Street Fighting Machine
If the boxer engine is a formidable ally in the battle in the streets, the chassis of the R 1200 R is even more impressive. Although the BMW tips the scales at a fairly portly 198 kg (dry weight) and it does feature an 1170-cc engine, it's also remarkably nimble in the city. In fact, the bike is so capable of making quick transitions, it takes time to get used to how fast it reacts when you first bend it into a corner.

A sportbike in disguise.

Of course, given the profile of the twin-cylinder boxer, leaning the BMW over heavily into the corners isn't possible (i.e. no one will mistake you for Valentino Rossi). Still, the two-piece tubular spaceframe features a lighter rear section and smart ergonomics that help the rider become one with the machine through the turns.

The fuel tank is deeply carved to allow for the rider's legs to tuck right next to the frame, the handlebars are wide and the footpegs are set at just the right height to create a "ready-for-anything" riding position. Although the BMW is a true naked sportbike, this riding position also provides reasonable protection from the wind when the bike is fitted with an optional flyscreen.

Advanced Technology = Safer Riding
Over the years, BMW has endured criticism for its "overly-sophisticated" suspension systems; technology that is advanced to be sure, but that produces dubious handling qualities. In this application, though, the Telelever front suspension performs well.

The steering is fairly precise and the ability of the R 1200 R to absorb imperfections in the road is highly impressive. On one occasion, a massive and unexpected ripple in the road was sucked up at highway speeds with no trouble at all. (Although litres of flop sweat were produced.)

For its unwavering commitment to innovative motorcycle technology, BMW really must be applauded. Almost all motorcycle manufacturers have no difficulty in creating road-going rockets that easily exceed the abilities of 99% of the riders out there, but when it comes to thinking up news ways to make riding safer, BMW stands alone.

This is not only apparent in its suspension design, but also in its approach to ABS and stability control technology. The R 1200 R came fitted with the optional Integral ABS system, which automatically controls the front and rear brake pressure to the discs (320 mm in the front, 265 mm in the back) in panic situations regardless of the pressure the rider is applying.

This ABS system is the perfect response to studies that indicate one out of 10 riders fall due to brake lock-up and many more accidents are caused by riders not using maximum braking force for fear of lock-up. The integral ABS works in conjunction with another BMW development, the optional automatic stability control system (ASC). ASC prevents rear wheelspin when accelerating hard and would be particularly useful on wet surfaces.

Technologies such as integral ABS and ASC are great things to have on a car; on a motorcycle, they can save your life. BMW is even preparing a tire-pressure monitoring system, another one of those advances that just makes so much sense for the motorcycle rider.