2007 BMW R 1200 R

With sales of the R 1150 R and R 850 R amounting to almost 60,000 units since 2001, there is obviously great demand for a motorcycle in classic design combining unique character with timeless elegance.

It is equally obvious that the outstanding all-round qualities of the Roadster have contributed to the great success of this type of motor¬cycle in the market and will be borne out even more signifi¬cantly in future by the R 1200 R. Indeed, this new Roadster takes up the gen¬eral trend towards enhanced dynamics without neglecting the streng¬ths of the basic concept, combining a significantly higher standard of agility with excellent all-round touring qualities.

The 1,200-cc power unit develops 80 kW/109 hp and thus exceeds the output of the former engine by almost 28%. This flat-twin pow¬er unit comes with the same level of development already boasted in the R 1200 RT, with the oil cooler on the new Roadster now fitted be¬hind the wheel fork.

BMW R 1200 R

The rear section of the tubular spaceframe has been specially deve¬loped for the Roadster, helping to give the entire rear end a light and nimble appearance and reducing the overall weight of the machine. Dry weight of BMW Motorrad’s new R 1200 R all-rounder is therefore just 198 kg or 437 lb. In road trim and with a full tank, in turn, the new machine also remains very light at just 223 kg or 492 lb, much lighter than other four-cylinders in this market segment.

Benefiting from the most advanced technologies, the Roadster sets new standards in the market, once again underlining BMW’s claim to leadership in road safety. And for the first time the new model fea¬tures the new generation of BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, which may be combined as an option with ASC anti-spin control from 2007. TPC tyre pressure control warning the rider of a loss of pressure also while riding is currently being developed as a further feature for superior safety.

Last but certainly not least, the particularly wide range of optional extras and special equipment allows the customer to personalise the design and features of this classic all-rounder.

BMW R 1200 R

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Features

BMW R 1200 R

The power unit – powerful and refined.
The power unit is based on the two-cylinder with balance shaft featured for the first time in the BMW R 1200 GS and corresponds in the present version to the engine already to be admired in the BMW R 1200 RT. The technical features and details of the engine and its overall configuration are presented in the R 1200 GS and R 1200 RT press kits.

Compared with the R 1150 R, the new Roadster offers almost 28% more power at a higher engine speed and approximately 17% more torque. And at the same time the engine is 7% light¬er than its predecessor and particularly smooth and sophisticated, reducing vibrations to a minimum.

The latest generation of electronic CAN-bus engine management makes this modern power unit even more comfortable and smoother on the road. In particular, this superiority is ensured by automatic idle speed control, automatic choke, and anti-knock control allowing the use of lower-grade fuel. To develop its maximum output of 80 kW/109 hp at 7,500 rpm and peak torque of 115 Nm/85 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm, the flat-twin requires 98 RON premium plus fuel. Running on 95 RON premium fuel, in turn, engine output is slightly lower.

The six-speed gearbox with helical gears featured in the R 1200 R also comes from the RT, combining a snug and gentle gear mesh with superior running smoothness. Contrary to the touring model, the drive shaft on the R 1200 R features a shorter secondary transmission ratio of 2.75:1 (RT: 2.62:1), meaning that sixth gear is an active riding gear and does not serve merely as a kind of overdrive or economy gear.

Suspension technology of the highest standard.
Like its RT and ST counterparts, the BMW R 1200 R features a two-piece frame integrating the engine as a load-bearing element. While the front half of the frame comes from the RT, both the steering head angle and wheel castor have been specifically modified to meet the demands made of the new Roadster. A brand-new feature is the rear tubular spaceframe structure lighter in weight than comparable com¬ponents and helping to give the rear section of the machine its light and nimble appearance.

The wheels run on the latest-generation Telelever and Paralever sus¬pension units carried over from BMW’s other Boxers. Making an im¬portant contribution to the Roadster’s stable riding behaviour and smooth handling, this superior suspension gives the R 1200 R even greater agility on winding roads than on the former model and at the same time meets all the expectations of the touring rider in terms of motoring comfort and smooth performance.

The rider often taking along various loads and thus subjecting his machine to different weight conditions will be thrilled by the optional ESA Electronic Suspension System enabling the him – or her – to con¬veniently adjust spring and damper rates electronically at the touch of a button.

High-performance brake system and new generation of Integral ABS.
Featuring two floating brake discs measuring 320 millimetres or 12.6´´ in diameter as well as two four-piston fixed callipers on the front wheel, the BMW R 1200 R is perfectly suited for powerful dece¬leration whenever required. Pressure is built up via slender, high-quality flexible-steel brake lines also featured on the two-piston floating calliper acting on the rear wheel brake discs measuring 265 millimetres or 10.4´´ in diameter.

A special feature available straight from the factory is the latest gen¬eration of BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, which may even be combined as an option with ASC Automatic Stability Control from 2007. For further infor¬mation on the functions, structure and operation of this latest gen¬e¬ra¬tion of ABS brake technology, please see the separate press kit dedicated to this subject. 

Instruments.
The combination of instruments on the new R 1200 R is again typical of a genuine Roadster: Two analogue circular dials positioned above one another, as well as a digital LCD display, inform the rider at a glance on his current road speed, engine speed, overall mileage, trip mileage, gear in mesh, and the time. And as an option the instrument cluster may be further enhanced by an on-board computer offering additional information. Again, further details in this context are pro¬vided in the section on Optional Extras and Special Equipment.

BMW R 1200 R

Single-Wire-System (SWS) with CAN-bus technology.
As on the other models in BMW Motorrad’s current R- and K-Series, the electrical and electronic components on the R 1200 R communicate with one another via a modern data bus network, with digital infor¬mation being transmitted through one single wire.

Introduction of the Single-Wire-System has dramatically simplified the entire structure and configuration of the on-board electrics, re¬ducing the number of cables and connections and significantly low¬ering the weight of the entire electrical system. A further point is that only this technology allows reliable, comprehensive and rapid trouble¬shooting and diagnostic functions. It also enables the service technician to read data and/or re-define existing parameters. And last but not least, the Single-Wire-System allows simple and straightfor¬ward adaptation of special electronic equipment enhancing the motor¬cycle’s wide range of functions.

Yet another major advantage this modern technology offers the cus¬tomer is the option to retrieve all kinds of information quickly and conveniently via the instrument cluster in the cockpit.

Electronic immobiliser.
To make sure that the new R 1200 R remains in the hands of its right¬ful owner at all times, an electronic immobiliser comes as standard on the new Roadster and is fully integrated in the data bus network de¬scribed above. Like on a modern car, the ignition key incorporates a coded data chip communicating via a ring aerial in the ignition lock with the electronic engine management. Verifying the data ex¬changed in this way, the system clears the ignition and fuel supply for instant use once the data has been confirmed and then allows the rightful rider to start the engine.

Ergonomics and step arch length.
To ensure maximum comfort and freedom of movement, BMW Motor¬rad’s designers and engineers have focused consistently on the so-called step arch length in the configuration of the seat. This figure defines the distance between the rider’s two footprints on the ground – measured via the inner length of the rider’s legs – and also takes the shape and width of the seat into account.

Being particularly slender at the front, the seat ensures excellent ground contact and gives the rider a much more relaxed knee angle compared with the previous model. This also applies to the pas¬sen¬ger, who again enjoys the high standard of seating comfort so typical of a BMW.

The standard seat is 800 millimetres or 31.5´´ in height, step arch length is 1,800 millimetres or 70.9´´. And to cater for significantly smaller or taller riders, the new R 1200 R is available as an option with a low (seat height 770 mm/30.3´´) or high (seat height 830 mm/32.7´´) double seat as an optional extra.

BMW R 1200 R

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Design and colour concept

BMW R 1200 R

The new BMW R 1200 R is a truly timeless, classic Roadster with ex¬cellent all-round qualities and unique character now further en¬hanced by the machine’s even higher level of dynamic performance. So it is only natural to reflect these superior features clearly and convincingly in the design of the motorcycle.

Compact in its overall proportions, the new R 1200 R consciously features body components reduced in terms of their form and style in order to highlight the technical features of the drivetrain and, in par¬tic¬ular, of the power unit.

In its high-class look, the headlight also pays tribute to classic motorcycle design then carried forward to the most modern and advanced technology through the free-form re¬flec¬tors. Indeed, close integration of the headlight into the overall line of the motorcycle creates an almost “bullish” front end harmonising smoothly with the slender proportions of the rear section.

Even the elegant case support available as an optional extra blends smoothly with this formal and design language. From the rear, finally, the looks of the BMW R 1200 R are dominated by the Paralever as another fea¬ture so typical and characteristic of BMW.

The optical “lightness” of the new R 1200 R also comes out clearly from the rider’s perspective: With the radiator at the side having been dropped, the entire tank area is now a lot more compact and slender. And being made of sheet metal in genuine BMW tradition, the fuel tank also highlights the classic design and style of the entire ma¬chine. 

Last but certainly not least, the colour concept again accentuates the character of the new BMW R 1200 R, the three colour variants avail¬able as an option interpreting the classic roadster theme in a very dif¬ferent, distinctive manner.

Paintwork in Night Black non-metallic highlights the straightforward character and honesty of the new Roadster. And the discerning rider opting for double decal line finish painted in white by a skilled hand as an op¬tional extra can be sure to receive a truly classic BMW in its looks and appearance.

Crystal Grey metallic is an innovative colour scheme changing con¬sistently in its look as a function of the angle of light, and thus ema¬nating a particularly sophisticated, elegant and modern touch at all times.

As a more “technical” colour, Granite Grey metallic highlights in par¬ticular the shapes and lines of the Roadster. Undisturbed by reflec¬tions and unwanted light effects, this highly attractive colour guides the eye of the observer to the essential: to a purist and modern all-round machine.

BMW R 1200 R

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SPECS

BMW R 1200 R

Power Unit       
Capacity(cc): 1,170    
Bore/stroke(mm): 101/73    
Max output(kW/hp): 80/109 @ 7,500 rpm    
Max torque(Nm/lb-ft): 115/85 @ 6,000 rpm
Configuration: Boxer    
No of cylinders: 2    
Compression ratio/fuel grade: 12.0/premium plus    
Valve/gas control: HC (high camshaft)    
Valves per cylinder: 4    
Valve dia, intake/exhaust(mm): 36/31    
Fuel supply: Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K    
Emission management: Fully controlled three-way catalytic converter    
      
Electrical System       
Alternator(W): 600    
Battery(V/Ah): 12/14 maintenance-free     
Starter(kW): 1.2    
      
Power Transmission/Gearbox       
Clutch: Single-plate dry clutch, dia 180 mm    
Gearbox: Dog-shift six-speed gearbox    
Primary transmission: 1.882    
Gear ratios: I-2.277; II-1.583; III-1.259; IV-1.033; V-0.903; VI-0.805; Drive shaft    
Final drive ratio: 2.75   
      
Suspension and Running Gear      
Frame: Tubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine    
Suspension, front: BMW Telelever  
Suspension, rear: BMW Paralever  
Spring travel, front/rear(mm): 120/140   
Castor(mm): 119.1   
Wheelbase(mm): 1,495   
Steering head angle(°): 62.9   
Brakes: front: Double disc brake, dia 320 mm; rear: Single-disc brake, dia 265 mm; BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as an option    
Wheels: Cast wheels; front: 3.50 x 17; rear: 5.50 x 17
Tyres: front: 120/70-ZR 17; rear: 180/55-ZR 17

Dimensions and weight       
Length, overall(mm): 2,145    
Width, overall, with mirrors(mm): 872    
Seat height(mm): 800    
Weight, dry(kg): 198    
DIN unladen weight with full tank(kg): 223    
Weight, max permissible(kg): 450    
Tank capacity(ltr): 18    
      
Performance      
Fuel consumption      
90 km/h(ltr/100 km): 4.1    
120 km/h(ltr/100 km): 5.5    

Acceleration
0–100 km/h(sec): 3.6    
Top speed(km/h): 200 plus

BMW R 1200 R