1997 BMW K 1200RS

BMW K 1200RS

Make Model	BMW K 1200RS
Year	1997 - 98
Engine	Four stroke, horizontal in line four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	1171 cc / 71.4 cu in
Bore x Stroke	70.5 x 75 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	Electronic intake pipe injection
Ignition	Bosch Motronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	97 kW / 130 hp @ 8750 rpm
Max Power Rear Wheel	87 kW / 116.7 hp @ 8300 rpm
Max Torque	115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Gear Ratio	1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.900 / 6th 0.829:1
Clutch	Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame	Bridging frame consisting of die-cast aluminium, engine decoupled from vibration through bearings
Front Suspension	Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅35 mm, central strut
Rear Suspension	Die cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, central strut, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable
Front Brakes	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	170/60 ZR18
Seat Height	770 mm to 800 mm / 303 in. to 31.5 in.
Dry Weight	266 kg / 586 lbs
Wet Weight	280 kg / 617 lbs
Fuel Capacity	22 L / 5.8 US gal
Consumption Average	6.4 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg
Braking 60 km/h - 0	13.7 m / 44.9 ft.
Braking 100 km/h - 0	39.7 m / 130 ft
Standing 0 - 100 km/h	3.3 sec
Standing 0 - 140 km/h	5.4 sec
Standing 0 - 2000 km/h	11.8 sec
Standing ¼ Mile	11.4 sec / 194 km/h / 120.6 mph
Top Speed	246 km/h / 153 mph

Launched in 1997, the K1200RS is a true heavyweight sports tourer. The most powerful BMW motorcycle available by 1997, the RS is powered by an inline-four, 1171cc four-cylinder engine mounted horizontally along the bottom of the bike. Bosch Motronic electronic fuel-injection supplies accurately metered fuel, and a catalytic converter in the exhaust cleans up emissions to below legal limits. Producing 97kW (130bhp), the K1200RS engine is also used in the K1200LT tourer, and is the latest 16-valve version of the long-running K series of engines, which first appeared in the K100 eight-valve design of the early 1980s.

A full sports-touring fairing encloses the engine and chassis in a slippery aerodynamic plastic cocoon. The rider is similarly protected: the broad screen guides windblast up and around the rider and pillion, and scoops below the fuel tank allow the rider's legs to tuck in. The RS is also adjustable to suit: the screen, seat, handlebars and footpegs are all movable to exactly fit riders of different sizes.

Like the rest of BMW's large-capacity bikes, the K1200RS uses the firm's Telelever front suspension system. This wishbone-type arrangement uses a single combined damper/spring unit, connected to the front suspension tubes by the large cast aluminium strut. The

Telelever system separates the suspension from braking forces, which are resolved through the cast strut, rather than through sprung telescopic forks. The benefits of Telever are considerable on a fast, heavy machine like the K1200RS: conventional forks would have to be so firm to prevent excessive

dive under braking that they would be very uncomfortable over bumps. The rear suspension is the usual Paralever single-sided shaft-drive arrangement common to BMW's large-capacity machines.

The latest version of BMW's ABS EVO front brakes ensure safe, rapid stopping even under difficult conditions. Optional accessories, such as heated grips and luggage systems, can turn the K1200RS into an even more capable grand tourer. The sports part of the equation is less obvious - at 285kg (6271b), the K1200RS is too heavy to offer anything like modern sportsbike performance.