BMW R 1200 S 2009 — Specifications

Could a sport motorcycle be comfortable, elegant, and feature a flat engine? The BMW R 1200 S, launched in 2006, defied these prejudices with an almost arrogant conviction. It wasn't a pure sport motorcycle, but a sophisticated proposition, a unique blend of Teutonic dynamism and road agility. For those seeking a used BMW R 1200 S today, it represents a singular alternative in the landscape of sport motorcycles of the era.

Its heart was the famous 1170 cm³ boxer twin, pushed here to unprecedented heights. With 122 horsepower at 8250 rpm and a torque of 112 Nm, this engine was no longer the peaceful tractor of the GS models. Redesigned cylinder heads, a revised timing system, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1 allowed it to rev higher and faster, imbuing it with a new vitality. On the road, this power is delivered with remarkable progressiveness, far from the sudden brutality of some Japanese competitors. The weight, 213 kg fully fueled, was a compromise. Compared to a GSX-R, it is heavier, but this mass is well centralized and the motorcycle handles with surprising lightness, notably thanks to its wheelbase of 1487 mm and a seat height of 830 mm that is not intimidating. Fuel consumption, announced at around 4.3 liters per 100 km, adds to its road character.

The chassis was a concentration of BMW technology, but with a sporty orientation. Telelever at the front and Paralever at the rear, with its single-sided swingarm, guarantee absolute stability, especially during braking or in long, fast curves. The braking system, with a double disc at the front, was effective and could be equipped with ABS. The cockpit, with its dashboard inspired by the GS, was exemplary in its clarity, even displaying the gear engaged. The design, with its angular lines, integrated turn signals, and exhaust with stacked tips, had a strong personality, a blend of Bavarian functionality and Italian inspiration, sometimes reminiscent of certain Ducatis. For enthusiasts seeking information or discussions, the BMW R 1200 S forum remains a valuable resource for this generation.

The positioning of the R 1200 S was clear. It did not compete with hyperspecialized sport motorcycles, but was situated in the sport-GT niche, facing the Honda VFR or the Triumph Sprint ST. Its less extreme riding position, its characteristic boxer engine, and its shaft drive made it suitable for the sporty touring rider, the one who prioritizes long, dynamic journeys and relative comfort. The "Öhlins Sport Chassis" option offered precise adjustment for those who wanted to push the machine on the track, a direct reference to the BMW R 1200 S Boxer Cup. Its original price of 13,500 euros placed it in the premium segment.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 S was a counter-current machine. It proved that a sport motorcycle could be civilized, technological, and feature a flat engine. Its qualities were phenomenal stability, a powerful and progressive engine, and a unique character. Its drawbacks were a still notable weight for a sport motorcycle and a less radical dynamics than that of thoroughbreds. For the BMW R 1200 S 2006 road test, it often surprised with its versatility. Today, a BMW R 1200 S 2007 or a used BMW R 1200 S represents a distinct choice for a rider seeking a motorcycle with character, capable of journeys without compromising on dynamism. It remains, in the history of BMW, a bold model that wrote its own BMW R 1200 S technical specification, far from conventions.