K 1200 RS

2001 BMW K 1200 RS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's sport touring motorcycle lineup, the 2001 BMW K 1200 RS relies on a 1171 cc (71.5 cu in) in-line four, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 130 HP (94.9 kW) at 7,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 111 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (7,000 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the K 1200 RS measures 285 kg (628 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.46 HP/kg (2.19 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 770 mm (30.3 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,555 mm (61.2 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 21-liter (5.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 225 km/h (140 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 9 indexed model years from 1997 to 2005, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.