BMW R 1200 S 2006 — Specifications

Can you make a sporty motorcycle with a boxer engine? BMW posed this question with the R 1100 S, and the answer was mixed, a blend of character and compromise. In 2006, the Bavarian firm repeated the effort with the R 1200 S, this time armed with the proven 1170 cm³ flat twin already tested on the GS. But here, the goal is not touring. Engineers have radically reworked the mechanics: redesigned cylinder heads, high-strength alloy connecting rods, three-bearing camshafts, increased valve lift. The goal is clear: to extend the usable rev range to 8800 rpm, a record for a production boxer. The result is an engine that delivers 122 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 6800 rpm. This power, combined with a compression ratio of 12.5:1, gives a new liveliness, far from the old image of a placid engine.

The philosophy of this 2006 BMW R 1200 S does not seek to compete with Japanese GSX-R models on weight. With 190 kg dry and 213 kg fully fueled, it remains substantial. Its steel trellis frame with engine as a stressed member, its Paralever monobrach swingarm, and its Telelever front suspension are BMW technical solutions, oriented towards stability and riding comfort. The position, with a seat at 830 mm, is engaged but not extreme, typical of a sport-GT. It targets the sporty touring or demanding urban rider seeking a unique character, not a pure track rider. Its design, more angular than the previous one, with an inspired rear light and integrated turn signals, displays a sporty intention without sacrificing Bavarian elegance. The 17-liter fuel tank and a consumption announced at around 4.3 L/100 km suggest a certain versatility.

The dashboard, taken from the GS, is a strong point. It combines analog gauges and a multiplexed digital display that shows the gear engaged, oil temperature, reserve range, even adapting its lighting to ambient brightness. It is a rare feature on a sport bike of this era. The shaft drive, combined with a six-speed gearbox, offers impeccable finish and an appreciable mechanical silence, even if it imposes a slight torque reaction during acceleration, typical of BMW boxers.

Where the 2007 BMW R 1200 S or used versions can really seduce is in its optional equipment. BMW offered an "Öhlins Sport Chassis Kit," with fully adjustable suspensions, even allowing adjustment of the rear height and geometry. For those considering track sessions or wanting to refine the handling, this option was essential. It is still the subject of discussion on BMW R 1200 S forums, where owners debate its usefulness. The motorcycle, in its standard version, is already very capable, with a top speed of 230 km/h and safe handling thanks to its wheelbase of 1487 mm. But the Öhlins option transformed it into a more refined machine, ready for events like the Boxer Cup.

Its launch price of €13,500 placed it in a particular niche. It did not compete with pure-performance Japanese sport bikes, nor with more exclusive Italian GTs. It occupied a niche: the sporty boxer with character, a distinctive engine, high-end finish, and a certain versatility. For a rider seeking an alternative to classic offerings, a used BMW R 1200 S represents an interesting choice today. It offers a unique riding experience, that deep boxer sound, that Telelever stability, and that solid construction. Its flaws? A still noticeable weight, ergonomics that are not those of a hypersport, and that very particular mechanical character that may not convince all riders. But for those who tame it, it remains an endearing machine, a sport bike in the BMW style.