BMW is continuing its strategy of launching models spread out through the year. With the new R 1200 R comes a very special option for a road bike-traction control. BMW calls it ASC (Automatic Stability Control). For the traction control to work you also need the ABS option at 1000 Euro extra. Traction control and ABS could make this bike the safest wet weather and winter bike ever. The R 1200 R is an evolution of the old R 1150 R (as featured in the latest Hollywood blockbuster Ultraviolet with Milla Jovovich) much in the same way as every other big BMW Boxer, R1200GS, R1200S and so on. The new engine has received a mixture of performance that has placed it in between the GS and R1200S models. BMW claims 109bhp @ 7.500rpm and 115Nm @ 6.000rpm. That is enough power to make the R 1200 R Roadster stand up vertically on its Paralever EVO wherever you want it to. Unless the traction control is switched on that is... A brand new ABS system has also been launched. The claimed dry weight is the same, fairly lightweight for a 1170cc Boxer, 198kg as the R 1200 GS.
You can order ASC with any Boxer engined BMW from next year with the exception of the R1200S model. You will also be able to get ASC with the four cylinder K1200GT, but it is not clear yet whether ASC will be available on the more powerful K1200S and R already next year. It could mean that the system needs to be tested more thoroughly in high speed and track scenarios before BMW has a system ready for the R1200S, K1200S and K1200R. We have asked BMW the question and will update this article as soon as we know why the system is not ready for the more powerful sportsbikes yet. All sorts of accessories are ready for the new bike with the same luggage options as on the big tourers ST and RT as well as a fly screen. The ASC has been demonstrated today in Berlin on gravel and it is fairly impressive one of my colleagues reported from Berlin. The main point about the ASC is that it is a safety feature, not a track tool. BMW still has loads of work to do before it can offer the system to its sportsbike customers for track days.
Read the worlds first test of the new R 1200 R here
