bmw r1200r vs moto guzzi 1200 sport

[harrytief]

Beginning to think about a newer bike (sshhh...) for the coming year and seeking insights, comparisons, campfire stories about the two I'm looking hardest at...the moto guzzi 1200s and the bmw r1200r. I'm drawn to the guzzi as it will find family in my garage but dash issues will make me hate the company. The bmw on paper seems the better bike but my long gone r1100s left a bitter taste when it blew its rear drive. The new bmw r1200r with the cartridge style forks have brought more of the older bikes to market. I will be buying used.
Thoughts?
Thanks and watch your cholesterol.
Harry

[Carlo DeSantis]

I have owned a 2011 BMW R12R since 2012 and been very happy with it.  I have no experience with a MG 1200 Sport, but I think I would be happy with it as well.

Performance-wise, there probably isn't enough difference between the two bikes to worry about.  The Sport is about 70 pounds heavier than the Roadster.

I've heard of dash problems with the Breva/Sport/Norge bikes, but I don't know how common that is.  Likewise, there's much press about BMW final drives, but it isn't a widespread problem.

I'd say whichever bike tickles your fancy because of price or color or sea-of-the-pants evaluation is the one for you.

Best,

Carlo

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Having owned and ridden BMWs since 1978 and a MG 1200 Sport for the last 26 months, I need to ask...

Will this be your only bike, or one of many?
How do you plan to use it?
What are you looking to get out of this bike?   performance, practicality, character, exclusivity,   
      comfort, Sunday rider, another bike to round out your stable?   

Because each will probably serve you well but in different ways and each will hit different buttons for you.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I wanted to add to my earlier comment that my '75 BMW R90S had so much "charisma & character" but it always had issues as my daily rider. In '86 I sold it and bought a new BMW K75, much more reliable, much less character. While owning the K75, I wished for that character, so in '91 I bought a BMW R80ST and 3 weeks later the engine seized. Not relenting in my quest for character, I bought a used BMW R90S in '92 only to have the same problems I had with my first R90S. Bought a 93 K75S ABS in '97 and it has served me well but I was still on my quest to find the character of the R90S.

In fall of 2013, I became interested in Guzzis. Rode a Griso, V7, and a Norge which led me to search out the 2008 1200 Sport. Traveled 1,400 miles to look a a black beauty in Oklahoma. I could have bought any bike, but this one is even way better than my old R90S as far as ridability, character, power, reliability, exclusivity, and fun.  It hits all my buttons! It's a keeper. I think I'll go for a ride on her now.     

[willowstreetguzziguy]

This guy's 8-part article on the Breva 1200 Sport gave me  a great understanding of what the 1200 Sport is like to ride and own. I read it before I bought it and after 11,000, he's dead on right! Read it and enjoy.

https://danilogurovich.wordpress.com/motorcycle-and-scooter-reviews/moto-guzzi-breva-1200-sport-review-digest/