BMW R 1200RS LC

Far from living up to its acronym (‘RS’ – get it?) BMW’s new 2015 R1200RS could be the perfect motorcycle for UK roads – fast, comfortable and with decent handling.

The new 2015 BMW R1200RS features all the best parts of the adventure-style R1200GS, like its semi-liquid-cooled 1170cc flat-twin engine, but with sportier handling a sportier riding position and stiffer suspension, with steeper steering geometry.

The GS has a 64.5 degree head angle for instance, compared to the RS’ head angle of 62.3 degrees. Expect it to be a quick turner, but BMW have also fitted a steering damper to dampen any unwanted instability on bumpy roads. The wheelbase is 1530mm, some 23mm longer than the GS at 1507mm.

The legendary BMW RS name started in 1976 with the R100RS. That badge has always stood for rapid performance and sporty handling, with the ability to cover ground in comfort. In many ways, the RS was the original sports tourer. It was dropped in 2005 as the R1150RS, which evolved into the R1200ST between 2005 and 2007. But that name is back and the sporty relationship to the firm’s top-flight and updated 199bhp BMW S1000RR is obvious from those dual headlights, and pointy nosecone.

The new RS features the same basic motor as the BMW R1200RT and R1200GS but with even more low-down torque. Its final output though is the same as the GS with 92ft-lb and 125bhp.

Although no featherweight, the R1200RS weighs 236kg compared to the GS’ 238kg when both bikes are fully-fuelled. Although the GS does have a 20-litre tank compared to the 18-litre tank on the RS.

BMW say: “Whether darting along country roads, reveling 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.”

As well as Electronically Adjustable Suspension (ESA), traction control, and ABS, the bike also gets riding modes which adjust the settings depending on rider preferences.

You get Road mode, and Rain mode as standard, and an optional extra allows a dynamic setting for fast riding where there’s less ABS and traction control intervention. With this option, the rider can also set his own preference from the array of options from throttle response to level of traction control.

Another cool idea that’s taken from the 2014 R1200RT is the gear assist system which means once you’ve let the clutch out you can do clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The system even blips on the down change to smooth out the gearshift.

Features

Performance meets design.
The modern concept of a dynamic blend of sports and touring motorcycle is demonstrated visually too, by means of a half fairing featuring symmetrical headlamps derived from two generations of the RR. The elegantly shaped handlebar unit with attached forged aluminium section perfectly combines function and ergonomics.

The elegant and fast travel companion.
The new sports touring bike derives its power from an output of 125 bhp delivered by an air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts and a counterbalance shaft. In order to ensure stability on every country road, the highly active, electronically regulated suspension ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is featured as standard. Engine modes "Rain" and "Road" - likewise standard - provide an optimum riding experience.

Equipment and accessories add the perfect finishing touch.
The extensive range of optional equipment goes from saddle bag mounts and luggage rack to cruise control and the convenient "Keyless Ride". The new system saddle bags and the practical top case round off the sports touring bike: perfectly harmonized with the ergonomics and integrated in the motorcycle's overall look as always, they offer a level of travel comfort you would not normally expect of a sports tourer.

Accessories

Touring Cases
• Hardshell plastic cases, spray-proof
• Capacity, total: Approx. 63 l (right approx. 31 l, left approx. 32 l)
- The left case is slightly larger and will easily accommodate 1 helmet.
• Case lids painted in granite grey metallic matte
• Extension on bottom of case makes packing and unpacking all the easier
• Cases lockable, same-key locking system for vehicle key possible
• Maximum payload per case: 22 lbs
• Recommended top speed with case(s) installed: 111 mph
• Weight (per case): Approx. 8.3 lbs
• Unobtrusive case carriers that do not get in the way when the cases are not fitted
• Supplied without case carrier and without lock barrels
- Case carriers also available as an optional extra (factory option)
• Optional: Waterproof liners for touring cases

Liners for Touring Cases
• Functional, dimensionally stable liners
• Bases are molded EVA with Lycra coating
• Lids are hard-wearing polyester fabric with PU coating
• Waterproof with welded liner with sportsbag-type closure (main compartment)
• Fit and design tailor-matched to the touring cases
• Shaped back to make full use of available capacity
• Rubberized, 2-way zipper round 3 sides for good accessibility
• Mesh separator in the lid
• Carry handle and removable shoulder strap, adjustable
• Contrasting-grey liner is 100% polyester with PU coating
• BMW Motorrad logo on lid
• Color: Black
 

Top Case, small
• Waterproof plastic top case
• Capacity: Approx. 30 l, big enough to accommodate 1 helmet
• Top case lid painted in granite grey metallic matte
• Soft-close hinges allow the lid to be lowered gently to the closed position
• Top case lockable, same-key locking system for vehicle key possible
• Maximum payload: 11 lbs
• Recommended top speed with top case installed: 111 mph
• Weight: Approx. 8.3 lbs
• Supplied without top case carrier and without lock barrel
- Top case carrier also available as an optional extra (factory option)
• Optional:
- Inside holdall for top case
- Backrest pad for top case, providing more comfort for passenger

Tank bag
• Highly functional tank bag
• Hard-wearing polyester fabric with PU coating
• Molded for a perfect match to the geometry of the fuel tank, the bottom is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate)
• Waterproof, extendible main compartment:
- Capacity: Approx.5 l, extendible to approx. 9 l
- Inner bag is waterproof with roll-and-seal closure and taped seams
- 2-way zipper round 3 sides for good accessibility
• Highly water-repellent, small map compartment:
- Good access by rubberized two-way zipper on 2 sides (in main compartment)
- Anti-slip PU coating
• Water-repellent zippered outside pocket
• Carry handle and removable shoulder strap, adjustable
• Unobstructed view of the BMW Motorrad Navigator
• Maximum payload: 11 lbs
• Recommended top speed with tank bag installed: 111 mph
• BMW Motorrad logotype on outside pocket
• Color: Black

Engine spoiler
• Shapely two-part engine spoiler
• Polyamide (PA 6) with a proportion of glass fibers added, tough and resistant to ultra-violet light
• Painted in vehicle color(s) or primed for individual paint finish
- Color versions: Light white non-metallic for K53; Black storm metallic and lupin blue metallic for K54
- Color versions also available as optional extras (factory option)
• Visual enhancement and customization
• Weight: Approx. 0.5 lbs per side
• Not in combination with crash bars

Akrapovic sports silencer
• Slip-on silencer for throaty sound and sporty looks
• Shell made of titanium, internals made of stainless steel
• Considerable reduction in weight compared to standard configuration (approx. 2.2 lbs)
• Carbon end cap and heat shield
• Power and torque at the levels of the standard configuration
• Akrapovic logotype lasered into the side
• Approved for road use (EU General Operating Permit)¹
¹Always comply with the conditions for approval applicable in the country of use.

Footrests, milled, adjustable
• High-quality CNC-milled front footrests, complete with footbrake lever and gearshift lever
• High-strength aluminum alloy, anodized grey
• Individually ergonomically adjustable
• Front footrest height-adjustable to any of 3 positions
- Top position same as standard footrest, 2 other, lower positions selectable
- Easy to adjust by screw
• 3 rubber pads on the footrests for a safe and comfortable grip
• Size of footrest tread similar to stock item
• Underscore a sporty appearance
• BMW Motorrad logotype lasered into the footrests

Seat options
Front seat, Sport (1)
- High and narrow for sport riding in a particularly active seated position
- Also for riders of large stature
- Accessory or available as an optional extra (factory option)
- Height of seat: 33.0 inches, seated-arc length: 73.8 inches
Front seat, high (2)
- standard for the R 1200 RS
- Height of seat: 32.3 inches, seated-arc length: 72.2 inches
Front seat (3)
- accessory for the R 1200 RS
- Height of seat: 31.1 inches, seated-arc length: 70.0 inches
Front seat, low (4)
- Optional extra / accessory
- Height of seat: 29.9 inches, seated-arc length: 67.7 inches
Rear seat
- Accessory for the R 1200 RS
Rear seat, Comfort
- Standard for the R 1200 RS
- More comfortable, higher padding and marginally broader seat surface
- Considerably more seated comfort
- Combinable with all front-seat versions
• Color (all): Black

BMW Motorrad Navigator V
• Bluetooth-compatible GPS satnav device optimized for use on motorcycles
• Large, bright 5" display
• Pre-installed map of North America
• Free lifelong map updates (only for the options with pre-installed map data)
• 8 GB integrated memory
• Optional Garmin Smartphone Link for congestion information in real time, up-to-the-minute weather forecasts and more
• Extended data interchange via LIN bus (My Motorcycle pages, warnings)
• Optimized and extended HMI control options by means of the Multi-Controller

Engine protection bars
• Robust, 2-part crash bars made of electro-polished special steel
• Effectively protecting cylinders and heads from damage in minor mishaps
• Less risk of the rider suffering burns (from the exhaust headers) if the motorcycle is dropped
• Unchanged bank-angle clearance
• Weight: Approx. 8.1 lbs
• Not in combination with engine spoiler and/or cylinder-head cover guard

LED auxiliary headlights
• Powerful LED auxiliary headlights with die-cast aluminum housing
• Good integration into the vehicle with bracket specially developed and designed for the purpose
• More safety on the road: better vision and better visibility
• LEDs are so long-lasting as to be virtually wear-free, so operation is fault-free and maintenance-free as well
• White LEDs emit light of a color very close to that of daylight for differentiated illumination of the road ahead.
• Diameter approx. 2.7 inches, length approx. 4.3 inches
• Worldwide homologation, no technical inspection or approval required (CE/SAE mark of conformity)