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BMW R 1150RT

The RT is the luxury touring option from BMW's 'R' series of flat-twin powered machines. Sitting between the Rl 150RS and the Kl 200LT, it provides almost as much comfort and equipment as the LT in a smaller, more manageable package. Based, like the R1150RS, around a 1130cc Boxer engine, the RT boasts extensive weather-cheating bodywork, with a large headlight that incorporates twin integral foglights. An electrically operated windscreen allows on-the-move adjustment, and optional luggage and stereo sound systems enhance long-distance pleasures. Pillion accomodation is spacious and comfortable. The RT features BMW's integral ABS Evo brakes, mating advanced ABS with electrohydraulic servo-assistance.

It had been six years since I last rode around the northern and central parts of Western Australia so when the opportunity arose to explore the area again I jumped at the chance.

My mount for this sojourn was BMW’s R 1150 RT. Introduced in 2001 as the successor to the R 1100 RT, the R 1150 RT is the German company’s most highly appointed twin cylinder model. I was certainly going to be accommodated with more comfort this time around as the last time I was in these parts was onboard a 1997 DR650SEV Suzuki. A great bike for sure, but far from the perfect mount for covering huge distances.

I flew into Broome on a pleasant but slightly brisk Wednesday morning at around 10:30am. Here I was met by an associate who had ridden the BMW up from Adelaide. After donning my leathers and exchanging pleasantries I was keen to take the bike off his hands, fill the tank and hit the highway.

With that in mind I thumbed the start button and experienced the traditional boxer lurch sideways as the two big slugs sparked in to life. With a bit of a clunk into first gear followed by a good slip of the dry clutch to prevent a stall, I was off and running.

Quickly I was in my element. Riding long deserted stretches of highway is a liberating experience, and I quickly realised that I really have to try and find the time to get out for some more long distance touring once again. Nothing is more relaxing than getting out in the middle of nowhere astride a modern motorcycle.

Broome has just experienced one of its coldest winters so I quickly came to appreciate the heated handgrips on the BMW as I got up to a comfortable cruising speed and started to familiarise myself with my cockpit. The layout is traditional BMW with a large easy to read speedo and tacho combined with a vertical LCD to display oil pressure and fuel level. The separate buttons for each indicator take a while to get accustomed to, but work well enough. However, it would be nice if they had the excellent self cancelling function found on similar equipped Harleys. The screen is electrically adjustable and provides good protection. I would have preferred for it to be a little taller when fully erect, another inch would make all the difference…