BMW Motorrad and the roadster with the flat-twin boxer engine – it’s a partnership that has kept enthusiasts enthralled ever since the arrival of the R 32 some 91 years ago, during which time the roadster has come to symbolise the ultimate in unadulterated motorcycling pleasure. And especially so when the propulsive power stems from the classic boxer engine with its inimitable character and glorious sound. From cruising along serenely, to powering down country roads, to touring with a passenger and luggage, the boxer-engined roadster models from BMW Motorrad have always made for the ideal partner. The new R1200 R upholds this tradition of comfort, dynamism and touring capability, at the same time as putting a new slant on the alluring blend.
The flat-twin boxer engine on the new R1200 R is the same DOHC drive unit that already powers the R1200 GS and R1200 GS Adventure as well as the R1200 RT and the new R1200 RS. It produces 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm and develops its peak torque of 125 Nm (92 lb‑ft) at 6,500 rpm. Compared to the engine on its predecessor, not only has torque been increased substantially throughout the rev range, but delivery is now more uniform too. The exhaust gases are routed through a 2-in-1 exhaust system with a dynamic-looking, steeply angled rear silencer. A modified airbox and newly shaped air intake snorkels, as well as a centrally positioned radiator, all lend themselves to the slender front silhouette to which all roadsters aspire.
For optimum adaptation to the rider’s individual needs, the new R 1200 R already comes equipped as standard with the two riding modes “Rain” and “Road”. Besides ABS, the standard specification also includes Automatic Stability Control (ASC) for increased handling safety when accelerating. And when specified with the optional Riding mode Pro feature, the new R1200 R also adds Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking detection as well as two extra riding modes – “Dynamic” and “User” – to its technical repertoire.
A new tubular steel bridge frame incorporating the flat-twin engine as a self-supporting element was purpose-developed for the new R1200 R. With an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear, the wheel suspension remains true to classical roadster principles that have been updated in typical BMW Motorrad fashion. Excellent steering precision, directional accuracy, handling and braking rigidity were all top priorities when configuring the chassis – and all while never losing sight of the overriding objective for the new R1200 R of creating an exceptionally dynamic roadster for the keen rider, whose design language is derived from the S1000 RR superbike.
Opting for the latest generation of the electronically controlled suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) takes the dynamic riding experience to even greater heights. With its two damping settings “Road” and “Dynamic”, Dynamic ESA enables the rider to enjoy unprecedented levels of handling safety, performance and comfort, as the damping is automatically adapted to the prevailing riding conditions to suit the riding situation and the manoeuvres being carried out. Even the instrumentation of the new R1200 R takes a quantum leap into a new roadster era. The speed is displayed in traditional fashion by an analogue speedometer, but there is also a TFT display for showing a wide array of information.
The BMW Motorrad boxer roadsters have always enjoyed a reputation for being the perfect companions for everyday use. The new BMW R1200 R fuses these all-round credentials with both significantly sharper performance and a contemporary, pared-down roadster look. The dynamic proportions, with the low-set front and the light, almost delicate-looking tail jutting up at the rear, give the bike a slight wedge shape and leave no doubt as to its sporting prowess, along with its many other talents. Three colour and finish variants each underline the powerful character of the new R1200 R, but in their own individual way. This results in a choice of three decidedly different styling variants: the basic colour in Cordoba blue non-metallic, the “Style 1” variant in Light white non-metallic with frame in Racing red, and the “Style 2” variant in Thunder grey metallic with frame in Agate grey metallic matt.
Highlights of the new BMW R1200 R
- Classic flat-twin boxer engine with 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm and 125 Nm (92 lb‑ft) at 6,500 rpm.
- Dynamic-looking, compelling roadster design.
- Torsionally rigid tubular steel bridge frame with engine as self-supporting element.
- Classic wheel suspension concept using upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear.
- New intake air duct and central radiator for ultra-compact front silhouette.
- Upright seating position with front bias for a dynamic riding sensation combined with excellent seating comfort for longer tours.
- Restyled exhaust system in pentagonal design.
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
- “Rain” and “Road” riding modes.
- Riding mode Pro offering two additional riding modes, “Dynamic” and “User”, for optimum adaptation to prevailing riding conditions as an ex-works option.
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as part of the Riding mode Pro option.
- Latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as an option for optimum riding dynamics in any situation.
- Powerful braking system with radial four-piston callipers and ABS.
- Lightweight 10-spoke cast wheels.
- Gear Shift Assistant Pro for fast, clutchless shifting as an ex-works option.
Sophisticated instrument cluster offering a wide array of functions and wealth of information. - Keyless Ride for supreme ease of use as an ex-works option.
- Innovative colour scheme with three individual characters: Basic colour, “Style 1” and “Style 2”.
- Extensive range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.
