BMW R 1200 RS: New Dimension in Sports Biking

BMW Motorrad has launched a new bike in its legendary RS production series – the 2015 BMW R1200RS. Successor of 1976 R 100 RS, which was the first mass-produced motorcycle in the world to come with a full frame-mounted fairing, this one comes with boxer cylinders protruding from its sides.

Indeed, the R1200RS (Reise & Sport, which stands for travel and sport) is built around BMW’s new liquid-cooled boxer power plant which also powers the new R1200GS, R1200GS Adventure, R1200RT and 2015 R1200R machines. The liquid-cooled boxer power plant makes 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) 1,000 revs lower, while the transmission and gearing are almost the same as what R1200R offers, with a slight tweak for better response in the lower rpm range.

The exhaust gases are routed through a 2-in-1 exhaust system with a rear silencer that is steeply angled for dynamic effect. A modified airbox, newly shaped air intake snorkels and a centrally positioned radiator all lend themselves to a slender, sporty and dynamic-looking front silhouette.

For optimum adaptation to the rider’s individual needs, the new R 1200 RS already comes equipped as standard with the two riding modes ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’. Besides ABS, the standard specification also includes Automatic Stability Control (ASC) for increased handling safety when accelerating. And, with the optional Riding mode Pro feature, the new R 1200 RS also adds Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking detection as well as two extra riding modes – ‘Dynamic’ and ‘User’ – to its technical repertoire.

R1200RS can also be optionally equipped with the latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). The instrumentation relies on the same analog speedometer and TFT screen combo. BMW also adds Keyless Ride, Gear Shift Assistant Pro as ex-works options. The 2015 R1200RS will be available in a choice of two different styling variants: the classically sporty basic colours Lupin blue metallic/Light grey metallic and the sporty and exclusive ‘Style 2’ variant in Granite grey metallic matte.