2007 BMW R1200R Photo Gallery

We invite our pal T-Rod to sample BMW's new Boxer. Without options, it's an elemental roadster; optioned up, it has more gigs than the average laptop.

For 2007 the R1200R utilizes BMW's semi-integral ABS braking system, which returns braking pressure back into manual generation.

Our testing Beemer was equipped with an on-board computer, which provided an array of information.

Gone are the servo-assisted brakes of previous models for a return to - brace yourself - manually generated brake pressure.

BMW promises the latest R1200R will have the optional hard saddlebags and ESA system available by February.

Our first impressions on the new BMW R1200R were formed on the roads of Southern California on a machine not sporting the new ASC (automatic stability control) system.

The seat on the R1200R left room for improvement in both our tester rider and passenger's opinions.

Depending on the severity of corner radius tightness, I selected either third or fourth gear and left the transmission alone until forced to either up- or down-shift.

The lightened R1200R was a nimble handling machine and the comfort factor would have been ratcheted even higher had our test bike been equipped with the optional ESA (electronic suspension adjustment).

Finding gears was never a problem, and the gear ratios seem to be expertly chosen.

Aside from the seat, gripes fade to minor irritations such as an almost imperceptible driveline lash and indents in the tank that impeded my magnetic tank bag from adhering properly.

The leverage provided by the comfortably positioned handlebars makes quick transitioning easy.

Other BMW accessories include a GPS system ($1399), chrome-plated exhaust (or a titanium Akropovic system), custom mirrors and a waterproof top case.

Besides not having TPM ($260) or ASC ($365), our press bike also lacked BMW's $800 electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and hard saddlebags ($1014) - all of which BMW promised will be available to consumers by February.