“Gorilla in a Tuxedo.” That’s how Motorcycle.com described the K1200R, a naked version of BMW’s K1200S sportbike. It was big, fast, and a bit quirky – it was also the most powerful production naked bike available when it was released. As MCN put it, “The BMW K1200R is another from the latest-generation Beemers that blow away the firm’s reputation for dull motorcycles. A 170mph naked motorcycle with looks that fuse sci-fi and retro with plenty of brawn.”
Said brawn came from a 1,157cc inline-4 that produces 163 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power, optional features like ABS, electronic suspension, heated grips, luggage, and windshields meant you can enjoy it all day as a sport-tourer as well. I’ve had a K1200R for a few years and enjoyed just about every minute of it – I’ve done 1,000 miles in 24 hours on it as part of an Iron Butt Association ride and the total mileage is now at around 87k.
But this example (VIN: WB10594088ZN56464) has a much cooler story. The seller is the original owner, he purchased it in late 2008 from MAX BMW Motorcycles in Brunswick, New York. Per the seller, this is one of just fourteen “Apple Green” K1200Rs that BMW imported to the United States. He had it sourced from South Sound BMW via a dealer transfer, and in 2009 he ran this K12R in the 2009 BUB Bonneville Speed Trials “Run Whatcha Brung” Class, hitting 153.931 miles per hour.
In addition to modifications such as a Remus exhaust and some blacked out parts, this features BMW prototype carbon fiber Power Cup handguards. The seller provides an email from Mac McMath, who was BMW’s Manager of Sales Operations at the time and “owner of the only BMW K1200R Power Cup in America.” Mac had some extras that he offered to the seller.
Find this K1200R for sale in Rhinebeck, New York with bidding up to $4,000 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Disclosure: Bike-urious is a partner in Iconic Motorbike Auctions.