2001BMW K 1200 RS

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The 2001 BMW K 1200 RS is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking performance and comfort on long-distance journeys. Known for its smooth inline-four engine, advanced shaft drive, and refined handling characteristics, it excels at combining spirited riding with practical touring capabilities and excellent weather protection.

Capacity: 1171.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 285.0 kg
Seat height: 770 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2001 BMW K 1200 RS

vs the 2000

Spec	2000	2001
Power	130.0 HP (95.6 kW) @ 8750 RPM	98.0 HP (72.1 kW)
Torque	117.0 Nm (11.9 kgf-m or 86.3 ft.lbs)	118.0 Nm (12.0 kgf-m or 87.0 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	264.0 kg (582.0 pounds)	not listed
Wet weight	287.5 kg (633.8 pounds)	285.0 kg (628.3 pounds)
Fuel capacity	20.50 litres (5.42 US gallons)	21.00 litres (5.55 US gallons)

Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering65%

City riding45%

Daily riding70%

Touring92%

Two-up85%

Track45%

Best for: Built for fast, comfortable long-distance touring and high-speed autobahn cruising rather than aggressive sport riding.
Built for: A refined, torque-rich sport tourer with shaft drive smoothness, strong brakes, and effortless triple-digit cruising ability.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for new riders, tight urban commuting, or anyone seeking a light, flickable machine for canyon carving.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 770mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2001 BMW K 1200 RS, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1171.0 ccm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)
Torque: 118.0 Nm (12.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3439 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 70.5 x 75.0 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Performance

Top speed: 225.0 km/h (139.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1555 mm
Seat height: 770 mm
Wet weight: 285.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 21.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 115 mm
Rear wheel travel: 150 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 305 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 285 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 170/60-ZR17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1997	1999	2001	2003	2005
Capacity	1171.00 ccm (71.45 cubic inches)	1171.00 ccm (71.45 cubic inches)	1171.00 ccm (71.45 cubic inches)	1171.00 ccm (71.45 cubic inches)	1171.00 ccm (71.45 cubic inches)
Dry weight	264.0 kg (582.0 pounds)	—	—	285.0 kg (628.3 pounds)	266.0 kg (586.4 pounds)
Seat height	770 mm (30.3 inches)	790 mm (31.1 inches)	770 mm (30.3 inches)	770 mm (30.3 inches)	770 mm (30.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	21.00 litres (5.55 gallons)	21.00 litres (5.55 gallons)	20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)	20.50 litres (5.42 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	Black, Blue, Blue/Red	—