BMW R1200S

2000s

About BMW R1200S

The BMW R1200S is a luxury sports motorcycle produced by BMW Motorrad from 2006 to 2007. Compared to the BMW R1100S which it succeeded, the R1200S was 13 kg (29 lb) lighter, and (with a compression ratio raised from 11.3:1 to 12.5:1) it was 25% more powerful with a "hexhead" motor rated at 122 horsepower (91 kW). Much of the weight saving was down to a new trellis-type frame which replaced the massive alloy frame of the R1100S. The R1200S thus had superior handling, improved braking, higher power output, greater ground clearance, and sport ergonomics. Although the instrumentation was updated, the bike retained the unconventional BMW-system indicator switches (one on either side). Factory options included front and rear Öhlins shock absorbers, switchable ABS, a lightweight Akrapovič muffler, expandable locking luggage, heated grips, a solo tail piece, a Tire-pressure monitoring system and a wider 6" rear wheel to accommodate a size 190 tire. Despite these refinements, overall the earlier R1100S has perhaps proved the more successful design.