BMW R 1200 R versus Suzuki GS 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 R

Naked
Suzuki

Suzuki GS 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017
Built von 2005 bis 2007
RRP 13.100 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • relatively light for a boxer machine
  • powerful engine with character
  • upgradeable as an agile tourer
  • no technical overload
  • safe driving experience
Pros:
  • Handy
  • Low seat height
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Value for money
  • Excellent spare parts situation
Cons:
  • not cheap
  • Windbreak underground
Cons:
  • No electronic helpers
  • Susceptible to rust
  • Weak rear damping

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length :
2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
174 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
363 km
Maximum speed: 177 km/h
Performance: 45 HP
Tank contents: 17 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Wonderful, this BMW R1200 R. Not only beautiful, fast and safe, but also potent enough for an Alpine tour. Of course, this requires a suitcase system, which goes quite well into the money at BMW. And just a touring disc, which is to be used in the secondary market (e.B. MRA) for about 150 euros. In the mountains you should ride the other bikers quite nicely around the ears, because the 1200s brings everything you need: strength, agility, agility and above all the feeling of security that you can't really do much with this bike.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 12,000€
  • Used (7 years old): 8,000€
  • Years built: 2006-2014
  • Colours: white, matt grey, black, blue, red

For beginners? Well, yes....

So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.

Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.

The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?

Everyone has to make up that with themselves.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: In the year 2000: 4480€
  • Used from 200 to approx. 2,500€
  • Years built: 1988-2007
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: initially

    red, black, blue, white, later also in purple and green