BMW's K1200R - a radical new direction for the once conservative Motorrad brand
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Image Gallery ( 7 images )March 20, 2005 This was the first the world saw of BMW’s new K1200R roadster muscle bike when the machine made its world debut at the Intermot motorcycle show late last year – almost certainly the first time the image-savvy BMW brand managers have ever condoned one of their roadgoing vehicles to be displayed in such vulgar hoon-like behaviour. When the smoke cleared, we could see why. Using the same donk built for the K1200S ultra high performance sports machine, the K1200R is quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen from the normally understated German marque. The aggressively-styled unfaired street bike has163 bhp and an uncompromising “street fighter” attitude.
The new K1200R roadster is a radical departure in many ways for the conservative BMW name. Following on from the K1200S muscle bike that has upped BMW’s sporting image, the angular and aggressive K1200R is a motorcycle of the “street fighter” ilk - yet another ‘new generation’ model in the BMW range to change people’s perception of the brand.
Equipped with the same engine (and digital motor electronics) as the formidable K 1200 S superbike, the new roadster delivers corresponding levels of comfort, ride quality, safety, and environmental consideration.
Visually, the K 1200 R copies nothing and leads everything. The roadster’s aggressive aesthetics are a synthesis of world-leading aerodynamics and original thinking. But they are practical too. The level of performance achieved by the K 1200 R would be pointless without the capability to sustain it.
A motorcycle that delivers such outstanding performance must also be safe, and the K 1200 R is one of the safest machines available. A low centre of gravity ensures remarkable low speed manoeuvrability, and secure handling at high speeds. Optional Sports Integral ABS and Electronic Suspension Adjustment ensure that the roadster requires less rider input than its contemporaries.
The innovative roadster’s all-round capabilities have also inspired an exciting new one-make race series – the BMW Motorrad Power-Cup – which will replace the hugely successful BoxerCup on this year’s European tracks in support of MotoGP.
The K1200 R is a road bike without compromise, and is destined to attract considerable conquest sales. It will be in BMW Motorrad dealerships from June 2005. In technical terms the K 1200 R is derived from the K 1200 S high-performance machine. The drivetrain, running gear, the brakes and the on-board network have all been carried over from the K 1200 S, modified only in a few features. The new body and equipment, as well as the truly exceptional, extroverted design, however, make the K 1200 R a brand-new and quite different motorcycle. Weighing just 237 kilos or 523 lb (DIN unladen weight on a full tank, without ABS), the K 1200 R keeps its pledge of offering superior handling and light manoeuvrability especially at low speeds on country roads and in town.
Drivetrain
Slender and compact, the straight-four power unit displaces 1,157 cc, the same as the engine of the K 1200 S. The other engine data is also similar, the new Roadster developing its somewhat lower peak output of 120 kW (163 bhp) at the same speed of 10,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 127 Nm (94 lb-ft) coming 8,250 rpm.
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