2004 BMW K1200 RS
Although designated a sports tourer, BMW's
powerful K1200 RS is much more than that; it
is probably the most versatile, dedicated road-going
superbike currently available. In a number of
riding categories that include touring, passenger
and luggage carrying, commuting and sports,
it will outperform even the so-called best machines.
Despite its 1200cc engine capacity, the K1200
RS is a highly manoeuvrable motorcycle, thanks
to a low centre of gravity, superb balance and
surprisingly tight turning circle. Add the immense
tractability of the powerful 130 bhp engine,
with high torque at low revs, and cutting a
swathe through urban traffic doesn't seem so
forbidding after all. Naturally, the open road
should be the environment in which the K1200
RS excels and it does.
The list of attributes is a long one industry-leading
aerodynamics designed to stabilise the machine
in fair weather or foul; BMW's legendary road
holding; a comfortable and adjustable riding
position; six-speed gearbox; optional ABS, and
dual-position windscreen allow the K12 to be
ridden easily, and with minimal rider input.
The bike's generous power output and more usable
torque means that it won’t be lacking
when in the company of sports bikes either in
fact, the standard characteristics mean that
it is more suited to highway use than any dedicated
sports machine. The K1200 RS is a master of
all trades and jack of none.
Available in Capri blue metallic, Alpine white/orient
blue metallic and Piemont red metallic the BMW
K1200 RS costs £9,345 (OTR). The ABS equipped
version costs £10,095, while the SE version
(which includes ABS, heated grips, a luggage
grid, pannier fastenings and a 5.5 inch rear
wheel) costs £10,395.
Power play
The power plant of the K1200 RS is the biggest
and most powerful motorcycle engine in BMW’s
history. The liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder
fuel-injected engine delivers a maximum output
of 96kW (130 bhp) at only 8,750 rpm. Maximum
torque has been increased by 10 per cent (over
the previous model) and now develops 100 Nm
(74 lb-ft) from 3,500 rpm, reaching its peak
at 6,700 rpm where it is outputting 117 Nm (86
lb-ft).
The engine uses the ram charge effect to draw
air into the intake system. This is essential
for genuine power and performance and ensures
an optimum supply of air and fuel to the cylinders.
This is controlled by the third generation of
Digital Motor Electronics, the Motronic MA 2.4.
Still something of a rarity on motorcycles,
the sophisticated control system is the ideal
way of implementing such important requirements
as the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust
emissions, and the use of a fully controlled,
three-way catalytic converter (standard on all
BMW motorcycles worldwide).
The right gear
The K1200 RS was the first BMW to use six-speed
transmission and this is continued in an improved
version. The new gearbox has optimised noise
control and is much quieter than before. This
has been achieved in a number of ways; the Paralever
rear-wheel swingarm is now fitted to the central
frame and not the gearbox housing; the gearbox
is more compact and its noise-emitting surfaces
are far smaller. As a result, service intervals
for the gearbox have been doubled from 20,000
to 40,000 km.
Sixth gear has been conceived to make the most
of the K12's power characteristics, improve
fuel economy and to suit all the roles the K1200
RS will be used for. For example, roll-on acceleration
in sixth gear is excellent and is not a compromise
overdrive as configured on many other machines.
Power is transmitted through a hydraulic clutch
(for consistent and even operation) and reaches
the back wheel via BMW's renowned and ultra-reliable
drive shaft.
Riding the roads
The BMW K1200 RS is at its best when ridden
in an environment suited to its power advantages,
aerodynamics, stability, road holding and weather
protection in other words, the open road.
On a K1200 RS, touring is not boring. It is
however, comfortable, stable and effortless.
The key is stability and like all good motorcycles
this starts at the front. BMW's unique front
wheel guidance system was introduced in 1993
(on the R1100 RS) and still remains the most
significant development, for many decades, in
front wheel suspension. With minimal dive under
heavy braking the Telelever also provides impeccable
tracking and sure, precise steering.
At the rear, BMW's equally unique Paralever
ensures optimum guidance of the rear wheel.
Acting as a double swingarm it substantially
reduces the change of load response of the drive
shaft thereby enabling optimum tracking of the
rear wheel at all times.
The rear suspension has 150mm (5.91) of spring
travel and can be adjusted hydraulically for
preload and damping by means of a hand wheel.
In the frame
Because of the extra power delivery of the
K1200 RS, BMW designers decided to find a more
substantial way of ensuring frame rigidity than
the previous technique of using the engine as
a load-bearing member. The result is a cast-aluminium
frame fitting snugly around the engine, resting
on special mounting points to avoid vibrations.
The new frame forms a torsionally-stiff backbone
between the Telelever and Paralever swingarm.
At the front the Telelever longitudinal arm
rests on a swivel bearing point where steel
bars support the blocks on the front engine
mounts.
Welded out of four sections, the die-cast aluminium
frame is a free-form casting” featuring
reinforcement baffles that form a honeycomb
structure, maintaining maximum rigidity and
compact dimensions.
Wheels of evolution
Lighter 17-inch cast aluminium wheels feature
a delicate design of immense strength by using
a five-double-spoke configuration. The front
incorporates BMW's new and innovative EVO front
wheel brake which is used in conjunction with
a semi-integrated version of Integral ABS -
a system preferred by sports riders.
This derivative of BMW's third generation anti-lock
braking system allows experienced users more
control of the rear brake useful in urban environments
and to settle the machine's suspension when
sports riding. Applying the front brake lever
causes the ABS to act on both front and rear
wheel brakes simultaneously. However, sole use
of the foot brake lever causes the ABS to act
only on the rear wheel brake.
The new EVO front brake is a significant advance
in motorcycle brake technology and is fitted
as standard to the K1200 RS making it, arguably,
the safest sports touring motorcycle available.
EVO front braking requires approximately half
the manual pressure to achieve the same stopping
power as a conventional system. Braking is further
improved by equipping the K1200 RS with two
large front discs and sintered brake pads. This
combination produces an increase in braking
forces of between 15 and 20 per cent.
Rock steady
Previous models of the K1200 RS have always
enjoyed superlative stability and excellent
weather protection, but for 2002 the upper section
of the fairing and the windshield have been
completely redesigned.
For example, the windshield has been increased
in height and width by a total of more than
20 per cent. As on past models the windshield
may be set to two different positions the lower
position features a flat angle while the upper
position gives a steeper rake. This considerably
improves rider weather protection and reduces
wind pressure.
The side sections of the upper fairing have
been redesigned and optimised for streamlining
in BMW's advanced wind tunnel. Direction indicators
have been relocated slightly higher and more
inboard. This has produced a slimmer, more dynamic
looking fairing but with better protection for
the rider's hands and lower arms. Two water
radiators have been integrated into a BMW kidney
grille in the fairing.
Wind tunnel testing on natural forces that
de-stabilise a motorcycle has enabled BMW to
design one of the most aerodynamic motorcycles
available. This accounts for a number of ride
practicalities which require less rider input
under adverse wind and weather conditions than
other machines. The K1200 RS also has inherent
stability in the kind of gusting, directional
winds that buffet most motorcycles from side
to side.
Ergonomically speaking… and seating
The K1200 RS is a dedicated road-going motorcycle
and BMW has computer simulated seating and riding
ergonomics to produce a machine that is configured
for comfort and unparalled ease of operation.
Adjustment of many components affecting rider
input and operating efficiency is more comprehensive
on the K12 than almost any other motorcycle
currently available. For example, the handlebar
retains its three-fold adjustment as do the
brake and clutch operating levers. The windscreen
can be positioned either high or low and both
the gear change and footrest are adjustable
to suit riders of differing stature. The seat
has been redesigned to provide improved comfort
over the previous model and is also two-position
adjustable for height.
Other proven features of the K1200 RS remain
unchanged. These include the free-form technology
dual headlights, switch logic controls and instrument
cockpit (although this is now finished in the
machine colour).
And finally…
BMW, more than any other motorcycle manufacturer,
has always catered to the after-sales needs
of owners by producing a comprehensive array
of accessories and extras. The K1200 RS owner
is therefore able to equip and accessorise his
machine to reflect needs and preferences.
Some of the items available include: system
cases (and impact protectors), mounting frames,
luggage rack and top cases (hard or soft), tank
bags, cruise control, heated grips, deluxe dual
seat, power sockets, 5.5 x 17 rear wheel and
satellite navigation system.
Customers can call BMW's information line:
0800 777 155
Specifications for BMW K1200 RS.
- Engine Cubic capacity - 1171 cc
- Bore/stroke - 70.5/75 mm
- Max output - 96/130 kW/bhp at 8750 rpm
- Max torque - 117 Nm at 6750 rpm
- Design - In-line
- No of cylinders - 4
- Compression ratio/fuel grade - 11.5/premium
- Valve control - DOHC
- Valves per cylinder - 4
- Intake/outlet dia - 26.5/23 mm
- Fuel supply - Motronic MA 2.4
- Alternator - 840 W
- Battery - 12/19 V/Ah
- Headlight - H 7/55 W, H 3/55 W
- Starter - 0.7 kW
- Gearbox, Gear ratios - 1 - 3.86/2.75, 2
- 3.02/2.75, 3 - 2.39/2.75 , 4 - 1.96/2.75,
5 - 1.70/2.75, 6 - 1.51/2.75
- Rear-wheel drive - BMW Paralever
- Clutch - Single-plate dry clutch, dia 165
mm
- Type of frame - Cast aluminium frame
- Spring travel front/rear - 115/150 mm
- Wheel castor - 124 mm
- Wheelbase - 1555 mm
- Steering assembly angle - 62.75°
- Brakes; front - Dual-disc brake, dia 320
mm, rear - Single-disc brake, dia 285 mm
- Wheels - Light-alloy; front - 3.50 x 17
MTH 2, rear - 5.00 x 17 MTH 2
- Tyres; front - 120/70 - ZR 17, rear - 170/60
- ZR 17
- Length - 2250 mm
- Width with mirrors - 850 mm
- Handlebar width - 680 mm
- Seat height - 770/800 mm
- Weight, unladen, with full fuel tank - 285
kg
- Max permissible weight - 500 kg
- Fuel tank - 20.5 ltr
- Fuel consumption - 90 km/h (56 mph) - ltr/100
km, 120 km/h (75 mph) - ltr/100 km
- Acceleration - 0-100 km/h (62 mph) - 3.7
sec
- Top speed - 245 km/h
- Price, OTR - £9,345 - K1200 RS, £10,095
-K1200 RS ABS, £10,395 - K1200 RS SE
ABS
- Colour options - Capri blue metallic, Alpine
white / orient blue metallic, Piemont red
metallic
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