Enter the new 2015 model year BMW R1200RS, the Bavarian sport-touring grandson of the 1976 R100RS, the bike which apparently laid the foundation of this segment. While seeing this bike approaching might trick the untrained eye into believing that an S1000RR is incoming, those who know one of two things about BMW bikes will quickly observe the boxer cylinders protruding from the sides.
Indeed, the R1200RS (Reise & Sport, which stands for travel and sport) is built around BMW’s new, liquid-cooled boxer power plant, the new R1200GS, R1200GS Adventure, R1200RT and 2015 R1200R machines are equipped with. This means that the 2015 R1200RS is good for 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) 1,000 revs lower, while the transmission and gearing are almost certainly the same with what the R1200R offers, with a slight tweak for better response in the lower rpm range.
The electronics package is similar to that of the R1200R. In fact these bikes are almost identical, with the RS obviously offering better weather protection and sportier looks with the more ample bodywork and different front end. This makes the 2015 BMW R1200RS a bike which offers ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), and Rain and Road riding modes. A third Pro mode is available as an option and it includes Dynamic Traction Control, banking detection and two extra modes, Dynamic and User.
R1200RS can also be optionally equipped with the latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). The instrumentation relies on the same analog speedometer and TFT screen combo. BMW also adds Keyless Ride, Gear Shift Assistant Pro as ex-works options. The 2015 R1200RS will be available in “a choice of two different styling variants: the classically sporty basic colours Lupin blue metallic / Light grey metallic and the sporty and exclusive “Style 2” variant in Granite grey metallic matt,” for a price yet to be specified.
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