Motorcycle Maniac: 2012 BMW R 1200 R

2012 BMW R 1200 R: A Sporty Road Bike For The Sophisticated Rider

Not every motorcycle is a hog or a supersport bike built for speed, but that doesn't mean the rides that fall between these extremes are not as exciting or fun to ride. The 2012 BMW R 1200 R, for instance, couples style and comfort with performance and power to create a high-class motorcycle that covers all the bases of what a motorcycle ought to be. With everything from impressive technical specs and top-of-the-line parts and street bike accessories, the R 1200 R leaves little to be desired.

Power and performance

The bike's 1200cc flat twin engine boasts a power output of 110 horsepower and 88 foot-pounds of torque, so you can enjoy the burst of acceleration from a dead stop. With a top speed of more than 125 miles per hour, you can have a lot of fun at the track as well. You won't have to worry about feeling every bump in the road when you tear down the street on this beast of a roadster, thanks to the finely tuned suspension.

Suspension

On the front, BMW has equipped the R 1200 R with a BMW Motorrad Telelever with a central spring strut and a 41mm stanchion diameter, allowing for 120mm of travel. The rear wheel gets even more wiggle room (140mm) thanks to the single-sided swing arm that is coupled with the BMW Motorrad Paralever. This suspension features a central spring strut as well, along with a continuously variable, adjustable spring pre-load and rebound damping so you can tune the bike to your exact specification.

Accessories and other options

The R 1200 R may not be the most decked out model in terms of looks, but it does have a unique combination of simplistic and modern designs that give it a unique appeal. Plus, BMW offers the bike in three color schemes - matte metallic smoky gray, metallic light gray and metallic red apple. The company claims these choices represent the "dynamic, elegant and modern interpretation of the roadster." You will also have ample opportunity to customize your ride, as BMW offers a plethora of options for aftermarket accessories to jazz up the bike and make it all your own, whether you want to add storage or you'd prefer a different handlebar configuration.

2012 BMW R 1200 R Image Gallery