BMW's K1200R - a radical new direction for the once conservative Motorrad brand

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.

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