Comparison test: BMW K 1200 R and BMW K 1200 S
In fact, Ru is an attempt to clone the first, that is, Sa. But somewhere in the complex technological process, they broke down and what was created somehow does not look like an elegantly rounded athlete in plastic armor. They created a monster! Admittedly, they have the balls to bring such a different (futuristic) bike to market! But Frankenstein syndrome in this case does not mean anything bad. The R is the most adrenaline-pumping BMW of all time, well maybe we're exaggerating a bit, but it's by far the most exciting we've driven in years!
Given that these are basically two identical (common: engine, frame, suspension, exhaust, entire rear end, wheelbase) or at least very similar bikes, we were interested in how they differ in chassis. Is Ru just a stripped-down version of Sa, or does he really have a little more aggressiveness and edginess than a real streetfighter should?
Something is understandable, so they look very different at least from the front and from the side. The S is fully clad in plastic armor that protects the driver from the wind very well and gives him the sporty look we've been waiting for at BMW for a long time. On the road, it turns out that up to 120 hp. / h, the driver practically does not feel wind resistance, in an upright position he can ride quite relaxed up to at least 160 km / h, and above this speed it is necessary to tilt the body slightly forward to overcome long distances in a more aerodynamic position.
At 280 km / h, of course, we recommend the fully closed position, as this is the speed at which this BMW can move for a very long time. The frame, suspension and the entire superstructure allow him to develop an abnormally high cruising speed with a completely calm movement without vibrations or any disturbance. The K 1200 S also travels at top speed, just like on rails. Accurate and reliable!
A slightly different story with the twin roadster. With 163 hp it is truly the most powerful of the stripped-down bikes, but there is practically no wind protection! The driver's body position is more upright (taller, wider and straighter) and more comfortable. Like everything in motorcycles of this class, this is the most comfortable ride at a speed of 80 to 120 km / h. A small windshield above the headlamp adds a little comfort and protection from the wind, but does not work miracles. This means that above 140 km / h it is already blowing pretty well along the Roux. How long you ride fast depends mainly on the muscles in your neck.
But we kind of expected that the bigger mystery was the comparison of performance and acceleration. In the latter, we felt the difference manifested in the cruelty of Ra. This has some advantages, mainly due to the shorter secondary power transmission (gear ratios are the same). Consequently, on the other hand, it does not reach the breakneck speed Sa. The K 1200 R thus reaches a top speed of 260 km / h. During acceleration, the S is slightly more cultured, with a very good power-up curve. With a perfectly working transmission, there are very few gear changes during smooth and relaxing driving, and both engines have enough power and torque to provide confident acceleration even when the transmission is too high.
On a winding road, both move quickly and smoothly if the driver wants it, as well as sportily. On extreme slopes, the R has an advantage, as it is known to be 9 kg lighter than the Sa. It is lighter and gives a little more playfulness than the S, which prefers softer lines in the corners. Both, however, can't beat a 600cc supercar in sporty cornering, both are still road bikes for the city and for an enjoyable solo or two-man ride (the R offers amazing passenger comfort, while the S is the best. Anyway). this class), and supercars are just racing cars with very little comfort, but excellent driving performance against the backdrop of a stopwatch.
So, the twins, despite the fact that they are basically the same, are very different. Are you the type of person who loves plastic armor, loves to travel a lot and fast? Then S is right. The real R.
BMW K 1200 R.
Base model price: 3.294.716 seats
Test car price: 3.911.882 seats
engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 1.157 cc, 3 hp at 163 rpm, 10.250 Nm at 127 rpm, el. fuel injection
Energy transfer: 6-speed transmission, propeller shaft
Suspension and frame: front BMW duolever, rear BMW paralever with ESA, composite aluminum frame
Tires: front 120/70 R 17, rear 180/55 R 17
brakes: 2 drums with a diameter of 320 mm at the front and 265 mm at the rear
Wheelbase: 1.571 mm
Seat height from ground: 820 (790)
Fuel tank: 19
Weight (with full fuel tank): 237 kg
Representative: Auto Aktiv, LLC, Cesta to Local Log 88a, tel .: 01/280 31 00
THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS
+ brutality and engine power
+ stability, adjustable suspension
+ varnish
– price
– wind protection
BMW K 1200 S.
Base model price: 3.774.700 seats
Test car price: 4.022.285 seats
engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 1.157 cc, 3 hp at 167 rpm, 10.250 Nm at 130 rpm, el. fuel injection
Energy transfer: 6-speed transmission, propeller shaft
Suspension and frame: front BMW duolever, rear BMW paralever with ESA, composite aluminum frame
Tires: front 120/70 R 17, rear 190/50 R 17
brakes: 2 drums with a diameter of 320 mm at the front and 265 mm at the rear
Wheelbase: 1.571 mm
Seat height from ground: 820 (790)
Fuel tank: 19
Weight (with full fuel tank): 248 kg
Representative: Auto Aktiv, LLC, Cesta to Local Log 88a, tel .: 01/280 31 00
THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS
+ flexibility and engine power
+ stability, adjustable suspension
+ wind protection
+ comfort, safety
– price
Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič
