First Ride: 2006 BMW R1200R

Slowly, all of BMW's R-series, 1150cc Boxer-engined range have been superseded by lighter, more modern, slightly groovier models with a punchier 1200cc (1170cc, actually) motor. And here, completing the set, is the R1200R, replacement for the staid but enduring R1150R.

In the non-German bike world, 1200ccs, no bodywork and high bars shouts 'naked'; in BMW's it's a 'roadster'. But on paper the R1200R would seem to have something going for it. A 28 per cent power increase to 109bhp, and 17 per cent more torque, now up to a claimed 85lb.ft. It's lighter too, weighing in at a claimed 198kg dry.

But it's hardly a looker. Not that the 1200R is ugly, it's just so, well, boring. 'A dynamic, modern but timeless design,' says BMW. Frankly dull, says me.

Then you ride it and, as it goes, the 1200R is quite a lot of fun. The ride is soft but comfortable, with an easy, relaxed riding position spot-on for low speed work in town and bags of fun out on the open road. Motorways will be a bit of a chore, but with the neat optional flyscreen fitted to the test bikes, a steady 95mph or so was easy enough.

Suspension is soft and there's a lot of front-rear weight transfer getting on and off the throttle, as is the way with weirdly-suspended Beemers, but in this particular case it seems to suit the bike well. Not sure why, maybe it's the nakedness and the riding position and the big, wide seat, but the R1200R has a playful, happy-dog air about it when chucked around. Bizzarely, having ridden the R1200S across France only a week or so before (see p42) and complained of the Telelver/Paralever suspension set-up's typical lack of feedback and feel, the softer, bouncier somehow more accessible 1200R was actually quite involving. On slippery, sun polished, wet Alpine roads every twitch, slip and uncertainty of the tyres could be detected through the bars and footrests. Unexpectedly welcome.

The motor too is revvy and punchy, with decent low down shove and a lively response. While an air-cooled flat twin is never going to pull your arms out of their sockets, there's a fair turn of speed and, just for a moment there for the 500rpm or so before the redline, the motor gives a brief kick in the pants of near excitement. It's over pretty quickly though - it wouldn't do to have too much fun now, would it?

Which is all pretty positive. Except this most enjoyable of Boxers is one of the most sombre looking motorcycles yet to come from BMW. It has an air of understated sophistication, but while the RT, GS and S models have been getting ever more out there with their design, the R has taken a step back into dreariness.

As ever with BMW, the bike is a mix of ancient and innovative, neat design and shoddy thoughtlessness. The exposed subframe and wiring loom extending back from behind the engine could be better executed, the throttle cable routing looks like a mistake and the steadfastly pointless three-switch, two-hand indicator operation is just stupid. But the motor, despite the design's age and limitations, feels fresh, the ABS works well (an option fitted to the launch bikes) and the hydraulic underseat preload adjuster is neat and useful. And come next year, the ASC 'traction control' willl also be available as an option.

The R1200R is a most agreeable motorcycle, and one that, were it executed with a little more flair, could well attract more buyers to the marque than it will probably end up doing. No matter, say BMW, this is for the die-hard Beemer traditionalists, those who may feel alienated by the firm's recent forays into new worlds of outlandish design. It's hardly cheap either, for a 1200cc naked bike, sorry, roadster, starting at £8295 for the basic bike, and that too may turn tempted BMW first-timers away. It may have some poorly finished details here and there and the price is at a premium for a naked, air-cooled tool, but for the true fan of the old-school Boxer looking for fresh performance and added, modern enhancement, the R1200R is a neat and enjoyable, if understated, package.

VERDICT 4/5

A bit of fun to ride, although you'd never guess to look at it. Pricey for
a naked roadster, but not for a Boxer

SPECS

TYPE - STREETBIKE

PRODUCTION DATE - 2006

PRICE NEW - £8295

ENGINE CAPACITY - 1170cc

POWER - 109bhp@7500rpm

TORQUE - 85lb.ft@6000rpm

WEIGHT - 198kg

SEAT HEIGHT - 800mm

FUEL CAPACITY - 18L

TOP SPEED - 130mph

0-60 - n/a

TANK RANGE - N/A

They say: "Benefiting from the most advanced technologies" BMW
We say: "But not from a fresh new look... " Tim Dickson

Slowly, all of BMW's R-series, 1150cc Boxer-engined range have been superseded by lighter, more modern, slightly groovier models with a punchier 1200cc (1170cc, actually) motor. And here, completing the set, is the R1200R, replacement for the staid but enduring R1150R.

In the non-German bike world, 1200ccs, no bodywork and high bars shouts 'naked'; in BMW's it's a 'roadster'. But on paper the R1200R would seem to have something going for it. A 28 per cent power increase to 109bhp, and 17 per cent more torque, now up to a claimed 85lb.ft. It's lighter too, weighing in at a claimed 198kg dry.

But it's hardly a looker. Not that the 1200R is ugly, it's just so, well, boring. 'A dynamic, modern but timeless design,' says BMW. Frankly dull, says me.

Then you ride it and, as it goes, the 1200R is quite a lot of fun. The ride is soft but comfortable, with an easy, relaxed riding position spot-on for low speed work in town and bags of fun out on the open road.

Motorways will be a bit of a chore, but with the neat optional flyscreen fitted to the test bikes, a steady 95mph or so was easy enough.

Suspension is soft and there's a lot of front-rear weight transfer getting on and off the throttle, as is the way with weirdly-suspended Beemers, but in this particular case it seems to suit the bike well. Not sure why, maybe it's the nakedness and the riding position and the big, wide seat, but the R1200R has a playful, happy-dog air about it when chucked around.

Bizzarely, having ridden the R1200S across France only a week or so before (see p42) and complained of the Telelver/Paralever suspension set-up's typical lack of feedback and feel, the softer, bouncier somehow more accessible 1200R was actually quite involving. On slippery, sun polished, wet Alpine roads every twitch, slip and uncertainty of the tyres could be detected through the bars and footrests. Unexpectedly welcome.