When it comes to the fine art of the sports tourer, few manufacturers can truly claim to have mastered the brief. The delicate balance of blistering pace and long-distance civility is a notoriously difficult target to hit. Yet, in 2016, BMW Motorrad didn’t just hit the target; they created a masterpiece that celebrated their heritage whilst showcasing the best of modern technology. I’m talking, of course, about the BMW R1200RS Iconic Limited Edition.
This wasn’t just another model-year update. This was, and remains, something truly special. For those in the know, the “Iconic” is more than just a badge; it’s a nod to one of the most important motorcycles ever made. Limited to just 100 units for the UK market, this bike is a rolling tribute to the legendary 1976 R100RS – the first mass-produced motorcycle to feature a full, wind-tunnel-developed fairing.
Nine years on from it’s release, does the 2016 BMW R1200RS Iconic still stand tall? As a positive review, let me be blunt: it absolutely does. It has matured from a superb new bike into one of the most desirable used propositions on the market.
Let’s start with what sets this bike apart, because it’s simply gorgeous. The standard R1200RS was a handsome machine, but the Iconic is on another level. The paintwork is a direct homage to the original R100RS, finished in a stunning Black/Silver “Smokey Effect” metallic, bisected by bold red and orange pinstripes. The gold-anodised forks and matching gold Brembo brake callipers complete the look, creating a machine that oozes retro cool and premium quality.
But BMW didn’t just create a paint-job special. The 100 “Iconic” models came from the factory fully kitted-out with practically every optional extra from the 2016 catalogue. This wasn’t just the top-spec model; it was a level above. This included:
This comprehensive spec means that if you’re looking at a used “Iconic” today, you are guaranteed the full-fat, best-possible version of the R1200RS.
At the core of the R1200RS is the formidable 1170cc air/liquid-cooled (“Wasserboxer”) engine. Pushing out a healthy 125 bhp and 92 lb-ft of torque, this engine is the definition of “real-world performance.”
It’s not a high-revving superbike motor that needs to be thrashed; it’s a muscular, torque-laden powerhouse that provides instant drive from anywhere in the rev range. Overtaking on a motorway or firing out of a tight B-road corner is a completely effortless affair. A simple twist of the wrist, and the horizon comes rushing towards you, all accompanied by that characterful, off-beat Boxer thrum.
This engine is made even more addictive by the inclusion of the Gear Shift Assist Pro. Snapping through the gearbox without touching the clutch, up or down, is a revelation. It makes for a rapid, seamless-feeling ride when you’re pressing on, yet it’s equally satisfying when pottering through town.
The “RS” (Reise Sport, or Travel Sport) badge means this bike must be a dynamic handler and a comfortable mile-muncher. It succeeds on both counts with flying colours.
Unlike its GS and RT siblings, the RS uses conventional (and gorgeous, in gold) upside-down telescopic forks rather than the Telelever front end. This was a deliberate choice by BMW to give the RS a more direct, sporty front-end feel. The result is a bike that you can throw into a corner with genuine confidence. The chassis is taut, the steering precise, and the Brembo brakes are immensely powerful yet progressive.
This sporting prowess is perfectly managed by the Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). This is the bike’s secret weapon. You can leave it in “Road” mode, where it provides a plush, comfortable ride that soaks up the bumps of Britain’s worst A-roads. Then, when you find a perfect stretch of winding tarmac, a simple button press into “Dynamic” stiffens the damping, sharpens the bike’s responses, and turns it into a proper sports machine. It’s like having two different bikes in one.
The ergonomics are spot-on. The bars are set for a gentle forward lean – sporty, but not back-breaking like a full-on race rep. The two-position screen does a commendable job of deflecting windblast, allowing for high-speed motorway cruising without feeling like you’re fighting the wind.
The 2016 BMW R1200RS Iconic Limited Edition is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the finest sports tourers ever created. It perfectly encapsulates the RS spirit: it’s a gentleman’s express that’s as happy devouring continents as it is slicing through your favourite Sunday route.
It offers a sublime blend of characterful Boxer performance, cutting-edge (even by today’s standards) technology, and genuine all-day comfort. The shaft drive means minimal maintenance, and the build quality is typical BMW – it feels solid, premium, and built to last.
But the “Iconic” is more than that. It’s a rare, beautiful, and exclusive machine that pays perfect homage to its heritage. It’s a collector’s item that is also a supremely capable and practical motorcycle. If you are fortunate enough to find one of the 100 original units for sale, my advice is simple: buy it. You will be acquiring not just a brilliant sports tourer, but a genuine piece of BMW Motorrad history.
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