BMW has introduced two new attractive models at Intermot, including the naked R 1200 R and the R 1200 RS sport tourer. Both bikes get the liquid cooled, 125 hp boxer twin, as well as conventional upside-down forks (no Telelever). Simple and attractive, in our opinion, the RS also features more comfortable, upright ergonomics than past iterations.
What follows is a brief statement by BMW about each model, followed with a detailed press release for the RS (largely identical to the R model), but with added features:
The Boxer roadster. The popular R 1200 R has been made more dynamic, more powerful and even more enjoyable.
- Stunning new look and design in three exclusive colour schemes
- Sporty Boxer roadster with touring potential
- Powered by the new liquid-cooled 125 hp Boxer engine
- Upside down telescopic forks and EVO Paralever at the rear
- ASC traction control, ABS and two riding modes as standard
- Optional Dynamic ESA and Dynamic Traction Control
- Gear Shift Assistant Pro and Keyless Ride as optional extras
A new dimension in sports touring. Whether darting along country roads, revelling in its dynamic performance with a passenger on board or going on a long touring holiday – the new R 1200 RS takes sports touring to a whole new and truly thrilling level.
- Sporty and dynamic sports tourer motorcycle
- Poised yet relaxed seating position offers excellent comfort for longer tours
- Powered by the 125 hp liquid-cooled Boxer engine as seen in the R 1200 GS
- ASC traction control, ABS and two riding modes as standard
- Optional Dynamic ESA and Dynamic Traction Control
- Gear Shift Assistant Pro and Keyless Ride as optional extras
The new BMW R 1200 RS – a new dimension in sports touring.
BMW Motorrad and the legendary RS production bikes – a model badge that continues to symbolise travel and sport in equal measure. In 1976, the R 100 RS 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. As the consummate all-rounder for both travelling and sporting deployment, it established the sports tourer segment, as it has been known ever since. With the arrival of the new R 1200 RS, BMW Motorrad is continuing this long tradition by unveiling a sports tourer powered by a flat-twin engine that succeeds in transposing the all-round qualities of the original BMW RS concept into the modern day to stunning effect. Whether darting along country roads, revelling in its dynamic performance with a passenger on board or going on a long touring holiday – the new R 1200 RS takes sports touring to a whole new and truly thrilling level.
Meaty, mightier boxer engine for dynamic sports touring.
The flat-twin boxer engine on the new R 1200 RS 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 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 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.
ABS, ASC and two riding modes as standard. Riding mode Pro with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as an optional extra.
For optimum adaptation to the rider’s individual needs, the new R 1200 RS 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 R 1200 RS also adds Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking detection as well as two extra riding modes – “Dynamic” and “User” – to its technical repertoire.
Tubular steel bridge frame with engine as a self-supporting element. Wheel suspension using 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 RS. 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 BMW Motorrad 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 R 1200 RS 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.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with analogue speedometer, on-board computer and a wealth of information.
Even the instrumentation of the new R 1200 RS takes a quantum leap into a new sports touring 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.
Sporty design with dynamic proportions. Two colour and finish variants, each with their own character.
The BMW Motorrad RS models have always enjoyed a reputation for being the perfect all-rounders. The new BMW R 1200 RS 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 BMW R 1200 RS 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 R 1200 RS, 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 “Style 2” variant in Granite grey metallic matt.
Highlights of the new BMW R 1200 RS:
- Classic flat-twin boxer engine with 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm and 125 Nm (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 “Style 2” variant.
- Extensive range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.
Bmw is an overrated company. I have had more recalls on my BMW than allmyother bikes combined. The RT shock recalls affected thousands. K16 problems, k12/13 cam chain tensioners, rear ends blowing up. Tranny problems., failed ABS issues, fuel strip issues……Maybe they should spend a little more time on testing before actually selling bikes.
Sorry to hear of your misfortunes.
On the other end of the owner spectrum….since 1995, I’ve had 2 new ‘R’ bikes and currently a high mileage K1200S. Problems with these 3 bikes over nearly 200,000 miles……cam chain tensioner replacement on the K1200S (to quiet cam chain noise at time engine was started….a recall)….and a jump guard on the cam chain (all paid for by BMW.
Should also mention…I’ve owned each of the 4 Japanese brand cycles. 3 of the 4 were problem-laden. Hence the move to BMW in1995….and have never looked back.
Looks almost like my blue and silver 2005 R1200ST.
Will it have optional hard saddle bags like my ST.
Tank and seats look identical. Actual bars instead of clipons, I like. But I have managed with this setup for over 134,000 miles.
Maybe when I wear this one one out, the RS would take its place.
Russ if you search around on the web there are pictures of the bike with the optional bags.
For anyone that hasn’t ridden one of the sportier Boxer bikes, you’re missing out. I had an R1100S that I miss dearly…truly one of the best bike’s I’ve ever owned. I could see jumping back on a BMW for one of these bikes.
I still can’t get past the liquid cooling. Both BMW and Ducati have pretty much abandoned me. The big displacement air cooled twins were so much cooler than these recent offerings. And yes I realize that I am on a tiny tiny minority here. No matter, I’ll just keep thrashing my 2006 Ducati SC at the track, and when I wad that up I will look for an old R1200S. These things are too expensive to ride hard anyway.
I appreciate the simplicity of air-cooled bikes and have owned several. Between the horsepower wars going on and the ever-tightening emissions regulations, I think manufacturers are just abandoning a hopeless cause, not you.
The R1200S may possibly be the only BMW in recent memory that holds a candle to this RS in the looks department…. If I bought bikes based on looks alone, my name would be on some dealer waitlist for the RS already.
Based on the photos and specifications, the RS is what the 98-01 VFR should have evolved into. Pending a test ride, my Multi 1200S is going up for sale.
BMW keep the hype going and have the clientele to buy! I owned one and just can’t afford to continue. They are truly the best .
They both look nice, not normally into naked bikes but BMW did a nice job with it. The thing is, I just don’t see the point in a naked 1200cc bike. A middleweight 500cc-800cc is perfect for such bikes. A naked bike should be light and flickable.
Please tell me BMW dropped the goofy turn signal arrangement on this redesigned model. I have a Harley and a Suzuki and I refuse to deal with a 3rd system. For my safety I sure prefer a “standard” layout …. hate blowing the turn signal at someone when I need to get eye contact. I also don’t care for the telelever …too much stiction. Throw in a center stand on the R model and the Harley might have a new owner.
Totally agree about the turn signal thing. But the new (2013) GS I rode recently had the new (as in universal) turn signal set up.
As far as the stiction issue you point out…… that just isn’t the case. Maybe you rode a bike with the fork set up incorrectly. Because fundementally the design of the Telelever has MORE contact between stanchion and slider (more overlap) and therefore more surface area which decreases stiction.
re: “fundementally the design of the Telelever has MORE contact between stanchion and slider (more overlap) and therefore more surface area which decreases stiction.”
today’s winner ladies and gentlemen.
thank you….thank you very much, I want to thank my family, my mother, my producers, the academy….
I own all thee systems, and for me it was just like anything else with bikes, cars, etc…after a short period of time I got used to it, and then I didn’t even have to think about it. Standardization is admittedly better, but I don’t consider that particular item a terribly big deal.
Actually, Harley is my least favorite of the three. There’s no tactile feedback in the switches, at least on my bike, so I’m always wondering if I actually triggered the signal (I had a faulty switch for a while, which has made me paranoid). Half the time I end up looking down at the indicators, which of course are so low that they’re outside normal forward vision.
A couple of years ago, BMW leased the right to manufacture insane switchgear to Honda.
RS is a miss, in my book, for two reasons. The “sport” side is fine, but there is no real “tour” in their equation. Where is the weather protection? Legs and hands are out in the open. Where is the comfortable passenger seating? “Banana seats” may be uncool, but the work very well for two-up days.
This is a relaxed sport bike, not a sport-touring bike. I’ll buy a new “sport tour” when the balance between “sport” and “tour” matches bikes like the 1000 Concours and early-90’s BMW offerings, with today’s performance expectations met as well.
It’s all a compromise and a matter of semantics. (I would never consider the old Concours a sport-tour machine, but see below why I think that)
A “sport-tour” with all the amenities you want will be a 600 pound bike. My Tiger 1050, along with this bike and others like it, is what I look for in a “sport-tour”. Light, some wind protection, comfortable handlebars, and open class power and great handling. I do 1000-1500 mile trips in Western US on my Tiger all the time. More like what I have enjoyed for 35 years; Standard bike that hauls the mail and I can ride where ever I want to. I even do some dirt on standards, (roads, not trails)
I agree with about the seat though!
OK, so think of it as a great solo tourer. Which is *exactly* what I’m looking for, what I’m thinking it as, and why the RS seriously is grabbing my attentions right now.
“Sport tourers” nowadays have often turned into bloated pigs – stereos, 600 pound weight, high seats and tall chassis. Is getting a human-sized bike that can also travel too much to ask for in today’s world? I hope the RS fits as good as it looks, it seems very promising.
After owning several ’77 R100RS’s, a couple of R100S’s, an R90S, a brilliant R1150 Roadster, an R1200ST, two F800ST’s and now an F800GT, the new water-cooled RS appears to be the ideal sport-touring rig (assuming a 5 gal. tank, small-ish bags and, hopefully, an approx. 520 lb. wet weight). I’d rather see the K1300S mirror/turn signal indicators though…This one’s my next bike!
You have good taste in bikes. Not the world’s biggest fan of the Boxer motor, but man, is that RS a gorgeous motorcycle…
No center stand, no sale.
In other pictures in the press pack the RS is shown with a centre stand. Maybe BMW are going the way of Honda and making it an optional extra, or maybe they left it off in some of the photos.
re: “BMW are going the way of Honda”
BMW are going the way of BMW.
at the request of the “Luftwaffe”, Munich prolly made the centerstand an option on the R32.
Really??? Same engine, trellis frame and rear suspension of the GS, the center stand is probably just a bolt-on affair, probably offered by BMW itself, other aftermarket ones in some time… The frame even has the appendage/holes for it.
Why is that such a big deal on a bike with shaft drive (or even chain drive, really)? There are other ways to get it up in the air, including, as Random says, a possible bolt-on accessory…and if you’re worried about the kickstand sinking into hot asphalt, I’m sure Touratech will sell you a nice foot enlarger for $50. Yeah, a centerstand is nice to have, but if you really like the bike otherwise, saying “no sale” seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Spoken like a man who has never had to repair a rear flat tire out in the middle of nowhere. Ive had one bike without a centerstand, I will never have another without one.
Even with tubeless tires? I can understand how easier it is to lube the chain with a stand, but not how it helps so much if you’re just pluggin’ a hole. Is it harder to find the hole with just a side stand? Not just a matter of pushing the bike foward a few times?
I can get how it must help with tube tires, I just can’t understand how it helps when you’re only inserting the repair through the tire. Maybe I’m missing something?
Easier to pump up a tire that is suspended by air and round to begin with than to inflate one that is weighted down by a bike and flat on the bottom.
I can tell by your question you have never had the experience.
I have inflated front and rear motorcycle tires from flat, on the side-stand, with a bicycle pump. I didn’t find it difficult at all.
Which is wy bikes intended for middle of nowhere, ought to be light, rugged and cheap enough to just tip over. And lift right back up when you’re done…..
Lol touring bikes with bags and fairings sometimes end up in the middle of nowhere..with flats..just nowhere on concrete, rather than nowhere on dirt. On the street we don’t just throw our motorcycles on their sides to fix a flat.
re: “cutting off your nose to spite your face”
if there’s nothing we LOVE to do more…? i haven’t seen it.
Go to any BMW rally and you’ll see most bikes parked on the center stand…easier to pack bags, rest helmet (on a level surface), check tire pressure, oil level, etc. Both the new Roadster and the RS have provisions for a factory center stand if you look closely at the photos. Center stand will probably be a dealer accessory, though. I was seriously considering a new Kaw. Ninja 1000, an excellent sport-touring bike but NO center stand-No sale.
I admit it, I want one with a side car. Perhaps an open frame that I could bolt a box onto.
The R1200 RS is the first BMW since my 1978 R100RS that I would consider buying.
Truly beautiful bikes, both. My guess is that they are going to sell very well. They look comfortable and light (=Fun).
I would not hit my dog in the butt with the R. It is as ugly as ugly can be. But that RS is kinda sweet.
I would get the R instead of the RS, put a windshield and bags on it and be done.
Great looking bike, and with BMW engineering it, you know its gonna be fast, and refined, but not the cheapest.
I would like to see the RS with hard side cases. While I like my Ninja 1000 just fine, it is pretty much just an appliance… kind of boring. Twins just move me in a more exciting way.
you don’t have to wait… They are all over the interweb
Different strokes…..
With an I4, more excitement is just a couple of downshifts away. While a twin just keeps up it’s same old boring drone, regardless of RPM…
“”With an I4, more excitement is just a couple of downshifts away. While a twin just keeps up it’s same old boring drone, regardless of RPM…””
Surely you’re referring to a Parallel Twin and not a V-Twin.
Hard to be certain from the pictures, but it looks to me like the seat is positioned very far to the rear, resulting in a very long reach to the handlebar.
The bane of the Boxer, given kneeroom requirements and all….. Compared to how KTM goes out of their way to bring you up on the steering head on their naked bikes, upright BMW Boxers make you feel like you’re sitting on the rear fender, steering with a tiller….
I’m disappointed that the telelever front was nixed. It’s the whole reason to own an “R” model. The RS would have been a contender if the telelever was included. Of all the telescoping forks I’ve owned, some nice ones on RRs too like my RSV4R, I’ve still always gravitated towards the telelever like on the R1100S. I’ve always been faster and more confident in the turns with a telelever. And more comfortable going coast to coast.
The only reason I can think of for getting rid of the telelever is so they can include the Dynamic ESA like on the S1000RR.
Actually, the whole reason to own an ‘R’ model is the Boxer motor. That’s what designates it as an ‘R’ model.
I say that because only the “R” models get the telelever, not the F, K or S. “K”s get the duo-lever.
As for the boxer motor, you are correct that IS the reason. I loved the simplicity of the airheads and oilheads though. For me, the jury is still out on the wetheads as for if I want one.
For me, the telelever is 1 of the 2 reasons for me to buy an “R” model.
The telescopics on newer bikes don’t dive much on the brakes anymore, neutralizing the main selling point of the Telelever. On taller bikes like the GS, the antidive makes more sense. And the small/sharp bump chattering of telelevers get old soon on bikes where you have much weight on the bars. Surprised you like the S so much. Lanesplitting over Botts Dots with a telelever, at least to me feels akin to leaning on a jackhammer. To each his own, I guess….
Doesn’t the latest 1200GS have Dynamic ESA in the front as well? I know it does in the rear.
I’m not a fan of boxers, but the naked is actually attractive and not over-styled with the same power as a ZRX1200 and 50 lbs lighter.
I’m not a fan of white bikes, but with the graphic and the red frame it works even for me.
Good job BMW.
BMW is on fire. Man, how many class-leading bikes are they going to have?
They’re also cruel as all get-out. This new Roadster looks to be both everything I loved about my 2012 R1200R and everything I wanted changed. Now it looks genuinely cool, instead of merely BMW classy/stodgy/odd. Plus there’s more power, particularly on top. Hopefully they managed to keep the weight down. Perhaps a reduction in the overly lengthy wheelbase might accomplish this.
Here’s hoping.
My poor Street Triple R. With all these amazing new models coming out, I’m sure she’s shaking in her Michelins, worried she’s going to be traded in.
re: “My poor Street Triple R. With all these amazing new models coming out, I’m sure she’s shaking in her Michelins, worried she’s going to be traded in.”
love her, caress her, tell her she’s beautiful…
she needs to hear it, and wants you to say it.
How much does the RS weigh????
It’s not the FJ “R” 09 I’ve been dreaming of, but it could be in the “SPORT-tour” niche
I’ve done some serious time in the saddle of an RT and its just too much; too much weight, too much girth, too much squishy touring ride & handling, too much removed from “sporty” riding. The basic characteristics of the boxer motor are great and now with liquid cooling and 15 more HP ….it’s worth looking into
According to the press pack, the RS weighs in at 236kg (520lbs), “ready to ride” (oil, coolant, and half a tank of gas?)
Kind of silly to quote a bike with 1/2 tank of gas.. So your bikes weighs 520 until you hit the first gas station, then it weighs 540? Lol
I actually wish all “wet” weights were quoted with tank empty, or with 1 gallon. It gives you a more comparable comparison between the machines themselves. I already know that 5 gallons of gas weighs more than 3.5 gallons. Don’t really need those figures wrapped up in a weight spec.
Mfg’s would be more inclined to put decent size fuel tanks on their bikes if they didn’t get penalized at the brochure.
They did a great job on the R. I love the look. Though I imagine it will be priced significantly higher than comparable bikes like the Monster 1200.
I like the look of the naked.
The sport tourer is a little too much sport and not enough tourer visually for me, and they should have shown it with the ” ex- works” whatever that means saddlebags. For the money I think I’d rather have the Kaw Ninja 1000, exact same performance and half the price ( no shaft though)
Seriously? Innovative color scheme with two individual characters” is a bulleted feature? Is that like BNG?
re: “Seriously? Innovative color scheme”
just go with it.
for BMW where everything must be “corporate greige” (everything from kit to showroom) this is a monumental achievement. there was certainly much “wailing and nashing of teeth”. its taken a decade (i’ve only been on about this for that long), but lets hope they’ve finally seen how the simple use of color can impact how their product is perceived. that new water cooled 12R…? =’s badass.
my work is done here.
I feel the exact opposite. The naked is forgettable. The RS stunning. I’d probably still get the Ninja (Or new Suzuki) for their more exciting motors, but looks wise, I’d take the RS over anything else on the road right now.
Yum! If they are less than $22,000, the RS is very tasty.
Less than $22k? I was shocked at $14k for the r nineT — which is a lot nicer looking.
Guess my R1150gs with 103k miles will be the last BMW I ever buy new.
The R nineT features the last of the air/oil cooled motor.
These are the “New” and “Improved” wethead bikes – as such, look for 16,599 and 17,599 MSRPs
Your reasoning about keeping your old R with 103K miles is exactly why people will want one of these. Cheers