The BMW R1200 RS is the reincarnation of the R100 RS and comes with the meaty boxer engine coupled with a host of electronic aids making a perfect sport-touring combination.
Bringing the sport-touring RS series back, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the R1200 RS that takes the RS (Reise & Sport, which means travel and sport) legacy forward from the legendary R100 RS that was launched in 1976 and started the sport-touring space for BMW. The 2015 R1200 RS can easily be mistaken for the S1000RR due to the quintessential Motorrad styling but BMW lovers will be able to spot the difference easily. The bike has been tuned for a sport-touring avatar and is powered by a Boxer twin engine, equipped with a plethora of electronic aids for high speed stability.
Starting with the powertrain, the 2015 BMW R1200 RS gets the 1170cc air and liquid-cooled Boxer engine that also powers the R1200 GS, R1200 GS Adventure, R1200 RT as well as the new R1200 R and produces 125 HP of power at 7750 RPM and 125 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Compared to the other models, the torque has been increased on the R1200 RS. BMW says that the engine has been upgraded with an updated airbox, reshaped intake ducts and a new exhaust that results in more low-end punch. The R1200 RS is built on a tubular steel bridge frame that incorporates the engine as a self-supporting element.
Suspension duties are performed by 45 mm Up-Side Down forks at the front, while the rear gets an EVO Paralever single-sided swingarm. The suspension set-up can also be adjusted with the new generation Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment system. Stopping power on the other hand comes from 320 mm disc brakes at the front with dual four-piston radial-mount callipers, while the rear gets a 276 mm disc with single two-piston floating calliper.
Making sport-touring even more compelling, the 2015 BMW R1200 RS will offer riders two riding modes including ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ that offers stability depending upon the tarmac. In addition, Automatic Stability Control and ABS are offered as standard features. Customers can also opt for the more advanced Riding mode Pro that comes with Dynamic and User settings, along with Dynamic Traction Control system. The Dynamic mode unleashes all the horses completely, while the User mode allows the rider to customise the settings as per his liking. There is also the Gear Shift Assist Pro system that allows for clutchless shifting in relevant load and rev speed ranges.
Keeping up with the tech wizardry, the BMW R1200 RS comes with a three instrument cluster display option that puts forth all the vital information such as fuel efficiency, trip meter, range, engine temperature, speed, fuel consumption and tyre pressure at your immediate disposal. There is also Sport mode and Tourist mode offering different details. The BMW R1200 RS is available with a range of accessories including a Comfort package and Touring package that adds features such as heated grips, chrome plated exhaust, centre stand, pannier holder, luggage grid, cruise control, windshield, backrest and much more.
BMW is offering the R1200 RS in two styles and the bike comes with two paint finishes including Lupin blue metallic and Light grey metallic with black frame and black-anodized callipers, while the second option is Granite grey metallic matte and Black storm metallic with an Agate grey metallic frame and gold-anodized brake callipers. Prices for the model has not been announced yet.
