Sport and Touring happily married
BMW R 1200 RS
BMW’s range now extends from 650s singles to the 1649cc six-cylinder K 1600 GT, so where does the new R 1200 RS fit? Somewhere between touring and sport?
The RS is basically an R 1200 R with a fairing. The two machines were developed alongside each other and share the same basic hardware in terms of chassis and engine, which is now the water/air-cooled boxer twin found originally on the 2013 R 1200 GS. Subtle changes to the air intakes, airbox and silencer, plus a lighter flywheel mean you get a little more poke off the bottom-end than a GS. With 92kW (125 bhp) at 7,750rpm on tap, the new RS has the same power as the fully-faired RT tourer and has slightly more torque but is at 236kg, is 38 kg lighter. That weight advantage is immediately evident and makes the RS a more manoeuvrable proposition around town. The R 1200 R and R 1200 RS differ from the RT is that they have a conventional set of telescopic forks at the front end, rather than the BMW Paralever set up. The R 1200 RS I tested was equipped with the Keyless Ride (don’t ride off and leave the key behind!), comfy heated grips that were a God- send on Sydney’s coldest-yet day of the year, and the optional ($1353) panniers (no top box). Australian models come equipped with the Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment package, the Comfort Package which includes heated grips and tyre