BMW Unveils New R 1200 R

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

BMW presents its new R 1200 R and R 1200 RS at the Intermot. As with the classic GS, the roadster and tourer also have the new air-water-cooled boxer engine.

There are letters that have a deep emotional meaning for a car or motorcycle brand. For BMW Motorrad, these undoubtedly include the abbreviations R and RS. R 32 was the name of the traditional brand's very first motorcycle 91 years ago, and RS has stood for a combination of travel and sport in production BMWs for decades. Just in time for Intermot 2014, the Bavarians are now dropping their covers and presenting the two new models R 1200 R and R 1200 RS with the new air-water-cooled boxer engine. Both will be on the market in the first half of 2015. The 1200 Roadster R is available from 12,800 euros, the dynamic tourer RS starts at 13,400 euros.

BMW R 1200 R as the bottom of the new boxer

A puristic motorcycle for all occasions: unclad and universally usable. That is the strength of the R 1200 R roadster from BMW. The popular model was the last in line with the conversion to 1200 ccm displacement in 2006 and the last expansion stage of the air-cooled boxer engine three years ago. This is also the case in 2014, because BMW is now the last to plant the new air-water-cooled boxer in the new R 1200 R. And it immediately sends a clear signal, because the new highway robber has much more to offer than the latest generation of engines.

As in the R 1200 GS and GS Adventure modelsand RT, the latest boxer engine with air-water cooling in the new Roadster delivers 92 kW / 125 PS at 7,750 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6500 rpm. That is at least 15 hp and 6 Nm more than the direct predecessor model, which was already called the R 1200 R. Above all, the torque ensures more even pressure across the entire rev range for increased drivability on accelerated turns on country roads. A new two-in-one exhaust system in a pentagonal design catches the eye, as does the centrally placed water cooler, which enables a roadster-typical narrow silhouette.

Two driving modes for the BMW R 1200 R

Even more striking, however, is the pronounced wedge shape of the new R 1200 R Roadster with a deep front and a clearly protruding rear. This design language makes the everyday bike appear much more dynamic than its predecessor. This is supported by the use of an upside-down fork instead of the previous BMW-owned telelever at the front. The entire frame is completely new: a tubular steel bridge construction with the engine as the load-bearing element. The rear wheel is the new EVO Paralever. According to the specifications of the BMW developers, all of this should ensure high values for steering precision, accuracy, handling and braking stiffness.

So that the roadster driver on the brisk country road ride with the new R 1200 R. Always stays in the lane, ABS, the automatic stability control ASC and two driving modes ("Rain" and "Road") are standard on board. For a surcharge, this is further increased by the special equipment "Pro driving modes" with the DTC dynamic traction control including lean angle detection and the two other selectable driving modes "Dynamic" and "User". The latest generation of the electronic chassis adjustment "Dynamic ESA" is also available as an extra. Technically and optically, the new R 1200 R has a significant added value compared to the previous R 1200 R, while the price for BMW's all-purpose bike only rises by 200 to 12,800 euros.

The abbreviation "RS" celebrates its resurrection with the BMW R 1200 RS

Parallel to the new R, a furious comeback rounds off the completion of the air-water-cooled boxer range: The legendary abbreviation “RS” celebrates resurrection with the R 1200 RS. BMW probably wants to do well with the R 1200 ST nine years ago and instead build on the great success of the R 1100 RS. In addition to the air-water-cooled boxer engine, which has the same performance data as in the R 1200 R, the R and RS are also similar in all chassis systems that are available as standard or at an additional cost. The boxer is also identical on both models.

The new sports tourer R 1200 RS stands out from its naked sister brand with its emphatically sporty design, primarily thanks to an aerodynamically designed half fairing with double headlights. A clear wedge shape catches the eye on the dynamic RS touring motorcycle and two color and surface variants are available. Super sports car BMW S 1000 RR installed. (SP-X)