Naked Beemer sobers up

Sep 1 2008 Harriet Ridley

NAKED bikes are a best-selling category in many countries, so obviously BMW has to have one.

In fact, it has two ¿ the mad, bad K1200R and the altogether more sober R1200R. The latter replaced the R1150R in 2006, and it¿s the one I¿m riding.

Although it doesn¿t look half as quirky as the K1200R, the R1200R still follows BMW¿s rules of looking like no other bike out there with its no-nonsense, unmistakably Germanic looks.

But it¿s more elegant and refined than the K, and that¿s because it¿s a more versatile all-rounder aimed at an older, more conservative audience compared with the more wild and rapid four-cylinder K1200R.

While the K1200R competes with the Aprilia Tuonos and Ducati Monsters of this world, the R1200R sits happily beside the Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 and the Suzuki Bandit GSF1200.

In good-old naked tradition, the R1200R has no bodywork. This puts BMW¿s imposing twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine on display, as well as the telelever front suspension.

While this system has felt rather vague and unresponsive in the past, it works beautifully on the R1200R. The 14 years of development up until the current model was launched must have payed off.

Steering at low speeds is now precise, perfectly balanced and light. The bike can be slowed to a near standstill, the bars turned to full lock and it scribes a smooth, tight arc in the road, with not a wobble or dab of the foot.

I know this because I tested it on a BMW day in the Cotswolds. We were made to mimic all the new slow-speed drills that learners now have to perform to pass the new motorcycle test that comes into effect this month.

The main advantage of the telelever system compared with the more conventional telescopic front forks is the lack of dive under braking. This lets the suspension do a better job of keeping the wheel tracking the road surface accurately, which in turn gives the tyres an easier time.

The result is improved stability and significantly more grip. The chassis as a whole feels agile, especially compared with the old model and this is mainly thanks to a 55lb weight loss ¿ although the R1200R is no sportsbike in its performance, both chassis- and engine-wise.

Power comes in smoothly and progressively and it¿s a joy to ride, just so easy-going. Low-down torque is strong enough to avoid having you frantically work the gearbox in heavy town traffic or through the twisties. The engine revs willingly up to its 8,000rpm redline with no obtrusive vibrations from the big twin cylinders, which also means the mirrors stay clear.

The 108bhp engine doesn¿t have the top speed of the K1200R¿s four-cylinder counterpart. But this would be redundant anyway as things get rather too blustery on a fairing-less bike at anything over the ton. But you can fit a screen as an optional extra if you do like to put in the faster miles.

There¿s a host of other additional extras to choose from, too, including BMW¿s Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), Automatic Stability Control (ACS) ¿ a car-division acronym for what is basically traction control ¿ and the not-so-popular power-assisted brakes. Oh, and ABS too, which the bike I¿m riding has and which I¿m happy to report works seamlessly - you barely notice it¿s there.

You can also choose the bike¿s seat height, opting for the lower seat and, if that¿s not enough, BMW factory-lowered suspension. But I find the R1200R is a good height for my 5¿6¿ frame and wouldn¿t go any lower.

There are other options too, and it¿s the same with every BMW now. It¿s moving into car-world territory, where every owner carefully chooses the specification of BMW¿s Mini. And just like the Mini, it now takes up to three months from the time you place your order to when the bike¿s ready to be picked up. So plan carefully to avoid being bikeless during the precious summer months.

FAST FACTS

BMW R1200R

Price : £8,295

Engine : 1,170cc, twin-cylinder four-stroke with eight valves; 108bhp @ 7,500rpm, 85lb.ft @ 6,000rpm

Transmission : Six-speed gearbox, shaft final drive.

Max speed : 130mph (est)

Combined mpg : 50 (est)