2015 BMW R 1200 RS | FIRST LOOK

The R 1200 RS is powered by BMW’s signature boxer twin, the same DOHC engine found in the R1200GS and GS Adventure, the R1200RT, and the new R1200R. A slight increase in torque at low revs compared to the GS models and the RT gives the RS extra poke off the line and coming out of slow corners. Exhaust is routed through a 2-into-1 system with a steeply angled rear silencer. A modified airbox, new air-intake snorkels, and a centrally positioned radiator give the RS a slender and sporty silhouette.

ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), and two riding modes are standard, with Pro mode and Dynamic Traction Control optional. But the big news is in the chassis department, where there’s an all-new tubular-steel bridge frame that uses the engine as a supporting element and was built just for the RS. The front fork is an upside-down telescopic unit, and the rear suspension is controlled via EVO Paralever.

The latest generation of Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) comes with two damping settings, Road and Dynamic. The multifunctional instrument cluster has an analog speedometer and an on-board computer that displays a wealth of information. The 2015 R 1200 RS comes in two color schemes: the classically sporty Lupin Blue Metallic/Light Gray Metallic, and the sporty Style 2 variant in Granite Gray Metallic Matte. MSRP hasn’t been announced at press time.