BMW Motorrad has water-cooled their roadster for a more spirited experience.
The R 1200 R is one of three new or updated models BMW has unveiled at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. the others are the S 1000 RR and the R 1200 RS.
While the R nineT released earlier this year produces 81kW at 75000 revs, the R 1200 R produces 92kW at 7750rpm and develops its peak torque of 125Nm at 6500rpm compared with 119Nm at 6000 revs.
BMW Australia has announced pricing for the R 1200 R as $21,950 +orc which is $2700 more than the previous model, while the RS is $22,350 and an RS Exclusive is the same price.
\Both the R and RS use the same flat-twin boxer engine as the R1200GS, R1200GS Adventure, R1200RT and R1200RS. The central front radiator on the R has been cleverly integrated into the naked design and slightly hidden behind side shrouds so that it doesn’t look out of place or spoil the design, although it does look a little “plump” from the front. However, it’s not as clean a design as the R nineT.
The R 1200 R comes in three colours and finishes: Cordoba blue non-metallic, the “Style1/Sport” variant in Light white non-metallic with frame in Racing red, and the “Style2/Exclusive” variant in Thunder grey metallic with frame in Agate grey metallic matt.
The R 1200 R and RS get all the usual BMW hi-tech rider aids such as ABS, ASC and two riding modes (rain and Road) and Riding mode Pro with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). BMW Motorrad Australia says we will get Pro riding mode with DTC as standard. It will arrive in Australia in February or March, but there is no word on pricing yet.
The DTC has the S 1000 RR’s banking detection to activation during cornering plus two extra riding modes – Dynamic and User, which we assume means you can set it to what you like.
It sits on a tubular steel bridge frame with the engine as a self-supporting element and has conventional upside-down telescopic forks with an EVO Paralever plus the latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) to suit riding situations. It has damping settings for Road and Dynamic which varies automatically with the prevailing conditions.
For those who have ever used BMW’s Gear Shift Assistant Pro, they will be pleased to see the fast-shifting, clutchless feature is an option.
The instrument cluster includes an analogue speedometer and TFT screen with the optional BMW onboard computer. It also has the new Keyless Ride as an option.
The Australian standard specifications are the Comfort Package with tyre pressure monitors, chrome exhaust, heated grips; or Dynamic Package with Riding Mode Pro/DTC, daytime riding light, Headlight Pro, sport windshield and white LED Indicators.
Optional equipment
- Touring Package: Dynamic ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment, On Board Computer Pro, Preparation for GPS Device, Cruise Control, centre stand, luggage grid, pannier fastenings, keyless ignition, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, anti-theft alarm, high or low seat and black comfort passenger seat.
- Sport (Style1): Special “light white” paint, tank cover “Pure”, engine spoiler and “Windshield Pure” (Excludes Windshield Sport).
- Exclusive (Style 2): Thunder Grey Metallic paint, Tank Cover Pure.
- Accessories include HP parts, luggage, LED indicators, engine spoiler, heated grips, Akrapović exhaust, GPS, alarm, centre stand, windshields and varied seats.
The RS is much the dame, but with a half fairing, twin headlights a higher 820mm seat height, weighs 25kg more and comes in metallic blue, metallic grey or granite grey.
BMW R 1200 RS