The
New BMW K 1200 R
1. Concept
and Claim.
The new K 1200
R roadster is a muscle bike that owes its allegiance to nothing
that has gone before. It is not a replacement for any other machine
and represents a revolution in the naked bike sector. It has power
and styling not previously associated with BMW Motorrad and is yet
another ‘new generation’ model in the BMW range to change
people’s perception of the brand.
BMW’s
most powerful and aggressively-styled naked street bike, the 120
kW (163 bhp) K 1200 R has been uncompromisingly devised for road
riding. Equipped
with the same engine (and digital motor electronics) as the formidable
K 1200 S superbike, the new roadster delivers corresponding levels
of comfort, ride quality, safety, and environmental consideration.
Visually, the
K 1200 R copies nothing and leads everything. The roadster’s
aggressive aesthetics are a synthesis of world-leading aerodynamics
and original thinking. But they are practical too. The level of
performance achieved by the K 1200 R would be pointless without
the capability to sustain it.
A motorcycle
that delivers such outstanding performance must also be safe, and
the K 1200 R is one of the safest machines available. A low centre
of gravity ensures remarkable low speed manoeuvrability, and secure
handling at high speeds.
Optional Sports
Integral ABS and Electronic Suspension Adjustment ensure that the
roadster requires less rider input than its contemporaries.
As a responsible
manufacturer, BMW takes great pains to ensure the environmental
impact of its machines is minimised, so the K 1200 R engine is specified
with ultra-modern exhaust gas management, incorporating a fully
controlled three-way catalytic converter.
For ultra-personalisation,
in true BMW style, customers can choose from a wide range of options
and accessories in order to build their dream machine.
The innovative
roadster’s all-round capabilities have also inspired an exciting
new one-make race series – the BMW Motorrad Power-Cup –
which will replace the hugely successful BoxerCup on this year’s
European tracks in support of MotoGP.
The K1200 R
is a road bike without compromise, and is destined to attract considerable
conquest sales. It will be in BMW Motorrad dealerships from June
2005, priced at $21,750.
2. Technical
Features and Design.
In technical
terms the K 1200 R is derived from the K 1200 S high-performance
machine. The drivetrain, running gear, the brakes and the on- board
network have all been carried over from the K 1200 S, modified only
in a few features. The new body and equipment, as well as the truly
exceptional, extroverted design, however, make the K 1200 R a brand-new
and quite different motorcycle. Weighing just 237 kilos or 523 lb
(DIN unladen weight on a full tank, without ABS), the K 1200 R keeps
its pledge of offering superior handling and light manoeuvrability
especially at low speeds on country roads and in town.
Drivetrain.
Slender and compact, the straight-four power unit displaces 1,157
cc, the same as the engine of the K 1200 S. The other engine data
is also similar, the new Roadster developing its somewhat lower
peak output of 120 kW (163 bhp) at the same speed of 10,250 rpm,
with maximum torque of 127 Nm (94 lb-ft) coming 8,250 rpm.
In mechanical
terms the engine of the K 1200 R is identical to that of the K 1200
S, with the same configuration of the camshafts and the same valve
timing. The flow of intake air, on the other hand, has been modified
for the new machine, the K 1200 R featuring just one snorkel leading
to the airbox on the right-hand side. This modified flow of intake
air is the reason for the somewhat lower level of maximum power
and torque. The silencer and exhaust manifold systems both come
from the K 1200 S.
The transmission
has also been carried over unchanged from the K 1200 S. At 2.91:1
(instead of 2.82:1 on the K 1200 S), the final drive ratio on the
drivetrain is adjusted to the lower top speed of this “naked”
motorcycle with its higher drag coefficient.
Suspension
and running gear.
The suspension and running gear only had to be modified slightly
for the new model: The Duolever is slightly steeper (0.4°),
changing the steering head angle to 61°, with camber 11 mm or
0.43´´ shorter at 101 millimetres or 3.98´´.
This change in suspension geometry is achieved by a minor modification
in machining the bearing points for the joints in the Duolever.
The positive
effect of this modified suspension geometry is even better handling
particularly at low speeds. Any theoretical repercussions on directional
stability at high speeds versus the K 1200 S are barely noticeable
in practice and are irrelevant, anyway, on a motorcycle without
a fairing and, accordingly, with somewhat lower top speed.
The K 1200 R
comes as standard with different wheels in the same basic design
as the wheels on the new R 1200 ST. Wheel dimensions are 3.5´´
x 17 at the front and 5.5´´ x 17 at the rear, with tyres
measuring 120/70-ZR17 and, respectively, 180/55-ZR17. As an option,
the customer also has the choice of the K 1200 S sports wheels measuring
3.5´´ x 17 at the front and 6.0´´ x 17 at
the rear, in which case the rear tyre measures 190/50-ZR17.
BMW Motorrad’s
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) is also available as an option
at extra cost. Introduced for the first time on the K 1200 S, this
world-first achievement enables the rider to set spring tension
and damping from the handlebar with utmost convenience merely at
the touch of a button – an operation he can perform even while
riding.
ESA varies inbound
damping on the front wheel and both inbound and rebound damping
on the rear wheel. The rider also has the option to adjust the rear-wheel
spring base electro hydraulically while the motorcycle is at a standstill
as a function of load conditions.
An exact description
of ESA with all its technical features is to be found in the press
release on the K 1200 S. Spring travel on the K 1200 R is the same
as on the K 1200 S sports machine, measuring 115 millimetres or
4.52´´ up front and 135 millimetres or 5.31´´
at the rear.
Brakes
– high-performance EVO brake system and Integral ABS as an
option.
The K 1200 R comes with BMW’s EVO brake system also featured
in all other K-Series and Boxer models. In its configuration and
dimensions, the brake system with disc brake diameter of 320 millimetres
or 12.60´´ at the front and 265 millimetres or 10.43´´
at the rear is the same as on the K 1200 S. The brake hoses, in
turn, are steel-clad for extra safety and reliability.
BMW’s
EVO brake system – with EVO standing for evolution –
is one of the safest and most effective brake systems in the world.
As another option
at extra cost, the EVO brake system is available with BMW Integral
ABS anti-lock brakes in the sporting, partly integrated version.
“Partly integrated” means that both brakes (front and
rear wheel) are activated by the handbrake lever, while the footbrake
lever acts only on the rear wheel.
Even when applying
the brakes all-out, the rider of the K 1200 R runs virtually no
risk of taking a fall or tumbling forward thanks to the motorcycle’s
low centre of gravity and the special suspension geometry interacting
with the kinematic configuration of the Duolever. In other words,
the rider benefits under virtually all conditions from maximum tyre
friction when applying the brakes all-out with ABS control, enjoying
optimum safety even in an extreme situation.
Controls
and instruments.
The handlebar and handlebar bridge on the K 1200 R are both new.
Compared with the K 1200 S, the handlebar is both wider and higher.
As befits a motorcycle of this type, the rider’s seating position
is more upright and moved further to the front. Oval rear-view mirrors
fastened to the handlebar appropriately reflect the concept of reducing
all features to the essential.
In terms of
both its technical features and looks, the instrument cluster with
its speedometer and rev counter is based on the same concept as
the instrument cluster of the R 1200 GS, while the instrument faces
are new. As on the K 1200 S, the displays in the info-flat screen
provide ongoing information on coolant temperature, the fuel level,
the time, as well as the gear currently in mesh. On machines equipped
with ESA as an option, the info-flat screen provides additional
information on the current set-up of the suspension. Total mileage,
trip mileage, and the range remaining on the fuel in the tank are
all available on demand.
Electrics
and electronics.
Boasting a wide range of innovations, the on-board network in CAN-bus
technology (Controller Area Network) has been carried over directly
from the K 1200 S sports motorcycle without any modifications. Inter
alia, the big advantages of this technology are the far wider range
of functions compared with a conventional on-board network coming
with far simpler and more straightforward cable connections, the
absence of any conventional melt-down fuses, as well as full-scale
diagnostic management and examination options. The fully integrated
electronic immobiliser comes as standard, consistently exchanging
coded and constantly changing data between the key to the motorcycle
(by means of a transponder) and the on-board electronic system.
In technical terms this is the best and safest immobiliser currently
available, ensuring that only the authorised rider really gets to
experience this unique machine with all its sheer riding pleasure.
Design
and body.
In its design, the K 1200 R is both athletic and extroverted. The
underlying philosophy in creating this machine was to reduce all
features to the essential and achieve high emotional value. Such
minimalist design places the focus on the visible technical features
and components of both the drivetrain and the suspension, highlighting
BMW’s claim to leadership in technology and innovation. With
its muscular and, indeed, masculine look, the K 1200 R clearly bears
testimony even at a standstill to the performance and dynamics of
what is currently the most powerful Roadster in the world.
It is no surprise
that this design evokes contradictory discussions and opinions,
especially as it would not have been appropriate, given the demanding
standards of BMW Motorrad, to give a motorcycle of this calibre
anything but classically beautiful and really attractive looks.
While the heritage
of the K 1200 R with its close ties to the K 1200 S is obvious –
both motorcycles, for example, sharing the same exciting contour
lines on the fuel tank and seat – the K 1200 R goes much further
in its styling features: The machine’s contours and shapes
are even more distinctive and, indeed, organic, making the K 1200
R truly striking, unmistakable and, in fact, quite unique. This
design language is continued in the side covers at the front of
the fuel tank, taking up and extending the consistent line to the
front end with the oil cooler fairing beneath the striking double
headlight.
The small windshield
above the headlight, despite its compact dimensions, significantly
reduces wind pressure at high speeds.
The reflectors
in the dual headlight system (2 x H7) come in free form surface
technology and are housed beneath extra-clear, impact- and scratch-proof,
lightweight polycarbonate covers. Finished in matt chrome, the headlight
housing made of a special synthetic material accentuates the straight-forward
technical character of the motorcycle through its colour alone.
The Duolever
comes with plastic covers at the side emulating the basic design
of the wheel bearings. At the same time these covers serve to guide
the flow of cool air to the radiator with its minimalist fairing.
The K 1200 R
comes in a range of powerful-looking colours full of character and
style. Dark Graphite metallic, for example, forms a strong contrast
to the drivetrain and running gear finished in silver, highlighting
the technical and aesthetic qualities of the new machine. White
Aluminium metallic, on the other hand, comes together with the drivetrain
and running gear in black and therefore turns around the contrasts
to be admired on the K 1200 R, giving greater emphasis to the contours
of the motorcycle and its muscular shape. With this combination
of colours, the wheels come in Slate Grey metallic matt. A particularly
striking colour scheme is Sun Yellow non-metallic together with
the drivetrain and running gear in black and the wheels in Slate
Grey metallic matt.
The seats come
in black on all models and with all paintwork options.
Fuel
tank and seat.
The fuel tank of the K 1200 R is made of an extra-light, impact-resistant
synthetic material and offers a capacity of 19 litres or almost
4.2 Imp gals (including 4 litres reserve). The overall package of
the K 1200 R, just like the package on BMW Motorrad’s other
machines, serves to keep the tank particularly slender beneath and
in front of the rider, thus ensuring optimum knee contact. Production
of the tank in a rotational process ensures maximum freedom in the
exterior design of the tank and allows the distinctive contours
on the tank fairing so characteristic of this special machine.
Similar in its
basic design at the front, the seat is even more slender than on
the K 1200 S in the interest of an even more forward-oriented, active
riding position. The rider’s absolute geometric seat height
is 820 millimetres or 32.3´´ (with step arch length
of 1,810 mm or 71.3´´). The low-level seat available
as a no-cost option measures 790 millimetres or 31.1´´
in height, with 1,750 mm or 68.9´´ step arch length.
Clearly, the lower seat may also be retrofitted as special equipment.
3. Range
of Equipment.
Optional extras
and special equipment – customisation is the name of the game.
Although the K 1200 R is most at home in an urban environment and
on nearby routes not far from the rider’s home, it is naturally
– like all BMW motorcycles – quite suited for long distances
and tours. And there are indeed enthusiasts who, wishing to enjoy
a direct experience on their motorcycle, are happy to do without
a fairing. Even on a Roadster, however, they need appropriate solutions
for their holiday baggage and other items they wish to take along.
Precisely this
is why the K 1200 R is available with the sports cases carried over
from the K 1200 S combining superior function with sporting design
and thus perfectly reflecting the specific character of BMW’s
new high-performance Roadster. Combining textile and firm materials,
this luggage system, benefiting from the carriers fitted almost
invisibly on the motorcycle, can be mounted and removed within a
matter of seconds.
Loading space
is variable, extending from 17 litres per case in normal configuration
up to 25 litres in each case folded fully open. The fully integrated
inner bags are naturally watertight.
The Sports windshield
is ideal for the rider wishing to enjoy somewhat more protection
from wind and weather, the windshield itself extending up a bit
higher and coming in wider dimensions than the small, standard windshield.
The usual range
of features is available for further customisation of the K 1200
R. And again as usual, optional extras come straight from the factory,
being integrated during production at the Berlin Plant. Special
equipment, in turn, can be fitted subsequently either by the customer
himself or by the BMW motorcycle dealer, thus allowing subsequent
enhancement of the machine at any time.
Optional
extras:
BMW Motorrad
Integral ABS.
ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).
Sports wheels.
Heated handlebar.
Sports windshield.
White direction indicator lights.
Low rider’s seat (seat height 790 mm/31.1´´, step
arch length 1,750 mm/68.9´´.
Luggage rack.
Anti-theft warning system.
Special
equipment.
Low rider’s
seat (seat height 790 mm/31.1´´, step arch length 1,750
mm/68.9´´.
Main stand.
Heated handles.
White direction indicator lights.
Anti-theft warning system.
Second power socket.
Luggage supports.
Set of sports cases.
Watertight tank rucksack.
Watertight tank bag.
Watertight sports softcase, small (for the luggage rack).
Luggage rack.
Preparation for BMW Motorrad Navigator II.
BMW Motorrad Navigator II.
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CLASSIFIEDS
AUSTRALIA
