BACKROADS • NOVEMBER 2015 We found it a bit hard to read on the road or maybe we just can’t see it without our reading glasses. As with most BMWs, matched luggage are separate optional items for which you will pay extra, as are most of the packages that are available and most machines will come to the USA with these already on board. The 2016 R 1200 RS will be available in two color schemes, a Lupin blue metallic/Light grey metallic with black frame and black-anodized brake calipers and a Granite grey metallic matte/Black storm metallic with an Agate grey metallic frame, gold-anodized brake calipers and engine spoiler. Both are nice, although we preferred the blue. Since Shira did most of the riding on this one we’ll let her take over this First Ride from here… When I first spied this new incarnation of the RallyeSport 1200 at the 2014/15 International Motorcycle Show in NYC, I made a direct beeline to see how it fit. While I thought I would prefer the minimalism of the R 1200 R, I was drawn to the sleek lines and sexiness of the RS. Throwing a leg over the saddle, I was pleasantly surprised to see that BMW had taken short-statured riders into account. I was looking forward to putting some miles on this machine. Fast forward to Sept. 2015 and here I am, riding this beautiful piece of machinery. At first glance, it does appear quite long and, I assumed, it would be top-heavy like my previous R 1150 R. Quite the contrary, the weight and balance of the RS are very manageable for a person of my build. As a matter of fact, I played a game at every traffic light to see how long I could balance before touching a foot down.
Page 41 Also referring to the length, I assumed I would be stretched out like a dragracer but found the seating position to be quite comfortable. At first the sportbike orientation of the bars was a tad uncomfortable compared to the upright seating of my F 650 GS, but after putting on 1200 miles over four days, I altered my opinion drastically. I was actually pretty upright, taking the weight off my wrists and kink out of my back. The fairing, in either of the positions, was not quite right for my height, either pushing the wind directly into my faceshield at the low position or pushing my helmet back in the higher one. If taking permanent residence in the garage, that would have to be changed. With great pleasure, I found the saddle to be comfortable even after a 300mile day. It wasn’t until the last 25 that I found myself squirming just a tad, and I think that was due to the heat and not the seat. As for the ride itself, I found the powerplant to be very responsive and, like an unbroken stallion, wanting to go, go, go at every twist and turn. With a claimed horsepower of 125 @ 7,750 rpm and 92.0 lb-ft torque@ 6,500 rpm, the roll-on is quick and it handled the tight twisties and gentle sweepers of West Virginia with great aplomb. The smooth, sleek ride is only accentuated by the RS’ clean lines and pure sexiness of its design. Adding to that sultriness is the throaty exhaust note, which purrs like a baby tiger. The last time I had a BMW test machine on one of our rallies, I ended up taking it home permanently. I would not be disappointed if this happened again. ~ Shira Kamil