BMW R 1200 R Review

BMW R 1200 R Ridden And Reviewed by Trevor Hedge

BMW’s R 1200 R has always been a bit of an oddball in the modern motorcycling world. Classified as a Roadster, rather than a regular nakedbike, it has previously presented somewhat of an old school approach to motorcycling.

The 1,130cc R 1150 R came about in 2001, and grew to become the 1,170cc R 1200 R in 2006, losing 25kg of weight in the transition.

2015 has seen the biggest change to the model since the 1994 R 1100 R. The boxer powered roadster concept, however, stretches right back to the original R32 produced in 1923.

For some people, these R machines are what the BMW brand is all about.

While still no stunning beauty, it has grown a lot more handsome, in what has primarily been a huge technological tour de force makeover, that sees the R 1200 R now a rolling showcase for the best motorcycle technology currently available.

The best bit is, you don’t have to tick an option box to get all that technology, as Australian delivered R 1200 R machines come with all the trinkets as standard.

That is, however, also realised in the base price, which, from $21,950, plus on roads, is starting to get up there. However, it also represents considerable savings over the more touring oriented R 1200 RT, or sports-touring oriented R 1200 RS, and thus the R 1200 R is the cheapest entry ticket in to the water-cooled Boxer club.

Along with that new water-cooloed boxer engine, another marked change for 2015 is that the much loved Telelever front end has made way for a more conventional set of forks. A move necessitated by the plumbing required by the latest generation water-cooled Boxer engine, as derived from the R 1200 GS.

BMW R 1200 R Standard Features (Australian Market Only)

Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard, part-integral, can be switched off)
Cruise Control
Comfort Package
– Chrome Exhaust
– Heated Grips
– RDC Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Dynamic Package 1
– DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
– Daytime Running Light
– Headlight Pro
– Riding Mode Pro
– Windshield Sport
– White LED Indicators