2012 BMW R 1200R vs 2011 Yamaha FZ1

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200R 2012 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
491.6 pounds
2011 Yamaha FZ1 2011 Yamaha FZ1

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
487.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsBlata is from the Czech Republic.-
ColoursGrey, silver, redLiquid Silver
Warranty-1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1,495 mm / 58.9 in.1,461 mm / 57.5 in.
Height1,273 mm / 50.1 in.1,204 mm / 47.4 in.
Length2,145 mm / 84.4 in.2,141 mm / 84.3 in.
Width906 mm / 35.7 in.770 mm / 30.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.24 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-3.70 litres
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs230 kg / 507.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons18.02 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs220.9 kg / 487.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque119.00 Nm (12.1 kgf-m or 87.8 ft.lbs) @ 6000115.00 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 10000
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5486 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches3.0 x 2.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm77.0 x 53.6 mm
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc998.00 cc
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches60.90 cubic inches
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO295.1 CO155.9 CO
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignitionInjection
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5:1
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Three-way catalyst technology
Engine LubricationDry sumpWet sump
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)6.72 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.00 mpg)
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
Ignition-Digital TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition with 32-bit ECU
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-5
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveShaft DrivelineO-ring chain
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unitAluminium die-cast, Diamond Shaped
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad telelever43mm fork
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverSingle shock
Rake27.1°25.0°
Trail119 mm / 4.7 in.109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in.130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system12V 55W headlightDual 30W Krypton Multi-reflector Headlights and 21/5W Brake light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Optional ABSDouble disc. Floating discs w/4-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Optional ABSSingle disc
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/70-17190/50-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 BMW R 1200R and the 2011 Yamaha FZ1 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 Yamaha FZ1 - Advantages

  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 BMW R 1200R vs 2011 Yamaha FZ1 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200R and 2011 Yamaha FZ1?
The 2012 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2011 Yamaha FZ1 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW R 1200R or the 2011 Yamaha FZ1?
The 2012 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Yamaha FZ1 sits higher at 815 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW R 1200R or the 2011 Yamaha FZ1?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200R has the edge in higher rear wheel travel, while the 2011 Yamaha FZ1 stands out for higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.