All Tests – Long-distance test: 1500 km in duo with the R1200RT – R 1200 RT in duo: comfort and ergonomics

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Long-distance test: 1500 km in duet with the R1200RT

All Tests - Long-distance test: 1500 km in duo with the R1200RT - R 1200 RT in duo: comfort and ergonomics

Winner of all our reviews, the R 1200 RT embodies BMW’s mastery in the road bike category. But what is it really worth over the long haul, loaded and in duo? After 1,500 km shot in a few days, MNC delivers its verdict. Test !

R 1200 RT duo: comfort and ergonomics

No unpleasant surprises in terms of comfort and ergonomics: the "queen" holds her place perfectly! All the controls are ideally placed and precise, the lever spacing is adjustable, the mirrors – now folding – are as easy to adjust as they are readable and the wide handlebars fall perfectly into the hands.

The pilot’s seat (longer by 2 cm) and that of the passenger (lengthened by 1 cm) offer excellent support that does not vary over the kilometers. The proof: neither the pilot nor the passenger suffered from the slightest discomfort after a stage of 410 km on the motorway swallowed up in one go (with the exception of an 8-minute break to refuel on the way. 310 km from the reserve) !

With a width contained between the thighs – for a motorcycle of this type – despite its 25-liter tank, the R1200RT gets on without difficulty. Its saddle lowered to 805 mm (820 on the) explains this remarkable accessibility, to the detriment, however, of the space allocated to the lower limbs: from 1.75 m, placing the seat in the high position (825 mm) is recommended so as not to having the legs too bent, especially for long journeys.

Fortunately, the operation only takes a few minutes thanks to a system of childish wedges to move to the back of the saddle (on the right below). Make sure, however, that you maintain solid ground support in the up position, which is essential with such a heavy motorcycle. And beware: if a 1m75 pilot easily hits the ground solo, the situation changes significantly when the damping is set for two people !

Thanks to the ESA Dynamic option, the R1200RT can effectively adjust – among other things – the preload of the mono-shock absorber from the handlebars, when stationary only. All you have to do is press the "Menu" button on the left stalk, then scroll through the submenus to the ESA settings using the ingenious dial Multicontroler (much more practical and intuitive than the usual "up" and "down" arrows).

The choice is then offered between driving solo, with luggage or in duo. When the duo is validated, the rear of the motorcycle rises noticeably under the effect of the increased preload. Be careful to take this elevation into account, potentially causing a bad turn for a pilot who is already a little "short on legs" with the solo setting. !

The most prudent is to test the different configurations before setting off. Maintaining the motorcycle’s balance when stationary should be safe and easy, even on a slope, as it will be practically impossible to straighten it out if it begins to lean. Especially with the additional mass of the load and the passenger: we are talking about a motorcycle authorized to reach 495 kg of total loaded weight !

Also anticipate the rise in the saddle of the guest, not always the most "fluid" because of the "truckload" width of the rear of the RT and therefore source of potential imbalances. Like all road motorcycles equipped with luggage, German requires a certain gymnastics to take place behind the driver.

The operation is further complicated if an optional top case is installed, as on our test model. The solution then consists in settling down "backwards" before the pilot, motorcycle firmly crutched on the side – otherwise painful to unfold. Unless you have the flexibility to hoist a boot onto a cleat, then throw the other leg over the stern !

Once on board, pilot and passenger have enough space to settle down comfortably, without getting in the way. With the top case option, the guest has a moderately thick backrest, although sufficient to support his back. The grab handles are easily gripped – even with heavy gloves – and do not transmit the few vibrations released by the twin around 5000 rpm.

The same successful "mechanical insulation" at the level of the footrests, covered with rubber at the front and rear. Only regret: the passenger handles are not heated, like the saddles which have – as an option – separate heating controls (on the handlebars at the front, on the left edge of the seat at the rear). Better off, the pilot benefits from standard heated grips, very efficient and adjustable.

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