On the run
The first impression of the clutch is that it’s oh-oh-very light. It feels like you can squeeze it with your little finger. With only one caveat, that this copy (obviously for marketing purposes :)) was equipped with a “gear shift assist” system, which allows you not to use the clutch at all. To be honest - strange “crap”. Why then is it not a full automatic, like on the same Yamaha? Well, that's the thing. Still, it’s an option and you don’t have to buy it at all. Although, once you get used to it, you can switch very softly and quickly. But... we need to get used to it. Because theory is theory, but for now I found the correct position of the throttle (acceleration) for shifting forward and lightly releasing the gas for shifting down. I specifically twitched several times on this relatively light motorcycle with an engine from a specific tourer. In general, I wouldn’t take it, but it’s a matter of taste and… wallet.
We carefully taxi out of the parking lot and onto the road. Before going on the autobahn, you first need to get used to the motorcycle on a “normal” road. Oddly enough, for such a form factor, there is visually “a motorcycle” in front. Usually on the “streets” you hang over the motorcycle, the device is somewhere below, there is a “clear road” ahead. The presence of a small windshield may have affected it, but at least the feeling was more comparable to the CBF than, for example, the Z1000SX.
Shifting gears in general without any complaints, except that firstly, “resting” on the first one creates a feeling of “cottonness” instead of a hard “floor” in CBF, and secondly, turn on neutral while driving (when approaching an intersection) Out of habit, it doesn’t work out - apparently the box “prompts” after the second “down” the first, and not the neutral position. For some reason, I prefer Honda's simplicity, clarity and predictability. On the other hand, sticking neutral while driving is still not a very good idea, so BMW “provokes” safer driving. Maybe not so bad.
The first “ill-considered” pressing of the brakes (at first I tried them a little, but, apparently, not enough) showed that the used Honda was no match for the new BMW - the response to a quick press was a specific “biting at the bit” and a reflexive reaction to group up for a fall somersault forward :). After about 15 minutes of driving around the city, everything fell into place, and the presence of ABS calmed my nerves a little - it shouldn’t be too bad.
So, how will the “little beast” behave on the autobahn? Acceleration made the “face” break into a wide smile - a relatively light motorcycle (223 “wet weight”) with a specific torque (you can really feel it!) and power easily pulls forward. At 100 km/h we remember that there are higher gears and as a result the engine “purrs” at 3000 thousand. A thousand less than a Honda - not bad! It was not possible to test much more than 120 km/h - the limit on this section is a hundred and there were quite a lot of cars, but clearly the limit will be the driver’s grip on the steering wheel; the motorcycle itself goes “over 200”. Between 100 and 120 km/h the sensation is quite acceptable, although the air flow is diverted directly into the chest, i.e. You only need to “rest” with your upper part, and not with your whole body as on a full naked bike.
What’s funny is that the mirrors located quite close to the driver perfectly reflect the situation behind, except perhaps during moments of active acceleration - then “the world blurs” until the throttle returns to a more passive state. At the same time, I didn’t feel any particularly outstanding trembling - one could expect much more “tractor-like” behavior from a boxer, but, as many have already noted, the new water-cooled boxer is very “settled down” in this regard. Not bad!
In general, the response to the throttle is very confident and shows that the reserve is sufficient for all occasions and the degree of load of the device. But this is only in second and higher gears and after a couple of thousand revolutions. While pulling away at intersections, I managed to stall twice (!), fearing that I wouldn’t “turn” the engine and get a “motorcycle flying away - rear view.” I was not able to “strangle” a liter Honda even once, whether I was alone or loaded. Maybe he was just relaxed? :). At the same time, turning in not the first gear turned out to be useless - we get linear acceleration that does not evoke any special feelings. But from the second and higher there is already a pickup. By the way, the gas driver at the intersection, “as expected,” drives the motorcycle to the left. Design feature of all boxers.
To complete my impressions of the reaction to the throttle, on the way back I “found” a position in which a slight release of the gas leads to a specific “decline” in agility, although the motorcycle continues to move forward, but at the same time there is either a slight jerk forward or, on the contrary, the motorcycle seems to settles back. A very strange feeling. I played with the gas a little (it was interesting what it looked like from the outside), but I couldn’t explain to myself the possible reason. This phenomenon did not cause a feeling of “unsafety,” but it was strange and, to put it mildly, “out of place.” Maybe it's just "part of the Bavarian character"? 
The maneuverability of the motorcycle can be assessed as almost excellent. He “throws over” simply “with a bang” with the slightest effort. In this regard, cornering on the Honda feels like leaning in a barrel of molasses.
BMW R1200R – TEST
Rejuvenation
2015 model year, 1170 cm3, 125 l. With.,
231 kg (curb weight),
more than 200 km/h
text: Anton Vlasov
photo: Peter Musch and Joerg Kuenstle
History is what elevates some motorcycle manufacturers above others, this is what creates legends. The German concern BMW has a wealth of experience in the production of motorcycles, and this year the series of “opposite” “roadies” of the Bavarian brand celebrates, scary to say, 92 years! That's exactly how many years ago the original R32 was introduced, which today is a museum value. BMW knows how to honor traditions, and at the end of last season it introduced an updated R1200R model - also, of course, with a boxer twin.
The R1200R is one of the long-lived family of BMW road motorcycles: the first generation of the model was introduced in 2006, when it replaced the outdated R1150R, which was 25 kg heavier and 28% “weaker” than the new device. Since that time, the R1200R has remained virtually unchanged, frozen in time as a niche product that has developed its own circle of very loyal fans over the years of the series' existence. The motorcycle has always attracted attention with its laconic image, decent driving performance, a relatively high level of comfort for a classic “road bike” and, of course, a unique boxer engine, which only BMW vehicles are equipped with. But after almost a decade of model production, it became clear that the R1200R was in for a major update, especially after the introduction of a new boxer with a liquid cooling system. The new R1200R was first shown at the Intermot exhibition in Cologne last fall and became one of the main exhibits of the German concern’s huge stand. BMW did not limit itself to just installing the “freshest” engine, and therefore the device of the 2015 model year version is a completely new, and not an updated model. And here it is easier to list the elements remaining from the previous generation motorcycle than to indicate all the innovations of the new product! Actually, only some controls and the driveline housing remained unchanged... and the gear ratios of the transmission itself changed.
Rejuvenation
While maintaining the classic straight seating position, which, due to the ability to choose one of several optional seats, will be comfortable for a person of any height, the R1200R has radically changed its design, which is why the style of the car has also changed - and for one thing, I would say, the concept. If the previous generation model carried more of the genes of a classic “road bike”, which was the R1150R, then the 2015 variation motorcycle is more of a naked bike and, as the Germans themselves call this class, a roadster. The appearance of the new BMW is significantly more aggressive, and the target audience of this car is clearly “younger” by ten to twenty years - the R1200R, most likely, will not appeal to Bavarian pensioners, who made up the lion’s share of the army of fans of the penultimate generation model, but it will certainly appeal to the young and active part of the population. However, for my taste, BMW artists went a little overboard with the “rejuvenation” of the R1200R design, and some elements of the appearance of the previous model looked better. For example, the new headlight of a complex shape and the sharp “tail” of the 2015 version of the device look too “sporty” - the rear part of the motorcycle is generally very reminiscent of that of the naked BMW S1000R! Even though the previous generation motorcycle looked much calmer, it was a complete and harmonious image - the image of a classic “road bike”, a little “combed” and modernized. And the new R1200R with such a “muscular” design almost claims to be in the category of street fighters!.. However, this is just my opinion, and many foreign colleagues spoke with admiration about the appearance of the new BMW product.
Liquid
It is worth noting that the significantly “angry” design of the new R1200R is not just a whim of German artists and an indulgence in modern fashion, but also, albeit hyperbolic, but still a reflection of the radically changed character of the motorcycle. The model is now equipped with a new boxer engine with a liquid cooling system, which has been equipped with the best-selling R1200GS since last year. The engine produces 125 hp. With. maximum power and 125 Nm of torque, which even in the slightly heavier touring enduro version is quite enough for a wheelie in third gear!.. Of course, the new BMW road bike, whose curb weight is 7 kg less, does not suffer from a lack of acceleration dynamics.
To implant the new product into the body, the opposed twin was modified: the R1200R version of the engine has a 2-in-1 exhaust system, the air filter chamber and the air ducts themselves have been changed, and the cooling system of the power plant features one central radiator, rather than two located on the sides, like the R1200GS. But the character of the 1170 cc engine remains the same: it is an endlessly torquey power plant, which at the same time loves high speeds and constantly provokes the rider not to be shy about opening the gas. Like almost all modern BMW motorcycles, the new R1200R can be equipped with a ton of cutting-edge electronics, making life much easier for the rider and expanding the already impressive capabilities of the model. Exactly “can”, since in the basic configuration the new product of the Bavarian concern is equipped with ABS, a simple ASC stabilization system and the ability to select one of two driving modes - Rain and Road. Traditionally, all the tastiest options are not free options, which are nevertheless worth the money!
Custom roadster The test bikes provided to a group of journalists at the international presentation of the new R1200R, which took place on the warm coast of Alicante, Spain, were, of course, equipped with almost every possible option. And their list, as always, is extensive: from numerous decorative elements for city slickers to “racing” parts, like a double-sided quickshifter! In general, the menu is for any gourmet - both the well-groomed vegetarian and the rough lover of juicy steaks will like it. After installing one of the optional packages, the BMW R1200R acquires additional modes: Dynamic (which is distinguished by the most accurate and quick response of the engine to the movement of the throttle) and User (the so-called “custom” program, in which the rider himself can configure some parameters). As on other devices of the Bavarian concern, the riding modes are deeply integrated into the overall system of the motorcycle and are also associated with ABS and traction control. By the way, the latter also needs to be purchased separately, since DTC is not included in the standard equipment of the new product. However, if you are going to occasionally take the R1200R onto serpentine roads and will not be meekly dragged behind trucks, this is one of the most useful additions - the time-tested traction control system with a motorcycle tilt sensor really works. Another notable option that clearly suits the R1200R is an electronic key tag that operates remotely. This is by no means a new “gadget”, but it is still just as convenient. Interestingly, the gas tank lock is also opened with a button - but only if the motorcycle engine is turned off and the electronic key is nearby.
Goodbye Telelever!
The motorcycle is built on a new steel frame in which the engine is part of the power structure. The tubular design is not only rigid, durable and light, but also beautiful - especially in the orange color that the frame is painted in one of the three design variations of the R1200R. But the main innovation of the model is, of course, the abandonment of the front suspension of the proprietary BMW Telelever system, which was used on the previous generation motorcycle, in favor of a traditional inverted telescopic fork. The rear suspension is a new product from the Bavarian concern - the EVO Paralever lever system.
The device received a fork with “well-fed” stays with a diameter of 45 mm, which is completely justified, taking into account the not very light weight of the model and its more than decent driving performance. One of the reasons why the German engineers abandoned the Telelever system was the compactness of the traditional fork and the ability to reduce the steering angle for sharper handling of the motorcycle. In addition, due to the use of the “reversal”, it was possible to “fit” into the design of the R1200R a single central radiator of the liquid cooling system of the engine, which was previously impossible due to the sweeping design of the Telelever lever. One way or another, the suspension of the new BMW works perfectly - both in a relaxed, walking driving mode, and during high-speed slalom on serpentine roads! There is also the Dynamic ESA adaptive suspension (which, of course, is also an option), which adjusts in real time to the rider’s driving style and road conditions. The system is capable of operating in one of two modes - Road and Dynamic - which set the possible limits of adjustment for the suspension. When driving the R1200R in a more or less measured urban rhythm, the difference between the programs is not particularly noticeable, but with increasing speed it becomes more obvious. In addition to this, there is the possibility of remotely changing the spring preload, which, coupled with the Dynamic ESA functionality (which, let me remind you, is capable of changing only hydraulic parameters), allows you to customize the chassis of the new BMW for a rider of any weight and degree of burden with passengers and luggage... As for the effectiveness of the braking system, I think , you don’t even have to write... Just look at the photo and realize that the new BMW R1200R is equipped with Brembo 4-piston front radial calipers, paired with large 320 mm diameter discs. At the same time, there is a two-piston caliper installed at the rear, and not a single-piston, as usual, of the same Italian brand, “hugging” a large 276 mm disc! Add the standard ABS from Bosch to this picture in your imagination - and you can imagine how quickly and predictably the new product of the Bavarian concern slows down!
Many faces
BMW approached the issue of design of the new product in a very original way. The motorcycle is available in three versions, each of which differs not only in the color of the plastic, but also in the color of some other elements - including the color of the brake calipers and even the frame! The basic modification is Cordoba blue (black frame, black calipers and blue plastic), the second version is the so-called Style 1 (red frame, white plastic, lower deflectors and gold brake calipers), and the third version is Style 2 (matte gray frame , black design and gold calipers). I note that all three versions look great! The new R1200R is a guaranteed hit for the BMW brand! Actually, it cannot be any other way, because to prepare this dish the Germans took only the best ingredients, which could only be ruined by very rough work... But this is clearly not about the specialists of the Bavarian concern, who completed the tasks assigned to them with German accuracy and attention to the details. The latest generation R1200R roadster has a productive and reliable engine, with a modest appetite, a beautiful and, most importantly, balanced chassis, a bright and perhaps even too youthful design and, of course, 2 million different options. With this device, it is equally pleasant to roll sedately along a narrow road along the sea, admiring the views, or rush through traffic, terrified of being late to meet your beloved at the airport... The R1200R turned out to be a very versatile machine, ready to adapt to the tastes and preferences of any rider. The only question that remains open is the Russian price for a motorcycle, which, unfortunately, is unlikely to be affordable. However, BMW brand equipment has always had a special audience, which is unlikely to be embarrassed by the “heavy” price tag for another techno-masterpiece.
conclusions
In general, I liked the motorcycle for options such as the city and sometimes the countryside - a very pleasant option, especially with an “eternal” cardan (not counting reviews and replacements :)). You can add panniers and get a lightweight tourer. There is one “but” - the price of such a “toy” is almost 20 thousand euros for a new one, and this is absolutely “non-Childish” money. A little more and you can get a completely “adult tourer” like the R1200RT, which I like much more and, in my opinion, is more worth the money. But this may be “my problem.”
After talking with the dealer, I found out that with a height of about 190 cm, my friend could not sit on it for a long time - his legs were starting to cramp. So he “had” to switch to the R1200GS. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try to ride for longer, and after a little less than an hour I still didn’t feel any sensations. In fact, almost all the models were “unclaimed” (due to this weather, many, apparently, refused), but I was already in the last “race”, so there was no great desire to rush to ride other models.
As a result, I once again “licked” the standing motorcycle. Upon closer inspection, the design of the steering and suspension does not seem simple. On the other hand, specimens with quite “automobile” mileage of 100 thousand kilometers are found regularly, so reliability in general should be at the level.
In general, it’s a cool, expensive toy, but due to its limited use in comparison with its older brothers, in my opinion, it doesn’t make much sense.
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Since the first motorcycle was a very peppy 660 cc motorcycle, from which I quickly outgrew in all respects, in winter the idea came to change the cubic capacity, size and comfort. Another favorite motorcycle school at one time gave me the opportunity to sit and ride on different types of motorcycles - from electronics to sports - a comfortable and ergonomic class for my car was immediately determined - classics/nakeds. I continued my search in this direction - we considered standard liter Seabikhs, various Kavas, and even - oh, horror) - MT01 with a 1700 cc Varia engine. By the way, I found MT01 and sat with it - I liked it) Confident motorcycle. Until, through a “damaged phone,” information leaked to me that one of my friends was selling his Boomer. The same Boomer, next to whom I took a photo of my first spendthrift, which I admired and blurted out: “I will have one like that too.” Well, sobsna - get it, sign it.
In February, an organized crowd of us went to look at a possible purchase - the owner, me and a mutual friend of ours, from whom I received the information.
I must say that I am not Thumbelina - I am 174 tall and weigh a confident 70 kg. But even after Yamashka, Boomer seemed big and heavy to me. What was most confusing was not the height of the saddle - it is precisely adjustable - but the span of the pots. Yeah, boxer is not a narrow sport for you. But the height of the steering wheel allows you to easily float over all cars and beautifully rest against the mugs of SUVs and small beads). She sat down and drove around the parking lot. Hm. And it is quite easy to manage. His paws were trembling, his toes barely reached the ground, but Boomer was obedient and pleasant. It was decided that it would be a burden.
Re-registered in April. At the beginning of May, I came to pick it up. For moral support of the pants, a friend came with me - more precisely, she brought me by car to the parking lot of my new horse and promised to take me home and not let me be offended on the road)) She rolled out the boomer and sat down. Started it up. Scribe, scary. Okay, let's go. Departure from Piterland, turn to Primorsky Prospekt, Yachtennaya, turn to Savushkina... Vrrum - wow) It’s coming. Once again - vvrrruuumm - wow! Further, from the words of a friend - “I looked, it started, unscrewed it and... in short, disappeared in the stream... Hmm.”
After the season, I can say the following: This is definitely “mine.” And it will be “Mine” for a long time. The motorcycle forgives many mistakes - a sharp start (it won’t get into a wheelie if you don’t turn off the control systems), clicking the beak and releasing the brakes at the last moment, sharp maneuvering. The wheelbase is quite short and allows you to maneuver in traffic and traffic jams. Excellent brakes. Sharp, instantly and tightly tasted. Pendants. Is it necessary to talk about them when half of Tyrnet sings odes to them? No pecks, it slows down like an iron - all at once. Adjustable suspension with ESA - press a button and the bike will do everything itself. It’s easy to understand, all the icons are logical and understandable: “rider”, “rider + luggage”, “rider + passenger”. The second stage of tuning is changing the compression and rebound damping. Sport, Comfort and Normal modes are available. I immediately loosened them completely - and it’s comfortable to drive on our roads.
At first it seemed that the pots would not allow you to use the row spacing - but this is not so. They are no wider than the steering wheel, and we are all used to navigating by it. But there is one nuance that no one will tell you about) - the pots fit perfectly into the wheel arches of cars. Perfect. Therefore, getting used to the car and seeing that the steering wheel passes over the mirror easily - we remember about the pots and keep them away from the wheel arch) Personally, I only had one situation when a pot drove into it - the former owner of the motorcycle drove me on it, showing me the equipment . Showed))) I remember.
The center of gravity of the motorcycle is all down and in front, thanks to the motor - as a result, the motorcycle is like a tumbler, it tilts easily and straightens easily.
This is definitely a motorcycle for the city and small trips around the region. It undercuts easily, overtakes easily and brakes beautifully. My long-distance riding on it is comfortable thanks to several parameters - and most importantly, it is a Touratech saddle. It is soft, non-slippery, and dries quickly after rain and washing. I can say that even in 1000 km of continuous driving, my backside has never become numb. My back and arms might ache, my knees might go numb - but point 5 is normal.
Saddlebags and wind protection are a real deal.
The gearbox works clearly, sensitively and softly - everyone who sat on Byashka is surprised by this.
Cardan - no explanation here. There is only one problem - if the gearbox is dead, finding a new one is time-consuming, expensive and ineffective. I managed. Twice. The game is worth the candle, but nerves, nerves... and money, yes.
By the way, I also changed the box. I got a boomer with a five-speed gearbox - 6 was pulled out, it fell apart for unknown reasons. We are entering this season with a box from Goose. The gearbox, by the way, is also from Goose.
In general, BMW is a money sucker. You can use it and not invest, and then sell the junk. You can use it, invest it and then sell the normal one. I use it, put a lot of effort into it, fine-tune it - and the high-mileage motorcycle will be in excellent condition. In addition to the technical equipment, there is delicious tuning. Touratech, Rizoma, SW-MOTECH, additional lighting (Hella is being installed now), I want to tune the headlight well - so that it’s not just a collective farm, but beautiful and of high quality. This technique is worth putting worthy things on it.
And, perhaps, the most important thing is the hands that service your equipment. I'm lucky - I have a pair of golden hands. Byasha is resurrected from a state of “C” to a confident “A”.
