BMW R 1200 RT motorcycle test

Menus

• The way of Reason Teutonne
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion

The way of Reason Teutonne

Without going back to the genesis of the 30-year-old RT (Reise-Tourer) lineage, this road model sees its modern lineage dating back to 1995, with the oil-cooled 4-valve boxer engine. This version also already included an ABS system, a 5-speed gearbox and the Telever front suspension system specific to the German brand..

Seven years later, BMW offered the R1150RT, featuring improved engine performance, assisted ABS braking, and a 6-speed gearbox. The design is sharper and the lighting is redesigned. The flat wins a double ignition in 2004.
The 2005 version revolutionizes the model, both in design and in dynamics, with the R 1200 RT. The new twin engine develops 15 additional horsepower, the machine loses 20 kilos and receives electronically adjustable suspensions (optional ESA) on the handlebars. Braking is combined: the action of the front lever also acts on the rear. The road evolves in 2007 with lighter ABS, the introduction of traction control (ASC) and electronic tire pressure measurement.

The front face is slightly retouched in 2009 with notches in the fairing and a turn signal support but above all adopts the new cylinder heads with double overhead camshaft, from the sporty HP2 Sport.

Discovery

The firm’s best-selling propeller in France, the R 1200 RT shares with the GS trail, in addition to its success, its cycle part, steel trellis frame and carrier engine, adapted here for road use.

This test model is adorned with an optional two-color magnesium / beige metallic dress, one of the components of the RT 3 pack, also including the heated grips, the on-board computer, an additional 12 V socket, a chrome exhaust, piloted suspensions, a heated saddle, a cruise control, an audio system and an anti-theft alarm … for the modest additional sum of 2480 €, baggage included !

Showing the legendary flat twin again modernized, the imposing fairings with complex surface and the large fork crown leave no doubt as to the quality of the protection available. The shapes are generous but the lines remain angular, giving the whole fluidity and elegance. The wide front end, whose complex surface optics dominate an oversized air intake, is capped by a large electrically operated windshield. The volumes stretch towards the flanks, framing an imposing reservoir. It goes to the large crew saddles where large grab handles and a luggage rack frame the passenger seat. There is an additional 12 V socket above the case racks. These, well integrated into the line of the machine, are waterproof and easily accommodate a full face helmet. Their installation or dismantling is done easily.

Slightly obscured by the luggage, the aesthetic acatene transmission is housed in a Paralever aluminum single-sided swingarm. On the other side of the wheel, the exhaust silencer, with its very classic design, takes care of its sound by adding a valve to the manifold tube. Electronic damping ESA II manages the rear spring but also the front element of the Telever. The dip tubes support two 4-piston brake calipers, clamping 320mm discs. The rear receives a set of 2 pistons for a 265mm disc. Partially coupled full ABS monitors both devices.

In the saddle

Rather intended for large riders, the saddle height here culminates at 820 mm from the ground; but the German road can adjust to 780mm. The thinness at the crotch, however, provides good support and facilitates maneuvering with the engine off. The seat is particularly soft and invites you to travel.

Strongly indented, the 25-liter container allows the machine to be tightened. The hands fall naturally on the grips of the aluminum half-handlebars, as do the boots on the largely rubber-coated footrests, offering an upright and comfortable position..

The pilot then dominates a classic car-inspired dashboard, framed by the audio system, acting as an air deflector. The fit of plastics and various elements is flawless.

Tachometer and tachometer are arranged around an LCD screen permanently grouping the gear engaged indicator, fuel gauge, engine temperature, radio tuner and clock. The "Info" command then proposes the exterior temperature, tire pressure, and average consumption. An upper window contains the classic neutral indicator lights and other ABS, oil, etc. indicators..

Still on the left stalk, the ESA can be adjusted in 3 modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. This choice is refined by selecting the profile of the crew: pilot alone, with passenger or with suitcase. ASC traction control can be disconnected using the same selector. Enough to ensure road holding adapted to all circumstances.

The large round dial allows quick navigation and selection of the tuner or an iPod or iPhone device. Installed safely in the waterproof foam-covered storage compartment of the tank and lockable, your MP3 music library will follow your movements. Redundant controls for this system can be found on the top of the left side, along with the second 12 V socket.

In the city

The imposing Munich driver is agile from the first laps of the wheels. So where did the full 260 kilos go? The Bavarian twin contributes to the remarkable balance of the masses and the slightest pressure on the handlebars helps to set the RT to the millimeter. We must therefore keep in mind that we are driving a road … with suitcases. Interfile "verboten"! On a daily basis, it is better to do without these removable growths in order to squeeze more through traffic. Integrated into the fairing, the mirrors placed under the hands allow passage between the cars but require you to take your eyes off the road. In addition, their retro-viewing angle seems a bit tight. Likewise, the now, unfortunately, standardized turn signal control is too small. Handling it with winter gloves in particular is problematic. Not to mention the loss of intuitive ergonomics peculiar to the old BMW system, which is much more efficient. If there is a model where we would have liked to keep this specificity, it is of course the RT.

These anatomical details hardly affect the pleasure of riding this road in an urban area. Transforming into a heated lounge, saddles and handles, the R 1200 RT knows how to seduce its rider with the excellence of its good manners. The controls are extremely smooth, as is the gearbox and the imperceptible operation of the gimbal. Unlike the Hyper GT K 1600, there is no jerk or noise coming from the driveshaft. Extremely flexible, the flatbed twin fires at 1,500 rpm, in 5th gear at the speed required in town.

Windshield raised to the maximum, isolated from the noise, let’s start the morning with a jazz tune, along the crowded boulevards. Too crowded for this bitumen devourer. Steerin ‘very short, it’s time to take a more breathable direction to our steed.

Motorway and expressways

Original HP2 cylinder heads boost the character of the RT. The German takes off briskly and settles at the desired cruising speed via the cruise control. This works wonders on expressways and disconnects at the slightest pressure on the clutch or brake levers.

Sheltered from any turbulence or air pressure, the crew can set off for the long haul at a good pace. A constant sustained speed increases fuel consumption only slightly, stabilizing at 5.7 l / 100 km at 150 km / h, and even beyond. With ESA II in comfort mode, the flying carpet streaks towards the serene horizon. Only a few vibrations specific to the flat twin can irritate the most demanding. In order not to fall asleep, it’s time to explore the landscape outside the motorway lanes.

Departmental

This is where the ease of this road is best expressed. The R 1200 RT is a monument … of balance and efficiency. Whether accompanied or alone on board, the pilot enjoys rare ease at the helm of this German traveler. This is placed to the millimeter on the desired trajectory and twirls along the meanders of the secondary network. Better, the RT seems to read the road with its pilot, bringing confidence and serenity.

In touring mode, the ESA II calls for no criticism. The most impressive remains the "Slipper" mode on degraded coating. The suspensions absorb small and large imperfections in the asphalt, leaving the crew to enjoy the scenery alone. Be careful, however, at high speed or when overtaking, the flexibility can generate slight swaying.

If you want to increase the pace, the Sport setting brings more rigor but the comfort is felt. The RT is then playful and claw, without qualms, the asphalt, nipples of its footrests. The grip of the Bridgestone Battlax BT 021 is no stranger to this either. Traction control is also effective on slippery roads, preventing loss of rear tire grip. But its activation and the gas cut remains a little abrupt.

We almost regret a slight lack of ground clearance, as the cycle part is healthy. Likewise, the gearbox is a bit long on the intermediates. If the flat twin does not lack vigor with 12.2 m / kg at 6,000 rpm, we would have appreciated a little more virility in the revivals, other than that of the soundtrack. Another criticism, the readability of the tachometer is difficult. Fine and numerous graduations and the dial positioned too far from the tachometer disturbs its reading. Ditto at night. On the other hand, the extended optics generate a wide and powerful beam that is very appreciable.

Part-cycle

Its design makes a respectable footprint machine light and precise. Rigid, neutral, equipped with high-end damping, the chassis of the R 1200 RT is its first asset. Regardless of the weight carried, piloting remains easy, intuitive, as soon as the machine takes off. The BMW Telever also provides comfort when braking without diving.

Braking

Powerful but finely dosed, the partially coupled braking generates efficient and safe decelerations. Refining the passages in curves or further improving the attitude of the motorcycle in a straight line when taking the lever on the handlebars, the combined action of the front and rear calipers brings a real plus to everyday life.

Comfort / Duo

Devoted to long escapades for two, the R 1200 RT takes care of its crew. Welcoming saddles, piloted suspensions, generous passenger grab handles, upright position and minimal leg bending … welcome aboard. The only point to watch out for: the arousal state of your companion on a long journey. Salon of course, but still rolling!

Consumption

The company’s twin-cylinder propeller knows how to be as fuel-efficient as it is talkative in vocals. At constant speed and regulation, it is easy to reach 450 km of autonomy by completely emptying the container and its 5 liters of reserve. An average of 5.7 liters per 100 km in mixed use reveals a very controlled management of the injection.

Conclusion

If the BMW R 1200 RT is not a motorcycle that arouses passion at first glance, it is certainly a machine designed by and for enthusiasts. Its daily use reveals, day after day, its formidable qualities of rational companion. Choice of many bikers – always on the go and in all weathers, the German opposes the ostentatious charm of a demanding mistress with the seduction of her versatility and homogeneity as a long-term companion.

Will the arrival of its sister K 1600 GT be a game-changer for RT? Its engine, less exuberant than the 6-cylinder, is not stingy with sensations. Its flexibility is, as usual, commendable. Less "high tech" than the ultra GT of the family, the RT also gives it 60 kilos on the scale … a significant argument at this level. Especially since his balance seems almost better. Logical given the outcome of this flagship model from the Bavarian manufacturer. Without prejudging the reliability and the maintenance cost of the multicylinder block, the legendary flat twin seems well placed to compete with its competitor of the same blood. Because in the ferrule, the R is just as effective as the K, even if, when the road loosens, the GT then naturally benefits from the deep breath of its block, putting the RT to the trouble.

On the price side, 2,900 € separate the enemy sisters. Available from € 17,500, excluding options which are, at BMW, a must, our test road, sales champion and super equipped, is displayed at € 20,560 (RT3 pack: € 2,480 and color magnesium / beige metal: 580 €). That’s only 160 € more than the entry-level K 1600 GT … which will be your choice?
Leaving the family horizon, the competition takes the form of a Yamaha FJR 1300 ABS, asking for € 17,999, or a high-performance Kawasaki 1400 GTR at € 15,999. The aging Honda ST1300 Pan European ABS claims € 15,290. Another European two-cylinder, the Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 8V GT, available from € 14,990. And yet, despite a higher price, the BMW wins everyone in terms of sales! The strength of general excellence and also an assertive side in the used market. Without a doubt, for the R 1200 RT, experience is the reason.

Strong points

• Cycle part
• Motor character
• Finishes
• Comfort
• Consumption
• Braking

Weak points

• Slightly long interim reports
• Slightly abrupt anti-slip

The R 1200 RT technical sheet

User tests on the
motorcycle test forum.

The opinions in the reviews and tests for the R 1200 RT

Competitors: Honda ST1300 Pan European, Kawasaki GTR 1400, Yamaha FJR 1300

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