Took the 1200RS for a test ride - my impressions

[wmblo]

I took the new 1200RS out for a 90-minute test ride. Other 800gt riders may be interested in my impressions. Previously I was on an FJR.

I took it out on the motorway, country roads and through a town.

I found the RS beautifully balanced; low centre of gravity; flickable; forgiving; easy to ride. Doesn’t feel heavier than the 800gt.
The engine is sweet. It has the power I miss having come from the FJR to the 800.
Cruising high speed on a motorway it is very stable; has the grunt to accelerate when needed.
To my surprise the riding position is more upright and less sporty than the 800gt.
For my taste the screen and fairing are ugly. They seem inspired by the GS (beak-like.)
The windscreen is small and not very effective. (I have a Givi screen on the 800gt.)
I enjoyed the quick flick gear change that does not require the clutch.
It was fitted with Road Pilot 4s which, for me, are way better tyres than anything previous. (I have them on my 800gt too and highly recommend them.)

So I am tempted but will wait to see what modifications come on to the market. I like its weight and its power, but not its cockpit.

[Richard230]

Anyone want to bet that it doesn't take long for the after-market to design more than a few replacement windshields for the RS?

Of course BMW will probably come up with their own "comfort" $$$ windshield option?

[Bill the Cat]

Interesting to hear that the windscreen is not very good. Richard is spot on here. Very good to hear that it doesn't feel heavier than the F800.

Thanks for the writeup and your impressions William.

[argus]

I took the new 1200RS out for a 90-minute test ride. Other 800gt riders may be interested in my impressions. Previously I was on an FJR.

I took it out on the motorway, country roads and through a town.

I found the RS beautifully balanced; low centre of gravity; flickable; forgiving; easy to ride. Doesn’t feel heavier than the 800gt.
The engine is sweet. It has the power I miss having come from the FJR to the 800.
Cruising high speed on a motorway it is very stable; has the grunt to accelerate when needed.
To my surprise the riding position is more upright and less sporty than the 800gt.
For my taste the screen and fairing are ugly. They seem inspired by the GS (beak-like.)
The windscreen is small and not very effective. (I have a Givi screen on the 800gt.)
I enjoyed the quick flick gear change that does not require the clutch.
It was fitted with Road Pilot 4s which, for me, are way better tyres than anything previous. (I have them on my 800gt too and highly recommend them.)

So I am tempted but will wait to see what modifications come on to the market. I like its weight and its power, but not its cockpit.

Thanks for this. To help us understand the ergonomics, would you care to share your vital statistics - height will suffice

[wmblo]

Thanks for this. To help us understand the ergonomics, would you care to share your vital statistics - height will suffice

Am 6'00" - 30" inside leg - 168 lbs - long blond hair - pig tails - 3 breasts - 10 dicks ...

[Mickey Bitsko]

Am 6'00" - 30" inside leg - 168 lbs - long blond hair - pig tails - 3 breasts - 10 dicks ...

Are you single?

[wmblo]

Are you single?

You're interested!!!!????!!!!!

[argus]

Clearly, it's a cross-tourer for hybrids

[Noel]

Previously I was on an FJR.

To my surprise the riding position is more upright and less sporty than the 800gt.

That's a real mismatch w/ cyclo-ergo's take. For a rider of 6'3" sitting all the way back on the main seat they're saying the forward lean for GT is 7 degrees, for RS is 14 degrees.

[Carlos Fandango]

From the feedback off this forum it looks as if the R1200RS is a nail in the coffin of the F800GT, there seems to be lots of early adopters.

[Mokkybear]

For a significant price premium, Carlos, but yes - if you like the GT I'm sure you'd love the RS.

Chewed the fat with the dealer today. He reckons the RS steers a bit slower than the R (and he's ridden them both 'in earnest').

[TelemarkTumalo]

Looks to be a significant price difference as well. It sounds like $4-5K difference USD. That will influence some buyers. And, there will still be many who prefer the narrow width of the parallel twin, and the very predictable powerband of the f800. Time will tell.

[ST404]

From the feedback off this forum it looks as if the R1200RS is a nail in the coffin of the F800GT, there seems to be lots of early adopters.

BMW will probably drop one of them next year then, or is that me being cynical

[wmblo]

BMW will probably drop one of them next year then, or is that me being cynical

I don't know what the sales figures are for the GT - but I do not see them dropping it. The GT is, for me, currently the best all-rounder that is available. And the MPG is fantastic.

Having ridden it I am not sure the RS delivers what is written on the can. For a start, to my eyes, it does not look like a sports tourer- but a compromise with the GS.

What might really attract me could be an S1000RT - a proper sports tourer competing with the Kawa Z1000SX.

[ST404]

I don't know what the sales figures are for the GT - but I do not see them dropping it. The GT is, for me, currently the best all-rounder that is available. And the MPG is fantastic.

Having ridden it I am not sure the RS delivers what is written on the can. For a start, to my eyes, it does not look like a sports tourer- but a compromise with the GS.

What might really attract me could be an S1000RT - a proper sports tourer competing with the Kawa Z1000SX.

A proper "Sports Tourer" will never have the suffix RT. Plus the S1000 engine would not be the same as fitted to the current S1000. It would also need to dramatically increase its fuel economy and tank size to get decent range to be an RT

[wmblo]

A proper "Sports Tourer" will never have the suffix RT. Plus the S1000 engine would not be the same as fitted to the current S1000. It would also need to dramatically increase its fuel economy and tank size to get decent range to be an RT

Yes you are right to be so precise. Am just musing.
Basically I really like the 800GT and just want a bit more grunt. I imagine that is similar for many of us on this Forum.

[Carlos Fandango]

I agree William, that's why I'm considering a Tiger 800 next, I just yearn a slightly more powerful and characterful engine.

[Noel]

A proper "Sports Tourer" will never have the suffix RT. Plus the S1000 engine would not be the same as fitted to the current S1000. It would also need to dramatically increase its fuel economy and tank size to get decent range to be an RT

It's a bit of a fuzzy definition which Wiki states well, and which is why it's hard to even make the comment 'proper ST' but I think I understand what you're saying, but also why it's reasonable to call R1200RT an ST. I think the fuzzy part comes in with the ratio of S to T which varies in this class:

Sport touring[edit]
Main article: Sport touring motorcycle
Sport touring motorcycles combine attributes of sport bikes and touring motorcycles. The rider posture is less extreme than a sport bike, giving greater long-distance comfort.[1] Accommodation for a passenger is superior to a sport bike as well, along with luggage capacity.[1] Being lighter, at 550–720 lb (250–330 kg) wet,[12] than a pure touring bike and often having racier engines, suspensions, and brakes, sport tourers corner better and are more at home being aggressively ridden on curvy canyon roads.[1] The distinction between touring and sport touring is not always clear as some manufacturers will list the same bike in either category in different markets. The Honda ST1300 Pan-European, for example, was listed by Honda as a sport touring motorcycle in the United States and Australia, but as a touring motorcycle in Europe.

[ST404]

Agreed Noel, I was using BMW's own classification, but your correct that some bikes can fuzzy the edges of the term.

[Mokkybear]

In Australia, we called the ST1300 a lead-weight limo. Sports touring? Yeah, right, at over 280 kg dry ...

[Richard230]

Here are a couple of links to magazine first test ride articles from BMW's launch party for the RS. Naturally, they are very positive. Free food and drink will help with the happy face when typing first ride articles.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...de-review.html

http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/08...pecifications/

[tarless]

That's a real mismatch w/ cyclo-ergo's take. For a rider of 6'3" sitting all the way back on the main seat they're saying the forward lean for GT is 7 degrees, for RS is 14 degrees.

I'm 6' 34" inseam, owned a GT and test rode the GS for a good while. The GT is much more upright. The RS has easily double the forward lean. It's perfect. more lean, more knee room, comfy seat, perfect.

[DWS]

Anthony, when I first started reading your post, I thought, wow! he's almost nine feet tall ....

[tarless]

Anthony, when I first started reading your post, I thought, wow! he's almost nine feet tall ....

Yes, I'm six foot 34 inches. Just shy of 9 feet

[Scorch]

I'd love ​to see the CalSci screen they make for you...

[de100kb]

I've got an appointment to pick up my dealers demo R1200RS for a day next thursday which I will use for my daily commute though I think I might take a detour on the way back

And next week I've got an appointment for a 'speed-date' with a RNineT, sadly only for 45 minutes (so probably a 'guided' ride), when BMW NL have all of their models available for test rides for two days at my dealers.

So now I need to decide which test rides I want to make on the 20th of september when I'm joining the Dutch 'BMW Motorrad days' for the first time. I'm considering the R1200RT and the F800GSA for some light offroading on their track. Or maybe the S1000XR instead of the RT if only to check if I really don't want a 4 cylinder bike or a bike with a chain

I will be taking my nephew who has been riding his SV650S (a lot) for two years now , I bet his next bike (when his girlfriend gets her drivers license so he can give her the SV) is going to be a F800

I do love the fact BMW offers so many opportunities to try their products

Will report my findings here.

[Noel]

What might really attract me could be an S1000RT - a proper sports tourer competing with the Kawa Z1000SX.

Ditto that. S1000'RT' to me implies a wee bit more of the T in ST and this is a must for me for the true perfect all a rounder, an electric windscreen & a trimmed fairing ala RS/GT and all of a sudden I have my dreamcicle They only have this year to come out with it else we're on a '15 or '16 FJR-ES...

[tarless]

Man, you're jumping on allot of bikes Karim! Good for you.
I was saying that same thing when I was at the dealer. There's a bike for all my needs and tastes. Can't say that about any other manufacturer.

[Scorch]

And next week I've got an appointment for a 'speed-date' with a RNineT, sadly only for 45 minutes (so probably a 'guided' ride), when BMW NL have all of their models available for test rides for two days at my dealers.

Whatever you do, DON'T test ride an R Nine T unless you've already signed the contract on your new bike, or have no way of buying one, because it's daft and impractical and YOU WILL WANT ONE!

Seriously, I test rode one while my RS was in for its first service, and if I hadn't just bought the RS, I would have been signing paperwork for the R Nine T the minute I got back from the test ride (with the most ridiculous grin on my face). It is simply the most ridiculously fun bike I've ridden in years.

You will sign the paperwork before you think about the lack of wind protection, the lack of heated grips, the lack of long-distance comfort, and the lack of all the electronic gizmos that we all want in our new bikes. And then when winter hits and you're riding along at -10 degrees with hands like blocks of ice, you'll probably have that silly grin frozen in place. Be careful. I reckon it's about as addictive as heroin.

Oh, and be careful with clutchless shifting, because you will power wheelie when you change up from 5th to 6th...

[de100kb]

I had to postpone the test ride for two weeks because of some 'bodily discomfort' .

I do hope I will be able to ride the RNineT next week because that can't be set to another date.

And no I have no plans to buy a bike shortly, I have invested over 2000 euro in the R1200R (new springs and damper rebuild, new clutch plates and regular maintenance) over the last two years and it's almost perfect now (the saddle could use so new filling) so it's surely not a good moment to trade it in.

But you have to take the test rides when the model is new or the dealer will not have a demo anymore.

[de100kb]

The RS is in my garage right now and I like it a lot!

But first the RNineT: it's a hoot but the seating is too cramped for me for daily use. It would be a great second bike for the fun-rides but only the short ones. Wouldn't want to ride that all day. The demo had the Akra and it's way too loud for my taste. It does sound great and I couldn't stop accelerating and decelerating at every opportunity to make it grunt but that would get tiresome after a while. No other bike I've ridden stimulated the hooligan in me as much as the R9T does. It would be great fun for track days though .

The RS falls in between the R9T and my R1200R when it comes to summoning the hooligan inside . It has the standard can and I really like the tone it makes. My first ride today was two-up with my daughter and she likes the seating position of my own bike a lot better but she really missed the top case (will have to ride with a backpack to work tomorrow) so that colored her view a lot. Riding two-up made me realise how much I like the adaptive ESA! The ride feels quite firm under all circumstances with or without pillion and on tarmac or cobblestones the system smooths all to a level where you can feel what happens underneath but the bumps never get annoying. Will ride some really bad roads tomorrow to see if the system keeps up performance there.

The cruise control is great and probably the thing I'm going to miss the most on my own ride. I love the way you can cancel it by touching the clutch lightly and the accuracy when compared to a throttle lock.

The engine is great when riding at very low revs (and the clutchless shifts makes me use much higher gears as I'm used to, the upshifts 4->5->6 are so smooth even more smoothly than the DSG-7 in my Skoda) and it accelerates so quickly but I do feel it has less of the boxer quirks I've come to love, it feels much more like a triple or four-cylinder engine. But that's nit-picking it's a great engine in every other way.

The seating position is great and the saddle seems to be OK, the windscreen for me is only useable in the low position (in high I immediately got a lot of buffeting which reminded me why I ride a naked bike) and the keyless system works fine once you find out how to open the gas tank without a manual.

More after the real ride tomorrow!

[Scorch]

No other bike I've ridden stimulated the hooligan in me as much as the R9T does.

Amen, bother!

[Alfa13]

The RS is in my garage right now and I like it a lot!



More after the real ride tomorrow!

Look forward to your further reports.

[Scorch]

Now that I've had more 'bonding' time with the RS (on a long weekend mini-tour to Wales), I can affirm much of what you're saying.

The stock screen was great for me in the lower position with the screen mounted in the upper set of holes. In the upper position, I got the unpleasant buffeting and booming through my helmet that you describe. When I mounted the screen in the lower set of holes, the lower position was still ok, but the higher position still wasn't great. In both mounts, I wasn't really happy with the screen. It was fine for a sunny day, but when it gets colder, or when it rains, I want more protection, but without the added noise.
I got hold of a Powerbronze standard screen, and though it looks almost identical, it doesn't have that little 'lip' at the top of the screen, and I have noticed that it is a lot better in the raised position. I had a very long run home in the pouring rain on Monday and it seemed to work fine in the raised position. I think for my height (6ft2in), I would really need an extra inch or two at the top of the screen to make it really effective. But I hate the look of really tall screens, so I’m not sure what I should do about that.

The cruise control is really good, and a true blessing when you’re spending an entire day in the saddle. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there’s a micro switch in the throttle that can be used to turn it off. You simply rock the throttle a little further than the fully closed position and it turns off cruise control. However, I actually don’t like using this switch, as it seems to take longer to turn off the cruise control than I would like. My preferred method of deactivating it is by feathering the clutch like you described.

The seat seems quite plush and comfortable, but it starts to feel a bit murderous after a full day’s riding, and I’ve resorted to using my Airhawk again.

I really like the confidence that the different riding modes give you. In Wales, the roads were very wet in the mornings, so spending the first hour or two in RAIN mode kept things moving along at a comfortable pace without risking a slide, and once things dried up, it went back into ROAD mode for a bit more responsiveness. I really like DYNAMIC mode, but on this particular tour it never felt appropriate as there were still too many damp patches on the roads. I’m trying to work out how much of a difference DYNAMIC mode actually makes, because I do feel it’s noticeable. I’m pretty sure the exhaust rumble seems different and there are a lot more (very satisfying) pops and burbles on the overrun. I wonder if DYNAMIC mode does something with the exhaust butterfly valve to improve the sound.

Anyway, it’s safe to say that I’m feeling much more at home on the bike, and I’m very pleased with its touring credentials. That LC Boxer engine is just fantastic!

[Richard230]

Cycle World published a review of the RS from the press launch in their October 2015 issue. Unfortunately it is only 1/2 page long. It says very little and nothing that you don't already know. However in this issue, they did publish a comparison test (shoot-out ) of the KTM 1200 Super Duke R, the Buell EBR 1190SX and the BMW R1200R. Naturally the Super Duke got their nod as the best bike of the three, likely because it had about 40% more power and 55 pounds less weight (and a lower price) than the R. But if it makes you feel any better (it won't), they did like the R1200R better than the EBR 1190SX.

While I won't summarize the entire article, because I haven't read it yet, I did look at the performance table. Since the RS hasn't suffered an instrumented road test so far (to my knowledge), I figure that the R is about as close as we are going to get to hard numbers regarding the performance of the RS - which I assume will be slightly less due to its higher weight, with a little more top speed due to slightly better aerodynamics. So here are the hard numbers for the R-bike, according to Cycle World:

Fuel mileage: 45 mpg
1/4 mile acceleration: 10.76 sec. @ 123.36 mph
0-60 acceleration: 2.8 seconds
Top gear acceleration, 40-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top gear acceleration: 60-80 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top Speed: 142 mph
Horsepower: 107.7 @ 7720 rpm
Torque: 78.5 lb.-ft. @ 5170 rpm
Braking, 30-0 mph: 30 ft.
Braking 60-0 mph: 119 ft.

[tarless]

I'm thoroughly comfortable with the bike at this point after 2 weeks and a few days and 550-600 miles. I did an all-day'er sunday as well on every type of road imaginable. Even a dirt road. The thing rocks! I don't miss the triple or I-4 (that much). I'm still getting used to it with regards to fast cornering but I'm still comfortable at decent speeds. I did lock the back wheel up briefly while tapping the rear brake scrubbing off some speed in the corner but it's a better rear brake then I'm used to. Still bothered me a little though as I thought the electronics wouldn't have allowed that so easily, but all in all I think I know what to expect out of the bike at this point.

btw, I think it does do 0-60 in under 3 seconds as the R1200R does. I'm trying to get a good read on the 0-100. With the shift assist I'm 'sure' it's better than 5 seconds but I'm not positive. As to that shootout: it's not really apples to apples at all.

[de100kb]

I don't have much to add to the above.The engine picks up revs much faster than my R which is nice on one side but the other side of the medal is it makes it (even) harder (for me) to obtain 'near legal' speeds both on the highway and on the smaller roads. The RS is very capable on the highway, very stable even at 200kph ( just for a few seconds) the ride feels very familiar even though it hasn't got telelever. Riding at very low revs works fine too, like my R (with temp-sensor fooling resistor thingy) you can ride it with the engine running stationary revs but you will need to be ready to instantly grab the clutch for safety's sake.

I surely wouldn't want to ride a wasser-boxer in .nl without cruise control. Too little self control I must admit Still got the need for speed

The mirrors work really great and are in a good position. The dashboard works fine both in full sunlight and in the dark. I'm impressed by how quick it moves between those states on even the smallest source of darkness like crossing under a bridge. Without the manual I wasn't able to switch to the rev counter mode. Having both the 'analog' and the digital speedometer on there is a bit redundant but I like the digital one.

It didn't take me long to find the saddle isn't great, just an hour into the ride my ass got sore. But I'm not sure what type of saddle I tested so it might just be that it was the low one and the high one will be better with more padding.

The semi-clipons are a bit to far away for me, my fingers tingled quite often when not using the cruise control (an old problem). With the cruise control on I could relax my hands and it feels fine but I'd probably want to change the semi-clipons to a superbike-bar (or just add risers). The seating position reminded me a lot of the F800S and yes I did modify that with a superbike-bar which transformed the bike, especially when filtering.

All in all a great bike but when confronted with the choice I would probably (because I never go much over 80 kph during my daily commute) prefer the R1200R wasserboxer over the RS. Might have to change the headlight on that though, or maybe just get used to it.

On the option list (in order of priority) for me would be:

- Cruise control
- ESA
- high saddle
- Keyless ride
- led signal lights and the clutch assist if I would order a new R or RS.

[Richard230]

My dealer installed the low seat (as is stock on the U.S. model R) on the RS that was in the showroom. I checked it out the other day and found the padding thin and hard. It seemed like all BMW did was to remove some of the padding of the high (not sport) seat and used the same seat cover. The seat cover was above the padding by about an inch. You could press down on the cover with your hands before hitting the padding. Sort of like pushing down on a balloon. Kind of strange. The stock RS seat as delivered in the U.S. is the high seat and I am finding it as comfortable as the stock seat on my 2007 R, which was good for about 10 hours before it started hurting. One thing is for sure, the RS seat is 10 times better than the stock seat of my F650GS.

[Scorch]

The semi-clipons are a bit to far away for me, my fingers tingled quite often when not using the cruise control (an old problem). With the cruise control on I could relax my hands and it feels fine but I'd probably want to change the semi-clipons to a superbike-bar (or just add risers). The seating position reminded me a lot of the F800S and yes I did modify that with a superbike-bar which transformed the bike, especially when filtering.

One chap on the RS forums has put on R1200R bars on his RS, and it looks like it would take care of your problem:
http://r1200rsforums.com/threads/rs-...orts-seat.474/

I'd agree with the stretch being a little uncomfortable at times, which surprised me, as I always preferred the more sporty position of the F800S over the ST. I think it's because they're wider too, so not a truly sporty riding position like the S or even the K13S.

But I'm pretty used to it now, and it's not much of an issue for me.

[Bill the Cat]

The R1200RS has enough a release now that a number of folks are doing video reviews of it. I've watched reviews from Yanks, Brits and Ozzies, and all rave about the assisted shift and smooth power. One of my favorites is this one, as the guy goes from '"it's ok" to "I love it" and has on point comments on the windshield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWHXh2f5BpQ

I may have to go for a test ride!

[tarless]

I love all Calmoto's reviews. He only does KTMs, bmers and Triumphs (his dealership is a eruo dealer), but they're always pretty good and funny.

[de100kb]

So it probably was the low seat and the right one would bring me up some cm's which could mean I would not really have a need for raisers or superbike-bar. I should mention the bike has been a lot on my mind since I returned it, that engine is really unbelievable smooth it made a deep impression. If I would be in the market for a long distance tourer it would be on top of my list sharing the first place with the F800GSA.

[Yoda]

I've just got back from an approx. 1750 mile round trip to south west France on the RS, the same trip as I did on the F800GT last year. I had worried about the reach to the bars but surprisingly found it not too bad - perhaps having cruise control and being able to rest my arms once in a while helped. The stock (UK) seat is definitely more comfortable for me than the F800 comfort seat, based on mileage to numb bum syndrome.
The bike never missed a beat and didn't use any oil. However, it did weep a bit of coolant from the "weep hole" on the left side after a local 25 mile ride on a 36C day - no signs of any weepage on either long leg up or down though, so I'm not sure what to make of that one.
Main problem was the Navigator V which kept trying to send me onto peages even though I have tolls set in the avoidances. I think that may be a problem with basecamp although that is also set to avoid tolls as far as I can see.

[TelemarkTumalo]

.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWHXh2f5BpQ

Would love to see a review with the bike loaded for a tour. I don't know that I've seen one with the luggage, tankbag, etc., installed. Maybe it was the camera position on this video, but the GPS mount obscured the view of the gauges. The bike appears to be quite fun to ride. Can't wait to get my hands on one!

[Bill the Cat]

So this past Saturday was my first opportunity to take my new RS out for a significant ride. I spent 6 hours on the bike. I'm in NorCal, so I went down highway 1 to la honda, up la honda to Pescadero creek, then back up either highway 1 or stage road to get back to la honda. Rinse, repeat on some of my favorite curves. I'm very happy with the bike. In coming from the BMW F800GT, the RS was a big step up in sophistication and power. The big thing I was told to watch out for was the additional weight of the RS and how it was less flickable. To a degree, this is true, but it was not like going from a Ferrari to a Winnebago. In fact, I was overcompensating in the beginning because I was told it was such a cow. The only time I really noticed the weight was descending into corners off the ridgeline, and I was picking up more speed than I wanted. Did I mention the brakes are very good? 6 hours on the bike with a 25-30 minute break for coffee/bathroom was very comfortable with just the standard seat. I took to downshifting with the shift assist pro like a duck to water. Upshifting is going to require some practice. I did it perfectly a few times, so I know what it is supposed to feel like, but I was clunky more often than not. No worries, that's just the inability of the rider, not the bike. I also found clutch shifting very smooth, with the exception of going from neutral to first at a stop light, when the bike makes a big "CLONK" noise. This was a surprise at first, and I immediately thought I broke the bike. Windscreen on the lowest bolts and all the way down was good for me, and provided the least turbulence. Moving it up the highest bolts, highest setting was the worst. Mirrors are good, and I can actually see behind me. The F8GT's were just adequate. I also did not really want keyless ride, but I have it, and that is taking some getting used to. In summary, this is a great motorcycle with very few flaws, and I'm quite enamored of it.

[TelemarkTumalo]

Good on you Dave. The boxer is the quintessential BMW bike and the RS might be the next, newest iteration of the R1200 sport/tourer.

[Bill the Cat]

Thanks Mark! Maybe BMW will bring back the HP2 (sic?) wherein they took a boxer engine, put it into a sport bike frame and called it an "endurance racer." It wasn't popular as it had quite a few flaws, but I think a re-design would be great for those who want the boxer power plant, but with less weight that the GS or RT.

[TelemarkTumalo]

BMW is certainly having fun with the air/oil cooled 1200 with the four iterations of the RnineT. http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread...racer-and-pure

[Richard230]

BMW is certainly having fun with the air/oil cooled 1200 with the four iterations of the RnineT. http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread...racer-and-pure

At least until Euro 5 arrives in 2020 and then that will be the end of the A/O OHC engine, according to statements made by a BMW engineer. I think they are smart (doesn't happen too often) to use that engine in every model they can, for as long as they can keep it legal, to get the most out of its long design and development history. They are picking models for that engine that do not require the most high-rpm performance. Just light weight, a clean exterior design and good low-speed torque - which apparently also makes Euro 4 happy.

[Argyll]

It's a lovely engine of course. Still the favorite of many seasoned BMW riders.