BMW Announces the New K 1200 R Sport
The new K 1200 R Sport is the fourth model in the BMW’s most powerful model series. As the model designation already indicates, the new K 1200 R Sport is based on the BMW K 1200 R.Perhaps the most essential feature of the new K 1200 R Sport is the semi-fairing mounted firmly to the frame and bearing the same headlight as on the R 1200 S. Integrated harmoniously into the overall design of the motorcycle, the semi-fairing retains a clear and free view of the impressive engine and running gear technology. The fairing not only emphasizes the sporting character of the big bike, but also enhances its wide range of riding opportunities and general use versus the K 1200 R.
Offering significantly improved wind protection particularly advantageous at high speeds, the new BMW K 1200 R Sport is even more suitable for covering long distances at high speeds. It is indeed the ideal motorcycle not only for dedicated riding pleasure on the race track, but also for all-out enjoyment on country roads and motorways, offering the rider the option to adopt a more upright seating position than on the even more sporting and dynamic K 1200 S.
As the sister model of the K 1200 R, the new K 1200 R Sport features the same drivetrain and suspension technology. With maximum output of 120 kW (163 hp), curb weight of just 241 kg or 531 lb, and its innovative Duolever and Paralever suspension, the new model offers the highest standard of riding dynamics and performance at all times and under all conditions.
Over and above these outstanding features, the BMW K 1200 R Sport offers a wide range of talents intentionally not provided on the K 1200 R without a fairing. These include supreme versatility in all kinds of situations, enhanced riding comfort, and even better performance and handling at high speeds.
And at the same time the new machine offers all the virtues typical of a Roadster, such as sharp and crisp handling, sporting performance, and a relaxed seating position. The new BMW K 1200 R Sport addresses the ambitious sports rider with a penchant for progressive, “naked-bike” technology and a wide range of motorcycling options on a truly versatile machine. Offering an ample choice of accessories carried over in most cases from the K 1200 R, the new K 1200 R Sport ensures optimum comfort and a truly outstanding riding experience particularly on long distances.
The technical highlights of the new K 1200 R Sport include a semi-fairing mounted firmly on the frame and a new headlight emphasizing the sporting character of the K 1200 R Sport and improving its riding comfort particularly at high speeds.
The high-performance four-cylinder inline engine is tilted 55° to the front, with a maximum output 120 kW (163 hp) and maximum torque 127 Nm (94 lb-ft). The bike meets the strictest world environmental standards thanks to Digital Motor Electronics and three-way catalytic converter.
Other features include a high-performance aluminium suspension with Duolever wheel mount at the front and EVO- Paralever wheel mount at the rear. With an unladen weight of only 241 kg (531 lbs.) in road trim, the K 1200 R Sport promises good balance ensured by a low centre of gravity and excellent handling qualities. But this isn’t a track-focused sportbike; a relaxed seating position should maintain an active riding experience while remaining comfortable over the long run.
An electronic immobiliser alarm system is also featured as standard on the K 1200 R Sport. Other features include BMW’s latest on-board network with CAN-bus technology and an electronically adjustable ESA suspension available as an option. And finally the K 1200 R Sport includes the latest-generation integral ABS (semi-integral version) available as an option; tire pressure control is also available as an option.
New Half Fairing Design
As the latest model in the K-Series, the new BMW K 1200 R Sport boasts the same top-of-the-range technology as its sister models. Specific details of the drivetrain, suspension and running gear, brakes and on-board network are described in detail in the press kit on the K 1200 S and, respectively, K 1200 R.
The half fairing with its integrated headlight is mounted firmly on the frame. Developed in the wind tunnel, the front fairing made of plastic elements is matched to the motorcycle, combining good looks with the promise of good protection from wind and weather. Defined air guidance ground the side spoilers should guide the wind around the rider, reducing wind pressure on the head and upper body.
Despite its compact and slender dimensions, the fairing on the K 1200 R Sport offers significant safety and protection even at high speeds enhanced greatly over the standard offered on the Roadster with its large windshield. And apart from extra comfort, the engineers at BMW Motorrad have also succeeded in enhancing the motorcycle’s dynamic potential, with the rider benefiting from excellent wind protection above all at high speeds.
The strikingly designed headlight in clear glass look and with free-form technology integrated in the fairing is the same as on the sporting R 1200 S, the asymmetric design of the headlight alone showing clearly that this is a genuine BMW. The reflectors are tailored geometrically to the rider’s illumination requirements, interacting together with the H7 bulbs arranged next to one another to provide excellent light intensity and illumination on the road ahead.
Beneath the headlight, the fairing proudly boasts two typical BMW kidney grilles interacting with the wheel mounts and radiator trim panels also optimized in the wind tunnel to ensure an efficient flow of cooling air to the radiator.
The fairing components at the side are fastened to the motorcycle by integrated plastic mounts, avoiding the need to use visible bolts or screws and again emphasizing the elegant, sophisticated look of the new BMW K 1200 R Sport.
Engine and Transmission Specifications
The new K 1200 R Sport is driven by the same engine that ensures supreme riding pleasure on the BMW K 1200 R: Like on the Roadster, the high-performance power unit develops maximum output of 120 kW (163 hp) at 10,250 rpm, with peak torque of 127 Nm (94 lb-ft) at 8,250 rpm. This provides strong acceleration and more than adequate power for the K 1200 R Sport.
Dry sump lubrication and the position of the compact power unit with its cylinder bank tilted 55° to the front ensure a low center of gravity offering correct loading of weight over the front wheel and sporting and dynamic handling qualities at the same time.
The six-speed gearbox on the K-Series is a light and compact integrated transmission unit fully contained within the engine housing. The gearbox itself as well as the gear increments are the same as on the other K-models.
| Engine Specifications – BMW K 1200 R Sport |
| Capacity cc 1,157 |
| Bore/stroke mm 79/59 |
| Max output 163HP (120kW) at 10,250 RPM |
| Max torque 127/94 lb-ft (127Nm) at 8,250 RPM |
| Inline 4 cylinders |
| Compression ratio/fuel grade 13:1; Premium plus (98 RON) |
| Valve/gas DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Valve diameter, intake 32mm, exhaust 27.5mm |
| Throttle butterfly diameter 46mm |
| Fuel Injected |
| Electrical System |
| Alternator 580W |
| Battery V/Ah 12/14 maintenance-free |
| Headlight H7 at 55W; High beam H7 at 55 W |
| Starter 0.7kW |
| Transmission – Gearbox |
| Clutch Multiple-plate oil bath clutch, 151 mm diameter |
| Gearbox six-speed |
| Primary transmission ratio 1.559 |
| Gear ratios I 2.398; II 1.871; III 1.525; IV 1.296; V 1.143; VI 1.015 |
| Shaft drive; Final drive 2.91 |
| Suspension |
| Frame: Composite aluminium frame, internal molding and extrusion pressed profiles and die-castings |
| Suspension, front BMW Duolever |
| Suspension, rear BMW Paralever |
| Spring travel, front: 115mm; rear:135 |
| Castor 101mm |
| Wheelbase 1,571mm |
| Steering unit angle ° 61 |
| Brakes: front Double-disc 320mm. Rear Single disc 265mm |
| BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (semi-integral) available as an option |
| Wheels: Light-alloy cast. Front 3.50 x 17 MTH 2; Rear 5.50 x 17 MTH 2 |
| Optional Rear Wheel: 6.00 x 17 MTH 2 |
| Tires: Front 120/70 ZR 17; Rear 180/55 ZR 17; Optional 190/50 ZR 17 Rear |
| Weights and Dimensions |
| Length, overall 2,228mm |
| Width, overall, with mirrors 856mm |
| Handlebar width, without mirrors 785mm |
| Seat height 820mm (Optional 790mm) |
| Weight, unladen, with full tank 241kg |
| Max permissible weight 450kg |
| Tank capacity 19 liters |
| Performance and Fuel Consumption |
| Fuel consumption: 90 km/h ltr/100 km 4.7; 120 km/h ltr/100 km 5.5 |
| Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h 2.9 seconds |
| Top speed, approx km/h 200 plus |
Suspension
Like its sister models, the new K 1200 R Sport boasts Duolever front suspension combining superior precision and directional accuracy with optimum suspension comfort. The entire structure is very strong and torsionally resistant, naturally being conceived and designed for light and smooth handling. BMW claims that the smooth response of the front wheel suspension offers a precise feeling for the road surface, taking in and smoothly absorbing even the smallest bumps.
Yet another feature of the kinematic Duolever is its anti-dive brake action remaining virtually consistent throughout the motorcycle’s entire spring travel.
Developed by BMW Motorrad for the K-Series, the Paralever is a highly stable lightweight construction efficiently combining the transmission of forces and rear wheel guidance, and connecting the spring strut via a progressive kinematic pivot point. It also offers significant benefits in damper response and progressive action.
Further advantages of the Paralever are the reduction of unsprung masses and load change reactions, the increase in ground clearance, and the particularly attractive, filigree look of the rear suspension.
Optional Electronically Adjusted Suspension
The new K 1200 R Sport is available as an option with BMW Motorrad’s Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) allowing convenient adjustments to the spring/damper set-up to the rider’s particular requirements simply by pressing a button.
As a further option available straight from the factory, the new K 1200 R Sport also comes with BMW’s Tire Pressure Control (TPC). EVO brake system and Integral ABS is also available as an option.
The new K 1200 R Sport is fitted as standard with BMW;s EVO brake system also featured on other models in the K- and R-Series. With brake disc diameter of 320 millimeters (12.60″) at the front and 265 millimeters (10.43″) at the rear, this brake system should provide excellent stopping power.
The flexible steel brake lines featured as standard on the EVO brake system look good and help ensure a consistent lever feel.
The new generation of BMW Motorrad Integral ABS with semi-integral functionality was introduced in summer 2006 and is available as an option. This system controls the front and rear wheel brakes from the front lever, while the footbrake lever acts exclusively on the brake at the rear as a configuration particularly well-suited for the sports-minded motorcycle rider.
CAN-Bus Technology and Electronic Immobiliser
A standard feature of the current BMW Motorrad K-Series is that the electrical and electronic components communicate with one another via a modern data bus network exchanging digital information through one single wire.
Introduction of this single-wire system has dramatically streamlined the on-board electrics, significantly reducing the need for cables and connectors as well as the weight of the entire wiring system. A further point is that only this technology is able to provide reliable, comprehensive and rapid troubleshooting and diagnostic functions. Yet a further benefit of CAN-bus technology is that it enables the service technician to read out data and/or re-define parameters.
And an electronic immobiliser with direct exchange of data between the ignition key and the motorcycle’s electronic system is also standard on the new K 1200 R Sport.
Design and Color
As a special variant of the K 1200 R optimized for streamlining and enhanced protection from wind and weather, the K 1200 R Sport comes with the same overall design characteristics as the BMW K 1200 R model.
The focus of the new Sport variant is on the dynamically enhanced frontal area, although the fairing still allows a relatively unrestricted view of the mechanical bits. The new K 1200 R Sport is available in two color variants interpreting the character of this semi-fairing Roadster in a different way each time.
White-Aluminium metallic matte paint (photo above) is a special metallic paintwork that gives the bike a technological look. The matte surfaces generate minimal reflections, thus emphasizing the specific lines and contours of the motorcycle through the interaction of light and shade.
The engine and chassis components finished in black, in turn, create a clear and distinctive contrast giving the overall machine a particularly muscular and straightforward look.
Cosmic Blue is the second color option, and BMW says that it places greater emphasis on the motorcycle’s sporting flair. This color highlights the dynamic lines of the machine and accentuates the semi-fairing in an even more impressive manner, with the engine and suspension components finished in silver rounding off the overall impression of the new K 1200 R Sport.
Range of Equipment
Optional extras and special equipment include a wide range of special equipment on the K 1200 R Sport, mainly carried over from the K 1200 R. And while most of the options are installed at the factory, special equipment is also available to be installed the BMW Motorcycle Dealer.
Options Include (Items marked with an * are available also as special equipment from BMW Motorcycle Dealers):
- Heated grips
- BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (semi-integral)
- Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA)
- TPC Tire Pressure Control
- Anti-theft warning system
- Low 31.1″ seat ((790 mm)*
- Optional wider wheels with 190-format rear tire
- Luggage rack*
- White direction indicators (LED indicators available from 2/07)*
- Tinted windshield
- Supports for sports cases
- Sports cases variable in capacity
- Luggage rack*
- Regular and small sized tank bags
- Center stand
- BMW Motorrad Navigator GPS navigation system and mounting
- Sports muffler
BMW K1200R Sport Horsepower and Torque Curves
BMW K 1200 R Sport High Performance Parts
With the introduction of the K 1200 R Sport, BMW is launching a new initiative in the accessories market tailored specifically to the brand’s most sporting models: BMW Motorrad High Performance Parts.
These accessories provide the customer the opportunity to customize the motorcycles to their individual tastes and style. BMW claims that the new products offer the highest standard of good looks, function and quality. The range of BMW Motorrad High Performance Parts will be greatly expanded over the year and will be carried over to other models in future.
For the K 1200 R Sport, the High Performance Parts catalog includes custom footrests and carbon fiber parts for the seat cover, front fender, spoiler and clutch cover.