The
low-down
luckyyoumightfindanexamplealsofitted
with the factory top-box, which looks the part
and adds significantly to luggage-carrying
capacity – perfect for the long-distance touring
fraternity.
Although the bike is no lightweight at 229kg,
its low-set, horizontally opposed engine
magically ‘lightens’ the bike once you’re
rolling. However, you’re conscious of its width
when you’re trying to thread your way through
the urban log-jam.
Low-mounted mirrors add to the demands of
lane-splitting, being about the same height as
car mirrors. A plus is that the mirrors actually
protect your hands from cold wind and rain.
And they work well once you adapt to looking
down to find them and you get used to seeing
your rear-view snapshot under the ref lection of
your gloved knuckles.
Throttle response is linear and smooth.
Clutch action is light and the six-speeder’s
gear selection is precise and accurate, despite
the typical BMW ‘clunk’, particularly on
downshifts.
Even when touring briskly, two-up with
luggage, I’ve always found that the R 1200 RT
had plenty of power and grunt for every
situation. When you short-shift the big, torquey
donk it pulls like a train and you can almostfeel each power pulse from its big pistons as it
gets going. It’s equally enjoyable when you rev
it out through the gears, chasing the horizon
through the sweepers, forcing it to sound
uncharacteristically raucous. The 27-litre tank
gives the RT a safe touring range of over 450km.
W hile ‘Telelever’ first-timers take a while
to adapt to its ‘no-dive’ behaviour, especially
when braking hard into tight bends, the reality
in these conditions is that it’s ver y forgiving
of both late braking and mid-corner bumps.
A big RT cuts an impressive swathe through
the twisties, outhandling very competent
competitors such as Yamaha’s FJR1300 and
Honda’s ST1300.
If white is your colour and you can cope with
people in front slowing down all the time,
ex-Police R 1200 RTs turn up at discounted
prices here and there.
This review covers the single-overhead-cam
version from 2005 through 2009, prior to 2010’s
twin-cam model. Some reckon the harsher
braking response of the 2005-06 models (with
servo boost) makes them less desirable, but
these are all competent motorcycles that bring
a touch of luxury to long-distance touring. I
would look for an example that’s been well
cared for and combines good service records
with an impressive option list.The comprehensively
redesigned R 1200 RT raised
the bar several notches higher
BMW R 1150 RT
2001 – Engine capacity, torque
and power boosted performance
for the R 1150 RT. Brakes were now
linked and the previous five-speed
gearbox was replaced by a new
six-speed unit.Building Bricks
BMW R100 RT
1979 –TheR100RT marks
BMW’s entry into the ‘full-dress’
tourer category. It featured a full
touring-fairing with ventilation
louvres, adjustable screen and
lockable storage.BMW R 1100 RT
1995 – The heavily revised
R 1100 RT delivered a 50 per cent
power increase from its all-new
‘oil-head’ engine and featured ABS
brakes as standard.PRICE GUIDEThe ancestryWhat to
look for
The R 1200 RT is a well-
designed and well-built
motorcycle that takes
the kilometres in its
stride.
BMW expert
Chris Roberts of
BM Motorcycles in
Ringwood (Vic) says
one potential issue is
cracking of the alloy
hub that carries the rear
wheel and brake disc.
Hub condition can be
checked by a visual
inspection without
removing the wheel.
As usual, look for
damage and signs of
neglect, and factor
in the cost of worn
consumables such as
tyres, brake pads and
brake rotors.
The ideal example is a
clean bike with detailed
service records.
Service
history
Although the R 1200 RT
is very reliable, issues
with its sophisticated
electronic systems
are best handled by
specialists with the right
equipment.
DIY owners can
perform basic servicing,
provided care is taken
to prevent cosmetic
damage when removing,
handling and refitting
bodywork. A real bonus
on a ‘boxer-twin’ is
easy access for valve
clearance work. And it’s
an old-school locknut-
and-screw set-up.
Roberts recommends
that gearbox oil be
changed at each
10,000km service.
New Price
$27,600 (2005)
$28,000 (2009)
Secondhand
$13,400 – $18,800