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

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.

High-performance EVO brakes with ABS 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.

...continued