 RS I purchased used from a local dealer. When inquiring about past and potential problems I found there had been a clutch slave cylinder replacement that apparently affected a few early models. With 24K on the bike, I'm happy to report no issues since I've owned it...except the urge to keep buying extras

If you decide to go down the much better looking,non Kawasaki Versys clone 1200 route make sure you get a Lupin.
They're lighter faster and far more sexier.

Greetings, I have a 2016 with 79000 miles. I warranty one light bulb, a fork seal and two tire pressure monitors. I recently had my drive shaft
inspected it look like new.
20190401_104400.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

I had the same thoughts, looked at several very low milage r1200rs, lovely machines, spoke to a trusted engineer about 1250 reliability and no apparent issues with engine and a three year warranty. So in the end bought a blue 1250Rs, a massive improvement and change compared to my previous 2008 r1200rt, probably take me a year or two to work out all the technology on the bike, and unlikely to ever use all its performance or ability, but very pleased with it so far. Hopefully dry ish today, so can have a ride out and put a few more miles on clock before it’s first service on Friday🙂

I’ve had all three models. 1200 Euro 3 - great engine, clunky gearbox, 1200 Euro 4 - slightly strangled engine, better gearbox, 1250 - stellar engine, even better gearbox, TFT is superb, suspension is better, less engine noise, led headlights, hill start control, etc. Some big changes and lots of little things that all adds up to a bike thats better sorted and has a more quality feel.

They are all great bikes and there are some good deals around for the 1200s. So whatever fits your budget, you really can’t go wrong provided it’s been looked after. There were some corrosion issues on a few of the early ones but a regular application of ACF50 seems to keep everything shiny.

Enjoy your search, whatever you get, it will be a great bike.

New 1250 here at 2k miles no problems yet.
The shiftcam motor is brilliant, smooth low down, fire-breathing up top and instant shove available everywhere. The shiftcam itself is nothing to fear. If one of the actuators fails it won't kill the engine you'll just get limp-home mode until you can get a replacement fitted, and I can't imagine that's a huge job. Plus these things are now common fitment on cars.
Gearbox is clunky.
Not sure about the long-term reliability of ESA suspension, and it is expensive, but it does work brilliantly.
TFT dash is very clear and easy to read even with dodgy old eyes. Somehow it is always the right brightness.