VOL. 52 ISSUE 9 MARCH 3, 2015 P61
Created with an emphasis on
comfort the R 1200 R provides a
neutral upright seating position
melded with a lithe presence.
Designers have managed to
capture the essence of sophisti-
cation, clean lines and simplicity
while engineers have managed
to pack in a seductive amount of
performance. The heart of the
R is the stalwart Boxer flat twin,
but in the new intake/exhaust
configuration with liquid cooling
(aka the "water boxer"). The fuel-
injected 1170cc plant delivers
125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm,
with 92 ft-lbs of torque arriving at
6,500 rpm, all of which imbues
the 509-lb machine with plenty
of spirit. In terms of response
and power the R is comfortable
either being peacefully cruised
or ridden in anger.
The bike is equipped standard
with Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) and two-mode engine
setting; Rain and Road. There
is a Pro Riding mode option that
provides two more additional
modes: Dynamic and User,
and includes Dynamic Traction
Control (DTC). These electronic
elements are not merely market-
ing items, they work exception-
ally well without interfering with
the organic feel of riding while
rendering a great deal of safety
(especially in wet road condi-
tions).
Aesthetically perhaps the
most significant aspect of the R
1200 R is that engineers traded
in the lauded Telelever front
end for a telescopic fork (45mm
diameter, inverted). The tradi-
tional front fork allows for more
direct rider feedback and pre-
cise steering than the Telelever
under braking and turn-in, which
complements the bike's overall
sportiness. Engineering-wise
the less complicated telescopic
unit allows various elements—
such as radiator, airbox, and
exhaust—to be neatly tucked in
for a slender silhouette. The rear
end of the R utilizes the standard
EVO Paralever. The bike tested
had the optional Dynamic Elec-
tronic Suspension Adjustment
(ESA). The handlebar-activated
system provides a combination
of comfort and performance,
automatically responding to
road conditions via fork/shock
action sensors, adjusting to the
prevailing conditions within mil-
liseconds. "Dynamic" mode can
be called in while on the move
by simply pressing a handlebar
switch. This mode activates
firmer settings front and rear for
more sport-oriented and aggres-
sive riding.
The clutch is an "anti-hopping"
unit in an oil bath that smoothes
out even the most aggressive
downshifts on the 6-speed gear-
box. The ubiquitous BMW shaft
drive gets it all to the rear wheel.
Keyless Ride is a nice touch.
"FOR THE
MULTITUDE OF
ENTHUSIASTS
THAT ARE
TRANSITIONING
AWAY FROM THE
IMPRACTICALITY
OF MODERN
SPORTBIKES, YET
ARE IN NEED OF
A MACHINE THAT
CAN DELIVER
SOME ADRENALINE
WHEN CALLED FOR,
THE R 1200 R IS A
DEFINITE SHOO-IN."
