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2016 BMW R 1200R LC Overview
BMW R 1200R LC is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from 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. On the performance side, it delivers 92 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2016 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. The full 2016 BMW R 1200R LC spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2016 BMW R 1200R LC compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC against up to 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 46 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher torque than the 125 Nm of the R 1200R LC.
- With 760 mm, the R 1200R LC has the joint 102nd lowest seat height of 1311 bikes in the Naked bike category, 4% below the category average of 794 mm.
- Engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 1512 of the other 1665 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 543 models within five model years of it, the torque of 125 Nm is higher than that of 507 of the other 542.
Versus the 2015 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2015 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2016 R 1200R LC - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: With 92 kW @ 7750 rpm and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200R LC is no slouch for its class.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: A 760 mm - 820 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
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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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Carburetor fuelling: Expect to spend more time keeping the carbs in tune, especially after long storage periods or a change in altitude.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R 1200R LC relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Carburetor maintenance
Carburetors on the R 1200R LC need periodic attention - pilot jets and float needles are the first parts to gum up after the bike sits, and the first thing to check if idle or throttle response degrades.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x 320 floating discs, 4 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 1200R LC's suspension runs Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1200R LC 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 1200R LC'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
231 kg puts the R 1200R LC 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 1200R LC - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2016 BMW R 1200R LC with its 1170 cc naked bike, 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 10 years old, this naked bike 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 1200R LC should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1200R LC's 1170 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). 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. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Carburetor upkeep
Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 1200R LC - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.
2016 BMW R 1200R LC - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC weigh?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC weighs 231 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC make?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC suitable for shorter riders?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC use?
The 2016 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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC have?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth transmission.
How much oil does the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC take?
The 2016 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 |
. |
. |
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 2016 BMW R 1200R LC Specifications
Year
2016
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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