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. The new R 1200
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 R 1200 R is the same DOHC drive unit that already powers the R 1200 GS
and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the R 1200 RT and the new R 1200 RS. It
produces 125 hp at 7,750 rpm and develops its peak torque of 125 Nm at 6,500
rpm. Compared to the engine on its predecessor, the torque has 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 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.
ABS, ASC and two riding modes are
standard. Riding mode Pro with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) come as an
optional extra.
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 R 1200 R also adds Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
with banking detection as well as two extra riding modes – “Dynamic” and “User”
– to its technical repertoire.
The bike has a tubular steel
bridge frame with the engine as a self-supporting element. Wheel suspension comes
with upside-down telescopic fork and EVO Paralever.
A new tubular steel bridge
frame incorporating the flat-twin engine as a self-supporting element was
purpose-developed for the new R 1200 R. It has an upside-down telescopic fork
at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear.
Picture of the new BMW R 1200 R