All Tests – R1200RS Test: BMW’s big comeback in Sport GT – The RS on an adventure in the arduous Pole

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R1200RS test: BMW’s big comeback in Sport GT

All Tests - R1200RS Test: BMW's big comeback in Sport GT - The RS on an adventure in the arduous Pole

BMW had deserted the sport road motorcycle segment for almost ten years, mainly because of the commercial failure of its odd R1200ST. In 2015, the German brand goes back to the niche with a R1200RS … more successful ? Test !

The RS on an adventure in the Perche ardu

After having traced on the fast track with exemplary stability and offering remarkable comfort – even if the level of peace of mind of the R1200RT is not reached -, the R1200RS retains its rigorous character on small roads, especially if one passes the ‘ESA from "Road" to "Dynamic" mode (no "Comfort" mode).

By electronically closing the hydraulics of the suspensions, the pilot limits the absorption of the driest shocks but ensures a better touch of the road and feels better the stresses that it inflicts on the tires (here but some are also shod with origin).

At the controls of his R1200R, our opener then prints a very sustained pace. After having stung his motorcycle on a few terminals, Site realizes that if the roadster dives more quickly in the curves and requires less effort in the tight sequences, the road is more stable without appearing clumsy..

Its front axle in particular gives additional confidence and invites you to take the brakes a little later and more quickly. As on the roadster, the braking power of this road is very satisfactory. The 235 kg of the beast (against 231 for the roadster) are stopped without forcing.

In addition, the dosage to the lever is excellent and the coupling of the brake (from front to back) prevents the nose from diving too much. The dosage is a hint less good at the rear pedal – we can be surprised by the ABS – but in the end, the "Behem" attracts congratulations from the MNC jury !

The behavior of the motorcycle in even bumpy entrances is very reassuring and all it takes is a little stroke of the handlebars or pelvis to avoid the sneaky trail of gravel. If you brake on the angle, the bike stiffens but the rider easily contains any widening. The roads of Perche may be difficult, our bike is doing very well !

When accelerating, the R1200RS shows the same efficiency but the gear change is a little more questionable. Admittedly, when the engine is running at mid or high speeds and when it is in high demand, the "pro shifter" actually allows you to quickly upshift and get out of bends like a bullet..

But when the pilot taps less in his "fleet-twin" (low speed and low load), he realizes that the selection is a bit hard and that the shifter sometimes lacks smoothness. Likewise, the descent of the two lowest speeds without recourse to the clutch – and gas entirely cut – is shown from time to time brutal. It is even better to take the left lever to go back to first.

Overall, however, Site did well with the shifter. Once its mode of operation and its few shortcomings identified, this system becomes an appreciable traveling companion – even in the city – which puts in small bursts of gas suitable for downshifting then upshifts with a particular sound, almost pneumatic.

From a dynamic point of view, the engine is free from faults. Flexible, it allows you to wander through the towns on fourth gear and come out, gas in full, without ever hiccuping. From 3000 rev / min, the "twelve-hundred" tows efficiently and it is only 4000 revolutions higher that we feel it run out of steam because of the clamping.

The Boxer’s extension is limited in France, but it is not too lacking on the very small roads of Perche or elsewhere! On the highway, on the other hand, we will appreciate the reinforcement of the 25 horses who remained at the border – more than for a few months! -, especially in duo use and with full suitcases…

In French version as in "full", the passenger will undoubtedly be ecstatic at the sight of his particularly welcoming saddle: "this is the comfort seat of the R, originally fitted to the RS", reveals the communication manager of BMW France.

The pilot, for his part, is more reserved about the attachments of the suitcases which are not integrated as standard, unlike the latest systems unveiled by the competition (Tracer at Yamaha, Versys at Kawasaki or VFR800F at Honda). Painted black, the steel tubes do not go unnoticed, especially on the R1200RS "Style 2" with gray frame … Ach, Tommage !

Question finish always, the wires and cables which wander under the cockpit can upset the owner but this is the only complaint that MNC makes about the half-fairing. The "deutsch qualitat" is palpable here.

On the way back, our host stops at a petrol station: our motorbike estimates its range at 74 km and the average consumption at 6.1 l / 100 km. The 12.1 liters that we put back in the tank – almost to the brim – confirms the Boxer’s small appetite: 12 liters to cover 207 km at a good pace, it is indeed little (5.8 l / 100 km).

A last detour via the Chevreuse valley and its famous "17 Tournants" convince us: the skilful sports / tourism compromise of the cycle part, the performance of its "fleet-twin" and its S1000RR false airs make this BMW R1200RS an excellent motorcycle.

Bikers rich enough to afford it – or ready to eat "Kartoffels" for a few years – will certainly not be disappointed … Only the lack of protection of the bubble at the helmet level can prove to be tiring over long distances. However, BMW does not offer a high bubble in its list of expensive options. Amazing, no ?

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