Ergonomics

Ergonomic considerations are of key importance to BMW Motorrad engineers when designing components and their interaction with the motorcycle. This is why BMW motorcycles are regarded as being particularly comfortable and ideal for long distances - a result of the optimum interaction between rider, passenger and bike. It starts with the seating position of rider and passenger, includes the height, texture and position of the handlebars and footrests, the shaping, hardness and design of the seat, as well as the width and shape of the fuel tank. Optimum wind protection with a low level of wind noise are also important on long tours. Since the quality of wind protection depends to a large extent on the height of the rider, the touring bikes R 1200 RT, K 1200 LT and K 1200 GT are fitted with electrically height-adjustable windshields and thus provide increased comfort. In the case of the sports touring bike K 1200 RS as well as the R 1200 GS travel enduro, the height and angle of the trim shield can also be manually adapted.

Most flat twin "boxer" models and all 4-cylinder models have an adjustable seat. In all models apart from the cruisers and the K 1200 LT, higher or lower seats are optionally available. The seating position can thus be changed to the ideal height in relation to the handlebars and footrests to suit the size of the rider - in the R 1200 GS a unique seat height variability from 810 mm to 890 mm is achieved for the first time by using the so-called leg arch length as a unit of measurement (i.e. the length of the inner leg as a total distance between each foot standing points). After all, not only the absolute height of the seat bench will determine whether the rider reaches the ground comfortably with both feet when standing, but also the shape and width especially of the front section. This type of ergonomically optimized design of the seat in many BMW Motorrad models means that even shorter riders will be able to stand securely in spite of the same seat height as in the predecessor model.

The touring sports models K 1200 RS and R 1200 ST are also fitted with adjustable handlebars. A hexagonal socket-type screw is released and an interlocking feature is used to adjust the offset and distance of the handlebars to the rider. The handlebar ends of the R 1200 ST can be height-adjusted in three stages by a total of 25 mm. The rider footrests of the K 1200 RS and K 1200 GT can be screwed to the holder plate in either of two positions. The tourer K 1200 LT and the Cruiser R 1200 CL offer passengers optional height-adjustable footrest plates for a relaxed leg posture.

The handlebar controls are designed according to ergonomic principles. The low level of force required and individual adjustment facilities at the hand levers for clutch (all models) and brake (R and K Series) facilitate fine tuning of brake and clutch and enable fatigue-free riding, thus making an important contribution to active safety.

Warm hands are also a part of feeling good on a motorcycle. They increase the rider's capacity to concentrate and thus also enhance active safety. This is why BMW motorcycles are optionally available with multilevel adjustable, heated grips. Owners of the K 1200 RS, K 1200 GT, K 1200 LT and R 1200 RT enjoy a special luxury: these models spoil both rider and passenger with heated seats as a special accessory. BMW Motorrad meets the needs of the pillion with extremely comfortable pillion seats. The needs of the pillion are catered for by especially comfortable pillion seats. Long tours therefore become a fatigue-free pleasure for all on board.