BMW R 1200 S 2007 — Specifications

Who would have bet, at the beginning of the 2000s, that BMW could produce a Boxer-engine sportbike as lively as this? The 2007 R 1200 S is that answer, a machine that forces you to reconsider what a sportbike from the Bavarian manufacturer can be. It doesn't seek to imitate Japanese missiles, but offers its own definition of performance, rooted in a unique mechanical tradition.

Its heart is an evolution of the 1170 cm3 flat-twin, already proven on the GS. But here, it is pushed to unprecedented revs. Redesigned cylinder heads, a reinforced distribution with three bearings for the camshaft, high-strength alloy connecting rods, all of this allows this engine to peak at 122 horsepower at 8250 rpm. The torque, typical of the Boxer, remains present with 111.8 Nm. It’s not an explosion of power, but a progressive and solid delivery, a characteristic that places this motorcycle in a hybrid category, between a pure sportbike and a dynamic road bike. The BMW R 1200 S Boxer Cup is often discussed on forums, because this version proves that the concept had competition potential.

The design is a blend of influences. It retains a kinship with the previous R 1100 S, but with more angular lines, a rear end inspired by the Ducatis of the time, and a stacked, round-tipped exhaust that becomes a signature. The dashboard, taken from the GS, is rich in information with its digital screen, a luxury at that time. The frame uses iconic in-house solutions: the trellis frame with engine as a stressed member, the Telelever front suspension, and the new Paralever at the rear. With 195 kg dry and 213 kg fully fueled, it is light for a BMW of this size, but not yet in the supersport category. Its seat height of 830 mm and riding position make it an accessible sportbike, closer to a GT like the Honda VFR.

This is where its true audience lies. The BMW R 1200 S does not target the hardcore track rider, but rather the sporty touring rider, the enthusiast of characterful machines, the one who seeks an alternative to the Japanese. Its shaft drive, relative ease of use, and torquey engine allow it to play on all terrains, from winding roads to long journeys, thanks to a 17-liter tank. For those wanting to push further, BMW offered an Öhlins option for the suspension, allowing precise adjustment of the geometry, a direct preparation for a used BMW R 1200 S seeking a second breath on the track.

In 2025, looking at this motorcycle is interesting. It represents a specific moment at BMW, a bold attempt to sportify the Boxer without denaturing it. Its price of €13,500 at the time positioned it as an exclusive option. Today, a used 2006 or 2007 BMW R 1200 S is a characterful machine, offering a unique riding experience, halfway between BMW tradition and a new aggressiveness. For a test ride of a 2006 BMW R 1200 S, you discover a sportbike that doesn’t roar, but speaks with authority.