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- The R 1200 R sees Red
- Continuing to expand its range, BMW is offering its new water engine in a road roadster which abandons the iconic Telelever front suspension in favor of a "conventional" inverted fork. Discovery and testing of the new BMW R1200R in Alicante in south-eastern Spain.
- Presentation
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Departmental
- National
- Highway
- Braking
- Convenient
- Conclusion
The R 1200 R sees Red
Continuing to expand its range, BMW is offering its new water engine in a road roadster which abandons the iconic Telelever front suspension in favor of a "conventional" inverted fork. Discovery and testing of the new BMW R1200R in Alicante in south-eastern Spain.
Long the only engine present in the BMW catalog, the longitudinal flat twin was almost abandoned by the brand in the mid-1980s in favor of 3 and 4 flat cylinders for the "tourism" range. But faced with the discontent of customers, the manufacturer went back, relaunching the production of "RT". Today, this engine has once again become the keystone of the range, with a GS and an RT which have made sales counters panic. Completely overhauled in 2013, the flat twin has completely changed, abandoning its "automobile" structure, separate engine / gearbox plus dry clutch, in favor of a more common pattern in motorcycles: engine / gearbox in one piece + multi-plate clutch in an oil bath. On this occasion, the manufacturer took the opportunity to rotate the inlets by 90 °, these passing from the rear, above the cylinder. An important technical detail regarding the ergonomics of the motorcycle, we will come back to it. More sparkling than ever, the new flat is extending its hold, with soon 6 models in the catalog, if we count the air-cooled Nine T and the future RS which will arrive in 2015.
Presentation
100% new, the R 1200 R inaugurates a superb tubular trellis frame designed to accommodate a conventional front fork. Why is this choice a step backwards or, on the contrary, progress? Neither in absolute terms, but the reasons for this development are multiple. Aesthetically first, BMW wanted a real classic roadster, with a look perfectly in tune with the times. Something impossible to achieve with a Telelever…
BMW R1200R stopped
It was also necessary to be able to integrate the cooling radiator as discreetly as possible, without harming the line, or hiding the big flat. The engine is indeed the central element in the design of a roadster. With the Telelever’s lower triangle taking up all the space behind the front wheel, it was mission impossible. Last point, it also needed a typical "roadster" behavior, but we know that the Telelever does not shine by the feedback it gives to the driver. In short, faced with all these aesthetic and technical constraints, it was decided to adopt a telescopic fork. Still in terms of aesthetics, we note that the new R 1200 R is both refined and modernized. The front part simplified by the fork is more "limpid", it also receives a small very attractive front headlight, surmounted by a remarkably thin dashboard. The lowered tank in its rear part makes the bike thinner, while the rear itself, very thin and shortened by 12 cm compared to the old version, lightens the overall line. In short, this new version is definitely sexier than the old one, especially in its white version with a red frame! Thanks to this set of modifications, the R1200 R really enters the roadster family, although its target is not as sporty as that of a Tuono, a KTM super Duke R or an S1000R for example. Its power is not the same either. Its competitors are more the Honda CB 1000 R, the Yamaha FZ1, even the Triumph Speed Triple and the Kawasaki Z 1000 or the Ducati Monster 1200, to the limit..
BMW R1200R sideways
In the saddle
Very narrow at the fuel tank and at the front of the seat, the BMW is very easy to access. With the original saddle at 790 mm, you can easily put both feet on the ground, even if you are not 1.70 m tall. As an option, a 760 mm version is available, while two higher versions are also available at 820 and 840 mm. Thanks to the narrowness of the bike it is possible and above all, it is in your interest to opt for a high saddle. On the one hand because the legs are less bent and on the other hand because the increased seat height improves the handling of the bike, as we have seen when driving. In short, small or large, prefer high saddles, because they are never "very high", thanks to the good ergonomics of the cockpit. It was by turning the inlets 90 ° that the manufacturer was able to free up space in this area and thus refine the bike. It is true that once seated, the legs are very little apart and that you are very well installed.
The dashboard, configurable in three display modes, offers a multitude of very useful information. The standard configuration includes two display areas, always with the needle speedometer on the left and a bar graph tachometer on the right. In sport mode, the space dedicated to the rev counter increases, while in touring mode, on the contrary, it disappears, the speed also being displayed in digital, in addition to the needle.
Speedometer BMW R1200R
Two remarks, however, the extraordinary availability of the engine means that we do not care much about the tachometer, while the speed indication is difficult to read with the small numbers of the needle counter. So the touring configuration is relevant, even and especially in fast driving, if we want to avoid excess. Note a red zone at 9000 rpm, but a breaker that comes into action 250 rpm before.
In the city
Pressing the starter and the flat twin reveals a hoarse sound. Offering very little inertia, it easily revs up. With each blow of gas, a low howl signals the opening of the exhaust valve. Wow, that’s mouth watering, and we tell ourselves, just hearing it, that this engine is full everywhere. Indeed, BMW claims more than 100 Nm over the entire useful speed range with a maximum of 125 Nm at 6500 rpm. The airbox has been reworked and the specific exhaust gives it extra pep at mid speed.
We go first, without clicking and the elegant roadster takes off smoothly. The engine is smooth, so are the controls, and since the seat is comfortable with a fairly upright position, you have very good visibility without contortion. We’re very comfortable sailing at low speed, with a decent turning radius. The 880mm overall width is certainly not that of a 125 utility vehicle, but the R 1200 R is nothing like an ocean liner. Once launched, in roundabouts at low speed, we find a direction that is sometimes a little drooping, but nothing that does not turn a city visit into a test. Despite the many options available on our test bike, the ergonomics of the stems are decent, as is the retro vision which calls for no unpleasant comments. Very civilized, this roadster will obviously lend itself to everyday exercise.
BMW R1200R in the departmental
Departmental
Usually, a roadster is playful and it likes winding roads. With 1515 mm of wheelbase and a column angle of 27.7 ° associated with a trail of 125.6 mm, our BMW is not strictly speaking common values in the category of sporty roadster. However, thanks to its flat twin engine, it has a low center of gravity which makes changing angles quite easy. You swing the bike from one curve to the next with ease, yet still have the feeling of a long bike, more docile than lively, like its competitors. This is not clumsy, far from it! Here the manufacturer has privileged stability and safety, over sheer efficiency, in force in ultra sporty roadsters. A desired and assumed compromise, which initially surprises a little with a "nice" side. However, it quickly becomes clear that the bike is very obedient and that if the pace picks up, everything is going well. Even better if the saddle is high. While in the standard 790 mm version, we are a little seated "cushy" and the bike is not super lively, by taking a little height, we gain a lot of ease, both to maneuver the handlebars and to press. the foot rests. The liveliness and driveability really benefit. Even with my 1.67m, I tested the saddle in 840mm and it was even better. Thanks to the large deflections for the category (140/140 mm, with a current standard of 125 mm, or 10% less), comfort is excellent, especially with the ESA version that we tested. The Electronic Suspension Adjustment allows simple and optimal adjustment to the conditions of use. Sport, comfort, duet, solo. The suspension of the R 1200 R is easy to adjust. For a supplement of 785 €. On the basic version, you have to make do with a fork (not gold anodized), without adjustment and an Ar shock absorber only adjustable in preload and rebound. It changes the game! A word on the ground clearance which will be judged correct by 95% of the users. The more bleeding will eliminate the center stand option at 135 €, they will gain a little weight and then thanks to the cardan shaft, we do not need it to lubricate the chain !
BMW R1200R test
National
Let’s continue our test on faster roads. No problem, the engine really breathes! He pulls you out of the bends with his hoarse voice with a frank thrust. We take the opportunity to switch to "dynamic" mode, which offers a more lively response from the electronic throttle. You can choose between rain (rain), Road (the normal configuration, "road") and the sport mode "dynamic" therefore. In the three configurations, the power remains at 125 hp, at 7,750 rpm, but for the same rotation of the handle, the pilot has more or less power..
Example 1/3 of the power at 1/3 of the opening in "road", but only ¼ in "rain" mode and 50% in "dynamic" mode, with in all three cases 100% power at full opening. In fact, in dynamic mode, the big flat twin throws you serious kicks in the buttocks. No worries, the traction control (DTC) is on the lookout, at least on our test bike with the "pro riding mode" option (€ 310).
On the base version, it will be necessary to be satisfied with simple traction control (ASR), which is there only to avoid evades on slippery roads at low speed, but which is not intended to improve fast handling. Regardless, the flat pushes really hard and is not stingy with sensations throughout its range of use. Although annoyed by the colleagues who are chomping at the bit behind the opener, we take advantage of the excellent shifter (optional at 385 €) to shift gears without cutting the gas, with as a reward the small detonation in the exhaust during the power and ignition micro-cut. It’s intoxicating !
BMW R1200R in the countryside
With a little more dexterity, you can also downshift without disengaging, choosing the right moment, since the shifter also manages the throttle opening in this phase. It’s truly magical and this box is a delight. Those old-timers who remember laughing at the slowness and "klong" characteristic of BMW gearboxes will be at their expense. This one is just as remarkable as before, but for its quality, its coziness and its efficiency this time. To drive the R1200 R on a winding road, up and down gears, it’s playing on velvet.
BMW R1200R on the attack
Highway
We haven’t done enough, but still recommend the elegant windscreen to those who would like to travel far on its handlebars, because despite its small size, it seems efficient, or more exactly, without it, you will regret even more cruelly his absence. This is another € 185 option. For this use, the R 1200 R is still well armed. No vibrations, a long gear (halfway between that of the GS and the RT), so a mechanism that purrs, without forcing. In addition, the range is quite decent, thanks to an 18 L tank despite its small size and an appetite that seems reasonable.
Our on-board computer was showing between 6 and 6.5 L at a rate that was not. You can also have a cruise control…. against 330 €. Travelers will also appreciate the luggage rack, at € 145, the suitcase holder at € 100 and the heated handles, according to 2 levels, at € 210. Luggage storage is also available. All these options allow you to have a roadster for the week and a versatile roadster for the holidays. Note a comfort saddle offered to the passenger against 80 €. Sorry to always talk to you about money, but that’s the harsh reality !
BMW R1200R test on national
Braking
With 231 kg all full, 2 320 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers, front / rear coupling at the lever (but not at the pedal) and ABS that is forgotten, the R 1200 R is beyond reproach. level. In the absence of Telelever, the bike dives "normally" under braking, without excess, due to its low center of gravity and long wheelbase. However, the feeling of the driver wins, we can feel very well here what is happening under the front wheel. Note, however, that on the basic version the calipers are black and that you have to take the sport variant for the golden assets..
BMW R1200R on motorway
Convenient
Let’s start with the price, at € 13,400 excluding options…. and options precisely, there is a plethora of them. On our test bike, they were over € 3,000. It’s up to you to see what you deem essential. However, we regret that we could not try a basic version, without the ESA, to judge the original suspensions. But know that if the catalog allows you to compose the roadster of your dreams, it will seriously inflate your budget. However, count with a good resale rating, specific to the brand, if that can console you. In fact, the old R 1200 R has sold 50,000 copies since 2006, a figure that the new one should greatly exceed thanks to its appeal..
BMW R1200R rear view
Conclusion
Very successful, this new BMW will not compete with the Superduke R. It leaves this thankless task to its sister the S 1000 R. The R 1200 R is in a softer, more polished register, but also more versatile. Its 125 hp are more than enough to do sweet splurges, in safety thanks to excellent behavior, chassis or engine. We do not regret the Telelever, the adoption of the fork is very successful, the transplant has gone well. The box, exquisite, becomes downright magical with the shifter. An option that we strongly recommend if you like to drive. With the R 1200 R BMW signs an intelligent roadster, which will appeal to lovers of sensations and efficiency. A successful motorcycle, well born, well designed, which should have a great career, despite a premium price, faithful to the positioning of the brand. Definitely, this new "water flat" has not finished surprising us pleasantly. Whether it’s going on an adventure, or traveling and now having fun, he always has a good trick up his sleeve!
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Strong points
- Full engine everywhere
- Sympathetic and evocative sound
- Excellent chassis
- ABS braking without reproach
- Comfort
- Versatility
- Ease of driving and a real sense of security
Weak points
- Base rate higher than the competition
- Very many options, which often know how to make themselves essential
- Relative inertia in sporty driving at a very high rate
- Lively behavior behind compared to other roadsters
The 2015 R1200R technical sheet
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