Locally, the BMW R 1200 GS adventure bike has been a massive success story for the brand. BMW Motorrad hasn’t been resting on its laurels, however, as has been on a new-model offensive of late. The R 1200 R is one of the newcomers and is classed as a roadster. It’s a striking naked machine, especially in white with a red tubular frame, just like the example dropped off at our offices. It is not a motorcycle you can call pretty, but it has a purposeful stance.
Rather than spend hours studying all the technical details of the bike (for example, it has keyless start, various riding modes, an iDrive type controller and optional Motorrad Navigator V sat-nav system), I fetched my helmet and jumped on for my maiden ride. Bikes have a way of communicating to the rider exactly what they’re about in quick time, and this was no different in the case of the R 1200 R. By the end of the road leading from our offices, I was already smiling.
The 92 kW air-and-liquid-cooled 1200 cm3 engine (also found in the GS) has plenty of character and heaps of torque (125 N.m) from low engine speeds. Roll on the throttle and the bike swiftly wafts to naughty speeds in any gear. The flat-twin design is more than 90 years old and still one of the great automotive engines of our time.
Although the bike is on the heavy side (231 kg fuelled), it hides its bulk well and the sporty suspension setup (with 45 mm upside-down forks up front) give it predictable handling and great stability mid-corner. Twin 320 mm discs that are gripped by four-piston radial callipers do an excellent job of slowing the bike, and the ABS acts as a welcome safety net.
I’m looking forward to experiencing the touring potential of the bike (despite it lacking a screen as standard) and to find out whether it can fulfil a commuting role, as it’s slim enough to fit between cars in traffic.
Overall, my first impressions have been very positive thanks to an extremely comfortable riding position and an easy-going character, although there is enough power on tap if I want to go play on a Sunday morning.
If you’re considering an R 1200 GS, but spend zero time off-road, the R may well be a better fit.
After 1 month
Current mileage: 282
Average fuel consumption: 6,20 L/100 km
We like: torquey boxer engine, comfort, fun
We don’t like: lack of wind protection at speed
