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2015 BMW R 1200R LC Overview
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm engine, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. 2015 BMW R 1200R LC delivers 92 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 R 1200R LC tips the scales at 231 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 760 mm - 820 mm and spans a 1515 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 30 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2015 BMW R 1200R LC spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 BMW R 1200R LC compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
Here is how the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC stacks up against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1666 models.
- Torque of 125 Nm is higher than that of 1268 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Only 101 of the other 1310 bikes in the Naked bike category have a lower seat height than the 760 mm of the R 1200R LC.
- With 1170 cc, the R 1200R LC has the joint 134th largest engine displacement of 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category, 68% above the category average of 697 cc.
- Narrowing the field to the 543 models within five model years of it, the torque of 125 Nm is higher than that of 509 of the other 542.
2015 R 1200R LC - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2015 BMW R 1200R LC makes 92 kW @ 7750 rpm with 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: At 760 mm - 820 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
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Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R 1200R LC's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Carburetor maintenance
The R 1200R LC uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R 1200R LC runs Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 231 kg, the R 1200R LC is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
R 1200R LC - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 BMW R 1200R LC with its 1170 cc naked bike, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200R LC 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 for the R 1200R LC's 1170 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 4 l, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the R 1200R LC has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
2015 BMW R 1200R LC - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
How much does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC weigh?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC weighs 231 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC make?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC produces 92 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC 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 1200R LC suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC has a seat height of 760 mm - 820 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC uses 2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single 275mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC use?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth transmission.
How much oil does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC take?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC takes 4 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
BMW R 1200R LC Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200R LC was produced across 4 model years (2015-2018). 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 |
2017 |
2018 |
| Suspension - Rear |
Cast 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 handwheel |
Cast 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 handwheel |
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Key Specifications
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
Torque
125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Liters / 5.3 US gal
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Full 2015 BMW R 1200R LC Specifications
Year
2015
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200R LC
Make Model
BMW R 1200R LC
Seat Height
760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in
Wheelbase
1515 mm / 59.6 in
Height
1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length
2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width
880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Oil Capacity (l)
4.0 l
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
4.2 quarts
Fuel Capacity
18 Liters / 5.3 US gal
Max Load
450 kg / 992 lbs
Wet Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid / Air cooled
Fuel Induction
Throttle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Reserve
4 Litres / 1.0 US gal
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Ignition
BMS-K
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch
Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Transmission / Drive
Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Fork Tube Size (mm)
45 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.)
1.77 in
Frame Type
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - Rear
Cast 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 handwheel
Steering Head Angle
62.3°
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 in
Alternator
Three-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)
Electrical System
Alternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW
Brakes - Front
2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 275mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR 17
Wheel Caster
125,6 mm / 4.9 in
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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