BMW Motorcycle Magazine "tests" the RS

[Richard230]

The Fall 2015 issue of the BMW Motorcycle Magazine contains a 4-page (mostly consisting of beautiful photos) article described as a "Road Test" and titled "Finally, An RS". I get the impression that the test rider rode around the block, read the BMW press release, took lots of photos and then wrote the article. He didn't say anything that you haven't heard before - except that it was mentioned that according to Karl Viktor Schaller, head of development for BMW Motorcycles, the RS will be the last BMW model to use the current WC boxer engine.

The article did include some "measured" numbers including a dyno test resulting in 122 hp (90 kW) at 7,300 rpm and 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) of torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike weighed 542 pounds (246 kg), of which 50.4% was on the front wheel. Top speed was measured as 147 mph. Acceleration from 0-62 (0-100 km/h) was reached in 3.3 seconds. Passing from 37-87 mph (60-140 km/h) required 7.5 seconds in sixth gear. Fuel economy was given as 44 mpg (5.3 l/100 km) using premium fuel.

[Mokkybear]

I got 4.6 l/100 km on a run from Canberra to Phillip Island through the mountains on my R1200R-LC, so I suggest the 5.3 figure is fairly conservative.

[TelemarkTumalo]

Not surprising that the BMW Motorcycle Magazine had mostly glowing fluff to write about one of their own. This makes it difficult for prospective buyers looking for objective feedback on new bikes.

[trevor]

I got 4.6 l/100 km on a run from Canberra to Phillip Island through the mountains on my R1200R-LC, so I suggest the 5.3 figure is fairly conservative.

Nah it's the software they got from VW

[hound]

So what will be replacing the Boxer engine??

[Mokkybear]

Electric - eventually ...

[TelemarkTumalo]

One of the many reasons that BMW continues with the boxer, is the brand loyalty of this iconic design. Like H-D with the V twin, the boxer is easily identifiable as BMW. Fortunately, BMW has continued to improve on the design, and the LC engine is IMHO, the best yet. With petrol at $2.25/gal., I don't see internal combustion going away anytime soon.

[Richard230]

Also, in my opinion, I think the boxer engine design just makes more sense than a narrow-angle V-twin. The V-twin was just a cheap way to turn a single into a twin during the early 1900's. It didn't take up much more space and could use most of the same parts as the single, including the same chassis. H-D just kept using the design (because they were cheapskates) and it eventually took on a life of its own. I certain don't think a narrow-angle V-twin is something that an engineer would want to design nowadays if they were building an engine from scratch. However, the boxer engine has some properties that are useful, such as better cooling, better engine balance and better weight distribution. Plus you don't need crash bars, the cylinders will protect your legs.

[Mokkybear]

As mentioned above, the Boxer is iconic BMW Motorrad The longitudinal K model was supposed to supersede it in the 80's, but residual demand for the Boxer remained strong, so they sold in parallel, with the Boxer outlasting it (albeit the 4 cyl has continued in different forms).
even the BMW electric concept bike looks like a Boxer, and not just for aesthetic reasons.