BMW Motorrad and the legendary RS production bikes – a model badge that continues to symbolise travel and sport in equal measure. In 1976, the R 100 RS became the first mass-produced motorcycle in the world to come with a full, frame-mounted fairing that had been developed in the wind tunnel. As the consummate all-rounder for both travelling and sporting deployment, it established the sports tourer segment, as it has been known ever since.
With the arrival of the new R 1200 RS, BMW Motorrad is continuing this long tradition by unveiling a sports tourer powered by a flat-twin engine that succeeds in transposing the all-round qualities of the original BMW RS concept into the modern day to stunning effect. Whether darting along country roads, revelling 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.
Meaty, mightier boxer engine for dynamic sports touring.
The flat-twin boxer engine on the new RÂ 1200Â RS is the same DOHC drive unit that already powers the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the R 1200 RT and the new R 1200 R. It produces 92Â kW (125Â hp) at 7,750Â rpm and develops its peak torque of 125Â Nm (92 lb-ft) at 6,500Â rpm. Compared to the engines on the GS, GS Adventure and RT, torque has actually been increased slightly at low revs. 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.
ABS, ASC and two riding modes as standard. Riding mode Pro with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as an optional extra.
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.
Tubular steel bridge frame with engine as a self-supporting element. Wheel suspension using upside-down telescopic fork and EVO Paralever.
A new tubular steel bridge frame incorporating the flat-twin engine as a self-supporting element was purpose-developed for the new RÂ 1200Â RS. With an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear, the wheel suspension adopts the classic chassis technology of dynamic sports tourers, but updated in typical BMWÂ Motorrad fashion. Excellent steering precision, directional accuracy, neutral handling and braking rigidity were all a top priority when configuring the chassis. All while never losing sight of the overriding objective for the new RÂ 1200Â RS of creating an exceptionally dynamic RS model for the keen rider, whose design language has been derived from the S 1000 RR superbike.
Latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for ideal riding dynamics in any situation.
Opting for the latest generation of the electronically controlled suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) takes the dynamic riding experience to even greater heights. With its two damping settings, “Road” and “Dynamic”, Dynamic ESA enables the rider to enjoy unprecedented levels of handling safety, performance and comfort, as the damping is automatically adapted to the prevailing riding conditions to suit the riding situation and the manoeuvres being carried out.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with analogue speedometer, on-board computer and a wealth of information.
Even the instrumentation of the new RÂ 1200Â RS takes a quantum leap into a new sports touring era. The speed is displayed in traditional fashion by an analogue speedometer, but there is also a TFT display for showing a wide array of information.
Sporty design with dynamic proportions. Two colour and finish variants, each with their own character.
The BMW Motorrad RS models have always enjoyed a reputation for being the perfect all-rounders. The new BMW R 1200 RS fuses these credentials with both sharp performance and a sporty, dynamic design. The aerodynamically styled semi-fairing with twin headlights forms the “face” of the new BMW R 1200 RS and makes the fusion of tourer and sports machine plain to see. The dynamic proportions, with the low-set front and the delicately styled tail jutting up at the rear, give the bike a slight wedge shape and leave no doubt as to its sporting prowess, along with its many other talents. Two colour and finish variants each underline the powerful character of the new R 1200 RS, but in their own individual way. This results 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 matt.
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Highlights of the new BMWÂ RÂ 1200Â RS:
- Classic flat-twin boxer engine with 92Â kW (125Â hp) at 7,750Â rpm and 125Â Nm (92 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm.
- Sporty and dynamic sports tourer design.
- Aerodynamically styled semi-fairing with adjustable windshield.
- Torsionally rigid tubular steel bridge frame with engine as self-supporting element.
- Classic wheel suspension concept using upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear.
- New intake air duct and central radiator for ultra-compact front silhouette.
- Upright, sporty yet relaxed seating position for a dynamic riding sensation combined with excellent seating comfort for longer tours.
- Exhaust system in pentagonal design.
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
- “Rain” and “Road” riding modes.
-  Riding mode Pro offering two additional riding modes, “Dynamic” and “User”, for optimum adaptation to prevailing riding conditions as an ex-works option.
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as part of the Riding mode Pro option.
- Latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as an option for optimum riding dynamics in any situation.
- Powerful braking system with radial four-piston callipers and ABS.
- Lightweight 10-spoke cast wheels.
- Gear Shift Assistant Pro for fast, clutchless shifting as an ex-works option.
- Sophisticated instrument cluster offering a wide array of functions and wealth of information.
- Keyless Ride for supreme ease of use as an ex-works option.
- Innovative colour scheme with two individual characters, classically sporty in the basic colours and sporty and exclusive in the “Style 2” variant.
- Extensive range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.
