Compared to the BMW R1100S which it succeeded, the R1200S was 13 kg (29 lb) lighter, and (with a compression ratio raised from 11.3:1 to 12.5:1)[5][6][7] it was 25% more powerful with a "hexhead" motor rated at 122 horsepower (91 kW).

The R1200S thus had superior handling, improved braking, higher power output, greater ground clearance, and sport ergonomics.

Factory options included front and rear Öhlins shock absorbers, switchable ABS, a light weight Akrapovič muffler, expandable locking luggage, heated grips, a solo tail piece, a Tire-pressure monitoring system and a wider 6" rear wheel to accommodate a size 190 tire.

Motor Cycle News said of the R1200S: "As an oddball track motorcycle it works, but as an accomplished all-rounder it falls short of the standards set by the R1100S that preceded it.

[2] The HP2's dohc engine was the most powerful "oilhead" design[2] before BMW adopted liquid cooling for some of its flat twins in 2013.