BikeTest: BMW R1200 R
This is the successor to the highly successful R1150R which was launched in 2001. Since then almost 60,000 have been sold.
Unlike the recently introduced K1200R this is not the sort of aggressive-looking machine only its mother could love.
It is best described as a roadster which retains the classic-style looks of the R1150R. In short, it looks like a "proper" motorcycle.
For all its classic looks , there is nothing dated about this bike, it is bang up-to-date, bristling with high-tech and innovation. The options include a new and much improved type of Integral ABS for €1,230.
Initially, BMW wrongly claimed that their ASC - Automatic Stability Control (€ 330) - was the first to be fitted to a production motorcycle, disregarding the fact that for a short period during the 1990s this was an option on the Honda ST1100 Pan-European.
ESA - Electronic Suspension Adjustment (€ 770) - which we first saw and experienced on the current R1200RT is now available. TPC - Tyre Pressure Control (€240) will be available for 2007.
The options apart, the standard machine now uses the much improved, much lighter version of the Boxer engine. It incorporates a balance shaft, which was first seen on the R1200GS with an 80kW power output that provides a 28 per cent improvement.
Similarly the torque at 115Nm is up 17 per cent while the weight at 223kg - road ready and fully fuelled - is down by 20kg. It is now the most powerful Boxer roadster of all time.
The gearbox is six-speed and now features a shorter secondary transmission ratio which means that sixth gear is a normal riding gear not a downhill overdrive.
The latest generation electronic CAN-bus engine management system is used. It gives a smooth power delivery and incorporates automatic idle speed control, an automatic choke and an anti-knock control for when low grade fuel has to be used. The engine will run on 95 RON but not as well as with 98 RON.
Our test machine did not have the optional Electronic Suspension System, but having experienced it under all manner of circumstances and conditions on the R1200RT it is an option that anyone riding with varying loads, solo, pillion, luggage or no-luggage would find indispensable.
As is common with BMW, the wiring is a Single-Wire-System with CAN-bus technology. Gone are the days of a big, thick, multi-coloured wiring loom. BMW claim this "enables the service technician to read date and/or re-define existing parameters," which translates into "there's not a whole lot you can do at home," but seemingly this is the way the vast majority of riders want it.
As one would expect from BMW, the list of possible extras, additional to those already mentioned above is vast.
All-year-round riders can ensure that their machine is comfortable in the worst of weather with a choice of two windshields, and heated grips whilst the "dry Sundays only" brigade probably would not need them.
System cases - 32-litre capacity panniers to most of us - are available. They are the same as used on the R1200RT and ST. The riding position is comfortable, the handlebars seem rather wide set, but after a few moments seem perfectly normal.
There is no doubt that this is a big, powerful machine. It is not heavy but there is no question that you are on top of a lot of serious power and torque. This makes for effortless, civilised riding.
On the straight the bike just wafts along, as briskly as can be, yet in the most unhurried manner. When it come to accelerating and cornering something, maybe the extended Telelever, despite being fitted with a steering damper, makes the front end a little flighty.
In terms of braking, the front brakes are very good but the rear brake kicked in the ABS with very little effort. The instruments comprise analogue speed and rev counter, stacked one above the other with the usual, highly informative LCD panel to the right. Should more information be needed an on-board computer can be added.
The rider's section of the seat is narrow at the front end, thus in effect lowering the actual height. The pillon section is narrow, very firm and there is nothing to hold on to, apart from a strap across the seat.
Would fitting grab handles have really ruined the aesthetics?
It is a good bike, an interesting one, potentially a good all-rounder. With a decent screen and some sensible pillion provision it would be a fine tourer.
Tech Spec
ENGINE: 1,170cc 2-cylinder, 8-valveBoxer. 80kW (109bhp) @ 7500rpm, 115Nm (85lb-ft) @ 6000rpm. Fuel injected, catalytic converter. Six-speed gearbox, shaft drive
CHASSIS: Tubular steel spaceframe. Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension; travel 120/140. Brakes, front; dual 320mm disks, rear single 265mm disk. Optional: Integral ABS, ASC (traction control) ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) and TPC (tyre pressure control)
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 1,495mm. Kerb weight:223kg. Fuel: 18 litres
PERFORMANCE: Consumption: 4.1 to 5.5 ltr/100km @ 90 and 120 km/h
ACCELERATION: 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs. Top speed 200 km/h plus
PRICE: €13,900