BMW R 1200 R

If you're looking for a bike with zero pretensions that's all attitude, the R 1200 R is your ride. From blazing performance in the twisties to long distance touring to blasts around the city this is a supremely capable motorcycle that offers exhilarating performance. Featuring a generous 109hp, the new R 1200 R has the horsepower torque and acceleration to create thrills with every mile. Add the latest version of BMW Integral ABS and Automatic Stability Control, and the R 1200 R is as sure-footed as it is exciting. Handling is remarkably precise thanks to the Telelever front suspension and the motorcycle's low center of gravity. Now every turn becomes a pulse-quickening experience no matter where the pavement takes you.

Powerful character for pure motorcycling joy - the BMW R1200R. The 1200cc generates an output of 109 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. The perfect suspension has no trouble at all with the weight of 223 kg (fully fuelled). You could load up the same again and still enjoy the almost playful and truly convincing handling of this motorcycle. Combined with exemplary safety equipment, a timeless yet modern, high-quality and sporty design, the BMW R1200R is truly a multi-talented motorcycle.

The BMW R 1200 R is a classic roadster, yet one which is far ahead of its time thanks to its state-of-the-art technology.

But its confident attitude doesn’t come by accident. After all, 80 kW (109 hp) and 115 Nm peak torque are bound to make a name for themselves. The unique style of the R 1200 R is a testament to the fact that only true originals can be one of a kind. The R 1200 R is a superb all-around talent on the road. One the one hand it is a powerful and sporty curve raider, while on the other it is a comfortable yet unflappable travel companion on longer tours. The R 1200 R can be tailor-made to the rider’s needs with a wide array of accessories. Whether it’s a sporty, a traditional or a more touring-oriented naked bike you desire, the BMW R 1200 R is always a faithful companion.

This roadster is a bike of many talents. Relishing the corners on the one hand and a supremely comfortable travelling companion on the other. Moreov­er it can be customised with a wide range of accessories to suit your every need (including BMW's groundbreaking Automatic Stability Control). The classy design will catch many an eye and the high-quality construction can be seen and felt everywhere. Pure BMW, the R 1200 R features proven technology that will impress you time and time again - qualities that, once experienced, you'll not want to do without.

The BMW R 1200 R - modern power, exclusive looks and a truly classic naked bike.  

Features and Specifications

Standard Equipment:
Heated Grips
Closed 3-way Catalytic Converter

Available Equipment:
Anti-Theft Alarm System
Low Seat (770mm)
High Seat (830mm)
Luggage Brackets
Windshield
White Turn Indicators
Lowering Kit (750 mm)

Safety Package:
Tire Pressure Control
Automatic Stability Control
ABS Brakes

Equipment Package
On Board Computer
Centre Stand

Equipment Package 2:
Chromed Exhaust
Electronic Suspension Adjustment
On Board Computer
Centre Stand

Touring Package
Chromed Exhaust
Luggage Rack and Brackets
Sport Windshield
On Board Computer
Centre Stand
White Turn Indicators
Comfort Seat

Review

Three Naked Euros

If you have a young child, you know that they have more fun when they are naked. Come to think of it, doesn't everybody have more fun when they're naked? Motorcycling is actually an exception; the rider gets either very cold or very sunburned, plus nude riding is illegal in most parts of the world.

However, that doesn't mean your bike can't be naked. There is something very appealing about the elemental, basic look of a motorcycle that is free of windshield and bodywork. With nothing covering the mechanical elements, the observer sees the basic nature of what makes motorcycling wonderful; a big engine and a pair of wheels. It's saying to the world: this is all we need to move around and have a good time.

 Subscribe! Or Repent!

Every manufacturer offers such a machine, and here at MO we have a fondness for the biggest, fastest and best-handling around. In August we tested the offerings of the Japanese factories, picking Yamaha's FZ-1 as the victor. But a hue and cry rose from our discussion boards; where are the European bikes in this test?

Luckily, Aprilia's people called us up and asked if we wanted to ride around on a new Tuono 1000R for a few weeks. We had barely hung up the phone when we got a call from BMW's Ministry of Corporate Communications inviting us to the launch of their R1200R naked twin. And the nice people at Cagiva offered us the use of the fearsome and beautiful MV Agusta Brutale 910S. Sometimes we have to do a lot of organizing for comparison tests to happen, and sometimes they kind of fall into our laps.

With three bikes in place, we needed an expert in both being nude and owning exotic bikes. Perhaps you remember MOron Buzglyd? Arthur "Buzz" Waloch has been a friend-of-MO for years, assisting us with our first Euro-streetfighters story in 2004. He also owned a Brutale 750, so who better to come along, give us some riding impressions and help do his part to correct Southern California's massive fried-food trade imbalance?

So how did they stack up? Let's find out.

The Contenders

2007 BMW R1200R
$13,025 ($14,990 as tested) 102.08hp 79.12 ft-lbs 437 pounds (claimed dry weight)

We here at MO think there is a psychiatric ward somewhere for motorcycle designers and product planners driven mad by the conflicting and intricate demands made by the motorcycling public. We're also guessing there is a separate locked, padded chamber for ex-BMW employees. We feel for them, as BMW tries really hard to give motorcycle consumers what they want while still trying to maintain their own unique identity. But they can only do so much; give it the power and equipment riders want and they complain it's too expensive and heavy. Make it lighter and less expensive and they say it's not a real BMW. It's enough to make you want to drink Jagermeister.

Lately, BMW has been getting closer to hitting the nail on the oil-cooled head. The spinning-propellerites have in the last few years have offered both a 150hp superbike and a 100-plus horsepower version of their oil-cooled boxer twin. They've even started using frames. Last year they introduced the beautiful and sporty high-performance R1200S, and for 2007 they present the naked roadster version of that bike, the R1200R.

We sent Pete to the R1200R intro in Dana Point, CA, where he learned some more about what makes the R1200R an important new model for BMW. Although BMW's PR people and engineers greatly stressed the electronic innovations like the partial-integral ABS and the quasi-traction control ASC system, there are plenty of changes in the chassis, suspension and motor.

Get Up to Date With BMW's Acronym Frenzy

Partial-Integral ABS ($1040)

Out with those noisy, power-assisted integrated ABS brakes and in with the latest-generation, partial-integral-valve system ABS.

We've seen heavier hair dryers...

We've seen heavier hair dryers...
Step into the way-back machine and set the dial for 1988. That's where you'll find BMW's first -- and first in the world on a bike -- ABS system, weighing in at a healthy 24.5 lbs. Fast forward and boy how times have changed. Gone is the fully-integrated set up (use the front, and braking pressure is applied to the rear to a small degree; apply the foot pedal and to a lesser degree the front brake is applied as well, whether you like it or not) and in its place is an ultra-simple Bosch system weighing just a little over three pounds. And it keeps rear-wheel braking where it belongs -- in the rear!

It seems BMW heard the cries of the media -- and more importantly the buying public -- and opted to update and simplify their ABS. This current generation -- number four, if you want to be technical -- of BMW ABS is actually an enhanced version of the BOSCH system introduced on the F650GS in 2000. Front braking is effected in the traditional sense in that a simple hydraulic circuit applies pressure on the rotors when you apply pressure at the brake lever. The "partial" part comes into play when an electronically controlled hydraulic pump gradually builds and applies pressure to the rear when the rider squeezes the front lever. But try to get the front brakes to work by simply pushing on the rear brake pedal and you'll be disappointed -- or very happy. Two completely separate circuits are in operation. The cynics among you will be happy to hear that the front brakes will have the familiar feel of any other bike out there. One advantage is that you won't have to make a mental note after transitioning from a bike with this new ABS system to a non-ABS equipped. Many of you probably learned this the hard way on previous Beemer systems.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Unlike the power-assisted days of yore -- when the bike's ignition switch had to be on to activate full braking power -- this newest generation doesn't play by those rules. You can coast along with the ignition off and still get full braking power sansABS. Anyone familiar with previous versions will recall that half-there mushy feeling you got when the power was out. Scary.

Is this a picture of the Krebs Cycle?

Is this a picture of the Krebs Cycle?
The partial ABS setup will be working its way into much of the BMW line over the next couple of model years, save for the mighty K1200LT. The LT will retain fully-integrated ABS, due mainly to the bike's heft. The R1200 GS/GS Adventure will not only have the partial-integral ABS system, but it will come with the ability to deactivate the ABS should the rider see fit to do so during certain off-road encounters. Yet, even when ABS is deactivated, the partial-integral aspect remains.

That's the simple, layman's version. If you want the complicated version laden with tech-jargon phrases like, "...outlet valve arranged in parallel..." and "analogue pressure management", you won't find it here; this is MO, the short bus of motorcycling publications. Just ask BMW to send you their pamphlet. Their description of the new ABS is only six pages or so.

ASC: Coming Soon to Some BMWs Near You (available only with ABS, $365)

Take line 22 to the Main Station, then transfer to the Q line for Baxter Park. Once there, ask for a woman named "Gina".

Take line 22 to the Main Station, then transfer to the Q line for Baxter Park. Once there, ask for a woman named "Gina".
Calling it the "logical counterpart to ABS", BMW will be introducing their ASC (Automatic Stability Control) system on a smattering of bikes beginning in February 2007 here in the US. Specifically, the K1200GT and all Boxer models -- except for the R1200S -- will be the first to add yet another acronym to their spec charts. One more note along the lines of exclusivity: ASC is only available in conjunction with ABS.

The simplistic explanation of this traction control system -- BMW uses this term loosely -- is as follows: if the rear wheel is spinning faster than the front wheel, the bike's ECU cuts power to keep it on pace.

At the risk of sounding too austere with the above definition, we'll look a little further into what it takes to keep both wheels turning in harmony. Utilizing wheel sensors from the ABS system, the ASC monitors wheel speeds and then "applies diagnostic functions" from the sensors. It's not so much the ASC as it is the bike's computer brain that determines wheel spin by comparing the difference in speeds between the front and rear. If the rear starts to go off, the ECU will first reduce torque output by retarding ignition timing. Failing that measure, the next step is to cut -- not reduce -- fueling for whatever length of time necessary. Obviously this will be a matter of milliseconds.

Someday we will be able to replace all this with a baboon's heart.

Someday we will be able to replace all this with a baboon's heart.
How will you know this is happening? In theory, the mini-symphony of electronic yesses and nos should happen without your personal ECU ever picking up on the tragedy that never was. But should you start to accuse BMW of cavorting carelessly with your God given "right to know", fear not, they've made concessions and you can expect a flashing indicator on the control panel. And if you think you're smarter than the average electronic control unit, you can disable the ASC completely at the push of a button. It's worth noting that ASC operates as part of the greater engine control electronics system and has no special control device of its own. Ghost in the machine?

If when purchasing your R1200GS you decide to hop it up further by adding ASC, you'll want to be aware that it will come with on-road and off-road modes. The off-road mode accounts for additional wheel spin and allows more slip-slidin' to occur. Simply switch between modes by toggling the ASC button. Be warned though, BMW clearly states that the off-road setting is a no-no in on-road environs.

Finally, BMW wants very much to emphasize that their ASC is not some magical wand that will turn you from the road toad you are into some flawless canyon strafer freed from the constraints of physics. As they plainly put it, ASC "does not relieve the rider from the need to use engine power appropriately when leaning over to a low angle." That has to be about as frank as BMW can be, so we'll take the liberty to translate: You can't ride slipshod and expect to get away with it, ASC or not!

For one thing, BMW's wizards somehow managed to unlock 102 rear-wheel horsepower out of an engine that traditionally never made much more than 80. To do this, they used the new-for-2004 R1200GS motor and gave it a larger airbox, pointier camshafts and a 12.0:1 compression ratio. That re-designed GS motor also donated its balance shaft for smoother top-end operation. Like Harley-Davidson's re-designed Sportster motors, the smoother functioning allows prolonged high-speed use without damaging bike or rider, while making power previously unknown to air-cooled twins. Our test unit made 102hp on MO's Dynojet Dynomometer, compared to the R1150R's anemic 80.3 the last time we tested an 1150 engine. It isn't all peak power, either; the R makes a class-crushing 79.12 ft-lbs of torque, which wouldn't be bad for a power cruiser, much less a naked standard. Boat trailer, anyone?

This gem is solidly-mounted into a tube-steel and aluminum composite thingee that parks the two double-spoke wheels (encased in sportbike-spec Michelin Pilot Road rubber, 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear) 58.9 inches apart. The back wheel is bolted to a single-sided Paralever driveshaft/swingarm that uses a preload-and-rebound-adjustable monoshock. Leading the way is BMW's wishbone-shaped Telelever suspension, with an automotive-style swingarm locating a non-adjustable monoshock. Braking is handled by a pair of 320mm floating rotors in front gripped by fixed four-piston calipers, with a two-piston caliper and a 264mm disc in back. Our test unit had the optional ($1,040) Integral ABS II, and the whole thing weighs in at 437 pounds dry (claimed).

To complete the package, there's a superbike-bend tube-steel handlebar, a steel -- steel, by God! -- 4.6 gallon fuel tank, a nice big seat that's available in three heights (30.3, 31.5 and 32.7 inches) and a big, highly-legible instrument panel with a digital speedometer and analog tachometer. Our bike had the optional on-board computer ($225), which tells you how you're going to run out of gas three different ways, as well as how cold (or hot) you are, what gear you're in and other bits of info. Our test bike was also equipped with heated grips ($235), the Sport windshield ($210), saddlebag mounts ($135, even though the saddlebags won't be available until February) and a very useful centerstand ($120).

On board the big black Bavarian, a prospective rider instantly notes a very comfortable and ergonomic experience. The "bar, footpeg and saddle triangle is the most comfortable of the three" said Pete, who in his advanced years craves comfort above all else. The bars were a little high for little Gabe-o, but he didn't complain too much; he thought the ergos were as "close to perfect as [he's] found." Pete also liked the styling; the bodywork and frame look "simple and clean", with a minimal tailsection and a normal-looking headlight, unlike the weird Buck Rodgers spaceship styling of past Beemers. In fact, if it wasn't for the big cylinders sticking out like Prince Charles' ears the bike almost doesn't look like a BMW, at least not until Fonzie strapped his German shepherd-sized camera bag to it, when Buzz said, "now it looks like a BMW."

Source  Motorcycle.com