Did you cross-shop the BMW r1200r?

[mmmoto]

Hi. I am looking for a versatile, sublime standard, twin, shaft drive; off-road ability isn’t a factor (even if that doesn’t hurt), and my previous experience with an R1150rs got me thinking about air/liquid-cooled Beemers. Curious to know if any of you considered the R1200r before signing on the MG line and what tipped the balance in the V85’s favor.

Thanks!

[LongRanger]

Not me. I was unwilling to go back to Guzzi after several disappointing experiences with warranty service on my two V7’s. I waited for an R1200R Classic (camhead) to become available as I prefer the Telelever and don’t really care for the looks of the newer LC models, though the LC’s are terrific bikes too and get rave reviews.

[jrt]

I wasn't necessarily looking for a BMW, but I rode an R1250RS and I was really impressed- enough to buy it.
It is a superb bike and I am enjoying riding it very, very much.  Shortly after I got it, the V100 news broke.  Now I'm confused.
I had a V85 for a short time- it is also a good bike but did not fit the 'feel' I was looking for.   In terms of Guzzi- I'm a fan of the old 'big blocks'.  I have a couple of those.  It is a very different riding experience. 
In my opinion, no one bike is going to check off all the boxes. 

[Scout63]

I owned a 2013 1200GS waterboxer. Technically, it’s an extremely capable bike. The fully active suspension is wonderful, and the engine has a flat crisp 125hp bark that is much better than most BMW’s.  I like the looks of the R even better. I would recommend a long look.

[inditx]

Had a couple of hexhead R’s and they are fine bikes.
I just couldn’t get the windshield and seat combo right for me.

My buddy has had many Beemers and swears that the camhead is that much better.
FWIW I’m not sure I’m ready for a water cooled boxer....yet
inditx

[LowRyter]

The newer water cooled Beemers are definitely sportier and faster than the old Beemers.  They're also a little more friendly to the vertically challenged.

[mmmoto]

Just want to thank everyone for taking the time to comment. It’s been very helpful to hear experiences and opinions. I need to test ride both; not that I expect that’ll settle the matter :)

One factor is that I have a decent BMW dealer fairly close (under 30 minutes); the closest Guzzi dealers are all a touch over an hour away.

I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Thanks again!

[Bulldog9]

I looked at a couple of them back in 2015 and ultimately ended up on a 2007 4 valve Griso. No regrets. The Griso has been completely flawless. Not as nimble but after some lowering pegs is far more comfortable and accommodating for me and had more character to my judgment at least.

[twowheeladdict]

I priced out a R1200r and RnineT urban enduro, and comparably equipped were thousands more like $8-10 thousand more.  Dealers less convenient than Moto Guzzi. 

[mechanicsavant]

I had an 07 R1200ra  up till a few years ago . Absolutely loved it for the first 10 years. Comfy , fast , tele-lever front was by far best front suspension Ive experienced. Unfortunately as i get older it gradually got heavier & taller . It couldn’t be me aging , could it?
Yup , A brief test ride on a newer V7 was an eye opener . So now I have 2 V7’s A 16 MkII & a 21V7/850 , the Goldilocks bike .