Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 S 2009 More sport than ever

122 horsepower! We've never seen such power on a production BMW boxer before. Clearly, there's more sport in the pistons of the new R 1200 S. The successor to the R 1100 S, this Teutonic sportbike (as it's known in Munich) borrows the 1170 cm3 flat twin inaugurated on the 1200 GS... with a few specific tweaks.
Redesigned cylinder heads, new, even stronger connecting rods made from high-strength alloy steel, camshafts with new valve timing and increased valve lift (from two to three bearings), firmer valve springs and reinforced rocker arms - all of which allow engine speeds of up to 8,800 rpm - something never before seen on a production BMW boxer. New pistons bring the volumetric ratio up to 12.5:1.

this new twin has never ceased to amaze us since it first appeared in 2004. And it should delight us even more in a machine as typical as the R 1200 S. The design is largely based on the previous 1100, but with more angular, more minimalist lines, a narrower forkhead, turn indicators integrated into the mirrors, and a rear end inspired by the Ducati 999, distinguished by an exhaust system with superimposed tips and topped by an 18-LED taillight. The rims are based on those of the K 1200 S. The technical solutions are, of course, the latest innovations from the Bavarian manufacturer: new Paralever swingarm, Telelever front axle, GS dashboard with multiplexed electronics - a very comprehensive feature, according to the press kit:
"The driver can also make use of the data provided by the SWS and call up a wealth of information on the flat information display. This digital display shows, for example, the gear engaged, the fuel level, the oil temperature, the time and, as soon as the fuel reserve is used up, the remaining range. In all cases, a light-sensitive cell takes ambient light levels into account, automatically adapting instrument lighting to the prevailing conditions. But the cockpit will also appeal to fans of analog indications: two round instruments with white dials provide information on current speed and engine rpm".

at 195 kg dry weight, the R 1200 S is one of BMW's featherweights. Although it has lost 13 kg since the 1100, this sports bike is not yet in the same league as the GSX-R and other missiles. The S philosophy belongs more to the sport-GT caste, like the 800 VFR or the Sprint ST. With its powerful engine, svelte lines and relaxed yet sporty riding position, the R 1200 S is one of those ladies who prefers a game of tennis to a 4 x 400 m relay.

A prestigious name appears among the many options available: Öhlins. The equipment manufacturer supplies the components for the "Öhlins sport chassis".
"At the front, this incorporates a combination shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping and variable spring preload, which is characterized by a highly sensitive response to any unevenness in the road, and offers even greater leeway for sporty riding.The rear combination shock absorber with attached cylinder and travel-dependent damping not only allows individual adjustment of compression and rebound damping and spring preload, but also adjusts the height of the rear section. For a constant spring base, it is possible to modify the steering geometry of the R 1200 S and fine-tune the bike for track riding."

now that's what we call a gentleman's sport. Although... Looking at the Boxer Cup rounds that took place not so long ago, you'd think that R 1200 Sistes wouldn't miss an opportunity to tussle like young ragpickers - but always in style.

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)