BMW R1200RS Bike Overview
The BMW R1200RS is known for its beautiful handling and incredible beauty and sophistication. The 1170cc engine outputs 70bhp and has a torque of 92 foot to pound and it is one of those motorbikes that’s ride is as smooth as its looks, with speeds of 80mph to 100mph holding at 4000rpm.
This bike really holds its own on those twisting lane roads and, when you’re going along them at top speed, the BMW R1200RS has a grip that makes you feel confident and safe. The chassis springs may feel soft initially, but, as the ride goes on, the electronic make up of this bike makes the springs stiffen.
However, even though this bike has the legendary Brembos working flawlessly around corners, it has a tendency to slide its rear end when pushed too far and the hero blobs are in greater danger of wearing down far too quickly. It’s a decent bike to push, but go too far and you will see and feel its limits. That said, if you’re in the mood for a glide through the countryside, this bike will completely satisfy your needs.
Take a look at the BMW R1200RS in action…
BMW R1200RS Bike Spec
- Capacity1170cc
- Top speed140 mph
- Weight236kg
- Average fuel consumption40mpg
- Seat height820mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, DOHC
BMW R1200RS Bike Insurance
BMW R1200RS Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
The looks. Physical size and safe handling
Cons
The flat twin engine could be quieter
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For a sports tourer it a great compromise.
It’s a BMW
Great brakes in all situations
Great ride quality and flexibility with the active suspension
Great torque. When your on the road it’s far less stressful not to have to wring it’s neck
get 55 plus to the gallon. Servicing cost are about average but you can do most of it yourself with service kits from bmw specialist suppliers
Pros
Good for long distance touring and for twisty roads.
Cons
Paint quality could be better.
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Slightly forward seating position makes shoulders and wrists ache after a while, but this position feels just right for this bike.
Some corrosion on rear frame and pillion grips.
Brakes are very effective with progressive bite.
Dynamic suspension is fantastic.
Engine allows good control over speed without worrying too much about braking.
Service costs are reasonable. MPG are 54 to 58. Road 5 Tyres are a bit expensive.
Pros
One of the best engines on the road today. Quality product with excellent after-sales service. Different riding modes and electronics to guarantee a comfortable and exciting ride. Holds its value.
Cons
Expensive services, desirable to praying eyes, perhaps not the choice for a courier.
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The 1200 RS is both comfortable in both of her skins: sport and touring. The adjustable screen certainly makes a difference to ease the blast from the wind and the low centre of mass of the boxer engine makes it ideal to provide plenty of reassurance from the tarmac. Pillions benefit from a roomy seat with suitable padding.
The build quality is as expected on a premium brand such as BMW, particularly on its flagship models.
Added to the electronic gadgetry, the brakes are precise and sharp, with plenty of feedback from the levers, even when squeezing with two fingers only.
It's the iconic boxer engine from BMW. It's a beast, with plenty of power and torque, but it can also purr and behave well in traffic and within the 20mph zones. Surprisingly nimble and manoeuvrable, though not as sharp turning as the 1200 GS. Whilst you may not be able to dunk her in slow-speed changes of direction, at least your mirrors are not quite as exposed to LGV's as it happens on the GS.
You may want to jump on the 1250 and decide 'you need the extra power'. Nevertheless, remember this engine has been fine tuned over the years to near perfection. There's nothing wrong with the amount of teuton horses packed in the 1200 version. Plenty of grunt for everything you're allowed to do on the road.
It's a big engine, built for performance and touring comfort. If you take her on your daily commute, it will drink bucketloads of petrol. However, on a long ride at sensible pace, it sips just the right amount to manage around 45mpg on average.
Pros
All day usability, be it going to the shops or taking a 300 mile trip
Cons
A little more long distance comfort
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Great suspension
Were it not for the new 1250, the 1200 would probably have received a 5.
Boxer = easy & 'relatively' cheap to service & run
As near faultless as I have had on a road motorcycle
Cannot fault them in any way
Pros
This is the best bike I have ever owned. Each time I get on the bike I am excited. The anticipation of the power/acceleration, the excellent road holding, and array of cockpit controls (heated grips, cruise control, lightweight clutch, daylight riding lights, etc) make it a pleasure to ride.
Cons
The cradle for the sat nav is in the wrong place. It should be further forward, behind the windscreen.
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The bike sticks to the ground like glue. The ABS and suspension modes mean that road holding is excellent. A little heavy on the turns, but not a serious problem. The cruise control makes life a lot easier, especially on long rides.
There is no shortage of power. It has good acceleration through gears up to 5th. 6th gear just levels things out. I shall never reach top speed, said to be over 125mph, but it certainly pulls the G forces to over 100mph. Getting into 1st gear is a bit clunky, but that is a characteristics of BMWs.
The cradle for the sat nav is in the wrong place. It should be further forward, behind the windscreen.
As with all BMW, the quality is excellent. I think the mudguards could do with improving. A lot of muck is thrown up onto the engine and rear sections, mainly because it is designed to be 'sporty'. As I use the bike mainly for touring, I would prefer the mudguards to be more functional. As it is, the front mudguard is made of lightweight plastic, so it does not take a mudguard extension very easily.
Brembo brakes are excellent. I particularly like that when you apply front brake, it automatically applies 10% to rear brake as well! ABS and traction control are great, but this bike also corrects mistake on the incline (when cornering).
Pros
Great engine, suspension & brakes. Comfy seat, screen works for me. A great all rounder but costlier than some competitors from Triumph and Yamaha.
Cons
Satnav cradle is in a stupid place. Why not above the clocks? You have to take your eyes off the road to look at it – I have abandoned it for a RAM ball on the left bar.
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Electronic suspension is good - do not miss the Telelever on earlier versions
LC engine a massive improvement on my oilhead 1150
Satnav cradle is in a stupid place. Why not above the clocks? You have to take your eyes off the road to look at it – I have abandoned it for a RAM ball on the left bar.
Looks good but BMW are bit cheap using many fasteners that corrode
Brembo brakes are good - I like the linked system and ABS is not intrusive
Pros
Smoothness and comfort. Good all rounder for touring and sports. Would recommend.
Cons
A working ABS system and grab rail.
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Handles very well. Smooth ride. Corners exceptionally for a large twin. Gear changes are effortless.
Performance is good. Smooth power delivery. A bit weak right at the top end of the rev range but otherwise very useable.
A working ABS system and grab rail.
Overall well constructed. ABS issue have meant mine has been disconnected and now has STD brakes. Also gear indicator does not function all the time.
Brakes are good in std format. A faulty ABS computer system lets the bike down and should have been recalled by BMW to sort as its a very common problem
Pros
Engine & suspension are ace. I cannot believe BMW does not sell more of this bike. It is the best sports tourer on the market.
Cons
I'm old so my hip plays up from the sporty ride – not the bike's fault
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Electronic suspension is excellent
Big, grunty boxer twin.
Only a year old but seems okay so far
Ace Brembo jobs
Pros
The best thing about the bike is it's a pure pleasure to ride. I would recommend this bike to any one who wants the feel of a sports bike along with a weekend away tourer the comfort and pleasure it gives to ride is pure joy.
Cons
The one thing to improve is luggage capacity it's just not large enough
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Ride quality again is excellent with smooth transitions and stability
The bike as more than enough power to get you out of trouble or past traffic when needed and gives you the feel your on a true sports bike and not a sports tourer
The fuel level takes 18 L and is plenty for a long ride seems reasonable. Not sure what it cost a year to run,but no complaints and I use it for work when nessecere
Build quality as expected from the Germans is also top marks,as of today not a problem in site
Again all confidence in the brembo brake system along with the anti lock and stability control systemsthe