Endurance test interim report BMW R 1200 R
So far without any problems
In the past, BMW machines had a tense relationship with MOTORRAD’s long-term test. A total of three engine failures cloud the overall balance. The so far problem-free endurance test of the BMW R 1200 R could polish up the Bavarian image in this regard.
B.MW and the MOTORRAD endurance test – this relationship has not always ended happily in recent years. Would you like some examples? The first R 1200 GS in 2005: one major defect each on the rear-wheel drive and transmission. Five years later, the K 1300 GT failed with a burst clutch basket and crankshaft damage. In 2014, the endurance test of the water-cooled R 1200 GS caused a scandal with a major gearbox damage.
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Endurance test interim report BMW R 1200 R
So far without any problems
R 1200 R the bank account to the core.
Fine throttle response and great smoothness
Technically, the bare BMW R 1200 R represents a turning point in recent boxer history. Although an upside-down fork replaced the Telelever on the R NineT, the combination of the conventional front with the water-cooled boxer can be found in for the first time the R 1200 R. In addition, the Flat Twin benefits from the grace of its late birth. Because the 1127 grams heavier crankshaft, which was already installed in the GS Adventure and R 1200 RT in 2014, also ensures polished manners in the lower speed range in the BMW R 1200 R. And that’s not the only reason for prompt enthusiasm for the endurance BMW test. First with Markus Biebricher. “What a delightful pressure, what a bike that makes you happy,” notes the head of the “Life” department in a frenzy of happiness after his maiden tour on the BMW R 1200 R in the logbook. In fact, the precision-cooled boxer shines above all with its fine throttle response and great smoothness. It also offers more powerful thrust. At least ten Newton meters of torque and up to 14 hp separate the new, 125 hp propellant from its predecessor across the entire speed range.
There was hardly anything to criticize about the smooth throbbing drive of the BMW R 1200 R. The circuit remains an issue. “The gearbox could work more smoothly,” notes test editor Jens Moller-Tollner. More specifically: like all new-generation boxer engines, the wet clutch does not always separate perfectly, occasionally only engaging first gear with an unmistakable thud. Home remedies such as an engine oil level that reaches no more than the center of the sight glass or a moment of thought with the clutch lever pulled before shifting into gear only have a soothing, but not healing effect. The easiest way for the nerves – and the transmission – is to start the engine with first gear already engaged.
The shift assistant of the BMW R 1200 R also demands a little attention. Sporty natures, who let the boxer turn, rave about the clutchless shifting thanks to the ignition interrupter and automatic double-declutching. At constant speed, low engine speeds and in the lower three gears, however, this technology is prevented by the relatively large flywheel mass of the two-cylinder. In these situations, the smoothing hand on the clutch lever again spares nerves and material. For those in doubt: The calibration of the control electronics can be easily checked in the workshop – for example during an inspection. Speaking of inspection. At 209 euros, the cost of the 10,000 inspection (oil and brake fluid change) was manageable.
Unfortunately, the bench is not height-adjustable
At this point in time, the BMW R 1200 R with a retrofit window and a higher seat bench (see "Accessories put to the test") even drove into the hearts of the Tourer faction. Very good: Even with the highest retrofit bench seat, which is eight centimeters padded, 1.80 meter pilots can still reach safe ground with both feet. Nevertheless, it is a shame that the seat bench is no longer height-adjustable as in the previous model, but a new part for 257 euros is due for every change.
Kristijan Ticak felt very comfortable on the high seat. The lofty editor-in-chief of the Croatian MOTORRAD partner magazine “Motorevija” hummed 3000 kilometers on the digital speedometer of the BMW R 1200 R in record time on a Balkan tour and was completely enthusiastic (see "Driver opinion").
Whined at the highest level
Nevertheless, it was not only the bumpy roads in the Croatian hinterland that revealed a weakness in the coordination of the semi-active suspension. While the stern neatly dampens long waves, hits from transverse gullies or potholes reach the driver only slightly filtered. In addition, the damping of the shock absorber in the ESA’s road mode is quite weak, giving the hindquarters a diffuse feedback and a somewhat spongy driving experience.
In this respect, whining is still at the highest level. Because the BMW R 1200 R had all won the comparison tests against the Ducati Monster 1200, Honda CB 1000 R or Triumph Speed Triple. And there were no defects either – apart from the GPS that kept crashing, which was replaced under guarantee. The 20,000 inspection was financially within the limits of exactly 300 euros (oil in engine and rear axle drive changed, spark plugs and air filter replaced, valve clearance check).
Pollutant emissions below the limit values
When the media waves over the VW emissions scandal in September, the endurance test R even had to save the honor of the two-wheeler industry. Together with the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 F, MOTORRAD put the BMW R 1200 R on an exhaust test bench from TÜV Rheinland. The result: Both in the test cycle and in the simulation of an arbitrarily selected free journey, the pollutant emissions of both test subjects remained below the limit values. As a reminder: In 2000, MOTORRAD unmasked a test stand detection in the software of the BMW F 650.
In this respect, the BMW R 1200 R hums with a white vest and so far without a single technical abnormality towards halfway through the endurance test. Their predecessors mentioned at the beginning had already kept the test workshop and authorized dealers on their toes up to this distance. And because MOTORRAD has not yet reported any abnormalities about the BMW R 1200 R from owners, it is currently on rehabilitation course for the broken relationship between its parent company and the MOTORRAD endurance test. At least as long as colleague Biebricher is right with his second logbook note: a great motorcycle – hopefully nothing will break.
Tire recommendation
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Pictures: Endurance test interim balance of the BMW R 1200 R
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Bridgestone T 30 Evo for the BMW R 1200 R..
Bridgestone T 30 Evo
Rather inconspicuous in the most recent MOTORRAD touring tire test, the T 30 harmonizes surprisingly well with the BMW R 1200 R. It convinces with good steering precision and sufficient grip, but is a bit uncomfortable over edges. The Bridgestone are the most straight-line stability pair in comparison. Good wear behavior.
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Continental Road Attack 2 Evo GT for the BMW R 1200 R..
Continental Road Attack 2 Evo GT
The Conti on the BMW R 1200 R cannot play to its strengths, the agile steering behavior. Maybe because the GT version was developed for heavy tourers. Nevertheless: Neutral turning, low pitching torque and good feedback speak for the RoadAttack. According to the manufacturer, the improved wet grip on the new GT model was not tested as part of this tire recommendation. Conclusion: a decent, inconspicuous all-round tire.
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Dunlop Roadsmart 2 for the BMW R 1200 R..
Dunlop Roadsmart 2
The Dunlop doesn’t like low temperatures. But he drove warmly as a good-natured fellow. While it rolls uncomfortably through the stiff carcass on light motorcycles, the weight of the BMW (242 kg) helps it. He also provides good feedback on it. Its low erection moment is also pleasing. Nevertheless: Roadsmart is not the first choice for the BMW R 1200 R..
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Metzeler Z8 Interact "M / O" for the BMW R 1200 R.
Metzeler Z8 Interact "M / O"
The Metzeler conveys trust from the first meter. Good feedback, short warm-up phase – this tire is fun. Self-damping, ride comfort and steering precision are also pleasing across the board. Good wet grip and moderate wear round off the positive overall impression. The tip for the BMW R 1200 R..
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Michelin Pilot Road 4 for the BMW R 1200 R..
Michelin Pilot Road 4
The strengths of the Michelin are clearly defined: it offers the best grip of the test field in wet conditions and impresses with its extreme handiness. The latter in particular suits the stability-oriented BMW R 1200 R. The Pilot Road 4 also pulls out of the affair very well when it comes to wear and tear. Ultimately, the proper internal damping and the good feedback complete the positive impression.
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Pirelli Angel GT for the BMW R 1200 R..
Pirelli Angel GT
Don’t be fooled: Despite the abbreviation, the GT was not designed for heavy touring machines. On the BMW R 1200 R, he builds a relationship of trust from the first meter. He steers in with great precision. The good self-damping also provides the basis for the clear feedback. The grip level is good both in the dry and in the wet. But: The wear and tear is relatively high.
Exhaust recommendation
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Akrapovic slip-on for the BMW R 1200 R..
The workmanship of the Slovenian silencer is top, the accuracy of fit is very good. At 4.1 kilos, the damper saves just 600 grams compared to the 4.7 kilo original part. The torque is above the standard exhaust, especially in the lower speed range. Relatively loud.
Weight: minus 13%; Performance: over 1.6%; Price: 965.33 euros; Sound: bassy, aggressive
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Remus HexaCone for the BMW R 1200 R..
The workmanship and accuracy of fit of the Austrian silencer are impressive. The weight (only 3.1 kg) as well. The Remus probably owes its lower volume to its higher volume compared to the series part. The performance differs over the entire speed range only within the scope of the measurement tolerance.
Weight: minus 33%; Performance: plus 0.8%; Price: 780 euros; Sound: sonorous, aggressive
Accessories put to the test
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High windshield from BMW: 201 euros; Holder: 40.75 euros
Retrofit windshields on naked bikes are always a controversial topic. Usually the puristic design of the machine suffers. It undoubtedly does the same with the largest windshield from the BMW accessories program. Considering the size of the windshield, the windbreak could be better. The head wind (driver around 1.80 m, highest seat) still completely grips the head, which is why continuous speeds of over 160 km / h with the BMW R 1200 R remain exhausting despite this sign.
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Small sports windshield from BMW: 175 euros.
The small hood from the BMW catalog fits harmoniously into the overall look of the BMW R 1200 R. On top of that, the R logo left out of the material adds a nice visual touch. Despite the significantly reduced size compared to the high windshield, the windshield offers acceptable wind protection that is sufficient for a continuous speed of up to around 150 km / h. Both BMW panes are tension-free, attachment is a matter of minutes.
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Low driver’s seat from BMW, seat height 760 mm: 257 euros
While the seat height could be adjusted twice in the old R models, this is no longer possible with the current BMW R 1200 R. If you want to sit higher or lower, you have to retrofit. Even those with very short legs can stand securely on the lowest bench in the BMW range. And: Despite the comparatively thin upholstery, the seating comfort is surprisingly good.
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High driver’s seat from BMW, seat height 840 mm: 257 euros.
An impressive eight centimeters lie between the lowest and highest of the four seat bench versions offered by BMW. The favorite of the editors and of drivers from around 1.80 meters upwards is the highest bench for the BMW R 1200 R. Advantages: open knee angle and the most generous of the upholstery, which is also very hard.
Driver opinion
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Kristijan Ticak, Motorevija / Croatia
At my first Alpine Masters, I think it was in 2007, I fell in love with the BMW R 1200 R. Even though I never really knew what your front wheel was doing because of the telelever. Since the current generation started with conventional fork, nobody has to discuss this motorcycle with me anymore. It is a really sporty naked bike with distinctive touring qualities. A machine with which you definitely don’t have to fear an opponent on the country road.
Thomas schmieder
Thomas Schmieder, test editor
In this chic paintwork, the BMW R 1200 R looks a bit like a German Ducati. But it remains true to the BMW line of building good tourers. It is a roadster on which you can sit comfortably, stow a lot of luggage and make high travel averages. It is blessed with an inspiring beefy boxer engine and a handy, but also stable chassis. BMW can build chassis. Even if the basic chassis data are more like those of a chopper: The "R" really takes off in curves.
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Peter Mayer, test editor
Do I like this BMW? It would be right to join in the cheers from Kristijan and Thomas. The BMW R 1200 R drives like on rails, the boxer uniquely combines emotion, soupless and pressure. But I won’t cheer until later. Then when the 50,000 kilometers are behind this naked bike. And that without gear, cardan or clutch damage. When it is dismantled, measured and verifiably intact on the workbench, only then will I say: Yes, I like this BMW. A lot.
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