The new BMW R 1200 RS for 2015
BMW Motorrad and the legendary RS production bikes – a model badge that continues to symbolise travel and sport in equal measure. In 1976, the R100RS became the first mass-produced motorcycle in the world to come with a full, frame-mounted fairing that had been developed in the wind tunnel. With the arrival of the new R1200RS, BMWMotorrad is continuing this long tradition.
The flat-twin boxer engine on the new R1200RS is the same DOHC drive unit that already powers the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the R 1200 RT and the new R 1200 R. It produces 92kW (125hp) at 7,750rpm and develops its peak torque of 125Nm (92 lb‑ft) at 6,500rpm. Compared to the engines on the GS, GS Adventure and RT, torque has actually been increased slightly at low revs. The exhaust gases are routed through a 2-in-1 exhaust system with a rear silencer that is steeply angled for dynamic effect.
A modified airbox, newly shaped air intake snorkels and a centrally positioned radiator all lend themselves to a slender, sporty and dynamic-looking front silhouette.
For optimum adaptation to the rider’s individual needs, the new R1200RS 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, with the optional Riding mode Pro feature, the new R1200RS 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 R1200RS. With an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear, the wheel suspension adopts the classic chassis technology of dynamic sports tourers, but updated in typical BMWMotorrad fashion. Excellent steering precision, directional accuracy, neutral handling and braking rigidity were all a top priority when configuring the chassis. All while never losing sight of the overriding objective for the new R1200RS of creating an exceptionally dynamic RS model for the keen rider, whose design language has been derived from the S 1000 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.
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 BMWMotorradRS models have always enjoyed a reputation for being the perfect all-rounders. The new BMWR1200RS fuses these credentials with both sharp performance and a sporty, dynamic design. The aerodynamically styled semi-fairing with twin headlights forms the “face” of the new BMWR1200RS and makes the fusion of tourer and sports machine plain to see. The dynamic proportions, with the low-set front and the delicately styled 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. Two colour and finish variants each underline the powerful character of the new R1200RS, but in their own individual way. This results in a choice of two different styling variants: the classically sporty basic colours Lupin blue metallic / Light grey metallic and the sporty and exclusive “Style2” variant in Granite grey metallic matt.
Highlights of the new BMWR1200RS:
- Classic flat-twin boxer engine with 92kW (125hp) at 7,750rpm and 125Nm (92 lb‑ft) at 6,500 rpm.
- Sporty and dynamic sports tourer design.
- Aerodynamically styled semi-fairing with adjustable windshield.
- 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, sporty yet relaxed seating position for a dynamic riding sensation combined with excellent seating comfort for longer tours.
- 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 two individual characters, classically sporty in the basic colours and sporty and exclusive in the “Style2” variant.
- Extensive range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.
The new R 1200 RS is expected to arrive on Australian shores in mid 2015.
Full Gallery of images featuring the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS
BMW R 1200 RS (2015) Specifications
- Displacement cm3 1170
- Bore/stroke mm 101/73
- Output kW/hp 92/125 at rpm 7750
- Torque Nm 125 at rpm 6500
- Type air/liquid-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine
- No. of cylinders 2
- Compression/fuel 12.5:1, premium unleaded (95 RON)
- Valve actuation DOHC
- Valves per cylinder 4
- Ø Intake/outlet mm 40/34
- Ø Throttle valve mm 52
- Mixture preparation BMS-X
- Alternator W 508
- Battery V/Ah 12/12 maintenance-free
- Headlight W H7/LED (optional)
- Starter kW 0.9
- Clutch anti-hopping oil-bath clutch
- Gearbox constant mesh 6-speed gearbox
- Final drive cardan shaft
- Frame construction type tubular steel bridge frame, engine self-supporting
- Suspension, front upside-down telescopic fork
- Suspension, rear BMW EVO Paralever
- Spring travel, front/rear mm 140/140
- Wheel castor mm 114,8
- Wheelbase mm 1 530
- Steering head angle ° 62,3
- Brakes front hydraulically actuated twin-disc brake Ø 320 mm, rear single-disc brake Ø 276 mm
- ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard, part-integral, can be switched off)
- Tyres – 120/70ZR17 (F), 180/55ZR17 (R)
- L x W – 2203 x 998
- Seat Height – 820mm
- Unladen weight road ready – 236kg
- Fuel Capacity – 18 litres
