Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 R 2007 Confirming your values

it's finally here! For as long as BMW had been introducing its new Boxer to the various models in its range, the R 1150 R roadster had been growing impatient with the fact that it too could not enjoy the performance of the 1170 cm3. Patience has finally been rewarded: with this new mill, Munich's bourgeois roadster can now claim a new presence on its coat of arms. Attention naked, here comes the new R 1200 R.

bM's R-series roadster is THE classy, bourgeois roadster, a beautiful, thoroughbred machine designed to take you from the golf club to Roland Garros. Not really the kind of machine to get into a street brawl with wild street-fighters. With the 1200 R, things may be about to change. Because by upgrading to a new generation, the bike gains a hefty dose of anabolic power. From 85 hp, the distiller now spits out 109 bhp - an extra 24 hp is quite a push forward, and puts the R 1200 R in direct competition with the Ducati S4R. More power and torque (up from 9.8 to 11.5 mkg) are combined with a staggering weight loss (-20 kg). The color is announced: the R has very serious new ambitions.

however, it's not the wisdom of the design that would have enlightened us about its new performance. The R remains the elegant roadster that characterizes it. However, this new opus seems less inspired, less gentrified than the 1150. Some intrinsic elements have even disappeared. It's a pity that the superb chrome-plated dashboard has been replaced by a black plastic housing featuring the latest generation of BM instrumentation. The front mudguard is back to standard, the two small side-mounted oil coolers have been replaced by a single element in front of the engine, and the attractive split Telelever is back to its original design. A keen eye will have noticed the addition of a steering damper under the Telelever's left arm. The R 1200 R's steering must be particularly lively if this appendage is used on this roadster.
There's also a new exhaust system, a rear end inspired by that of the K 1200 R, the latest version of the Paralever swingarm, superb new rims, and depending on the angle of view, even a hint of the Moto-Guzzi Breva. Amazing, isn't it?

The outfit is beautiful, the name is noble, and underneath it all is a technological extravaganza. The R 1200 R heralds a new onslaught of silicon chips and other engineering bubbles: new-generation integral ABS, ASC traction control, RDC tire pressure monitoring, ESA electronic suspension adjustment, digital on-board electronics with CAN bus network... Genuine 7-series sedan equipment. All of which can be found on the Bavarian manufacturer's generous and expensive options list. BM does make an effort on the seat, however, offering you a choice of seat height free of charge. Then, between the electronic kickstands, windscreen, heated grips, panniers, GPS, cylinder head covers and all the rest, we're not far off the Redoute catalog.

for a roadster of such cachet, you can't help but be pleasantly surprised to discover so much mechanical promise, rather reserved for tougher machines. The R 1200 R proves that you can be sporty in a baron's suit.

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)