BMW R1200RT Bike Overview
Once again, BMW have taken something really great and improved on it with the BMW R1200RT. This part water-cooling bike has a motor that has been compared to the Triumph Trophy, with a little more pizzazz and a touch more bite to it.
This bike is bigger than the others in the range, coming in at 274kg, but it hasn’t faltered on lightness and ease of steer and guide. The electronics have been updated and the power modes have really made this bike’s performance go up a level – including its ability to pull off a flawless hill start.
The engine has had a few adjustments due to the fact that the flywheel and the alternator has added more weight and the rear shaft gear has been made taller in order to pacify the acceleration. The air and oil-cooled engine gives way to a flawless throttle, allowing the BMW R1200RT to give a smoother performance low-down and much better handling. It isn’t very powerful but that doesn’t detract from the beautiful ride that it gives.
The BMW R1200RT is one of the cheapest tourers around, even when it’s fully dressed, but when you start putting on the add-ons, the price will start to go up. However, the add-ons aren’t always necessary; you don’t have to have them for the bike to get a great performance, it already does that. The thing with this bike is that its overall performance is really good because its handling is very light and it is so comfortable when you are packing on the mileage.
BMW R1200RT Bike Spec
- Capacity1170cc
- Top speed130mph
- Weight259kg
- Average fuel consumption44mpg
- Seat height820mm (adjustable)
- EngineAir cooled, four stroke, 4v, two cylinder
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Owner Reviews
Pros
The comfort and how much it picks up it’s weight
Cons
Cost of running is sometimes a bit too much but I guess you pay the price for legendary German power and reliability
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This bike so super comfortable on any journey be it around town or even on the long tours of Europe or the americas. If you have the fancy Electronic suspension preload/rebound with the BMW patent Telelever/Paralever setup then it’s just like a flying carpet on long runs, set it into Soft rebound on road mode and hit that cruise control and you’ll never look at another bike for comfort
As standard the Germans know how to built something properly, sure there’s are plenty of bikes in the BMW range and owners will say that they have had reliability issues but these are all minor bits and pieces that have been phased out as each new bike comes out and it’s only warranty recall work that causes the complaints of reliability issues, as James May said in an episode in top gear the Germans apply the paint in such a way that it does NOT come off.
For my bike it has a full Brembo system but BMW have recently taken their brakes in house now and have started to make their own callipers at least however the Pads are still brembo pads and the braking force of the RT is phenomenal, it quite literally…… stops on a dime
Surprising for a bike of its size is an understatement! This bike picks up it’s weight and because it’s centre of gravity is so low to the ground thanks to the boxer twin design any weight on the bike from a speed of walking pace and beyond isn’t felt it’s so light and agile and no wonder police forces around the world use them!
For a boxer twin it is more then powerful enough for the 2/3 of a ton that it weighs in at. The BMW cranks out 125bhp with quite the staggering torque curve and this is more then enough when paired with the shaft drive and the amazing shift assist pro (quick shifter to other makers of motorcycles)
This came as quite the shock of course with anything German and well built expect a decent service bill! A full service and a set of tyres (Avon Storm 3D X-M) set me back £500+ However I was given a video and pictures of the work carried out before I went to collect. This is considerably more then most other Japanese bikes but most don’t have fancy electronics and suspension or a drive shaft most are conventional chains etc which are light on the wallet until they go wrong. Fuel wise, this depends how heavy handed you are you can gas guzzle in triple digits if you want to or you can fuel save, the world is your oyster
Pros
Fully paid for, such fun to ride.
Cons
Nothing, I'm very happy
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Ergonomically shaped seats give all day comfort for the rider. Handle bars and foot pegs are right where they should be to relax and be comfortable for even very long rides/tours.
German Engineering is brilliant
The bike is fitted with Brembo duel disc brakes up front and a single disc brake at the rear. Excellent quality stoppers.
Not light-weight but surprisingly planted and yet responsive at the same time to any input from the rider.
1200cc engine can cruise all day and with slight input to the throttle can easily accelerate out of a potential situation to keep the rider safe. The disc brakes front and rear are also excellent in bringing the motorcycle to an emergency stop.
Economical on fuel, this is the cheapest form of transport to commute to work and home plus weekend runs further afield. This motorcycle is fitted with fuel injection and is far more economical than my previous motorcycles that were fitted with carburettors. The only additional cost has been one puncture.
Pros
An excellent mile muncher for 1 or 2 up in all weather. Just love it!!
Cons
Cheaper consumables
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Very smooth but is heavy at slower speeds
Adequate
Cheaper consumables
None so far
Love it
Pros
If you planning to cover a lot of miles, look no further!
Cons
The only problem with the 1200RT is it's size. Riding through central London is similar to driving!
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Typical BMW. Just faultless. The second the massive weight is moving, it could easily be a 750. I was totally surprised how well the bike handles.
A lovely smooth delivery. Could just do with a few more beans but maybe that's being a little greedy!
The only problem with the 1200RT is it's size. Riding through central London is similar to driving!
Incredible. Stainless everything. Really solid and well-put together. Very Germanic!
Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Pros
The feeling that the bike looks after you with the traction control, abs brakes and the solid handling, never any nasty surprises even when ridden at speed. A quality well designed product that enables you to concentrate on the ride, not the problems of handling and general control.
Cons
The gear selection could be smoother when stationary, you tend to leave in gear at junctions etc due to the clunk when engaging first gear, but the rest is just fantastic.
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A bit clunky when stationary
The gear selection could be smoother when stationary, you tend to leave in gear at junctions etc due to the clunk when engaging first gear, but the rest is just fantastic.
Pros
The riding position. Great bike and great dealer support.
Cons
Build quality and less warranty claims. The bike is let down by multiple warranty claims and poor build quality.
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Build quality and less warranty claims. The bike is let down by multiple warranty claims and poor build quality.
Pros
Fully adjustable performance to suit conditions and what you're carrying. Big bike for big distances, without any hassle.
Cons
Front screen could be taller
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Superb handling, feels lighter than it is
Lots of power when you need it
Front screen could be taller
Subject to a recall but was compensated well by BMW
Stops on a dime
Pros
It's a good all round machine which is equally good at carrying heavy loads, comfortably over long distances, as it is on short town journeys. Great all round bike.
Cons
Nothing, it's pretty accomplished for a large router.
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Surprisingly good for a big bike. It carries its weight low, though it's still heavy when fully loaded
I have added Ad-xied fuel controllers which have transformed the bike, giving it extra power and smoothness.
Nothing, it's pretty accomplished for a large router.
Overall pretty good, though the switchgear failed twice on mine when still under warranty
Very good for a big bike, has ABS.
Pros
Even though its a large touring motorcycle, it has a sporting light handling ability.Great bike with secure handling and brakes, the bike seems to look after you.
Cons
The gearbox it easy to operate and never misses a selection but could be less clunky especially when selecting first gear when warm.
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The gearbox it easy to operate and never misses a selection but could be less clunky especially when selecting first gear when warm.
Pros
Reliability, cheap servicing and insurance, great protection from weather by fairing.
Cons
1 – Gearbox! worst thing on the bike by miles, and stands out for all the wrong reasons. 2 – Cost of clutch – parts alone are £700ish, and job will cost somewhere between £1000-£1500 to get done. It's the reason older R1150RT's can be more expensive than newer R1200RT. If you're looking at one to buy find out when/if clutch was done (mine lasted 40K). 3 – Fuel strip – perennial problem for '04-'09 bikes, fuel tank float was replaced with a strip that is very unreliable. I'm on my 4th one, and nothing can be done except replace. Garage said he has had people on 7th/8th one. So bad that BMW have stopped parts supply, so can't be gotten used, only new from dealer with fitting, worst case was failure in the turning after coming out of dealers!
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Rides very well, smooth once going but heavy at low speeds. Very stable in windy conditions. Rear is a little too soft and bouncy I feel from previous BMW's. Only major issue is shocking gearbox, very notchy and agricultural and 1st gear way to high.
Good engine, smooth but could be better, have heard good things about remap that adjusts a bit richer for smoother still and better low rev running.
Excellent for cheap running, no chain to replace and good on fuel for such a big bike. Servicing cheap if you know where to go! Unusually cheap to insure, was once thinking of getting Honda deauville, but £300 more to insure.
Well built and very reliable, I commute to London every day and I do about 18,000 a year, not had any problems bar worn out bits, 4 fuel strips and a shaft breakage. BMW need to issue a mod for fuel tank level sensor strip!
Brakes adequate, rear lacks feel and is wooden, less snatchy than the later R1150 it replaced with electric brakes.