This article is in response to a few requests I've had to post a comparison between my new 2006 Yamaha R1 and my 2006 BMW K1200S. In my personal opinion, a comparison between these two bikes is kinda stupid as one is a pure "sport" bike.... the other is a "sport-touring" bike, but as there are a few similarities.. sure .. why not? I'll give it my best shot. I'll list all the categories that I think are worth mentioning with a brief overview explaining my rationale then list my own quasi-godlike opinion as to the winner in each category.

Just a few weeks ago I purchased a 2006 Special 50th Anniversary Edition Yamaha R1.. my first Japanese bike purchase in eons. I actually chose the 06 model over the newer, faster 2007 model for a variety of reasons. The 2007, while more powerful, is not as attractive, has a choice of painfully boring paint, has more track-oriented (read: torturous) ergos, and the seat height is almost a full 1" taller than the rider-friendly 06. All the 2007 changes added up to a bike that I didn't want. As fate would have it, I fell in love with the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary paint/graphics as soon as I saw it. Done deal.. I'm always swayed by a pretty face.

My #1 reason for turning Japanese? Simple. I needed/wanted/desired a more powerful trackday bike than the 132hp MV Agusta I have been riding. The Yamaha fit all my criteria.. Over 150rwhp.. good looks... great reviews.. good ergos...firm pouting young breasts...and a very reasonable price of $9599.00 + tax/prep/license,etc ... a cool $10K cheaper than the BMW K1200S and $13K cheaper than my MV. If I trash a bike this inexpensive doing track days I won't need therapy.

I should preface this comparo by stating that IMHO.. as a production motorcycle, the BMW K1200S is possibly the most sophisticated motorcycle ever built. That's not necessarily a good thing. It's as if the German engineers studied the Antikythera Mechanism* and then said.. "We can top that!" The bike is so complex, even changing the fluids requires a degree from MIT and don't get me started on the pitfalls of adding accessory lighting. Technology aside, the K1200S isn't the "best" in every category, but it does everything pretty well. It is one helluva motorcycle. A complete package. With that said, I am prepared to be slammed by those who disagree with some of the following opinions.. so bring it on! I'm you're huckleberry. I don't play favorites..I am NOT brand loyal. Those who know me know that I love all motorcycles. So.. without further adieu.. Lets get reeeeady to rrrrrumble..

Handling:
There is no debate here.. The 410 lb Yamaha R1 rules this category with it's shorter wheel base, weight advantage, low center of gravity, and surprisingly comfy ergos. On the R1, cornering and changing directions is effortless. No surprise here as it's one of the best sport bikes on the planet usually being bested only by the Suzuki GSX 1000 in most magazine tests. On a tight twisty road or track the only limitation for the R1 is it's mortal riders ability.

Recently I took the R1 to Deals Gap during the break-in process. I usually take my MV which is another fine handling motorcycle. I was to be riding with a good friend who I've ridden the Dragon with dozens of times. On both the track and the street we usually ride at about the same skill level. On the Dragon he's been faster than me more often than not. With the R1, which is actually lighter than the MV, things changed dramatically. Due to the superb throttle action and torque band of the Yamaha (and quite possibly my recent riding knowlege upload from Keith Codes Superbike School ), not only was I able to walk off and leave my buddy, but I did it effortlessly. The R1 made me a better, much faster rider in the twisties and I hadn't even gotten used to the bike yet. Amazing.

On subsequent weekend visits to the Dragon after getting familiar with the bike I was smoking all but the local WERA Racers leaving the Dragon jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive. The fact that the bike out-handles my exotic MV was very unexpected. The R1 is confidence inspiring. I can't wait to get it on the track in the upcoming months.

The 550 lb BMW K1200S is a surprisingly good handler for it's weight and Peterbuilt wheelbase, due in no small part to the Hossack front end. It is very capable in all but the tightest situations, rock solid at virtually any speed, but a distant 2nd to the R1.

Many who know me have heard me say that I'd never take my old K1200RS on the Tail of the Dragon as it literally wore me out. I've felt nauseous after a "spirited" dragon run on the pork-ish 650lb RS. This isn't the case on the mighty S. While the bike is heavy, it handles like a much lighter bike in all but the VERY tight stuff. The bike is THAT good. A testament to the German engineers. Who'd a thunk it. On all but the tightest roads the K1200S feels almost godlike with it's cool, collected ESA adjustable suspension. I only wish the bike had an adjustable steering damper..

1st Place: 06 Yamaha R1
2nd Place: 06 BMW K1200S

Power:
On paper, hp output on these two bikes is about the same. Both the R1 and K1200S possess a god fearin' 165hp at the crank so in theory, the 100lb lighter R1 should smoke the K1200S in a straight line run, yet when you ride them back to back... the S "feels" faster. It gives a "jump to light speed" tunnel vision rush that would impress Han Solo.. A rush that the Yammie "experience" doesn't project. Not sure why this is the case. At ultra-legal straight line speeds the S appears to rule, but I'm pretty sure this is a flawed perception on my part. My theory is.. the Yamaha doesn't feel as fast because it's so much smoother and less "violent" when at full power. When you pull the trigger on either bike it's like being fired out of a particle accelerator.. If you have a small penis, either of these bikes will compensate.. or so I would imagine.

Both bikes will leave a stop light at super low rpms and lug comfortably at 3000rpms all day if you're site seeing or old as dirt yet with a slight twist of the wrist you can be at "these hand-cuffs are too tight" speeds in seconds. On either bike there will be few other bikes that can show you their tail light. According to one European magazine, the K12 can smoke a 'Busa up into the low triple digits. That's fast! Honestly.. I can't tell which one is really fastest in a straight line.. There aren't any straight roads with enough distance around here to do a proper top speed run.. That's probably a good thing.

Tie: 06 BMW K1200S vs 06 Yamaha R1

Smoothness:
The R1 isn't the smoothest Japanese four I have ridden but it's close.That honor would go to just about any Suzuki I've ever ridden. The R1 is silky smooth at most rpms. I get some hand-tingling buzz above 9000rpm range but that may smooth out as the miles go on. The R1 has been on the market for years and unlike the Germans, the Japanese tweak each successive model to make them better, faster, and yes.. smoother. IMHO, the R1's engine is one of the best to roll off a Japanese assembly line.. ever. At virtually any speed the engine hums like a $1000 a night nappy...er..silken-haired facilitator of pleasure. How does it shift?? Smooth as buddah.

The K1200S's all new uber-engine has it's moments but it's simply not as smooth as any Japanese bike I've ridden in recent memory. The good news is, the Germans did a helluva job for a first attempt and for literally twice the price... I would expect nothing less. The K1200S is barely "average-smooth" for an in-line 4. There are a few rough spots (both on-throttle and trailing throttle) that may or may not go away as the engine is broken in which is typical of almost ALL BMWs. It's very easy to ride and live with, but .. oh, how I miss the ethereal smoothness of my old RS. The shifting is clunky when compared to a Japanese bike but smooth when compared with other BMW's. Interesting how the Germans can't seem to make a silky smooth shifting machine. Here's a clue, Germany...Buy a Katana, tear it apart, and see how they make their clutches then copy it. Is there a reason you choose to make clunky shifting bikes year after year? It's NOT rocket science, dammit..Geezz.. sorry.. Kinda got off on a rant there.. Pre-loading is essential for a smooth shift on the S.. at least on my 06. I have heard the 2007's are smoother in this respect.

1st Place: 06 Yamaha R1
2nd Place: 06 BMW K1200S

Brakes:
Yea.. yea.. ABS is the way of the future...Talk to the hand.... Yes.. in certain circumstances it could save your pitiful life.. Yes it keeps your insurance rates down...Yes it can give you longer lasting erections, but I hate both the feel (or lack thereof) and the complexity of ABS which is why I LOVE the simplicity and crispness of the brakes on the Yamaha... You can FEEL everything they are doing... Even the rear brake is excellent unlike the useless rear grabber on the EVO infested K1200S. The difference of the Yamaha's brakes as opposed to the distant feel of the BMW's is like the difference of having good sex without a condom.. and bad sex with. The Yamaha's binders are some of the best of any bike I've ever ridden.. almost as good as my MV Agusta F4.. Domo arigato, Japan!!

The K1200S comes in a distant second here.. The useless "S" rear brake makes me want to grab a rifle and head for a German clocktower. It's unforgivable, although I hear there may be a warranty fix. Will check that out the next time I visit my local extortionist...er.. dealer..

1st Place: 06 Yamaha R1
2nd Place: 06 BMW K1200S

Sound:

T he stock BMW K1200S is one sweet sounding bike although the exhaust canister is a visual abomination. I've heard that even Stevie Wonder was appalled. I trashed the bazooka-like stock can before I had 100 miles on the clock for a Remus Powercone. Now it sounds and looks like a real motorcycle. If I had to base this category on the stock exhaust.. the BMW would win hands down.

The stock Yamaha R1 sounds like a Maytag washer.. Soft, boring, and devoid of testicles. I trashed the stock cans for a pair of Carbon Fiber Akropovic Slip-ons before I had 100 miles on it and now she sounds and looks like a motorcycle with a bad 'tude...If you hear the R1 at high rpms (as I blow by you) do expect an erection and/or wetness.. depending on gender..

1st Place: 06 BMW K1200S
2nd Place: 06 Yamaha R1

Looks:
Hmm..This is just too subjective. I would NOT own an ugly motorcycle nor have I EVER owned an ugly motorcycle.. Like comparing women... how do you say Angelina Jolie is better looking than Nicole Kidman?..or a Charlize Theron? The question is.. do you turn around and look back as you are walking away? In that aspect.. both these bikes deliver...One more so than the other.

At first I didn't like the looks of the angular S but now I love it, in spite of the worlds ugliest tail light, which I have replaced. The BMW K1200S now gives me wood just like my beloved 98 RS did, but I have made a few mods so that doesn't quite count.. The S draws a crowd wherever I go.. Even the Harley guys usually comment on how good it looks. That says a lot.

Recently, my S was parked outside a movie theater. I was suiting up for the ride home when a car full of people passed me .. slowed.. stopped.. then backed up. A stunning woman of, oh I guess about 38-40 rolled down the rear window and blatantly asked me out.

Before I could spew clever wordage she added.. "anybody who rides a bike like that is my type." How often does THIS happen in a man's lifetime? Unfortunately, it wasn't MY looks that attracted her.. it was the K1200S's. At least in this instance the bike really was a chick magnet. In case you are wondering.. I thanked her and told her I was happily married. Geezz..These things NEVER happen when you're single.

I'm not a fan of Japanese styling. Besides the Yamaha R1, there's not another Japanese bike I'd spend my semi-hard earned doubloons on. Not a single one stirs my soul like an Italian or German bike. While the R1 is an attractive bike.. possibly the best looking Japanese bike on the market... it just doesn't have that "wow" factor that many European bikes have including the K1200S. While I personally love the look of my R1, I can park it anywhere and other than other R1 riders... nobody will notice. The R1 has a generic beauty and that's fine. You usually have spend the big bucks to get "breathtaking" beauty. It's the same with cars. I only wish my standards were lower.

1st Place: 06 BMW K1200S
2nd Place: 06 Yamaha R1

Ergos:
Again... we are comparing a sport-touring bike to a pure sport bike. I'm 5' 7.5" tall with a 30" inseam and BOTH these bikes are very comfortable in their respective categories. The stock K1200S seat is pretty good but I replaced it with a lower Corbin. Height and reach to the bars on the S is near perfect for a "sport-touring" bike. It offers a good compromise between a comfy upright travel position and a slightly forward cant necessary for sport riding. The pegs are high enough so you don't have to worry about dragging them, but low enough where even old knees like mine don't cramp up. The mirror view is the best I have seen on a quasi-sport bike. Controls are near perfect although the clutch pull is too strong..

My 2006 R1 is the most comfortable pure sport bike I've ever ridden. Much better than any GSX, Kawasaki ZX series, Aprilia, Ducati, or the Honda RC-51's. The bars are close to the rider and just high enough so all your weight isn't on your wrists. My hands rarely go numb on the R1 like they constantly do on my MV Agusta. My MV by comparison is a sadistic torture device which probably violates most international laws. I feel like I am sitting "in" the R1.. not "on" it like the MV. Pegs are not so high that your knees are in your arm pits yet there seems to be plenty of ground clearance. Honestly, the 2006 R1 is just about perfect ergonomically right out of the box for a person of my stature. I suspect an over 6' rider might feel cramped. I should note that the Japanese changed the ergos for a more track-like seating posture on the 2007. IMHO.. a big mistake. The 06 R1 mirrors are above average for a sportbike. Switches are generic Japanese. Dash functions aren't too hard to figure if you study the manual, but for god's sake...why on earth do the Japanese provide 1000 dash functions yet no gas gauge? Can someone provide a clue, please?

1st Place Sport Touring Bike: 06 BMW K1200S
1st Place Sport Bike: 06 Yamaha R1

Bottom line... I like my bikes like I like my women. Light, sexy, and uncomplicated. And like women, it's very hard to find all the qualities you long for in a single two-wheel package yet BOTH of these bikes come close to my "ideal.". Both these bikes are fun and easy to ride.. The best bike in this comparo is made in Germany. The most "fun" bike to ride in the mountains is made in Japan.