News – New BMW R 1200 RT – Used BMW

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New BMW R 1200 RT

News - New BMW R 1200 RT - Used BMW

Technically very similar to the R 1200 GS, the new BMW R 1200 RT presented at the Bologna Motor Show surprises with its particular aesthetic. Presentation.

On December 4, 2004, at the Bologna Motor Show, BMW unveiled the R 1200 RT, the latest evolution of the traditional Bavarian GT. Emblematic models of the BMW range, the "RTs" of previous generations have carved out an exceptional reputation with demanding customers: professionals or individuals, these are people who spend a lot of time on their motorcycles. They know what they want, are willing to invest to get it, but they just can’t stand it. Honda learned it the hard way recently with the new Pan European and its high-speed stability issues….

It is therefore little to say that this novelty was expected and for BMW the stakes are high. Unsurprisingly, the technical design of this bike derives very closely from the R 1200 GS presented a year ago. When it was released, BMW had made no secret of its platform policy, as they say in the automobile industry, of reusing as many parts as possible between its different models to limit development and manufacturing costs. Considering the dynamic qualities of the 1200 GS, this is a pretty good sign.

What is obvious when we discover this new bike is its new design, a clear departure from the old one. Very compact on the front, composed of curved surfaces interspersed with sharp edges, it is well in line with the new BMW style, cars and motorcycles, imagined by the American designer Chris Bangle.

It is especially the front of the bike that is transformed, but curiously the front end and the high and very forward fairing sides are reminiscent of the Honda Varadero and PanEuropean. This bike may not be that original, the rear is much more classic with suitcases inspired by the K 1200LT. Body-colored and better integrated tints, they are undoubtedly more aesthetic than the traditional black valoshes. Several colors of saddle and engine fairing are available so that the customer can "compose" the look of his motorcycle. All this at no extra cost, would Mr. BMW have become generous? He just understood the importance of aesthetics in the purchase decision.

How will customers react to this disruptive style? What is certain is that for all the BMWs released in the last four years, the reactions were clear cut. Then the same scenario repeated itself: after cries of indignation, the order books overflowed. There is at least one explanation for this phenomenon: Regardless of their looks, recent BMWs are all excellent bikes (apart from the R 1200 CL, but it was designed for Americans). So let’s see in detail the technical arguments of the youngest.

Engine and transmission

The engine is directly derived from that of the R 1200 GS, the latest evolution of the famous Boxer (read for a full description). The only changes are slightly meaner camshafts and a higher 12/1 compression ratio. The power increases by 10% to reach 110 horses at 7,500 rpm while the torque remains unchanged at 115 Nm. However, there is a slight dip in the torque curve towards 5,000 rpm. To check on the road…

Another somewhat unfortunate consequence of raising the compression ratio to 12/1, BMW recommends Unleaded 98 as fuel. Not to mention the price of the fuel, it is its sometimes problematic availability that can cause concern, especially for a frequent traveler. . The manufacturer is aware of this since the motorcycle is equipped with a knock detector which allows it to operate without risk in SP 95. We will then be in a degraded mode (more advance to ignition to avoid auto-ignition) . Let’s just hope that this mode will not be too degraded !

For France it is even worse, since the bike is electronically restricted to 100 horsepower. Which means that powered by SP 95, a French 1200 RT might not achieve the performance of an 1150 RT (95 hp) … We can’t wait to put an end to this stupid 100 hp law. !

The exhaust is of course fitted with a 3-way catalytic converter regulated by 2 lambda sensors. It meets Euro 2 emissions standards and is most likely "Euro 3 ready".

On the transmission side, we find the clutch and the very good 6-speed gearbox of the 1200 GS, correcting there one of the main faults of the big Bavarian GTs. On the other hand, BMW is finally giving up the super long 6th gear in favor of close 6 gears. Apparently, this would be a request from customers, which shows that common sense sometimes triumphs. Especially since BMW announces a sharp drop in fuel consumption compared to the 1150RT: between 10 and 20%! Admittedly the engine of the 1200 is more modern, but all the same the argument of the fuel economy that the manufacturer had given us during the appearance of this 6th overdrive suddenly appears a little specious … It doesn’t matter, if the bike is really as frugal as announced, we should have a good autonomy since the capacity of the tank has increased from 25 to 27 liters: A very good point.

Cycle part

Like the R 1200GS, the RT abandons the concept of the carrier engine for a steel truss frame supported on the semi-carrier engine: the swing arm rests on the frame and not on the engine. This apparent step backwards (the technique of the carrier engine seems more noble) can be explained today. Indeed, it is unthinkable to create a specific engine crankcase for each model. Therefore, the technique of the carrier engine is very restrictive for the geometry of the motorcycle. On the contrary, with this frame separated from welded tubes, we have much more flexibility to define the chassis: anchor point of the swingarm, the steering column, rear loop.

On the other hand, the 1200 engine vibrates significantly more than the old one (read). The separate framework therefore undoubtedly makes it possible to better control the phenomenon. We remember that a few years ago, Honda adopted the swingarm anchor to the engine on its CBR 900RR and then abandoned it. It is sometimes a long way from the theoretical concept to the practice.

The famous Telelever and Paralever EVO from the 1200GS are taken as is from the 1200GS with lower travel (135 mm and 120 mm), adapted to a road. Compared to the classic Paralever, the Paralever EVO is lightweight and maintenance free (lubrication for life). Its shock absorber, called WAD, is flexible and variable damping according to the travel. BMW offers the optional ESA system, which first appeared on the K 1200 S, which allows the front and rear preloads and damping to be electronically adjusted with a simple button on the handlebars. A particularly interesting innovation for a GT made for duo and travel.

The front brakes are taken from the 1150RT while the rear disc loses 11 mm in diameter to reduce the unsprung masses. The Integral EVO braking dear to BMW is of course part of it, but fortunately in its partially integral version of the 1200 GS, much more dosable. Again, user complaints managed to bend the engineers.

The rims adopt a new design. The front tire retains the same 120/70 ZR17 size while the rear rim gains half an inch to fit a 180/55 ZR 17 tire, just to cash in on the increased power of the 1200.

Equipment and practical aspects

If there is one area in which the 1150 RT is the benchmark, it is driving comfort: position, ergonomics, protection, everything is perfect. BMW therefore did not seek to revolutionize, but rather to make things even better:

  • The new fairing is even wider and enveloping and the adjustable windshield is higher

  • The triptych handlebar saddle footrest so characteristic of the RT is retained. The saddle only has two adjustment positions, but a low saddle is still available. And the shape of the saddle at the crotch is apparently optimized…

  • The atypical handlebar controls are of course retained. We do not change the habits of behemists like that !

  • The dashboard is much more modern with two analog meters and a central digital screen allowing to display a lot of information: fuel gauge, remaining range, oil temperature, time, gearbox ratio and even the heating level of the vehicle. saddle if you have the option !

Not to mention an on-board computer (optional) which constantly indicates the oil level. Luxury, what…

All these functions – engine management, suspension management (optional), immobilizer and various diagnostics – go through a central computer poetically called "ZFE". All these beautiful people communicate by a CAN data bus, a technology widely used in the automobile, the reliability of which is nevertheless fairly well mastered. This system has in particular fairly advanced self-diagnostic capabilities (moreover praised by BMW). However, the day there really is a problem, it will not be enough to shake the fuse box … And when your BMW dealer tells you: "you have a ZFE problem"you will know that you are in deep trouble !

The 1200 RT also adopts new headlamps with complex surfaces: two H7 codes and a central high beam. Hopefully this fixes one of the rare weak points of the 1150 RT. We can also mention the immobilizer with coded key, the central and side stands, the two 32 l cases in body color, the top case support (which top case is of course optional) and the guide rails on the tank for the bag. Indeed, the tank is now plastic, we can no longer use a magnetic bag. BMW therefore offers (for an additional charge) a specially adapted bag which attaches to the rails mentioned above.

As usual, BMW offers a plethora of options and accessories (list below). Everyone will find their happiness there even if the already heavy addition will be felt. But is it really a surprise ?

Question price, the new 1200 RT is officially announced at 15,100 € in Germany … Knowing that an 1150 RT was sold for 14,450 € across the Rhine and 15,990 € in France, we can imagine that the newcomer s ‘will display around € 16,500. Which is not cheap, but you would expect.

At the end of this technical presentation, we can imagine that this bike has improved a lot in terms of dynamics: with 16% more power (excluding France of course), 7% less weight, a well-staged gearbox and the superb cycle part. of the 1200 GS, the beast could give interesting results. However, the manufacturer was careful to preserve the essential qualities of a GT: increased range, careful protection, complete equipment. With a really interesting novelty but unfortunately optional: the ESA suspension adjustment system on the dashboard.

Characteristics R 1200 RT and R 1150 RT (manufacturer data)
BMW R 1200 RT BMW R 1150 RT

Diff.
Engine
Architecture Boxer twin, one balancing shaft Boxer twin
Distribution single camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
cooling Air and oil
Bore and stroke 101 mm x 73 mm 101 mm x 70.5 mm
Displacement 1170 cc 1130 cc 3.5%
Max power 110 hp at 7,500 rpm 95 hp at 7,250 rpm 15.8%
Maximum power France 100 hp at 6,250 rpm 95 hp at 7,250 rpm 5.3%
Max torque 115 Nm at 6000 rpm 100 Nm at 5500 rpm 15.0%
Volumetric ratio 12/1 11.3 / 1
Intake / ignition Electronic injection and dual ignition
Engine ECU BMW BMS-K Bosch Motronic 2.4
Emissions control 3-way catalyst regulated by lambda probe
Fuel SP 98. Automatic adaptation to SP95 by knock detector SP95
electricity
Alternator 720W 60A 700W
Drums 12V 19Ah 12V 19Ah
Electrical architecture Multiplexed by CAN network Wired
Transmission
Clutch 180 mm dry single disc, hydraulic control
Gearbox 6 speed gearbox 6-speed gearbox (overdrive)
Secondary transmission Gimbal
Cycle part
Frame Multitubular steel trellis frame, semi-supporting engine Carrier motor, aluminum front and rear buckles
Front suspension Telelever: 35 mm fork guided by a lower triangle. Central shock absorber
Rear suspension Paralever EVO: single-sided swingarm with anti-torque link. WAD central shock absorber Paralever: single-sided swingarm with anti-torque rod. Central shock absorber
Suspension adjustment Preload and trigger adjustable by knobs. ESA option: continuous electronic adjustment front and rear Preload and trigger adjustable by knobs
Front and rear travel 120 mm / 135 mm 120 mm / 135 mm
Wheelbase 1480 mm 1485 mm
Ground clearance 110 mm 122 mm
Steering column angle 63.4 ° 62.9 °
Wheels Cast aluminum rims
Front rim 3.50 x 17 " 3.50 x 17 "
Rear rim 5.50 x 17 " 5.00 x 17 "
Front tire 120/70 ZR 17 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tire 180/55 ZR 17 170/60 ZR 17
Brakes
Front brakes Double 320 mm floating discs. 4 piston calipers. EVO Support
Rear brake Single 265mm disc, dual piston floating caliper Single 276mm disc, dual piston floating caliper
Regulation BMW Integral ABS (partial) * BMW Integral ABS
Dimensions and weight
Length 2230 mm 2230 mm
Width 905 mm 898 mm 0.8%
Height 1430 mm 1380 mm 3.6%
Seat height ** 820/840 mm 805/825/845 mm
Dry weight *** 229 kg 255 kg -10.2%
Full weight *** 259 kg 279 kg -7.2%
Payload 236 kg 216 kg 9.3%
Total loaded weight 495 kg 495 kg
Tank capacity 27 liters 25 liters 8.0%
Performances
Weight / power ratio 2.35 kg / hp 2.94 kg / hp -19.8%
Max speed More than 200 km / h 200 km / h
1000m standing start 22.6 s
0 to 100 km / h 3.6 s
Consumption at 90 km / h 3.6 l / 100km 4.5 l / 100km -20.0%
Consumption at 120 km / h 4.8 l / 100km 5.5 l / 100km -12.7%
Price
Germany € 15,100 € 14,450 4.5%
France (estimated) € 16,500 € 15,990 3.2%
* Partial integral brake distributor of the same type as the R 1200GS
** Optional low seat available: -40 mm
*** Weight without suitcases

Options

  • Low rider seat

  • Heated saddle

  • Heated grips

  • Additional power outlet

  • Radio preparation

  • Radio with CD player

  • On-board computer with oil indicator

  • Speed ​​regulator

  • DWA (anti-theft alarm system)

  • ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)

  • Turn signals under white glass

  • Chrome exhaust system

  • Saddle in gray or black

  • Motor fairing in dark slate matt metallic or matt aluminum white metallic

Accessories

  • Large top case

  • Small top case

  • Small top case backrest

  • Large top case inner bag

  • Small top case inner bag

  • Inner bags for left and right cases

  • Tank bag

  • Rocker cover protection

  • Shock protection for suitcases

  • Insert for radio compartment

  • Second and third outlet

  • Radio with CD player

  • BMW Motorrad Navigator II navigation system

  • Cable and bracket for the BMW Motorrad Navigator II

  • First aid kit

If BMW took risks from an aesthetic point of view, it did not come empty-handed: it was to dress a motorcycle carefully designed to satisfy the most demanding riders. Check it out as soon as possible during a Moto-Net test! In the meantime, one last question remains: in your opinion when the cops touch their new R 1200RTs, will they be unbridled? ?

Benoît LACOSTE

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