SS vs. R1200RS

13793 Views 23 Replies 19 Participants Last post by PK Ripper, Jul 7, 2021

lowflying

Discussion Starter · Jul 24, 2017

I'm sure some of you had, or have the R1200RS in your sights.

After a test on an SS and an SSS, both of which I really, really enjoyed, I felt I needed to give the Beemer a go, if only to satisfy my curiosity. I understand that while they are both "sport tourers", the SS is more oriented to sport and light weight/less complication.

I owned an R1200R '06 model and thought it was really great, particularly the motor. BMW has moved the game on since then with conventional front suspension and all the electronic fruit you could want, including cruise.

So, I expected the Beemer to be a bit of a barge considering the extra 25 kg's or so it's hauling around. Wrong. It handles better than I expected and amazingly so considering the extra bulk. I'm not a racer just Joe Average road rider so perhaps when really pushing the difference would be more noticeable, but not at my pace.

I had the suspension in Road and the throttle mode in Sport. The motor was instantaneous, impressive torque >

, and even with the stock (monstrously huge and chrome for some reason) can had a lovely growl, almost a "grinding" noise, which maybe is a weird way to describe it, but it's addictive and you feel invincible with the stomp balanced by the good, two-finger brakes. The motor was very smooth and can rev nicely, even though revs are not really needed most of the time. The quickshifter was flawless down, up worked better when you were hustling. With a pillion I would probably clutch it up, unless I was making haste.

Definitely better pillion accommodation, and a nice rear rack available for a top box, if you're so inclined. The frames for the panniers don't seem as intrusive as what I've seen for the SS, although, because the BMW is not as "pretty" or "sexy" (handsome is what I might call it) having the frames there is not as blasphemous as it seems on the Duc, if you get my drift. I guess the BMW is more utilitarian, more of a Swiss army knife to the Duc's Samurai sword? :wink2:

None of this is to say it's better than the SS, just slightly different mission I guess, and it's bloody good at what it does. Not a bike to be discounted out of hand IMO. Especially if you're not a rusted-on Ducati *****. :surprise:

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lowflying

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jul 24, 2017

I can't believe my last line was censored!

melba

· #3 · Jul 24, 2017

lowflying said:
I can't believe my last line was censored!

You're obviously just a very naughty boy! :laugh::laugh:

Bigwaves1

· #4 · Jul 24, 2017

They are two very different bikes. I have ridden the RS and the latest version is nice, much more refined and surgical. The Duck has more character, vibration and killer looks. I purchased a K1600GT over the RS. Its so smooth it feels electric with big power. The nice thing it is a total opposite of the Duck. The RS and the SSs are not very close either. Test ride them both and see what you like. You might need two bike.

Rhino

· #5 · Jul 24, 2017

lowflying said:
I can't believe my last line was censored!

I did the exact same thing and your spot on The beamer is a better bike if you started adding up points 1 point for horsepower 1 point for comfort, 1 point for toque value for money etc. etc. I had to go back the next day and ride the ducati again and remind myself what I was after and it was not the BMW at this time. I will probably get one in the near future though. one of the reasons for the RS,s super sporty feel is a combination of the awesome low and mid toque coupled with a fantastic dynamic suspension. I had the front wheel up coming out of bends on both bikes and the BM was just so steady. I ended up buying the SSs and happy it is exactly what I'm looking for at the moment (few more HP would be better). You will never hear me bagging the BMW Rs1200 its a great bike.

se7en

· #6 · Jul 24, 2017

I think that while these are both technically sport tourers, they are still vastly different. I think a better comparison for the BMW is the Ninja 1000. I've posted my comparison between the SS and the N1K already and think that it would compare nicely to the Beemer.

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Rhino

· #7 · Jul 24, 2017

se7en said:
I think that while these are both technically sport tourers, they are still vastly different. I think a better comparison for the BMW is the Ninja 1000. I've posted my comparison between the SS and the N1K already and think that it would compare nicely to the Beemer.

You do know no one finishes reading your Quotes while your signature is dancing away :grin2:

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Christm13

· #8 · Jul 24, 2017

Before choosing my SS 939 s, i tried many bikes to find one which correspond to my needs (traffic every day, good hp torque, small trips with partner), and after honda vfr 800 f 2014.

I tried this r 1200 RS alone and with my partner, test done in summer 2016.
This bike is a real touring with a lot good accessories , good suspensions, gimbal,.... and high total price.
Bike is heavy , motor not really impressive compared to my actual funny ss with 113hp.
i prefered lighter bmw 800 gt with sympathic torque but modest 90hp.

After visiting ecima in Milan in november 2016 and seeing this cute supersport, i ordered a red s.
I tried it in march and confirmed the order.

Ss 939 s is lighter and more sport than 1200rs , not adapted for big trips but enough for short trips .
Motor and behavior are funny , sound is great. I can use my bike in traffic and city every day without tired.

To resume, Supersport 939 s is a versatile bike.

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John

· #9 · Jul 24, 2017

se7en said:
I think that while these are both technically sport tourers, they are still vastly different. I think a better comparison for the BMW is the Ninja 1000. I've posted my comparison between the SS and the N1K already and think that it would compare nicely to the Beemer.

I think the SS, the Ninja 1000, GSX-S1000F, and R1200RS are all basically in the same 'niche'. Yes there are subtle differences e.g HP, looks, etc..... but as a concept that all do belong in the same category for consideration.

That reviews were using the heavy largely vanishing VFR800 as 'competition' was just pure wank!

P.S. If Triumph stuck a half-faring on the new 765 Street Triple RS as was being touted at one stage, I'd buy one in a heart beat. You should have done it Mr Triumph, there's a massive 'hole' in the market and you'll sell a squillion of em if you just do it.

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1lifeliveit

· #10 · Jul 24, 2017

John said:
I think the SS, the Ninja 1000, GSX-S1000F, and R1200RS are all basically in the same 'niche'. Yes there are subtle differences e.g HP, looks, etc..... but as a concept that all do belong in the same category for consideration.

That reviews were using the heavy largely vanishing VFR800 as 'competition' was just pure wank!

P.S. If Triumph stuck a half-faring on the new 765 Street Triple RS as was being touted at one stage, I'd buy one in a heart beat. You should have done it Mr Triumph, there's a massive 'hole' in the market and you'll sell a squillion of em if you just do it.

Funny you should say that, coz MCN reported few months ago that there was going to be a street triple 765 with fairing (RT I think), but that didn't happen. I would have definitely considered it. To this day my 675 striple is the best fun I've had on bikes.

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John

· #11 · Jul 24, 2017

1lifeliveit said:
Funny you should say that, coz MCN reported few months ago that there was going to be a street triple 765 with fairing (RT I think), but that didn't happen. I would have definitely considered it. To this day my 675 striple is the best fun I've had on bikes.

I think Triumph made a very BIG mistake not going ahead with the concept.

rz33v4

· #12 · Jul 24, 2017

lowflying said:
None of this is to say it's better than the SS, just slightly different mission I guess, and it's bloody good at what it does. Not a bike to be discounted out of hand IMO. Especially if you're not a rusted-on Ducati *****. :surprise:

I've also ridden both bikes and see them as similar, but also different - the SS is lighter, prettier and designed primarily for the rider (not so much the passenger). If you regularly ride two-up I think the BMW is the preferred choice. You couldn't go wrong with either bike, IMO.

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Ventura17SS

· #13 · Jul 25, 2017

I've only owned BMW's and Ducati's in my motorcycling life, save for a 1981 500cc Moto Guzzi V50 III a lonnng time ago (a fantastic little bike!) and a '77 Honda CB400F. I know where you're coming from with the R1200RS...a friend of mine rides one, and it's a very nice bike. It's also 4 grand more than a Supersport S in typical dealership trim. And it's just "missing" something, which is Ducati (and Italian) style, passion, and performance. If I hadn't bought my Supersport S, the R1200RS would've been my second choice. I almost could've flipped a coin for either bike, but the intangibles of the Supersport made me choose the Duc over the Bimmer. YMMV.

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lowflying

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 25, 2017

Ventura17SS said:
I've only owned BMW's and Ducati's in my motorcycling life, save for a 1981 500cc Moto Guzzi V50 III a lonnng time ago (a fantastic little bike!) and a '77 Honda CB400F. I know where you're coming from with the R1200RS...a friend of mine rides one, and it's a very nice bike. It's also 4 grand more than a Supersport S in typical dealership trim. And it's just "missing" something, which is Ducati (and Italian) style, passion, and performance. If I hadn't bought my Supersport S, the R1200RS would've been my second choice. I almost could've flipped a coin for either bike, but the intangibles of the Supersport made me choose the Duc over the Bimmer. YMMV.

I had eyes on the R1200RS since it came out. Probably the only reason I won't end up with one shortly is that the Supersport was launched. I can see pluses and minuses for both bikes, but in the end, the Duc is winning for me right now. I'm sure the big boxer RS will still be around in a few years time if I've had my fill of the SS, or I make room for both in the garage! :grin2:

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Tez

· #15 · Jul 25, 2017

I also narrowed it down too these two bikes
Had the BM on a three day demo ride
Performance was ok ,without setting the world a light.
Handling was good
Equipment amazing
I liked it ,and in truth it was probably the better bike for my needs
The Ducati beat it on looks and even tho it's probably not quicker it felt like it was.
I may return and have another look in a couple of years:wink2:

Reactions: 1

Tangor

· #16 · Jul 25, 2017

Rhino said:
You do know no one finishes reading your Quotes while your signature is dancing away :grin2:

se7en said:
I think that while these are both technically sport tourers, they are still vastly different. I think a better comparison for the BMW is the Ninja 1000. I've posted my comparison between the SS and the N1K already and think that it would compare nicely to the Beemer.

What quotes?:nerd:

steeve

· #17 · Jul 25, 2017

I bought a new R1200RS its a very capable bike and superb all rounder, if I did more continental touring I would have kept it. BUT it has no soul. It not a bad looker but some how even though I had it for quite some time it didn't tick all my boxes. I liked it but didn't love it.

If you're a proper biker you always look back at your bike either when you park it up if you're out or when you park it up at home. Its not something you do so much with a BMW. BUt you can fall in love with the Supersport, it looks good enough to have in the house and it has oodles of character.

Whilst the BM may be heavier it is more powerful but the BHP per Ton works out about the same.

You pays the money and you makes the choice.

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spinkick

· #18 · Jul 25, 2017

Not to mention they sound like a sewing machine. My father has the new r1200rt

LiamC

· #19 · Jul 26, 2017

I took three bikes for a test ride in early June, Supersport, R 1200 RS and... P.S. I really liked the electronic suspension on the Beemers

So now I have a dilemma. I have taken these bikes for a test ride and they each have minor flaws.
The BMW S 1000 RR is an absolute weapon. I cannot describe how manic the engine is, how unbelievably good the brakes are or how much fun factor it has. The riding position is track, track, track. The enforced reach to the bars isn't the issue, but your knees are up around your ears. Like a jockey, except I'm twice as heavy and half as flexible. After a while, moving around and hanging off the bike is encouraged. But you feel like you are perched on the bike, not sitting on/in it. A blat down the coast or commuting could be tiresome. Quickly. Maybe. Did I mention the fun factor? And this with the engine in rev limited mode. Did I mention the sound, on overrun? Pop, bang snarl! I cannot ride like Marc Márquez, but bloody heck the S 1000 RR made me feel like I could.
The Ducati Supersort looks like it's doing 100 mph just sitting still. The engine has gobs of low down torque which is just perfect for the road. It feels very stable in a straight line, but tips into corners very easily. The brakes are good, but not at the level of the S 1000 RR. The vibration and sound from the L-Twin is amazing - you know that this bike is a little different. But that same vibration renders the mirrors useless for 90% of the time. Moving around on the bike is nearly as easy as the S 1000 RR, and the seat is way more comfortable. The riding position is by far the best compromise for me between upright touring and race crouch. The demo bike cheated because it had a slip-on Akrapovic Exhaust System, which was an amazing growling sound when combined with the L-Twin firing order. Not much louder than stock - good! - but definitely nicer.
The BMW R 1200 RS was a real surprise. I didn't think I'd like it, but I did. The engine is a torquer like the Ducati, but much smoother - and so the mirrors are usable!. All the weight is down low, which makes the low speed handling surprisingly easy, and the dynamic suspension on both BMW's is a revelation. Mid corner bumps and ripples while cranked over? Bah! A mere trifle! The R 1200 RS is also a shaft drive, so less mess and maintenance. The downside is the seating position is very upright, the bars high and wide. This means you turn it a little with the bars before using weight and position to help with turning. You sit in this motorcycle. It's just not as engaging - but it does everything well.
Now comes the complicating bits...
The S 1000 RR is the most expensive, and expensive to service
The R 1200 RS is $2K cheaper at the moment, and cheap to service.
The Ducati is by far the cheapest - 8 or 9K cheaper than the S 1000 RR , but similar to the S 1000 RR to service. I think Ducati have nailed a new market segment with this bike.

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stavros

· #20 · Jul 26, 2017

lowflying said:
I had eyes on the R1200RS since it came out. Probably the only reason I won't end up with one shortly is that the Supersport was launched. I can see pluses and minuses for both bikes, but in the end, the Duc is winning for me right now. I'm sure the big boxer RS will still be around in a few years time if I've had my fill of the SS, or I make room for both in the garage! :grin2:

You know you want the SS.

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