BMW R 1150 RT: The BMW R 1150 RT has to be one of the most distinctive, easily recognisable machines around. On a recent 1,600 mile spin in northern Europe we saw almost as many RTs as all other machines put together.
Much of its popularity stems from the fact that, with its well-sculpted full fairing, heated grips and electrically-operated windscreen, it offers excellent protection from wind and weather. It gives a high level of comfort for rider and passenger even on long journeys with full luggage.
The R 1150 RT, introduced in spring 2001, is the successor to the R 1100 RT, but now with a 6th overdrive gear and BMW's EVO brake on the front wheel and Integral ABS as standard. New tandem headlights and foglights distinguish it from the earlier model. The integral system means that the handbrake and footbrake levers both act simultaneously on the front and rear brakes.
In practice this system works well, though some riders say they prefer a "stand alone" rear brake. In terms of skid-free braking this system has to be experienced to be believed. It gives incredibly short stopping distances in all conditions.
The engine is BMW's traditional "Boxer" twin, with four valves per cylinder, twin spark ignition, which produces 70kW (95PS) at 7,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 100 Nm (74ft-lb) at 5,500 rpm.
This gives powerful acceleration throughout the entire speed range with over 90 Nm (66ft-lb) available between 3,000 and 6,500 rpm.
The combination of gear ratios and shaft drives gives an excellent braking effect.
The power is transmitted by a hydraulic clutch with a three-way adjustable hand lever. The six-speed gearbox with its high-rise gear teeth offers a significant improvement in terms of precision and comfort.
The sixth gear is a true "overdrive" gear, useless much below 60 mph but much reduces noise and vibrations as well as giving improved fuel consumption. The gearbox, much improved over the earlier R 1100, still produces occasional noisy changes, something we expect will be rectified once the same internals as now used in the recently introduced R 1200 GS are used. Typical consumption throughout our test was in the 43-45 mpg range in Dublin traffic, to 57.6 mpg full laden at motorway speeds. Front suspension is BMW's Paralever; with the double-pivot swinging arm on the shaft drive at the rear.
The two-piece seat, sculpted like a well-made horse saddle, offers optimum thigh support. It's three-way adjustable between 805-845 mm, with a special low seat option offering from 780 to 820 mm seat height. Panniers are standard, with the ignition key operating panniers and the glove/radio compartment.
There's a point on the side starter motor cover for jump-starting, if required. The speedo and tacho and the LCD panel incorporating temperature, clock, fuel and gear readouts are clear and well positioned.
Rider comfort is of a very high standard. Pillion comfort, improved on our test machine by the optional extra topbox and backrest, if not in the Gold Wing class, got very high marks.
Mirrors, giving a superb rearwards view, are completely vibration free. Much appreciated in a machine that weighs 279kg is the ease with which it can be put on to the centre stand.
The all-encompassing fairing works very well, shielding the rider from the elements and from most of the road dirt.
It's also one of the easiest machines to keep clean - 10 minutes with bucket and sponge restores it to showroom looks.
The R 1150 RT doesn't pretend to be a sports bike in the "track machine" sense, yet despite its seeming bulk it handles superbly. Never in 4,000 miles did it give an uneasy moment, despite being pushed very hard. Its easy gobbling of miles makes the longest journey a delight.
Right down to the smallest detail, it comes complete with a puncture repair kit, the R 1150 RT screams quality and precision. It is not cheap at €17,200, but that's €2,799 less than Honda's Pan European - but you certainly get what you pay for.