BMW R 1200 RS 2018 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1200 RS 2018 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The BMW R 1200 RS 2018 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both sport touring motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have a Boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. The engine power and torque are also the same at 125 HP and 125 Nm respectively. Both motorcycles have a prop shaft transmission and 2 cylinders. The displacement is also identical at 1170 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 features a telescopic fork front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a strut front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension.

Both motorcycles have a steel frame, but the frame type differs slightly. The BMW R 1200 RS 2018 has a load-bearing engine frame, while the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a twin tube, load-bearing engine frame.

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

The braking system is the same for both motorcycles, with double disk brakes at the front. The front tire width is also the same at 120 mm, but the front tire diameter differs slightly, with the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 having a 17-inch diameter and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 having a 19-inch diameter. The rear tire width is 180 mm for the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 and 170 mm for the BMW R 1200 GS 2017. Both motorcycles have a 17-inch rear tire diameter.

The wheelbase is slightly longer for the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 at 1530 mm compared to 1507 mm for the BMW R 1200 GS 2017. The seat height is also different, with the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 having a seat height of 820 mm and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 having a seat height of 850 mm.

In terms of weight, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 236 kg compared to 238 kg for the BMW R 1200 GS 2017. The fuel tank capacity is 18 liters for the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 and 20 liters for the BMW R 1200 GS 2017.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 offers precise and stable handling, a comfortable seating position, great wind protection, and a sporty and sleek look with the Wunderlich conversion. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a mature concept, a strong engine, easy handling, powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, an extensive equipment range, and a good image and value retention.

As for weaknesses, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 has a somewhat compact knee angle for riders with long legs. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has many features that come at an extra cost and the boxer engine is exposed in really tough terrain.

Overall, both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them would depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 RS 2018 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 RS 2018
BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 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 suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSingle swing arm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-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 diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,203 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth998 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,530 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)236 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 RS 2018 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 11% higher. A BMW R 1200 RS 2018 experiences a loss of 700 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 570 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less BMW R 1200 RS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 89 days for the BMW R 1200 RS. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the BMW R 1200 RS and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the BMW R 1200 RS was published on 30/09/2014 and now has more than 28,300 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price BMW R 1200 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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