2015 Bmw R1200r
2015 BMW R1200R
IGNITION
FIRST RIDE
Roadster done right
Peter Jones
The new BMW R1200R is naked and smart. It’s a boxer with an advanced degree and multiple rider assists. As BMW calls it, it’s a roadster for the 21st century.
The new liquid-cooled 1,170cc, “vertically aspirated” opposed-twin powers the bike.
It produces a claimed 125 hp at 7,750 rpm and peak torque of 92 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm. Its throttle bodies are on top of the heads, with the exhaust ports on the bottom, and its efficiency is
beyond reproach.
Drive is through a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and a shaft to the rear wheel. The engine’s a stressed member, hanging from a steel “bridge” frame. The inverted fork (no Telelever!), with 45mm tubes, is available two ways—as an unadjustable Marzocchi unit paired with a Sachs shock, or as a Sachs Electronic Suspension Adjustment arrangement with a Marzocchi shock that has ESA
preload and damping.
Fork angle is 27.7 degrees, and the trail is at a long 4.9 inches. An EVO Paralever does the business in the rear.
There’s an onboard computer with multifunctional display modes, and the optional Computer Pro adds more than a half-dozen functions. Keyless Ride is optional, with a powered fork lock and fuel-cap release.
The ESA software is by BMW. All R1200RS have ABS,
Automatic Stability Control (ASC), and two riding modes: Rain and Road. Switching between ride modes can take place on the fly. Optional Riding Mode Pro features Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and two additional riding modes: Dynamic and User.
DTC features sensors that detect bank angle.
Optional Gear Shift Assistant Pro is a hoot. When downshifting, close the throttle and the bike automatically “double-declutches” to match engine speed. When shifting up, just hold the throttle open and grab a gear. Two radial-mounted four-piston calipers and 320mm discs are out front, with a 276mm single disc and twopiston caliper out back.
There are three seat heights to choose from at purchase, and the Ri200Rhas an extensive option list. It’s the best-equipped, naked performer you’ll find today.
The R1200R is so easy to ride you’ll swear it’s been your regular streetbike for a dozen
years. We rode an R1200R outfitted with all of the ridercontrol options, but since our ride was in rain we left it in Rain mode most of the time. Yet, even with that, available power was never a concern in the few dry spots. No, the bike doesn’t storm down the highway in Rain, but smooth power delivery is there in any gear at basically any rpm. On tight roads the bike was usually left in second gear but could pull fourth just fine.
ABS is appreciated on wet roads. In general, the braking, like everything else this bike does, is without flaw, glitch, worry, or stress.
Because of the rain, we couldn’t evaluate the performance reaches of the ESA suspension or Dynamic mode full throttling to redline. That said, the R1200R was supple yet proper, with controlled chassis pitch even with its “normal” fork. Steering is neutral, but final judgment is out; spending a day on tight, wet roads is not the best measure of handling.
From what we experienced, the new BMW R1200R is a highly successful mix of raw motorcycling and refined performance, all assembled in a handsome, naked package with tons of optional equipment.
Just don’t hate it for being so smart and talented. ETU
SPECS
2015 BMW
R1200R
BASE PRICE:
$13,950
ENGINE:
Airand liquid-cooled DOHC opposed-twin DISPLACEMENT:
1170cc
SEAT HEIGHT:
29.9 in./31.1 in./
32.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY:
4.7 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT:
508 lb.
