Bmw R1200rs
BMW R1200RS
NEW METAL 2015
BRUNO DePRATO
BMW traditionalists, rejoice: The RS powered by the boxer twin is back! By today's standards, it is not as breathtaking as the R100RS from the mid-1970s, but this new R1200RS still represents the rational rebirth of that bike, a fantastic sport-tourer that was replaced by the heavier and bulkier R1200RT.
The new BMW R1200RS is powered by the airand liquid-cooled DOHC boxer in 125-hp form, further enhanced in this application by a slight increase in peak torque to 92.2 pound-feet (as compared to the R1200GS). The R1200RS looks svelte and compact yet protective and ready for a nice, fast, and comfortable ride on any road. The chassis is new, featuring an integrated engine-frame structure and, most important, the return to a telescopic fork in place of BMW’s Telelever arrangement.
This new fork has rider-controlled ESA electronic damping, and the R1200RS
also has a complete electronics suite that features ABS, Automatic Stability Control, and Dynamic Traction Control, which now has five selectable modes thanks to the Pro riding mode, which is available as an option on the bike.
The chassis of the new R1200RS has a generous 60.2-inch wheelbase, and the seat is set at a reasonable 32.2 inches above the ground. Steering geometry is
stability oriented, with 27.7 degrees of rake and 4.5 inches of trail. Claimed wet weight is 520 pounds, and the handlebar is touring style, fairly high and wide but within the front profile of the fairing. Moreover, the windscreen is adjustable. On the road, the new 2015 BMW R1200RS looks like it will offer plenty of comfort for two, plus luggage. Pricing is expected to be around $15,000.
BMW R1200R
As much as people loved the R nineT for its emotional play to simpler times, some riders just couldn't connect with the retro theme and lack of BMW's typical uber-tech execution. For those who want
their naked more of the times in styling and technical features, the R1200P joins the line, It's essentially a stripped RS model, using the same 125-hp engine and electronics suite all the way down to optional Dynamic ESA and Gear Shift Assist Pro for clutchless upand downshifting. Again, no word on pricing at press time.
SUZUKI GSX-S1000/ABS & GSX-S1000F ABS
One of our favorite GSX-R1000 engines of all time? The longer-stroke 73.4 x 59.0mm, 999cc KS version first used in 2005. So it is good news that this torque monster has been revived and retuned for even more torque to power the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000 ABS naked bikes and their fully faired CSX-S1000F ABS stablemate. The most significant change from the old days? A radically revised electronics suite, which now features ABS and three-mode (plus off) traction control. Chassis share the same geometry, with 25 degrees of rake and 3.9 inches of trail, and are fitted with a fully adjustable KYB fork and shock that allow for rebound damping and spring preload adjustment. Prices for these early-release 2016 models have not been announced.
SUZUI(I GSX-5750
There are great things happening in motorcycling for less than $8,000, and the choices just got better with the $7,999 CSX-S750 naked bike based on the CSX-R750. Tuning naturally emphasizes street use, meaning a broader torque curve, achieved with revised cam profiles and redone ports. Rear spring preload is the sole suspension adjustment. The GSX-S750Z with blue-and-white paint is $8,149. Unfortunately, neither of these 2015 models will be sold in California.
STAR BOLT C-SPEC
Japanese cruisers struggle to achieve the cool factor, but the Star Bolt isn’t one of them. The $8,690 C-Spec version joins the line in 2015 and takes cool in a new direction. Clip-on handlebars, higher, more rearset footpegs, fork gaiters, and a removable seat cowl give it the café transformation. At its core, the C-Spec remains the likable air-cooled, 942cc, V-twin cruiserwe’ve always enjoyed.
KAWASAKI VULCAN S
The all-new Vulcan S is Kawasaki’s new entry-level cruiser. But because it’s powered by a 649cc parallel twin (like that of the Versys and Ninja 650), the bike should offer performance that belies its displacement. Best feature? The Vulcan S ($6,999 or $7,399 with ABS) is adjustable for rider size, thanks to the Ergo-Fit program’s optional handlebar, three seat heights and three peg locations.
KTM RC390
After overseas street and track time aboard the 375cc RC390 entry-level sportbike (December 2014), we’re anxious to test one Stateside. The claimed 44-hp single offers a lot of performance for its $5,499 price, with a trellis frame, ABS, LED lighting, and an inverted 43mm WP fork adding to the appeal. Further, KTM and MotoAmerica announced the RC Cup, a national-championship spec series using race-prepped RC390s. A naked 390 Duke, also built in India, is priced at a reasonable $4,999.
YAMAHA YZF-R3
Here is a motorcycle that can do well: It is genuinely an entry-level bike, at 320CC and $4,990. It has confidently presented sportbike style, not “scooter cuteness.” It makes me think of a long-ago Yamaha model that was all things to all riders. The two-stroke RD350 twin, which was a sporting motorcycle, could be ridden two-up and also served club racers well for a decade.
The R3’S engine is a parallel twin of 68.0 x 44.1mm bore and stroke, the bore exceeding the stroke by the same high 1.55 oversquare ratio as in the 2015 Ri. Yamaha learned the value of having a signature sound from the crossplanecrank Ri’s “V-8 voice,” and in giving R3 a 180-degree crank will achieve a syncopated, interesting sound. This is a liquid-cooled sport engine, with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection, and forged pistons.
Peak power comes at 10,750 rpm and will likely be in the vicinity of 45 hp. Its “offset cylinders” lessen friction by reducing the angularity of the connecting rods on the power stroke, thereby pressing the pistons less hard against their cylinder walls. The liner-less bore is not hard-plated as in the Nikasil process but instead relies on the hardness of myriad silicon particles already present throughout the part, honed smooth and then treated. This saves 3 to 4 pounds in liner weight and adapts well to production.
A steel frame and swingarm are right for this YZF-R3, just as they were for the first 600 supersport bikes. While we love radical technologies, economical mass production delivers the goods that millions can afford. Weight with the 3.5-gallon fuel tank full is a substantial 368 pounds, but that’s only 16 pounds more than its great uncle, the RD350.
Yamaha’s light sporting twin returns.
Kevin Cameron
