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2015 BMW R 1200 RS Overview
BMW R 1200 RS is an all-round motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Bore and stroke come in at 101 x 73 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. On the road, the 2015 R 1200 RS tips the scales at 236 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,527 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 46.7 kg heavier than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. The full 2015 BMW R 1200 RS spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 BMW R 1200 RS compared with other bikes in the All-Round category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS against up to 497 bikes in the All-Round category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 12 of the other 292 bikes in the All-Round category have a higher torque than the 125 Nm of the R 1200 RS.
- With 1170 cc, the R 1200 RS has the joint 39th largest engine displacement of 497 bikes in the All-Round category, 99% above the category average of 588 cc.
- Wet weight of 236 kg is heavier than that of 313 of the other 380 bikes in the All-Round category.
- Narrowing the field to the 173 models within five model years of it, the torque of 125 Nm is higher than that of 158 of the other 172.
2015 R 1200 RS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the double disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: An 18-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: At 820 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection on the R 1200 RS needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve gear, the R 1200 RS needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from double disc with floating discs and four-piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The R 1200 RS's suspension runs Telescopic Upside-Down fork at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1200 RS uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine, the R 1200 RS's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
236 kg puts the R 1200 RS toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
R 1200 RS - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2015 BMW R 1200 RS with its 1170 cc all-round, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 11 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 1200 RS should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1200 RS's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the R 1200 RS needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R 1200 RS since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2015 BMW R 1200 RS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS weigh?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS weighs 236 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS produce?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS has an 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS uses double disc with floating discs and four-piston calipers at the front and single disc with floating disc and two-piston calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS use?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS runs 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
BMW R 1200 RS Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200 RS was produced across 4 model years (2015-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2015 |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons |
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons |
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons |
18.00 litres / 4.76 US gallons |
| Displacement (cc) |
1170.00 cc |
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1170.00 cc |
1170.0 cc |
| CO2 |
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Wheelbase |
1,527 mm / 60.1 in. |
1,527 mm / 60.1 in. |
1,527 mm / 60.1 in. |
1527 mm / 60.1 in. |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. |
Double disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. |
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. |
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. |
Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. |
Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. |
Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. |
| Suspension - Front |
Telescopic Upside-Down fork |
Telescopic Upside-Down fork |
Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodized |
Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodized |
| Suspension - Rear |
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
BMW Motorrad EVO Paralever |
BMW Motorrad EVO Paralever |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Torque
125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Weight
236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
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Full 2015 BMW R 1200 RS Specifications
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,527 mm / 60.1 in.
Height
1,273 mm / 50.1 in.
Length
2,202 mm / 86.7 in.
Width
925 mm / 36.4 in.
Dry Weight
198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight
236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
CO2
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Constant mesh
Frame Type
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Telescopic Upside-Down fork
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake
27.7°
Trail
115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
276 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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