BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs. BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs BMW R 1200 RS 2018

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2015 and the BMW R 1200 RS model year 2018 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique features and characteristics.

Starting with the BMW R 1200 GS 2015, it is an enduro motorcycle with a powerful Boxer engine. It has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, resulting in an engine power of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1170 ccm. The front suspension is a strut, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm. The frame is made of steel and has a twin tube, load-bearing engine design. The front brakes are double disk, and the front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 19 inches. The rear tire has a width of 170 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1507 mm, and the seat height is 850 mm. With ABS, the kerb weight is 238 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 is a sport touring motorcycle with similar technical specifications to the R 1200 GS. It also has a Boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, resulting in the same engine power of 125 HP and torque of 125 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1170 ccm. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a Paralever. The frame is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine design. The front brakes are double disk, and the front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1530 mm, and the seat height is slightly lower at 820 mm. With ABS, the kerb weight is slightly lighter at 236 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is slightly smaller at 18 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a powerful engine that delivers impressive performance. It also has a relatively low fuel consumption, making it more economical to ride. The comfortable seating position allows for long rides without discomfort, and its versatility allows it to be used off-road as well. Additionally, the R 1200 GS has a high reputation in the motorcycle community, further adding to its appeal.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 excels in precise and stable handling, making it a joy to ride on twisty roads. The comfortable seating position and great wind protection enhance the overall riding experience. With the Wunderlich conversion, it can have a very sporty and sleek look, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a long and expensive surcharge side, which may be a drawback for some potential buyers. The Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to, and the brakes can be very sharp, requiring careful modulation.

Similarly, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 has a compact knee angle, which may be uncomfortable for riders with long legs.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 are impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The R 1200 GS is a versatile enduro bike with a powerful engine and off-road capabilities, while the R 1200 RS is a sport touring bike with precise handling and great wind protection. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2015 compared to BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2015
BMW R 1200 RS 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore101 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionParalever

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,203 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth998 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,530 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)236 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

Wunderlich has optimised the already great R 1200 RS with pinpoint accuracy and turned it into a real dream machine. The straight handlebars fit the sports tourer really well. The bike's sporty look is justified. Anyone who tries this Wunderlich machine sets the bar incredibly high for their next motorbike. A real dream bike.

Precise and stable handling

comfortable seating position

great wind protection

with the Wunderlich conversion, a very sporty and sleek look overall.

Knee angle somewhat compact with long legs

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs BMW R 1200 RS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and a BMW R 1200 RS 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 RS 2018 is about 6% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2015 experiences a loss of 450 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 700 GBP for a BMW R 1200 RS 2018. Compared to BMW R 1200 RS 2018 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 89 days for a BMW R 1200 RS. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 13 reviews for the BMW R 1200 RS since model year 2015. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 28,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 RS published on 30/09/2014.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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