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2015 BMW R 1200 RS Overview
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS is an all-round motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 101 x 73 mm. 2015 BMW R 1200 RS delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 R 1200 RS tips the scales at 236 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,527 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2015 BMW R 1200 RS spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 R 1200 RS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
R 1200 RS - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 BMW R 1200 RS, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200 RS should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 1200 RS. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R 1200 RS's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1200 RS. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has 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, two-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 power does the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS make?
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 a 18-litre fuel tank.
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. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. Floating disc. 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 |
| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| 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 |
- |
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 |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-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
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
CO2
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
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
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