MotoSpecs

2016 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200R LC 2016 BMW R 1200R LC

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.
Power
71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
206 kg / 454 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162016 - 17
Make ModelBMW R 1200R LCTriumph Thruxton 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in805 mm / 31.7 in
Wheelbase1515 mm / 59.6 in1415 mm / 55.7 in
Height1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)1030 mm / 40.6 in without mirrors
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in2105 mm / 82.9 in
Width880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)745 mm / 29.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-206 kg / 454 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Liters / 5.3 US gal12.5 Litres / 3.8 US Gal / 2.7 Imp gal
Max Load450 kg / 992 lbs-
Wet Weight231 kg / 509.2 lbs-
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm71.5 kW / 96 hp / @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm111.9 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 82.6 lb-ft. @ 4950 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1200 cc / 73.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmFour stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-EURO 4 Compliant, CO2 - 106.0 g/km
Exhaust-Chromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers
Fuel InductionThrottle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionBMS-K Digital electronic
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate assist clutch
Final DriveShaftChain, X-ring
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTubular steel cradle, Twin-sided, aluminum swingarm
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mmKayaba 41mm cartridge forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake-22.7°
Steering Head Angle62.3°-
Trail-90.8 mm / 3.57 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)-
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston axial floating calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston axial floating caliper, ABS
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17120/70 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR 17160/60 ZR17 - Pirelli Angel GT
Wheel Caster125,6 mm / 4.9 in-
Wheels - Front-32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in
Wheels - Rear-32-spoke 17 x 5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 BMW R 1200R LC

The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC edges out the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 thanks to its lower seat height, standard ABS, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R 1200R LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 760 mm - 820 mm vs 805 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 206 kg vs 231 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2016 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC and 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 270° crank angle parallel-Twin, SOHC. 4 valve per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 is lighter at 206 kg compared to 231 kg for the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC - a difference of 25 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC has the lower seat at 760 mm - 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 sits higher at 805 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 have ABS?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC has the edge in lower seat height and standard ABS, while the 2017 Triumph Thruxton 1200 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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