MotorBikes/Roadtesting the BMW R1200RT: BMW's latest machine, the R1200RT, has John Wheeler waxing lyrical about its achievements...
There is no doubt that BMW have an enviable reputation for good machines. Their current R1150RT "tourer" has deservedly earned widespread praise. BMW's on-going policy is to move to lighter and more powerful machines. Now, with the launch of the R 1200RT, what has been considered by many to be "as good as it gets" has become even better.
In looks there is a distinct family resemblance. In terms of power, performance, economy and comfort the R1200RT is a huge leap forward.
It is lighter: 259kg in road trim. More powerful: producing 81kW (110bhp) and 115Nm (85 lb-ft) maximum torque. More economical: 4.8 ltr/100 km (58.8 mpg) at 120 km/h (75 mph). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 3.6 seconds - faster than all but a handful of supersports machines.
Performance figures are only part of the story. A bike which claims to be a long-distance tourer needs to be able to cope with widely different loads, from one-up, no luggage to two-up, fully laden. It needs to handle well on everything from motorways to bridleways. It needs to provide a high-level of rider and passenger cover over long distances in conditions ranging from arctic to tropical.
In terms of climatic and road conditions our test in Tenerife took us through temperatures from 0° to 26°C, from sea level to 2,303m (7,560ft). Weather conditions ranged from warm and bright sunshine through mist, heavy rain, hail, sleet and snow. Road conditions ranged from straight, fast motorways to hairpins and snow and debris-strewn passes. It included some decidedly poor surfaces as we rode through the dramatic moonscape scenery of the vast lava fields.
Having ridden the R1150RT for thousands of miles, almost daily over the past year, we had a demanding yardstick against which to measure this new R1200RT. How did it measure up? In short, better than our optimistic expectations. In just about every respect the R1200RT delivers the promises.
The increased power and "shorter" sixth gear, no longer an "overdrive, makes fast overtaking a delight. Roadholding, always good and surefooted, seemed even better. The panniers, now set closer to the frame are deeper. The luggage rail on the tank can take a large tank bag. The LCD on the instrument panel is easy to read and informative.
The wider and taller screen can be adjusted to suit any rider. When, and it so rarely happens, a new bike turns out to be so good you are often asked "there must have been something you did not like?". To admit to anything almost seems like nit-picking. We felt that the mirrors, by a tiny fraction, did not give as superb a view as on the R1150RT.
The somewhat angular looks, compared with the sculpted, flowing lines of the R1150RT, may take a time to get used to. We regard a radio/CD on a motorcycle as a needless distraction from the serious business of riding, but if we did want one the cost of this option is enough to give one second thoughts. The backrest pad on the optional 49-litre topbox is still set too high for maximum passenger comfort. We would have liked to see the folding lifting handle, a feature of the R1150RT retained, though with the redesigned centre stand, using the pillion grab rail worked just as well.
If fact this genuine, long distance tourer hovers on the brink of being a true "luxury" tourer yet with performance and roadholding that even the most supersports riders would appreciate. It does not claim to be the fastest tourer, BMW claim "more than 200 km/h. On the safest fast stretch we would find, with a near gale-force cross wind, we had 205 km/h on the clock before prudence took over.
It is, at 229kg "dry" weight, significantly lighter than either the Honda ST1300 Pan European (€19,999) or Yamaha's FJR1300a (€17,748). From 0-62 mph (100 km/ h) it is appreciably faster than both. It is to be priced at €18,200, and will be on view at Irish BMW dealers on February 12th. Try one, you will be impressed. TechSpec R1200RT
ENGINE: 2-cylinder "Boxer", 1.170cc, 8-valve, 81kW @ 7,500rpm, 115Nm @ 6,000rpm, 12:1 compression. 6-speed gearbox, shaft drive.
FRAME: Tubular steel spaceframe, load bearing engine. Telelever front and Paral ever rear suspension with optional ESA. Brakes: front, twin 320mm discs. Rear single 265mm disc. ABS (partly integrated)
DIMENSIONS: Weight 229kg (dry), wheelbase 1,485mm. Seat height: 780-840mm. Fuel: 27 litres.
PERFORMANCE: Consumption: 4.8 ltr/100km @ 120 km/h. 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 secs. Top speed >200km/h.
PRICE:€18,200. OTR. Warranty 24 months unlimited mileage.