All Tests – Long-distance test: 1500 km in duo with the R1200RT – R 1200 RT in duo: protection and practical aspects

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

All Tests - Long-distance test: 1500 km in duo with the R1200RT - R 1200 RT in duo: protection and practical aspects

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: protection and practical aspects

The huge screen, electrically adjustable from the left stalk, offers exceptional protection in the high position. The bust and shoulders are perfectly isolated, while the air is deflected a good five centimeters above the helmet of a 1.75m pilot without creating a thrust in the back at the maximum legal speed (130 km / h).

The clever deflectors placed at the bottom of this real "bay window" effectively protect the forearms. The hands benefit from the deflection created by "automotive" mirrors, while the legs and feet are sheltered by the side fairings and deflectors located around and below the cylinders..

The shelter created is so effective that you can ride in a light rain without having to put on waterproof clothing, especially at stabilized speed on the motorway where the water drops are literally "pushed" around the motorcycle. With saddles and heated grips activated, the feeling of moving around in a cozy cocoon despite the cool conditions is astounding !

Exposed to some turbulence on the top of the helmet because seated higher, the passenger is also less well protected at the level of the legs: logical since they surround the pilot. The outside of his calves and thighs will be more exposed in the event of rain … but not his back thanks to the clever bib, which can be lowered by a few centimeters if necessary..

In terms of practicality, the R1200RT offers a range of accessories and equipment that are well studied and easy to use. These include the valves integrated into the poles, the complete and readable 5.7-inch TFT color screen, the levers pre-notched at their end (to remain usable in the event of a fall), the easy-to-handle center stand, both storage compartments (one with USB and audio jack) or even the 12 V socket on the right panel.

Designed for traveling in pairs, the R1200RT also has a headlight height adjustment, in the form of an accessible white lever with two positions (solo or duo) placed in front of the Telelever. This allows the beam to be lowered when the motorcycle is loaded to avoid dazzling crossed riders.

The lighting, in fact, is really excellent: the range is very good in full headlight and the position lights cover a sufficient width to illuminate from edge to edge a small country road in the middle of the night. All that’s missing is the adaptive headlights – which follow the direction of the bike on a curve – from the K1600s to make the picture perfect. !

Be careful, however, to keep the windshield clean before driving at night, because the visual discomfort caused by crushed insects and various traces is more penalizing at night. MNC advice: during a petrol stop in a station, take the opportunity to clean the bubble with the brush normally reserved for car windshields !

Originally, the BMW receives two rigid suitcases each capable of accommodating a full face helmet. Mention very well for their system of "disassembly-reassembly", truly within the reach of the first comer! As an option, an illuminated top case fitted with a cylinder further improves the carrying capacity: the model tested here (€ 719) was easily closed on two full face helmets..

A very practical central locking is available, still optional, in order to block all the locks of the luggage and storage compartments using a button. This frankly appreciable device (no need to go around the bike at each stop) can also be combined with a "hands-free" key, in the form of a coded transponder..

With this device, the usual Neiman on the steering column gives way to a button to be pressed briefly to activate the tensioning. Provided of course to be in possession of this famous "Keyless Ride", essential to be identified by the system! Very practical to avoid the risk of losing the key: you place the coded remote control in one of its pockets when you leave, and you do not take it out until you return !

To lock the steering when stationary, just steer the front wheel and long press this black button when the motorcycle is powered on. Conversely, switching off the ignition is mandatory to open the fuel tank cap, also without a mechanical lock..

With the ignition off, the latch on top of the hatch can then be lifted to unlock the electromagnetic closure, in order to access the tank. It’s silly, but MNC scratched his head a bit in front of the first tank…

A word finally on the audio system, composed of a radio with Bluetooth connection and USB connection for MP3 player … Delivered as standard? Nein: optional, mein Herr! It is therefore necessary to pay an additional 1045 € (!) To receive this equipment connected to two loudspeakers located on either side of the instrumentation. Frankly stingy on such a motorcycle, just like the metallic paint options (155 €) or the chrome silencers (110 €) !

Another unfortunate aspect about this sound system: the Bluetooth connection is only compatible with the Apple operating system (iOS). However, many owners of laptops running Android can plug their MP3 player into the USB port in the storage compartment, or make a play-list on a USB key..

The sound quality of the device is good up to around 110 km / h. Beyond that, the highs saturate and the lyrics quickly become inaudible for lack of sufficient power and clarity. It is therefore impossible to drive to music on the motorway, as is the case for example with the incredible Harley-Davidson Boom Box..

Moreover, MNC regrets that such an expensive motorcycle does not offer rear speakers, even as an option. Not only would the sound reproduction be significantly improved, but above all the passenger could also travel to music! Another solution is to buy bluetooth headsets, then connect them to the PA.

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