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K12RS versus K12S

radiofun1

Redneck Oregonian
Hello All,

I currently have an 02 K12RS that I love, but am really impressed with the technical upgrades on the 'S'. I know the S is lighter and more nimble, but what about the riding position? I have no issues with the riding position on the RS and, frankly, don't understand all the blogs that have complained about the riding position over the years. But what about the S, is it that much more tiring to ride long distances than the RS?

Bob
 
I had a '00 K12RS prior to my '05 K12S, actually had them both for a couple months. I'd take the RS out once in a while but quite honestly, after being on the "S", the RS was just too heavy. The RS was a little more upright, depending on the position of the adjustable handle bars. I ended up putting a K1200R triple tree on my "S", and a Corbin seat which is scooped out lower than stock, so it is very similar to the RS now. My knees are bent a little more than on the RS but that does not bother me at all. I rarely ride 2 up, my wife just isn't in to it. My typical ride is somewhere around 250-300 twisty miles, but have done 650 and 700 mile days.

I love the ESA, being able to stiffen/soften the ride while on the go. The new suspension is great, as well as the lower weight, it makes twisty roads even more fun that the RS was. Of course the power is differant, less linear than the RS in my opinion, more on and off. The RS would pull from fairly low RPM all the way to redline, the "S" doesn't pull as hard at low RPM, but seems to hit nitros at about 6500. The final drive/clutch/engine issues that I keep hearing about have me wondering if I should have kept my RS, but at 20k miles I haven't had an issue with any of those big ticket items. I did have the fuel strip replaced (out of warranty, $300+ something, don't remember) but so far so good on everything else.
 
I went from an '04 RS to an '06 S and there are days when I miss the old RS especially the cruise control and slightly more upright riding position. I don't miss the weight or handling except when I've been out on the interstate in nasty crosswinds. I agree with another poster who talked about the power distribution difference between the bikes. The RS is definitely linear, the S' throttle is like an on-off switch. Heavy acceleration on the S is almost violent and you're concentrating as much at hanging on as you are controlling the bike. That was where the RS' weight came in to play in a more positive way, it's more of a gentleman's sport tourer as opposed to the S being closer to crotch rocket status.

Prior to buying the S I'd taken my RS up into Montana and as far south as Texas Hill Country. While many here wouldn't flinch at doing a multi-state trip on an S there is no way in hell my body could handle 500+ mile days on end.

In short the S' power is seductive but beware the potential mechanical pitfalls others have mentioned. Mine surges, has a clunky tranny, and the cam chain noise. All these things are out of warranty.:(

So, to sum it up how do I feel about my S? I like it a lot but find myself cruising Cycletrader, eBay, and Craigslist for a sweet, low mileage RS or GT.
 
See my post on the other forum (Y2K12RS). Most all the issues for the earlier models have been remedied in the new 1300S, and for me at least, all the recall issues have been addressed quite promptly and completely. The power on the 13 is greater and smoother, I am told, than the 1200S. The electronic upshift assist, traction control, latest abs, suspension mods on the fly....all icing on the cake.
 
I have not ridden the K1300S, but I have ridden over 15k on an 05 K12S and another 17 on an 08 K12S. I would say the problems of the early K12S have generally been solved by the 08 model.
 
I have not ridden the K1300S, but I have ridden over 15k on an 05 K12S and another 17 on an 08 K12S. I would say the problems of the early K12S have generally been solved by the 08 model.

For those of you who are interested in the technical performance improvements in the K1300S over the K1200S (as well as R and GTs), please read the June 2009 issue of Ricardo Quarterly. Ricardo GmbH did the powertrain development work on the K13 which addressed the shortfalls of a highly capable engine:

http://www.ricardo.com/News--Media/rq/

As an aside, I got to ride a K1300S prototype while in Germany and knew I had to have one after it came out. It took another year of negotiating with my wife (after a 25 year absence from riding) and I now have a 2009 K1300S in Light Grey Metallic... and it is sweet!
 
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