BMW R1200R 2015 motorcycle review - technical specifications

Model class : road/naked

Years of production/sales: 2006-

The BMW R1200R was first introduced in July 2006 as the successor to the BMW R1150R. In technical terms, the BMW R1200R is in many ways similar to the BMW R1200ST and BMW R1200RT models, differing from them only in appearance.

Compared to the BMW R1150R, the new BMW R1200R receives a number of technical and visual improvements:

• New engine : the engine increases its volume to 1170 cc. see, increases the compression ratio to 12.0 (instead of 10.3), is equipped with a new BMS-K injection system, a balancer shaft and two spark plugs per cylinder. Maximum power increases to 110 hp and torque to 115 Nm.
• New appearance : the design of the headlight, front fender, rims (the rear tire size has become the same as that of the Rockster - 180/55 ZR 17), instrument panel, saddle, fuel tank, exhaust system and rear of the motorcycle. The model turned out to be less classic, but began to have more features of modern naked bikes.
• New options and equipment : immobilizer, proprietary security system, reinforced brake and clutch hoses.
• New electronic options : Traction Control (ASC), Trip Computer, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM), Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), Semi-Active Suspension (Dynamic ESA), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Quick Shifter (Gear Shift Assistant) Pro), keyless entry system (Keyless Ride).
• New ABS : The model receives the third generation ABS system (from Continental Teves) without electric power assistance.
• Fuel tank : capacity has been reduced from 20 l to 18 l.
• Curb weight : has been reduced from 238 kg to 223 kg.

Otherwise, the updated BMW R1200R model retains the classic features of BMW R-series motorcycles: a 2-cylinder boxer engine, proprietary Telelever (until the end of 2014) and Paralever suspensions, a two-piece composite frame with the engine as a load-bearing part, a cardan drive and a number of proprietary options – ABS, steering damper, heated grips, standard mounts for panniers.

Main generations of BMW R1200R:

• BMW R1200R K27 (2006-2010) – first generation. It is distinguished by an engine with a single camshaft in the cylinder head. Models of these years produce 110 hp. power 115 Nm torque. Versions with alloy wheels and spokes are available.
• BMW R1200R K27 (2011-2014) – second generation. Models of these years are equipped with an engine with a new cylinder head - two camshafts, radial valve arrangement. Maximum speed increased to 8500 rpm, torque increased to 120 Nm. Visual differences from the previous generation are in the design of the rims, the shape of the saddle and the presence of handles for the passenger. Versions with alloy wheels and spokes are also available.
• BMW R1200R K53 (late 2014 – present) – third generation. The model receives a new liquid-cooled engine. Maximum power increases to 125 hp, maximum torque to 125 Nm. The model gets a completely new naked look, radial calipers, an inverted fork (instead of the Telelever), a new EVO-Paralever rear suspension (the driveshaft is now on the left side), a multi-plate wet clutch (instead of a dry single-plate), a larger by 8 kg curb weight (from 223 to 231 kg), a classic turn signal switch on the left remote control (instead of the traditional BMW switches on the right and left remote controls), electronic throttle and new electronic options - Dynamic ESA (semi-active suspension), Keyless Ride (keyless access), quickshifter (Gear Shift Assistant Pro), ASC (traction control system) with Riding Pro mode + dynamic traction control (DTC), TPM (tire pressure monitoring system), adaptive LED headlight (DRL).

Based on the BMW R1200R K53, a sports tourer model was also developed - the BMW R1200RS.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of BMW R1200R:

BMW R1200R – TEST

Rejuvenation

2015 model year, 1170 cm3, 125 l. With.,

231 kg (curb weight),

more than 200 km/h

text: Anton Vlasov

photo: Peter Musch and Joerg Kuenstle

​History is what elevates some motorcycle manufacturers above others, this is what creates legends. The German concern BMW has a wealth of experience in the production of motorcycles, and this year the series of “opposite” “roadies” of the Bavarian brand celebrates, scary to say, 92 years! That's exactly how many years ago the original R32 was introduced, which today is a museum value. BMW knows how to honor traditions, and at the end of last season it introduced an updated R1200R model - also, of course, with a boxer twin.

​​

The R1200R is one of the long-lived family of BMW road motorcycles: the first generation of the model was introduced in 2006, when it replaced the outdated R1150R, which was 25 kg heavier and 28% “weaker” than the new device. Since that time, the R1200R has remained virtually unchanged, frozen in time as a niche product that has developed its own circle of very loyal fans over the years of the series' existence. The motorcycle has always attracted attention with its laconic image, decent driving performance, a relatively high level of comfort for a classic “road bike” and, of course, a unique boxer engine, which only BMW vehicles are equipped with. But after almost a decade of model production, it became clear that the R1200R was in for a major update, especially after the introduction of a new boxer with a liquid cooling system. The new R1200R was first shown at the Intermot exhibition in Cologne last fall and became one of the main exhibits of the German concern’s huge stand. BMW did not limit itself to just installing the “freshest” engine, and therefore the device of the 2015 model year version is a completely new, and not an updated model. And here it is easier to list the elements remaining from the previous generation motorcycle than to indicate all the innovations of the new product! Actually, only some controls and the driveline housing remained unchanged... and the gear ratios of the transmission itself changed.

​Rejuvenation

While maintaining the classic straight seating position, which, due to the ability to choose one of several optional seats, will be comfortable for a person of any height, the R1200R has radically changed its design, which is why the style of the car has also changed - and for one thing, I would say, the concept. If the previous generation model carried more of the genes of a classic “road bike”, which was the R1150R, then the 2015 variation motorcycle is more of a naked bike and, as the Germans themselves call this class, a roadster. The appearance of the new BMW is significantly more aggressive, and the target audience of this car is clearly “younger” by ten to twenty years - the R1200R, most likely, will not appeal to Bavarian pensioners, who made up the lion’s share of the army of fans of the penultimate generation model, but it will certainly appeal to the young and active part of the population. However, for my taste, BMW artists went a little overboard with the “rejuvenation” of the R1200R design, and some elements of the appearance of the previous model looked better. For example, the new headlight of a complex shape and the sharp “tail” of the 2015 version of the device look too “sporty” - the rear part of the motorcycle is generally very reminiscent of that of the naked BMW S1000R! Even though the previous generation motorcycle looked much calmer, it was a complete and harmonious image - the image of a classic “road bike”, a little “combed” and modernized. And the new R1200R with such a “muscular” design almost claims to be in the category of street fighters!.. However, this is just my opinion, and many foreign colleagues spoke with admiration about the appearance of the new BMW product.

​

Liquid

It is worth noting that the significantly “angry” design of the new R1200R is not just a whim of German artists and an indulgence in modern fashion, but also, albeit hyperbolic, but still a reflection of the radically changed character of the motorcycle. The model is now equipped with a new boxer engine with a liquid cooling system, which has been equipped with the best-selling R1200GS since last year. The engine produces 125 hp. With. maximum power and 125 Nm of torque, which even in the slightly heavier touring enduro version is quite enough for a wheelie in third gear!.. Of course, the new BMW road bike, whose curb weight is 7 kg less, does not suffer from a lack of acceleration dynamics.

To implant the new product into the body, the opposed twin was modified: the R1200R version of the engine has a 2-in-1 exhaust system, the air filter chamber and the air ducts themselves have been changed, and the cooling system of the power plant features one central radiator, rather than two located on the sides, like the R1200GS. But the character of the 1170 cc engine remains the same: it is an endlessly torquey power plant, which at the same time loves high speeds and constantly provokes the rider not to be shy about opening the gas. Like almost all modern BMW motorcycles, the new R1200R can be equipped with a ton of cutting-edge electronics, making life much easier for the rider and expanding the already impressive capabilities of the model. Exactly “can”, since in the basic configuration the new product of the Bavarian concern is equipped with ABS, a simple ASC stabilization system and the ability to select one of two driving modes - Rain and Road. Traditionally, all the tastiest options are not free options, which are nevertheless worth the money!

Custom roadster The test bikes provided to a group of journalists at the international presentation of the new R1200R, which took place on the warm coast of Alicante, Spain, were, of course, equipped with almost every possible option. And their list, as always, is extensive: from numerous decorative elements for city slickers to “racing” parts, like a double-sided quickshifter! In general, the menu is for any gourmet - both the well-groomed vegetarian and the rough lover of juicy steaks will like it. After installing one of the optional packages, the BMW R1200R acquires additional modes: Dynamic (which is distinguished by the most accurate and quick response of the engine to the movement of the throttle) and User (the so-called “custom” program, in which the rider himself can configure some parameters). As on other devices of the Bavarian concern, the riding modes are deeply integrated into the overall system of the motorcycle and are also associated with ABS and traction control. By the way, the latter also needs to be purchased separately, since DTC is not included in the standard equipment of the new product. However, if you are going to occasionally take the R1200R onto serpentine roads and will not be meekly dragged behind trucks, this is one of the most useful additions - the time-tested traction control system with a motorcycle tilt sensor really works. Another notable option that clearly suits the R1200R is an electronic key tag that operates remotely. This is by no means a new “gadget”, but it is still just as convenient. Interestingly, the gas tank lock is also opened with a button - but only if the motorcycle engine is turned off and the electronic key is nearby.

​Goodbye Telelever!

The motorcycle is built on a new steel frame in which the engine is part of the power structure. The tubular design is not only rigid, durable and light, but also beautiful - especially in the orange color that the frame is painted in one of the three design variations of the R1200R. But the main innovation of the model is, of course, the abandonment of the front suspension of the proprietary BMW Telelever system, which was used on the previous generation motorcycle, in favor of a traditional inverted telescopic fork. The rear suspension is a new product from the Bavarian concern - the EVO Paralever lever system.

The device received a fork with “well-fed” stays with a diameter of 45 mm, which is completely justified, taking into account the not very light weight of the model and its more than decent driving performance. One of the reasons why the German engineers abandoned the Telelever system was the compactness of the traditional fork and the ability to reduce the steering angle for sharper handling of the motorcycle. In addition, due to the use of the “reversal”, it was possible to “fit” into the design of the R1200R a single central radiator of the liquid cooling system of the engine, which was previously impossible due to the sweeping design of the Telelever lever. One way or another, the suspension of the new BMW works perfectly - both in a relaxed, walking driving mode, and during high-speed slalom on serpentine roads! There is also the Dynamic ESA adaptive suspension (which, of course, is also an option), which adjusts in real time to the rider’s driving style and road conditions. The system is capable of operating in one of two modes - Road and Dynamic - which set the possible limits of adjustment for the suspension. When driving the R1200R in a more or less measured urban rhythm, the difference between the programs is not particularly noticeable, but with increasing speed it becomes more obvious. In addition to this, there is the possibility of remotely changing the spring preload, which, coupled with the Dynamic ESA functionality (which, let me remind you, is capable of changing only hydraulic parameters), allows you to customize the chassis of the new BMW for a rider of any weight and degree of burden with passengers and luggage... As for the effectiveness of the braking system, I think , you don’t even have to write... Just look at the photo and realize that the new BMW R1200R is equipped with Brembo 4-piston front radial calipers, paired with large 320 mm diameter discs. At the same time, there is a two-piston caliper installed at the rear, and not a single-piston, as usual, of the same Italian brand, “hugging” a large 276 mm disc! Add the standard ABS from Bosch to this picture in your imagination - and you can imagine how quickly and predictably the new product of the Bavarian concern slows down!

​ Many faces

BMW approached the issue of design of the new product in a very original way. The motorcycle is available in three versions, each of which differs not only in the color of the plastic, but also in the color of some other elements - including the color of the brake calipers and even the frame! The basic modification is Cordoba blue (black frame, black calipers and blue plastic), the second version is the so-called Style 1 (red frame, white plastic, lower deflectors and gold brake calipers), and the third version is Style 2 (matte gray frame , black design and gold calipers). I note that all three versions look great! The new R1200R is a guaranteed hit for the BMW brand! Actually, it cannot be any other way, because to prepare this dish the Germans took only the best ingredients, which could only be ruined by very rough work... But this is clearly not about the specialists of the Bavarian concern, who completed the tasks assigned to them with German accuracy and attention to the details. The latest generation R1200R roadster has a productive and reliable engine, with a modest appetite, a beautiful and, most importantly, balanced chassis, a bright and perhaps even too youthful design and, of course, 2 million different options. With this device, it is equally pleasant to roll sedately along a narrow road along the sea, admiring the views, or rush through traffic, terrified of being late to meet your beloved at the airport... The R1200R turned out to be a very versatile machine, ready to adapt to the tastes and preferences of any rider. The only question that remains open is the Russian price for a motorcycle, which, unfortunately, is unlikely to be affordable. However, BMW brand equipment has always had a special audience, which is unlikely to be embarrassed by the “heavy” price tag for another techno-masterpiece.

​

conclusions

In general, I liked the motorcycle for options such as the city and sometimes the countryside - a very pleasant option, especially with an “eternal” cardan (not counting reviews and replacements :)). You can add panniers and get a lightweight tourer. There is one “but” - the price of such a “toy” is almost 20 thousand euros for a new one, and this is absolutely “non-Childish” money. A little more and you can get a completely “adult tourer” like the R1200RT, which I like much more and, in my opinion, is more worth the money. But this may be “my problem.”

After talking with the dealer, I found out that with a height of about 190 cm, my friend could not sit on it for a long time - his legs were starting to cramp. So he “had” to switch to the R1200GS. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try to ride for longer, and after a little less than an hour I still didn’t feel any sensations. In fact, almost all the models were “unclaimed” (due to this weather, many, apparently, refused), but I was already in the last “race”, so there was no great desire to rush to ride other models.

As a result, I once again “licked” the standing motorcycle. Upon closer inspection, the design of the steering and suspension does not seem simple. On the other hand, specimens with quite “automobile” mileage of 100 thousand kilometers are found regularly, so reliability in general should be at the level.

In general, it’s a cool, expensive toy, but due to its limited use in comparison with its older brothers, in my opinion, it doesn’t make much sense.

Share link:

• Click here to share content on Facebook. (Opens in a new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share posts on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Send this to a friend (Opens in new window)