BMW R1200S (2006 - 2007) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
| Power: | 122 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (419 lbs / 190 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesSomehow you already know if you want the BMW R1200S. The looks divide opinions, but only half as much as the Boxer engine and the Telelever/Paralever suspension do. BMW has strained the limits of these design parameters – and it only just comes off. As an oddball track motorcycle it works, but as an accomplished all-rounder it falls short of the standards set by the R1100S that preceded it.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe BMW R1200S is very vibey – enough to leave your hands tingling after a long (200+ mile) journey – a character trait not shared by its older R1100S sibling. The R1200S is slow to turn in, but once over it holds a great line, though the optional Ohlins suspension package is a worthwhile extra. The (optional) ABS maybe reassuring on the road, but it’s rubbish for track action; losing composure braking over bumps.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityBoxer twins (where the two pistons horizontally oppose one another) are historically all about torque. But the R1200S's DOHC, 1170cc item loves to rev, building as it does to a second powerband at around 6500rpm. There is massive torque too, enough to rival Suzuki’s GSX-R1000, but because of this the engineers have built an eccentric pulley into the throttle twistgrip. This means that the delivery in the first few millimetres of travel doesn’t correspond to the expected shove – only becoming more linear later.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueExcellent. BMW’s build quality and customer service is second to none.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentPoor. The R1200S is very pricey and very much a niche motorcycle. It will hold its value though as so few of these machines are released onto the market. Find a BMW R1200S for sale.
Equipment
You get few extras on the BMW R1200S and what factory options there are (heated grips, wider rear wheel, Ohlins suspension) are very expensive. You do get an immobiliser as standard, though. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1200S in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v Boxer twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel and ally trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 830mm |
| Bike weight | 190kg |
| Front suspension | Preload |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
| Rear brake | 280mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £250 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,300 |
| Insurance group |
13 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 122 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 83 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 148 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 11.8 secs |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2006: BMW R1200S launched.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1200S (2006 - 2007)
14 owners have reviewed their BMW R1200S (2006 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1200S (2006 - 2007)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2006
Disagree with MCN's review. This was a superb all rounder.
I was in my mid to late 40s when I bought this and it was the last bike I'll ever own with any pretentions of sportiness. But still pretty comfortable and I did some decent length rides on it.
This was a great engine. Plenty of power in the real world, and I thought it had a lot of character.
Only problem I ever had in 4 years of ownership was an oil leak in the shaft drive. Super reliable apart from that. And 4 years of not having to deal with chains was marvellous!
Buying experience: Bought 2nd hand from a main dealer, and at the time I thought it was great value for money. And still do.
Version: Sport
Year: 2007
I wanted to move to something less extreme and love the look of these. The test ride was comfortable so i took the plunge.After a few thousand miles i can say:- The non-linear throttle is bad enough to consider selling it.- If you tip in to a corner with commitment, the front has zero feel. At slower speeds it's ok.- My hands go numb after 30 minutes on the motorway.- Said numb hands then can't find the absurd three indicator layout.- The straight line braking is phenomenal.- It's very fuel efficient.- It's sensible.- It handles pretty well, if you're firm with it.
Brakes are ok, the stability is excellent in a straight line. The ohlins are buttery smooooth.
It doesn't stir my soul at all. It has an HPE system with no baffles, yet doesn't ignite my inner child.It's definitely not a wild animal, the engine lets the bike down.
Owners seem to bemoan rusty bolts, i can't say i've had the same experience. Coat it in ACF 50 and it's good.
It's simple to maintain. BMW do only the basic stuff on mine.
Fuel guage and heated grips are good, considering when it was made.
Buying experience: Private, lovely chap.
Version: Ohlins/Fat back wheel
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £200
Don't agree at all with the MCN summary. Toured all over Europe on this in the 20teens. Now 2021 and still have it, still enjoying it during the summer months here in Bonnie Scotland. Not the fastest thing on the road, but the quality of design and engineering is top notch. Love the traditional BMW indicator arrangement, they never should've changed it. Never seen another on the road, and for real world riding its the bees-knees. Not however ideal for a pillion.
Its a sport tourer so in comparison with a full on touring or adventure machine its a bit compromised by the sporting tuck, But I'm 6' 2" and the dimensions fit me very well. Did Zeebrugge to the Czech border in one hit one year but that was pretty painful in the end. Now in my 60's a couple of hours is enough in one hit, which is about when you need to fillup anyway.
Here's the thing I've never gone above 6k on mine. I prefer the lowdown torque and relaxed feel the bike provides, with enough shove to get fast overtakes out the way when required. 70 is decent cruising, on the continent I was doing steady 90 with no strain at around 5k.
12 years ownership and touchwood never had a problem. Some surface corrosion evident on some of the screwheads but for a 14 year old machine its lasted exceptionally well.
Around 150 to 200 depending on what needs doing. Serviced regularly by BMW Motorrad in Edinburgh and they do a good job.
Heated grips have proven to be an asset. Never had to call upon the ABS, but never done a track day either. In todays world with riding maps and all sorts of electronic options the equipment is sparse, but is all I need. I did buy the tank bag and have the panniers option but rarely use them these days as they add considerable width and drag.
Buying experience: Had a test ride and immediately traded in my boxer cup replica for the r1200s. Faster, lighter, better handling, the 12 was a huge step up from the 11. Love it and never looked back.
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £250
Full of character,engineering
Good torque.revs surprisingly well.steps up in power at 6k
Standard bike so no ohlins rear shock.but has heated grips from factory
Buying experience: Bought from a local trusted dealer
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £150
Seat a bit hard after about 4 hours..but it is a sport/touring bike.
Abs brilliant
Buying experience: Dealer. Paid 8400 in 2006. Advertised for 8600.
Year: 2006
Love it, best bike ever ridden after 30yrs of riding, may not have the best handling, power and etc... But it is so user friendly that it can be ridden slow in city and very very fast on highway, can reasure me in corners and yet able to tour on it with super good FC at 20km/ltr and optional tank bag and side panniers.
Not a racer, more than sufficient and one should not be compare to R1, different class and marque
Love at 1st sight in 2006 but was way too expensive and I just bought a Ducati 1000S so couldn't afford another one which is much/more expensive. Understand only 1 unit in Asian, parallel import from Germany Munich HQ by my mechanic back in 2006. Last year the 2nd owner decided to sell so I jumped into it without negotiation, still a damn nice looking bike to me after 11yrs and I still love it. Not sure why many think the R1100S looks nicer, I like it as well, but if you look at it now, it does look very dated and many still ask if my bike is the latest BMW model, not a scary fast bike but I would think it is like the Z8. Fast enough to enjoy it and with style. Practical as well as it can be turned into a Sport Tourer easily.
Wish all BMW bikes used this engine, still very modern and ridden a HP2 Sport and Mega motor before, which they didn't impress me much especially the MM and don't feel the additional 7bhp on the HP2. LC wasn't necessary, this engine should be on any BMW bikes especially the 9T which is rather boring compare to the R1200S
Year: 2007
I've ridden for thirty years, partial to Euro bikes, thought I was partial to Triumph's and Moto Guzzi's. Owned a K1200GT for a while, didn't light me up. Along with a Ducati ST4s, I ride the R12s. I love it to death. If I were forced to part with one of these, the choice would be easy....the yellow Boxer!
I don't know where the writers get vibey handlegrips and such. I just don't have a gripe with any of it, though I wish the exhaust didn't sound like a vacuum cleaner.
Love the big, massive cylinder heads sticking out there. This baby looks like all engine. Love the half-fared bikes, though I'd prefer to have something solid to grip between my knees than body panels.
Have had zero issues in three years of ownership. Everything works as it should.
I'm the second owner, picked it up for $6400 with app. 15k miles, needed tires. Basic maintenance I do myself. Easy peasy.
Heated grips, basic info on the dials, is enough for me.
Buying experience: Bought privately, these bikes attract fastidious owners.
Year: 2007
Fantastic sports tourer
BMW goodies are worth it: ABS (you can switch that off for the track), heated grips, definitely try to get one with the dash computer (fuel gauge, range...), Oehlins and 6" rim.
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £400
Have just become a BAB after 18 years off them (bad accident in 97 after 25 years of very good times indeed) I bought my BMW because although I wanted "sporty" I didn't want "race replica". I also wanted a bike that could already be considered a "classic" (whatever that means), featured high build quality, stood out well and truly from the crowd, was technically "interesting" and of a "clean" integrated design. The R1200S ticks all these boxes for me. Its not an out and outs sports bike, but as 80% of Australian bikers ride Harleys, it is very sporting indeed by comparison with one of those sheds. It does vibrate (tingle) a bit, but that's all part of its character. I like the big twin motor (only ever had jap 4's all those years ago) and the shaft drive; its very grunty indeed and fairly bellows at high revs. The engineering quality is self evident and I like the way BMW didn't follow the crowd with this bike. It reminds me of Fred Dibnahs traction engine and long may it continue to do so. It is VERY satisfying indeed to ride.
Ohlins front and rear. Paralever front end = no dive when braking. Very cleverly engineered. I like that. Brembo front brake is excellent, back brake is there just for show. Even after bleeding its still way below what I remember being par for the course in 1997. The ABS is great for road riding and can be turned off for heavy duty track action, although I doubt the average owner will ever get anywhere near the bikes full capability (with a few notable Youtube hero's). On Australian roads (which aren't too good) the ride is firm and supple - never harsh. I have yet to play with all the settings available on the suspension units, and would expect to find a setting somewhere in there to suit all and any riders is achievable given some expertise and patience on the riders behalf.
TORQUE - This engine could pull a caravan! The way it revs is also a amazing. Do not for one moment think this is a flatulent BMW boxer twin of old because its not, it revs straight round to the limiter quick smart and the ZF gear box and shaft drive are very good indeed - clean and efficient. This is not "throw away" engineering, even if its far from ground braking. 4 valves / cylinder, 52mm dia throttle bodies provide plenty for the real world "go" thank you very much.
BMW's of this era are fairly risky used buys. I've owned the bike 5 months and have already had my first safety recall concerning the hub / final drive unit (which apparently if over-torqued could fail and cause a "rider critical situation" (BMW speak for crash I suppose). I bought the bike with 3500km on it after nine years (yes less than 2000 miles in 9 years by the previous owner) so even though 9 years old, its basically as new. Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, what else is there to add? I just love looking at the clean, clever engineering on this bike that nobody else has copied.
BMW dealerships are a bit pricey. Find a good old BMW expert and let them do their bit. Fuel injection needs a little TLC as does final drive. BMW's wont tolerate neglect half as well as a jap four so maintenance needs to be put "front and centre" at all times.
Mine came with all the expensive Ohlins suspension and 190 section back wheel, plus the novelty of heated grips (which even though I live in Queensland I used for the first time last week) - all bikes should have these.
Buying experience: Bought privately sight unseen except for a load of digital photos sent to me by the seller over the net. The seller was located in one of Perth's (Western Australia) best suburbs so I took the punt and everything worked just like magic. This model of bike doesn't attract idiots so I felt quite secure in this respect. Question: why are BMW dealers so snooty?
I've just sold my R1200S, which I owned for nearly 4 years. I traded in for for my next bike and got 67% of the value I originally paid for it back. Now that is value for money. Its by far and away the best bike I've ever owned and I've had 1 Honda, 2 Suzuki's, 2 Yamahas and 4 Triumphs over the years. No stupid oily chain to deal with and character galore. MCN have got it wrong on this one.
Real bike, sporty and comfy in one package. Suspension is excellent, especially on twisty roads. Has torque enough to challenge japan made plastic risepots. Sound is only poor thing. I've have ridden silver one this summer, with great pleasure.
Real bike, sporty and comfy in one package. Suspension is excellent, especially on twisty roads. Has torque enough to challenge japan made plastic risepots. Sound is only poor thing. I've have ridden silver one this summer, with great pleasure.
BMW are attemping to lure owners away from the boring and somewhat overcrowded Japanese inline 4 market by offering a "Real World" sportsbike with the proven reliability of the most powerful (122hp) boxer engine they have ever made. The looks certainly aren't in Ducati 996 territory, but it's without a doubt the most beautiful twin they have made, especially in plain black. I would recommend the alt drive option and the "sports" back wheel (190 from standard 180). Ohlins shock doesnt really make much difference on the road and is a rather expensive option. Vibrations are noticeable however I found after fitting a full remus system it not only improved the look of the back end, but helped the engine to rev more freely - all backed up by a thumping note. Highly recommended if you want a performance bike with ample torque and the charm of a twin. 0-100 it will keep up with most bikes out there. Strengths: Lightweight, well balanced bike with a somewhat "classic ducati" look in many regards. Without a doubt the prettiest "boxer" BMW especially in the gorgeous black paint they offer. Engine has plenty of torque and revs better than a standard boxer BMW. Fast bike from 0-100. Weaknesses: The standard version without the alternative drive has a tall first gear making fast take offs a little more difficult than they should be. Standard exhaust system is ugly and muted, a remus system is recommended. Also there is no real need for the lack of fuel gauge on the bike. Vibrations are noticeable over 5k revs.
Saw the picture early in the year and fell in love immediately. Ordered it just from the photos and was not disappointed. It's still early days, and have just had the first service so not yet fully used its potential (probably never will!), but the power is very usable, and performance and handling gives lots of confidence. Strengths: In the flesh the looks are fantastic, I love the rear end. The handling inspires lots of confidence with loads of usalble power. Weaknesses: Some people will not like the look of the old style boxer twin engine, and if you are after something for track days, there are more focused performance machines out their, otherwise for a usable real world sports bike it's fantastic!
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Brakes
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Top view
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Engine
BMW R1200S motorcycle review - Riding
