Bmw K1200rs
BMW K1200RS
Absolute brick
LIKE DUCATIS, BMWS ARE NOT RENOWNED FOR THEIR ability to blend in with the crowd. In fact, just the opposite is true. Over the years, the German marque has pioneered such innovative two-wheeled technology as single-sided swingarms, anti-lock braking and Telelever front suspension. The company’s latest effort is revamping the venerable four-cylinder K-bike.
Launched at last October’s Cologne Show, the 130-horse-power K1200RS is the first Beemer to deliver more than 100 ponies at the rear wheel. It accomplishes this with an 1171 cc, dohc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-Four-the largest capacity engine ever for a BMW motorcycle.
The K1200 is also the first BMW to come equipped with ram-air induction, a cast-aluminum frame, a six-speed gearbox and twin three-way exhaust catalysts. All this adds up to the fastest BMW ever, and-at an estimated $16,500-the most expensive.
Appearance-wise, this is a very imposing motorcycle. The claimed 627-pounder was designed more for the typical tall German than, say, your average Japanese. Fortunately, the company has addressed this problem of size-the rider, not the bike-with a multi-adjustable riding position.
Nonetheless, after climbing aboard, there is an undeniable sense of bulk. This is due mainly to the integral fairing and the tall hump of the fuel tank shroud. It’s not all bad: Thumb the awkwardly placed starter button-BMW switchgear is as curious as ever-notch first gear, let out the light-action clutch and get ready for a surprise.
The bike that at rest seems big and clumsy, feels trim and agile on the move. Acceleration is impressive, though it lacks some low-end grunt. Riding crowded city streets is confidence-inspiring, and making U-tums in narrow lanes can be done without dabbing.
At higher speeds, the BMW wafts along effortlessly, with nary a trace of weave or wobble. One-hundred-forty mph was as high as the British-spec speedo registered, but BMW claims a top speed of 152 mph.
In turns, the bike can be hustled around quite acceptably, a benefit of its light, quick steering. And even mid-corner, the Telelever front end soaks up bumps and road shock. Feedback is adequate and the lack of
adjustment isn’t a problem. But I still can’t say I care for the Paralever rear suspension.
Over bumps or ridges, there’s a strange metallic feel from the back end that you sense through the seat of your pants and the footrests. My guess is that it comes from the shock being directly mounted, link-less, between the swingarm and the frame.
Stopping power is excellent, with one-finger stops an option thanks to the strong floating front Brembos. The ABS kicks in later than on the Kl 100RS and current-generation Boxers, which means that 99.9 percent of riders won’t encounter it in normal use.
The detail touches you expect from BMW work well: The adjustable windscreen is convenient, the optional heated handgrips are wonderful on cool mornings, and the sidestand and effective centerstand are models for which others should aim. Are you listening, Ducati?
With the K1200RS, BMW has set a new benchmark for sport-touring. This bike may have been designed by some boffins in a Berlin bunker, but the people who brought it to the marketplace ride, and they know what customers need and want.
The K1200RS is a very good bike, a mile-eater par excellence that won’t be disgraced along Racer Road. Anyone with big bucks to spend on a streetbike, and who plans to cover serious mileage, should take a long, hard look. -Alan Cathcart
