BMW K1200 R

The package is very similar to that of the king-hit sports-tourer, which we loved as an ultra-quick point-to-point bike, but there are some differences. Some of the detail is a little vague - for example the horsepower claim is slightly less. However there are some plainly obvious differences, such as the brutish naked styling - techno-bastard is our fave description - plus shorter gearing for considerably more mumbo in the low and mid-ranges of the tacho.

Compared to the S, it's very much a sit up and pay attention ride position that encourages some enthusiastic use of what's on tap. The basic long-wheelbase chassis is little different from the S, though anti-lock braking is optional rather than stock. Like the S, you can order the simple to use and very handy electronic suspension adjustment system (ESA), which we recommend.

No doubt there are some subtleties in the set-up, and something we can report is neither the S or R feels compromised despite similar spec combined with quite different intention. The S is the fast sport or touring machine, while the R is the rebel of the family - aimed at playing ratbag.

Funny thing is that I'm quite torn between the two models. The S is the one that matches my riding habits and 'talks' to me best, but the R is simply a hoot to ride. It launches hard without complaint from the lights, can be chucked into turns at appalling speeds and seems to come with that thing you want least when your licence points are on their last gasp: a small devil, perhaps with a slight German accent, sitting on your shoulder saying, "Go on, you know you can go a little quicker through there..."

Bastard! Inevitably I got stung by the police for a speed which is best not mentioned in polite company. Much as I hated the penalty, I didn't for one moment regret the ride. We were perfectly safe and I didn't dare tell the officer that, actually, we could have upped the ante considerably without risk to life and limb. Such is life on the R, I suspect.

So what's to like? With a handy 160-ish horses on tap, plus short gearing, it goes like the proverbial. The chassis, once you get your head around the very capable, if a little unusual, Duolever front end, is accurate and feels ultra-settled in even quite extreme circumstances. Finish is generally very good, and there are some neat cosmetic touches that make you feel happy about being on board. The front end makes the most of braking package, which is capable but relies a little too much on trust rather than feel. Nevertheless, it works.

What's not to like? The shorter gearing highlights the clunky gearshift - it's accurate, but a little annoying - and pricing is very much on the high end for naked bikes.

The factory is using the model for a one-make race series, supporting MotoGP in Europe, and there's no doubt the racers should be able to provide fast and close racing. In fact, a race-prepped one would be an awesome road machine.

I have a suspicion the R will be a difficult one to sell for BMW, partly because naked sport-oriented bikes are a small sector locally. Hopefully I'll be proved wrong, as it's a hoot to ride, costs no more than a high end cruiser, and is a hell of a lot more fun. Just watch those licence points...

Pricing: BMW K 1200 R $21,750
ABS $1750
ESA $1250

by Guy Allen