BMW R1200S explained

BMW R1200S
Manufacturer:BMW Motorrad
Production:2006–2007
Predecessor:R1100S
Successor:BMW HP2 Sport
Engine:1170 cc flat twin
Bore Stroke:101mm73mm
Compression:12.5:1
Power:110.57hp @ 7,525 rpm(rear wheel)
Torque:78.96lbft @ 6,710 rpm(rear wheel)
Ignition:Digital CDI
Transmission:Single-plate dry clutch, 6-speed, shaft drive
Frame:Tubular steel trellis
Suspension:Showa (standard) or Öhlins (optional), Front: BMW Telelever
Rear: BMW Paralever
Length:2151mm
Height:1177mm
Dry Weight:399lbs (claimed)
Wet Weight:488lbs
Fuel Capacity:4.2usgal

The BMW R1200S is a luxury sports motorcycle produced by BMW Motorrad from 2006 to 2007.

Compared to the BMW R1100S which it succeeded, the R1200S was 13kg (29lb) lighter, and (with a compression ratio raised from 11.3:1 to 12.5:1)[1] [2] it was 25% more powerful with a "hexhead" motor rated at . Much of the weight saving was down to a new trellis-type frame which replaced the massive alloy frame of the R1100S. The R1200S thus had superior handling, improved braking, higher power output, greater ground clearance, and sport ergonomics. Although the instrumentation was updated, the bike retained the unconventional BMW-system indicator switches (one on either side). Factory options included front and rear Öhlins shock absorbers, switchable ABS, a light weight Akrapovič muffler, expandable locking luggage, heated grips, a solo tail piece, a Tire-pressure monitoring system and a wider 6" rear wheel to accommodate a size 190 tire.

Despite these refinements, overall the earlier R1100S has perhaps proved the more successful design. Motor Cycle News said of the R1200S: "As an oddball track motorcycle it works, but as an accomplished all-rounder it falls short of the standards set by the R1100S that preceded it." However, the owners’ comments attached to this article viewed the R1200S much more favourably.

The 2006 BMW R1200S was reported to have a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 11.1 seconds.[3]

HP2 Sport

In 2008 the R1200S was superseded by the double overhead camshaft HP2 Sport.[4] At 178 kg (dry) and 128 hp, the HP2 is even lighter and more powerful than the R1200S upon which it is based; (and compared to the R1100S, the HP2 is 30 kg lighter and 30 hp more powerful).[5] The HP2's dohc engine was the most powerful "oilhead" design[5] before BMW adopted liquid cooling for some of its flat twins in 2013.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BMW R1200S. Phil Hawksley. bmbikes.co.uk. 1 January 2015.
  2. Web site: 2007 BMW R1200S Road Test . Rider Magazine . 1 January 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141230223146/http://www.ridermagazine.com/road-tests/2007-bmw-r1200s-road-test.htm/ . 30 December 2014 .
  3. Web site: BMW Motorcycle 0-60 Times & BMW Quarter Mile Times | BMW K1200R Sport, S1000RR, K1600 GTL & 0 to 60 stats!.
  4. Web site: 2012 BMW HP2 Sport . Garlitos . Kirby . Top Speed. February 25, 2017. July 24, 2012 .
  5. Web site: BMW HP2 SPORT (2008-2012) Review. Motor Cycle News. February 25, 2017. December 20, 2007 .