Re: [BMWMc] Test ride on R1200S and R1200RT

["Steve Makohin" <wateredg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Dave,

From: "A guy wasting time in Marin" <teamkbasa@xxxxxxxxx>

>On 5/18/06, Steve Makohin <wateredg@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Geoff,
>>
>> From: "Geoff Adams" <k100rs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>
>> > From: "Steve Makohin" <wateredg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> >> For folks who are wondering what the new R1200S and R1200RT are like,
>> >> read
>> >> on. Otherwise, hit delete.  <snipo>
>> >
>> >> R1200S  <snipo> o Expandable sport bags are available. They are a fair
>> >> bit smaller than  the humongous System Cases, and not water-proof.
>> >
>> > Steve,
>> > Are these the same goofy bags I've seen on the K1200S?
>>
>> Indeed. Expandable "sport bags", as they are called.
>>
>> It makes sense for what the bike is: a sport bike that can accommodate
>> factory bags of any sort. BMW's aim with the K1200S and R1200S is
>> "sport", so they compromised on hauling ability.
>
> My dealer indicates that folks that have used them are actually quite
> pleased with them.  They're not RT style touring cases or Jesse bags, but
> they're pretty usable.

Truly, these bags' "usability" depends on the user's needs. They can contain 
stuff, so they are better than no bags at all. But they won't accommodate my 
laptop. On my last trip to Florida, during which I stayed at a friend's 
house, I packed for a week's worth of overnight stays in a hotel or his 
house, my System Cases were packed (including rain suit and Cobra bike 
lock), and I had to leave some stuff at home due to space constrictions.

The glib response, which I also got from a BMW sales rep, is that the sports 
bags are big enough to carry "what you need" -- a credit card is for the 
rest (and I assume the things you buy with that credit card are either 
shipped back to your house, or discarded, as you don't have enough space to 
take it back home with you on your bike).

The point with the sport bags is that yes, they can carry stuff, but no, 
they are not *nearly* as voluminous as System Cases. YMMV.

- -Steve Makohin
 '01 R1100S/ABS
 Oakville, Ontario, Canada 

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