On the Level — Intel & Intrigue

R1200 S
(11/11/05)
Finally something solid on the R1200 S amidst the PhotoShop jobs. These images are captured from a video released by BMW.

We'll leave it to you to match it up with the various guesses that have been circulated in the past few months, but here is the latest. Think that seat is anything BMW would produce? This bike is very similar to the blue one from June.

Photo Foreplay
(11/10/05)
OTL Intel was bombarded with emails about (obvious) faux factory photos of the R1200 GS Adventure and the R1200 S, both manufactured by cut & paste photoshop work.  Mind you this was not the good stuff like Monsieur Guerin's in Motorrad (and elsewhere), but rather concoctions full of the disparities between the photoshop bikes and the bikes we know we will soon see. Editor Anton Largiader  was quick to roll his eyes at the perimeter frame and subframe on the “R1200 S”— a bike that is expected to be light! Real outdoors spy shots  resembled the black "S" hardly at all.

The GS Adventure was even worse. Even a cursory look reveals an HP2 core (way too expensive, ridiculous short range for an adventure tourer), with assorted junk pasted in.

On to the real world.

Code K71: The F800, nope, not “T,” but it is the same two bikes.  BMW merely has given the bike its final designation. None of the specs have changed: Vertical twin, K75 niche, with belt drive. Circa 80 hp is still the best estimate. There seems to be some question as to whether this bike will make its way stateside

Code K44 GT: The GT (RS +) version of the current K1200 S sportbike. That is to say, an even comfier mount than the surprisingly plush K1200 S, with a bigger tank and more range.
Snippet: yet again, we wonder why the “RS” designation has been retired from the BMW stable. We once speculated that there might be a hot RS (as in Rennsport -/Racing) version of the K1200 S. Now, however, the HP models (GS HP/2 and HP/1 supermototard?) seem to have usurped that role. So the future of the Beemer RS is a real puzzle to us. Photos of the GT have appeared here... maybe BMW is planning to place ads for the slow-selling R1200ST on that fairing!

Code K29: The R1200 S, pretty much as we've seen in numerous spy photos. Emphasis on light, c. 120 hp, and looks derived from the R1100 S.  We have seen much more of this bike than K1200 GT (which will arrive sooner).

Code K25: The  Adventure version of the  R1200 GS is NOT be based on the HP2, as the official photos make clear. It is appreciably lighter than the old Adventure but still plenty tall and formidable.

HP/1 Supermoto Single: BMW hasn't said much about the HP/1, but BMW USA hasn't said anything at all. We do know from MO magazine that it will be built by Aprilia in Noale using a Rotax single. Thumperness aside, it will not replace the F650s. It will be small volume like the HP/2, and almost as pricey proportionally.

Projects: OTL reported long ago on BMW's work on motorcycles airbags; now Honda will offer one for its Gold Wing. Has BMW dropped the ball, or decided the idea was too iffy? Ditto for BMW's outsourced R&D automatic transmission initiative. Now there is a Yamaha pushbutton version for the FJR. OTL moles say the BMW system may be derived from Bimmer paddle shifters, because that technology is much lighter than a mere automatic tranny. On the other hand, there is still a learning curve with paddle shifters (as the Chefredakteur said in BIMMER magazine) when it is precisely less learning curve that motorcycles may need to avoid scaring off new riders. More in OTL soon. (9/30/05) BMW has released the first REAL photos of the new vertical twin, the F800S. Sporting the same floating side panels (at least around the headlight) as the new RT and the K12-look front end, and fairing-mounted mirror stalks like the other S models, this model seems evolutionary in BMW design.
The F800 designation positions the bike as a step up from the F650 while still maintaining the existing product line structure. OTL will be reviewing the press kit and we hope to have some additional information posted within a few days.

(9/14/05) Finally we have several shots of R1200S pre-production bikes being road tested. Last month two photos (1, 2) were distributed on the internet showing rear views of two test bikes, and now MO has an additional photo that we show here. MO says, "Whether the much-maligned Integral ABS will be offered as an extra is not yet clear. Maybe there will be a new brake-assist system ready in time for the R 1200 S."

Meanwhile we have a spectacular shot of the HP2 in action.

(8/12/05) There hasn't been much more on the new R1200 S, beyond the photoshop and spy shots we've seen before. The hope for more substantial improvements over the R1100 S is a reasonable one, given that the “S” has been around  a long time now. 120 hp and weight loss are a given, and the styling is very derivative of the first oilhead S.

Other rumormongering centers around the new KGT said to be ready to debut at the Milan show very soon. Moles say this bike is targeted directly at the FJR 1300.

Honda has developed new VCM engines for large motorcycles, applying cylinder cut-off technology that was first applied to automobile engines -- while customizing it for motorcycles by integrating it with a HYPER VTEC system. This VCM system achieves both excellent driving performance and fuel economy by freely controlling valves in four stages from 2-cylinder/2-valve to 4-cylinder/4-valve. With this new technology, Honda aims to improve the fuel economy of large motorcycle engines by 30% compared to the level of 2005. “ [our italics]

See entire Honda exec speech here: http://world.honda.com/news/2005/c050720_a.html

Our BMW CCA liaison Phil Marx has long contended that BMW should be working on a version of related technology for Beemers. Many of our sources do say Bimmer Valvetronic tech is on its way to the motorcycle line.

Much more in the next issue of OTL.

(6/15/05) The first authorized images of the new R1200 S have appeared. Its
resemblance to the R1100S is strong up front, but the side view is altogether different, and the monoposto-type seat is quite a radical idea derived from the styling exercise of several years ago. Will BMW REALLY offer an S for solo-only riding?

Tech highlights are yet to come, but 120 hp and very light weight are a
given.

No word yet on an "HP" (High Performance/M series-like) version, but
the S would be a likely candidate if BMW is really going to expand the HP line/series.

Item: BMW designer David Robb was on TV recently openly discussing the
upcoming T-800 transverse twins that will fill the market slot once
filled by the K75 triple.

(4/22/05) Is this the new BMW T-800 S mid-range twin? MOTORRAD's gifted Jean-Marie
Guerin fashioned this computer mockup of the upcoming BMW streetbike line.
Best guesses cite 800cc, Rotax-power, and F650CS-like  belt-drive. The forks
look conventional. Two models are foreseen, in 70 and 85 hp; the one
pictured is the "S".

With this line BMW seeks to bridge the gap between the "big" Boxer and K
lines and the "small" F650s.

Media Notes:

Surprise! The now-dated F650 Scarver triumphed over Aprilia, Ducati, KTM and Kawasaki competition in a MOTORRAD comparison test (details to come in OTL). Meanwhile, the naked K1200 R Roadster surpassed the magic 700 points barrier on Motorrad's BESTENLISTE. That makes for five Beemers at the top: K1200S, R1200ST, R1200RT, R1200GS and now the K1200R. Only such icons and the FJR 1300 and Honda VFR are in this elite range.

(3/1/05) OTL's moles will soon be refuting (or affirming) various rumors in what is becoming an Annus Mirabilis for BMW motorcycles. Among the topics in the February/March double issue:

• Renewed BMW cooperation with Aprilia. Affirmed by BMW itself, but key questions center around what "new segments" are being considered. A megascooter? A series of 2-cylinder successors to the F650? Other?
• "High Performance" (HP) version of the R1200GS. Affirmed, but will there be a series of HP Beemers analogous to the Bimmer M division? OTL has its doubts about the viability of an across-the-board HP series.
• Chain-Drive K1200S. With more lives than a cat, this rumor has resurfaced with a Formula 1 twist. Huge HP and torque numbers are being bandied about.
• 1200S. A much-lightened and more powerful S Boxer is in its preliminary test stages. Styling is less angular and slab-sided than the GS and RT.

Meanwhile the reworked K1200S is in production, and the RT is already garnering fawning reviews. Soon to appear: the R1200ST (RS successor), the K1200 R Roadster (also in "Power Cup" version) and the HP R1200GS (see above). R&D man Wolfgang Nehse has been kept busy.

In general it is OTL's continuing analysis that much of this must be weighed against the background of BWM Motorrad CEO Dr. Herbert Diess saying that the bikes will be getting more sporty. One must balance that, however, against the  realities facing a low-volume manufacturer like BMW Motorrad. BMW cannot produce everything we might want to see, especially in 2 versions. BWM cannot directly engage in the sportbike horsepower wars either, given the cost of keeping up.

BMWAG and Aprilia

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - BMW's motorcycle division is in talks with Italy's loss-making Aprilia over a possible cooperation in production and development, BMW says.
"The current discussions relate to conceivable efforts in development and production," BMW said in a statement on Friday.
Aprilia built the first generation of BMW F650 motorbikes from 1993 to 1999, before BMW relocated production to its Berlin plant.
"The models of the current one-cylinder series (F-series) are not affected by these considerations," BMW added.
BMW's motorcycle division, which posted a 2.5 percent decline in revenues to 1.03 billion euros (690 million pounds) last year, contributes just over 2 percent to group turnover.
Deliveries declined by nearly 700 units or 0.7 percent to 92,266 motorcycles.
Aprilia, the struggling manufacturer of Moto Guzzi brand motorcycles, approved an acquisition bid by Vespa maker Piaggio last year in a multi-strand transaction, which included a 50 million euro capital increase and a debt restructuring deal.

INTRIGUE (1/25/05)

Motorrad magazine had a road test on the new RT - - good mileage on country roads, knee bend for rider is better, 225kph top speed, 12:1 compression, 110 HP and expensive. The test was a ride through the Dolomites in Italy. One tidbit: There is a unique way to air the tires, the valve is part of a spoke. Much more to come in the Feb-March double issue of OTL.

Tourer-Fahrer and other German publications are pursuing the "Die Zeit" story about alleged problems with BMW's power-assist brakes. The January OTL discusses the same issue. The Sport Touring web group has been at this as well. The question remains, "is the gain worth the trouble?"

12:00 AM (12/2/05)
OTL Mole HQ
Hohenzollernstraßse
Munich

OTL INTELLIGENCE:

Hard RA Info on the new R1200RT AND R1200ST

Speculating on what is in BMW's pipeline of new models used to be a snap, but it is harder to track of late. The new R1200RT was once scheduled to precede the naked K Roadster into the market, and it still will, in the showroom, but we saw the K1200R months ago at INTERMOT, yet only now do we see the RT in final form.
We'd been working on it. This is important stuff , for the RT has been a major breadwinner for BMW Motorrad worldwide. That is still more the case, with the prospect of the whole line of cruisers vanishing this year.
It must be said upfront, this new RT resembles the Canary Island spy photos very little (though the mirrors and signals are still integrated), and it seems a much lighter creature by virtue of cunning styling.
But that is because it is lighter. A whopping 78 lbs lighter.
We will cover the RT at great length in an upcoming issue of ON THE LEVEL, but here are the most important features of the new R1200 RT at a glance:
Weight in road trim (without cases) is 259 kg (571 lb); dry weight (without cases) 229 kg (505 lb). This is more or less on target with OTL mole reports. Kudos, guys.
Query : How much of this is on paper? The GS lost 66 lbs on paper, but a fair amount less in fact.
Air-cooled flat-twin power unit displacing 1,170 cc and featuring a newly aligned balance shaft.
Comment : Much as expected. A 110 hp Boxer needs a counter-balancer more than a 100 hp one. The R1200ST will surely offer one too. And the R1200S will need it even more (hint hint). See next.
More power and performance: 110 bhp maximum output and 85 lb-ft maximum torque.
Comment : That is 10 more hp and 11 more lb.ft than the GS, but the overriding question will be about how well the bike o passes when ridden two-up. The magazines will want to know. We want to know. Second, we note that better mph is NOT listed as one of BMW's own proffered highlights. That means it might be no better than the current RT, or worse. A bigger tank (see below) might be a clue to the latter too. The wages of more horsepower?
Electronic BMS-K engine management with dual ignition and anti-knock control.
Comment : Expected, and needed with such a high compression ratio. Maybe good enough to hold the mpg in line?
Fully controlled three-way catalytic converter with two oxygen sensors.
Comment : Good public relations, especially in California and the EU. In the goody-goody BMW tradition, but we are all for it.
Six-speed gearbox with helical gears.
Comment : Expected and welcome. Lighter unit too.
Innovative on-board network with CAN-bus technology.
Comment : Expected. Supposedly more reliable, but aren't all the eggs now in one (skinny) basket? The future will tell. Yikes!
Light frame in tubular construction.
Comment : It seems to work fine on the GS.
Lightweight Paralever with weight-optimized driveshaft, adjustable TDD spring strut.
Comment : Good stuff, if it holds up. Motorrad magazine had problems with the rear end play on their long-term GS. There were early leakage issues too. We are told BMW has solved the problems. The TDD shock works great on the GS though.
Extra-stiff Telelever.
Query : Fine, but does it provide the better feedback all the magazines want? We think BMW's Telelever "feel" has been improving, and, in any case, we are used to it, but the magazines won't let go. As the OTL has often said, "the US bike press is a creature of few ideas, but immense powers of concentration."
Trick ESA adjustable suspension option.
Comment : All the indications from press tests say that the on-the-fly ESA suspension works very well, but its "wow factor" appeal is at least as great. It speaks volumes that it has made its way from the K1200S to the RT so quickly.
New cast wheels.
Comment : We think the filigree five spokers look downright elegant.
EVO brakes with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integrated version) fitted as standard.
Comment : The power-assisted aspect of BMW's superb brakes will continue to meet the usual resistance until dosing problems are worked out. That, and the scary prospect of feeble braking with no power, continues to warrant catcalls. Not just from the luddite gallery either.
New body with improved wind and weather protection, as well as integrated rear-view mirrors.
Comment : All this mass needed style finessing and David Robb's crew seems to have done a creditable job.
Electrical windshield adjustment.
Comment : Expected. A BMW hallmark with the KLT. Will the R1200ST offer an adjustable quarter fairing as rumored? The photo cast doubt on that.
Fuel tank made of special, extra-strong synthetic material, 27 litres capacity for long range.
Comment : Lots of gas capacity might finally shut up cranks like Scott Taranovich. Ah, but it might also mean more. (See Power and Performance).
Two-piece, adjustable seat in two versions and seat height ranging from 30.7" to 33.1".
Comment : That is fairly low, but the shape will matter a lot. BMW's new algorithms for designing seats worked extremely well on the R1200GS. Here, on a long-distance tourer, it will matter all the more. German mole reports are positive.
New hard-shell cases (32 liters volume per case) featured as standard, with accurately fitting four-point locking system and covers finished in body color.
Comment : We sure hope the color cases resist scratches this time around. The old color-coordinated Boxer RS cases showed evidence of being abraided by passing moths and butterflies.
Fuel tank railing for fastening accessories with maximum convenience.
Comment : A nice, practical touch.

BMW RA Perspective:
We see our own highlights in the new RT.
First, it retains plenty of elegant RT profile, and that is a good thing. This is a family resemblance worth preserving and they have done so. The fat front face of the Canary Island RT spy photo is gone. Pieces have been visually lightened by judicious use of mute matte (as with the K1200S) that BMW wished to "vanish." There is still a Bimmer-esque kidney grille up front, just below the headlight.
Second, it is no longer the "light" luxury tourer, it is the (70 lbs.) "even lighter" luxury tourer.
Third, it offers more power (+10) and torque (+11), all good.
Fourth: The wind protection looks to be better, and the gearbox is surely better.
Fifth: There are new component color combinations that allow for a more personal RT.
Sixth There is appreciably more power and torque, yes, but without a buzzy penalty (thanks to a counterbalancer). On Paper, we caution you.
Seventh: The high tank has the rider sitting "in" the bike.
Eighth: The ESA suspension has a "cool" factor that will intrigue potential buyers. We like BMW bringing it to RT from the K1200S so quickly.
Wait for the OTL for much more

The R1200ST -- An RS in all but name . . .
Both moto-station.com in France and R1200ST.de in Germany had some of the visual goods, in various stages of clarity. The ST, long rumoured in OTL as a replacement for the RS, is about to become reality. Indeed, they have taken so long to do a real facelift, much less a second generation version, of the Boxer RS that somebody decided to change the name altogether. The ST bears no, zero, visual resemblance to the R1100RS or R1150RST.
Hence the "ST" R1200, probably for "Sport Tourer." Hmm, what about the RS name? No KRS and now no Boxer RS. Could there be a real "Rennsport" RS in our future. If so, not this bike; it's a sport-tourer.
What we see here, however, is an RS in all but name. As such it will be sportier than the RT (above), but less sporty than the R1200S (anno 2006). Thus, at the very least, we may assume the 110 hp and 85 lb-ft numbers of the new RT, but some say it may have 115 hp at the cost of a few less lb-ft. Easy to do technologically maybe, but every variation costs money. On the other hand, with a little chip mapping, who knows. We'll see soon enough, won't we?
The first thing that strikes us about the RS is its Mayan Arch headlight. Did David Robb take the kids to Uxmal for spring break 2004? Kukulkhan, the pyramids and Korbel arches. There is nothing remotely like this headlight unless you get drunk and squint at a Hyabusa or a Tesi, but a Korbel arch is pretty close. We see no sign of the rumoured adjustable fairing side. Variable we do see, at least in colors. Look at the French site. Many color variations.
The second thing to strike us is the fairing profile, We see a little Multistrada but better, and a lot of the alien in Predator I. Positively crustacean!
The third thing is that this bike does well nor be called an RS, since it doesn't look at all like any RS in human memory. The R1100RS and R1150RS were products of the pre-Robb design committee way back in 1971. This is distinctly postmodern, if that is the right word.
The fourth thing is an extrapolation from the RT. We see horsepower gains and less weight. We'll see how much, soon. There is no question from the photo that this bike is very near production.
Finally, we are very curious as to what will become of the "RS" designations. Guesses range from an "M" chain-driven version of the K1200S, to a real race bike with 3-cylinders for MotoGP. Not for the Boxer Cup though, BMW has already designated the naked K1200R Roadster for that.