Launch: 2015 BMW Motorrad R 1200 R

The BMW Roadster concept has been around for a long time now. The Bavarian company has been making naked and semi-naked bikes since its inception, and the DNA from the R models can be traced back to these initial roots.

In the ’90s the big Roadster was fitted with the trademark Telelever front suspension and the bread-and-butter 1085cc air-cooled flat-twin engine. Styling was, let’s say, very 'gentlemen-like', but overall it was a very solid performer. Since 1998, capacity has increased to 1170cc but the basic engine and chassis package has remained the same – until now.

When the water-cooled Boxer engine arrived a couple of years ago in the R 1200 GS, it was only a matter of time before the more powerful (123hp/92KW at 7750rpm), smoother and torquier (125Nm at 6500rpm) unit became the mainstay of the BMW premium range of twin motorcycles. That's now happened, while BMW Motorrad has now ditched the Telelever on the R 1200 R in favor of conventional telescopic forks, but more on that later.
Straight down to business: the 2015 model R 1200 R is one hell of a machine. It’s comfortable, good looking and loaded with gizmos which keep rider safety and comfort at the forefront.

R 1200 R IN BIKE SHOWROOM

There are three different R 1200 Rs to choose from: Cordoba Blue (standard, $21,950), Thunder Gray Metallic Matt (Exclusive, $22,350) or Sport Light White ($22,350). They are all stunning in the flesh but the Sport edition makes my heart flutter the most.

The three different models come in the following specs and options:

R 1200 R Cordoba Blue
Standard fitment includes anti-lock braking, traction control with riding mode pro, electronic suspension adjustment, cruise control, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime riding light, headlight pro, Sport windshield, chrome exhaust and LED indicators.

Factory options:
• GPS Preparation
• Main Stand
• Touring Package -- $600. Includes luggage grid, on-board computer pro, pannier holders
• Keyless Ride -- $345
• Gear Shift Assistant Pro -- $600
• Alarm -- $505
• High seat -- no cost option
• Low seat -- no cost option
• Comfort passenger seat -- $75

R 1200 R Sport Light White
Standard fitment includes anti-lock braking, electronic suspension adjustment, cruise control, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, traction control with riding mode pro, daytime riding light, headlight pro, windshield 'pure' and LED indicators, engine spoiler, chrome exhaust and special tank trim.

Factory options:
• Touring Package -- $600. Includes on-board computer pro, GPS preparation, main stand, luggage grid and pannier holders
• Keyless Ride - $345
• Gear Shift Assistant Pro - $600
• Sport windshield - $85
• Alarm - $505
• High seat -- no cost option
• Low seat -- no cost option
• Comfort passenger seat - $75

R 1200 R Exclusive
Standard fitment includes anti-lock braking, electronic suspension adjustment, cruise control, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, traction control with riding mode pro, daytime riding light, headlight pro, sport windshield and LED indicators, chrome exhaust and special tank trim.

Factory Options:
• Touring Package - $600. On-board computer pro, GPS preparation, main stand, luggage grid and pannier holders
• Keyless Ride - $345
• Gear Shift Assistant Pro - $600
• Alarm - $505
• High seat - no cost option
• Low seat - no cost option
• Comfort passenger seat - $75

As is the case with all BMW products, the first thing that struck me is what you can get straight from the factory. For example, you probably won’t hear anyone complaining that the bike is too small or tall as there are two other free seat options (760mm and 820mm) available in addition to standard (790mm). The standard unit is perfect for me, and pillions aren't left in the lurch either: they can also opt for the comfort seat ($75) ex-factory. I know what route I'd be taking…

As alluded to above, all three R 1200 Rs come standard with heated grips, tyre pressure sensors, cruise control, traction control, four riding modes from Rain through to 'User', electronic suspension adjustment and a headlight that knows the difference between day and night.

It’s always a difficult task to understand and explain the electronic aids on motorcycles these days, but I will push on as it’s such a big selling point of the R 1200 R. The three main riding modes are Rain, Street and Dynamic. These modes control throttle feeling, giving a smoother power for Rain and then moving through to very direct response in Dynamic mode.

On top of throttle response, the anti-lock braking is controlled by the modes, obviously getting sportier as you move through to Dynamic. 'User' mode is also available for those who feel the need to tailor their own maps.

Electronic suspension adjustment is also a big hit. What BMW has done is to get the ECU to automatically and continually adjust the suspension based on lean angle, throttle inputs and suspension movement. That means more feel and safety.

One factory option that I wouldn’t want to live without is Gear Shift Assistant Pro. It costs $600 but this program allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts with an auto blipper. I have used this system many times on race bikes but the advantages on the road are fantastic. It allows you to keep full grip on the bars at all times, which means smoother braking and less lever manipulation which ultimately gives you more control.

The other factory option I really like is the keyless ignition. It's $345, but no more fumbling with keys or fobs scratching your tank. As long as the key is in your pocket the bike will start.

Riding these flat twins always gives me just a great sensation of adventure. I somehow feel pampered and receive a feel of a premium quality ride, and the R is no different. It is refined with just enough burble and a nice vibe to keep me awake, and it has about the perfect horsepower for the street.

I can pull away from the lights, give the throttle a twist and listen to the note of the engine without hitting warp speed or losing my licence. The bike is very comfortable with powerful brakes, and the road holding from the electronic suspension is fantastic.

During the one-day launch – held alongside the updated F 800 R, which we’ll report on shortly -- I rode on a vast variety of surfaces including dirt where I tested the anti-lock braking and traction control. It’s amazing how in a controlled test these programs brilliantly illustrate what they can do, and it's comforting to know that they are there in the background waiting to do their job if need be.

The dash is also new for 2015 and has all the usual information plus a handy average fuel consumption and range till empty display. If you want to spend the extra bucks ($600) and buy the ex-factory Touring package, you'll also get the onboard computer pro which includes a timer and countdown until next service display.

I have always been a fan of the Telelever front suspension, so I am surprised to see it gone on the new R 1200 R. However, there's no cause for handling alarm as the new telescopic forks are great. There isn't a discernible difference between the new and old.

While I was riding the R 1200 R one bike kept popping into my head: the R 1200 GS. The feel is very similar for both machines and I’m unsure if that is deliberate or not. One thing I do know for sure is that the word fun and the letter R can continue to be used in the same sentence.

The faired version of the R 1200 R, the R 1200 RS, is slated to go on sale in June 2015.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 123hp (92kW) at 6500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 125Nm at 6500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet anti-hop
Final drive: Cardan shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Tubular steel bridge
Front suspension: Upside-down telescopic, ESA
Rear suspension: BMW EVO Paralever, ESA
Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake: 276mm disc
Tyres: 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed weight with all fluids except fuel: 231kg
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1515mm
Fuel capacity: 18 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $21,950 standard spec, $22,350 Exclusive and Sport
Colours: Cordoba Blue (standard), Thunder Gray Metallic or Sport Light White
Bike supplied by: BMW Australia, bmwmotorrad.com.au

Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres