Three-section frame consisting of front and
rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with
standard ESA
Front Wheel Travel
120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm
with BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, spring preload hydraulically adjustable to
continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA,
rebound damping with standard ESA
Rear Wheel Travel
135 mm / 5.3 in
Front Brakes
2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston
callipers
Rear Brakes
Single 265mm disc, 2 piston
caliper
Wheels
Cast aluminium
Front Rim
3.50 x 17
Rear Rim
5.50 x 17
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre
180/60 ZR17
Castor
116 mm / 4.5 in
Steering Head Angle
63.8°
Dimensions
Length 2230 mm / 79.9 in
Width 905 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Width 980 mm / 38.5 in (incl. panniers)
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.4 in
Seat Height
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in
780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench)
Ground Clearance
155 mm / 6.1 in
Dry Weight
229 kg / 485.0 lbs
Wet Weight
259 kg / 570.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal
Reserve
4 Litres / 1.0 US gal
Consumption Average
5.3 L/100 km / 19.0 km/l / 44.7 US mpg
Standing 0 - 100km
3.7 sec
Standing
Ό Mile
12.2 sec
Acceleration
60-140 km/h
9.8 sec
Top Speed
210 km/h / 130.5 mph
.
The most important change on the 2010 R1200RT is that the 1,170cc boxer-twin
engine now incorporates the DOHC cylinder heads from the HP2 Sport, which
results in improved power delivery and better overall engine performance. While
the power output remains unchanged (110bhp), torque has gone up from 115 to
120Nm at 6,000rpm. And thanks to a new exhaust valve, the power is now spread
over a wider rev range, making the bike more usable.
The R1200RTs styling hasnt changed, though the electrically adjustable
windshield has been further optimised for better wind protection and noise
reduction. Also, the headlight beams are now remote adjustable and the
instrument cluster has been completely revised it now looks similar to the
instrumentation you might find on some BMW cars and is much more comprehensive
and readable . You even get a car-style multi-controller (the two-wheeler
equivalent of BMW cars i-Drive system) and instead of a CD-player, the bike
gets a new digital music player with USB connectivity, which plays MP3s and
which can be hooked up to your iPod. The list of optional extras includes
traction control, electronically adjustable suspension, tyre pressure monitor, a
lower seat, bigger luggage cases and much, much more.
While it does cost a bit more than 17,000 euros, a bike like the BMW R1200RT
really can be a life changing tool if you travel long distances regularly. With
its heated handgrips and saddle, excellent weather protection and very
comfortable riding position, this is one bike that youll happily continue to
use, almost regardless of the weather.
On the move, the new engine is less noisy than the one on the earlier RT, and
provides better, stronger acceleration even with two people and their luggage on
board. With its higher rev limit and stronger power delivery, the engine makes
overtaking manoeuvres easier, though of course its still not comparable to some
other touring-oriented bikes that are fitted with bigger four-cylinder engines.
However, the R1200RT is a very balanced machine thats good for covering long
distances at a fair clip and that also remains fun to ride.
Overall, the highway is definitely the BMW R1200RTs home. With great weather
protection from that height adjustable windscreen, adjustable suspension that
works very well and the more refined engine, its almost impossible to not like
the bike.
Overview of the main features of the
new R 1200 RT:
New, even more dynamic engine with
two overhead camshafts per cylinder.
Maximum torque increased to 120 Nm
(88 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, maximum output remaining at 81 kW (110 hp) at 7,750
rpm.
Increase in maximum engine speed
from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm, with an even broader useful range of engine speed.
Significantly improved torque,
traction, pulling force, and acceleration.
Even more spontaneous and direct
response with optimum dosage of power and significantly improved load change
behaviour.
Torque curve even smoother and more
homogeneous.
Cylinder head covers now with two
instead of four fastening bolts and in new, even more dynamic design.
Electronically controlled exhaust
flap for superior and powerful sound.
ESA II Electronic Suspension
Adjustment with damping, spring base and now also spring rate adjustable at the
touch of a button.
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS featured
as standard in the partly integrated version.
Fairing in new design with
protection from wind and weather improved once again.
Re-designed cockpit with visor.
New control units and hydraulic
reservoir.
Electronically controlled
windshield with optimised aeroacoustics and improved transparency.
New audio system with controllable
interface for a USB/MP3 and iPod, operated through the Multi-Controller.
Adjustable footshift lever.
Hard-shell cases (each with a
capacity of 32 liters
) featured as standard, with accurately fitting four-point
lock system and cover finished in body colour.
Tank railing for conveniently
fastening accessories.
New colours for the R 1200 RT:
Polar metallic, Ostra Grey metallic matt, Thunder Grey metallic, multi-colour
paintwork in conjunction with Thunder Grey metallic base colour.
Extended range of optional extras
and special equipment tailored to the R 1200 RT, naturally in top BMW quality.
Significantly more torque throughout the entire speed range.
The existing ratio of bore:stroke remains the same at 101:73 mm (3.98:2.87"),
giving the engine the same capacity as before of 1,170 cc. Other features
likewise taken over from the former engine are the crankshaft and the connecting
rods as well as their bearings, while the two pistons made of cast aluminium
have been re-designed to match the modified dimensions of the combustion
chamber.
Interacting with the upgraded intake system, throttle butterfly manifolds now
offering 50 mm (1.97") instead of the former 47 mm (1.85") (HP2 Sport: 52
mm/2.05") opening clearance, newly designed intake air funnels and an air filter
element with even higher throughput, the power unit, as in the past, develops maximum output of 81 kW/110 hp, now at 7,750 rpm. The biggest
improvement, however, is the increase in maximum torque to 120 Nm/88 lb-ft at
6,000 rpm.
An oil cooler ensures a stable thermal balance even under extreme running
conditions.
A further feature on the new model is the use of cylinder head covers with
two instead of formerly four fastening bolts in new, even more dynamic design. A
valve cover guard made either of aluminium or plastic as well as chrome-plated
aluminium cylinder covers are available as special equipment.
Electronically controlled exhaust flap for superior and muscular sound.
On the exhaust system the two manifolds come in the same design, length and
diameter as on the former model, while the interference pipe has been modified
to take the different vibration conditions on the exhaust manifold into account. Featuring an exhaust flap controlled via an electric motor and
opening/closing cables, the new BMW R 1200 RT offers a particularly powerful
boxer sound nevertheless in full compliance with all legal standards. To reduce
ram pressure and improve the sound of the engine, the rear silencer unchanged in
its exterior design versus the former models comes with a modified interior
structure.
Ideal transmission of power thanks to six-speed gearbox and drive shaft.
As in the past, power is transmitted through the six-speed gearbox already
upgraded in the 2008 model year, with larger bearing diameters and a modified
gap between shafts. The maintenance-free drive shaft to the rear wheel is the
same as before.
Running gear with Telelever and Paralever following a proven principle at
BMW.
The proven, two-piece main/rear frame sections made of weight-saving steel
tubes incorporating the engine as a load-bearing element offer maximum strength
and stiffness under all running conditions. The front and rear frame are firmly
bolted to the engine/gearbox unit, interacting with the engine and gearbox to
form a load-bearing structure. The longitudinal arm on the front Telelever
suspension is mounted as before on the engine block, the Paralever swing arm is
fitted on the rear frame. With its fixed tube measuring 35 millimetres/1.38" in
diameter, the Telelever is the optimum solution for the rider using his machine
exclusively on the road and focusing in particular on superior comfort. This is
ensured by the good balance of sporting and comfort-oriented suspension
behaviour, the maintenance-free system once again designed to reduce brake dive
to almost zero, which again helps to provide greater stability when applying the
brakes when leaning over at an angle.
As in the past the Paralelver swing arm in the rear central spring strut
comes with travel-dependent damping or TDD for short, with the damping effect
increasing progressively as a function of spring travel. This keeps the
suspension smooth, sensitive and comfortable in absorbing even the smallest
bumps, while at the same time offering generous reserves on bad roads and tracks
with grooves or big bumps and pitholes.
As in the past, spring travel is 120 millimetres/4.72" up front and 135
millimetres/5.31" at the rear. In standard trim, the rear spring strut offers
infinitely variable adjustment on the outbound stroke as well as a hand-wheel
for infinitely adjusting the spring base by 10 millimetres or 0.39", in order to
adjust the rear end to varying load requirements.
Like its predecessor, the new R 1200 RT comes on light, almost filigree cast
aluminium wheels in five-spoke design, combining an attractive look with an
easy-to-clean surface and a high standard of stiffness. The front wheel measures
3.5 x 17", the rear wheel 5.5 x 17", running on a 120/70 ZR17 tyre up front and
a 180/55 ZR17 tyre at the rear.
ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment, adjustable damping, spring base and
now also spring rate.
The BMW R 1200 RT is available with ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment
II) already well-known from the K series as an option at extra cost. Benefiting from this system quite unique in the world motorcycle market, the
rider is able to adjust not only the damping on the outbound stroke of the front
and rear spring strut, but also the spring base (spring pre-tension) on the
front spring strut and the spring rate - all this at the simple touch of a
button. This second-generation Electronic Suspension Adjustment or ESA II for short
provides the option to set the suspension for maximum comfort and, with greater
precision than ever before, for optimum riding and load conditions, thus
ensuring a new dimension of riding stability combined with absolutely excellent
response. To control the Electronic Suspension Adjustment as easily as possible and to
prevent any unwanted settings, the rider initially enters the motorcycle's
current load condition (solo, solo with luggage, rider with passenger and
luggage). The appropriate spring base and spring rate is then set automatically,
with the system coordinating these two parameters to one another. Depending on the style of riding he wishes to enjoy, the rider must also
choose among the Comfort, Normal or Sport mode, giving the suspension the
desired qualities. So applying the optimum parameters kept available in the
Central Vehicle Electronics, the electronic "brain" calculates the appropriate
damper rates and sets them accordingly. As a result, the new R 1200 RT benefits
from a total of no less than nine different set-up options.
With additional adjustment of the spring rate, ride height can be set
perfectly to various load conditions, ensuring an even higher standard of riding
stability, handling and comfort. Even when carrying high loads with a passenger
and lots of luggage, the R 1200 RT maintains all of its riding qualities also
when leaning over to a low angle in bends, for a truly sporting style of riding
at all times.
A further advantage is that adjustment of the spring rate dramatically
reduces the risk of the suspension suddenly sagging under extreme load. The rider is able to change the damper setting (Normal, Sport, Comfort)
simply by pressing a button also while riding, while for function and safety
reasons the spring base may be changed only at a standstill. The spring rate is
adjusted by an electric motor complete with its own transmission, while the
damping rate is modified by small step motors on the dampers. Adjustment of the spring rate is controlled by two springs connected in
series, one behind the other. An elastomer unit (Cellasto) in combination with a
conventional coil spring further down takes up forces under spring pressure,
radial expansion of the Cellasto element to the outside being restricted by a
steel sleeve. On the inside the Cellasto element moves an aluminium sleeve by
means of electrohydraulic connection, the position of this inner sleeve
influencing the expansion behaviour of the Cellasto element to the inside and,
therefore, its spring rate.
In all, this interaction of the various units has the same effect as a
combination of two springs varying in strength. Whenever the inner sleeve is
resting on the steel spring, the Cellasto unit is not in use and only the steel
spring provides the desired suspension effect. Once the inner sleeve is moved
further, the spring base on the steel spring - and therefore the spring
pre-tension - is also varied accordingly.
This configuration significantly improves the normal static position of the
motorcycle and riding geometry under all load conditions, without any of the
disadvantages encountered with conventional suspension. Benefiting from this
self-levelling, the R 1200 RT is just as stable when riding under full load as
it is when carrying only the rider without any luggage.
Additional adjustment of the spring rate over the wide range from 160 - 260
N/ mm allows far greater variation of the Sport, Normal and Comfort settings on
ESA II than on ESA I, with each set-up providing a far greater choice of
specific characteristics. In other words, the R 1200 RT is even more dynamic and
precise in the Sport mode, and very comfortable indeed in the Comfort mode,
while maintaining an excellent standard of stability.
In all, ESA II offers the following significant benefits:
Much wider range of settings and
suspension options with the Sport/Normal and Comfort modes.
Far better maintenance of the
machine's static, normal position and riding geometry with all settings.
Optimum adjustment of the damping
and spring rate / spring base in all settings.
Significant change of the
motorcycle's character through adjustment of the dampers.
Excellent adjustment to all load
conditions through the adjustment of the spring rate / spring base.
Significant enhancement of safety
when braking and in general riding stability, free side angle in bends and firm
suspension without sagging.
Brake system featuring partly integral ABS as standard for safe stopping
power.
The proven brake system with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS in its partly integral
version featured as standard offers supreme safety at all times. Maximum and
controllable stopping power requiring minimum effort on the part of the rider
guarantees additional safety particularly when braking in an emergency. The
front brake discs measure 320 millimetres or 12.6" in diameter, the rear brake
disc 265 millimetres/10.4"
Lighter and even more dynamic fairing with riding comfort improved once
again.
The R 1200 RT remains unmistakable in design, simply begging the rider to go
out on the road or track at very first sight. Through its highly attractive
black-grain surface finish around the air intake at the front of the fairing and
around the upper side fairing, to mention just two examples, the R 1200 RT looks
even lighter and more dynamic than its predecessor. More than ever before, the light look of the fairing, which nevertheless
offers superior protection from wind and weather, makes the machine a truly
unique experience. The intentionally reduced use of colour around the mirror
handguards again contributes to the dynamic appearance of the R 1200 RT, while
the integrated direction indicators now with white lenses accentuate the
powerful touring character of the machine.
Light edges in the fairing as well as the new cylinder head covers
emphasising the length of the R 1200 RT give BMW's new motorcycle an even
sleeker and more slender look from the side. The newly designed front wheel
mudguard with improved aerodynamics and the optimised engine spoiler also add a
particularly dynamic touch to the design of the new R 1200 RT.
As in the past, the dominating headlight with its sharp contours gives the
front end of the R 1200 RT a particularly stylish and truly unique appearance,
setting it clearly aside from all other models. Following the free-form surface
principle, the headlight unit is made up of two H7 headlights arranged to the
right and left for a double low beam and a central light for the high beam, in
each case with maximum light intensity.
While so far the headlight was adjusted by means of a lever on the motorcycle
at rest, it may now be adjusted most conveniently by a knob on the left side of
the cockpit.
The windshield is electrically adjustable to any position desired also on the
new R 1200 RT, with variation of windshield height as before by up to 140
millimetres or 5.51", enough to protect virtually any rider, no matter how tall,
even better than before from wind and weather, while reducing the level of noise
once again.
To improve aeroacoustics to an even higher level, the windshield has been
modified in its design on the upper side section, helping again to significantly
reduce wind noise. Windshield transparency has been optimised in this process,
with less distortion round the edges as well as less reflection. To reduce
vibrations, finally, the windshield support with just one bar has been
reinforced and the mirror mounting modified.
Re-designed cockpit with additional visor.
The cockpit placed as usual perfectly in the rider's line of vision with its
two analogue dials for road and engine speed guarantees perfect presentation and
safe supervision of all the machine's functions. Unlike the former model, the
new R 1200 RT comes with a matt visor finished in a dark metallic colour above
the instruments to avoid any undue reflection. The instrument cluster itself
features a newly designed face, now looking even more modern and sophisticated. The instruments are supplemented by a central screen presenting data such as
the coolant temperature, tank level, the time of day or the gear currently in
mesh in the usual proven manner. On models fitted with ESA II as an option, the
instrument cluster also provides information on the current suspension setting.
Data retrievable on demand include the overall mileage, trip mileage and, as
soon as tank capacity has dropped to the reserve level, the remaining range on
the fuel available. An on-board computer complete with an oil level warner comes as an option,
with the information required (ambient temperature, remaining range, average
speed and fuel consumption, tyre pressure (special equipment)) also available in
the Info Display.
New shift units, new hydraulic reservoir and handlebar separated to avoid
vibration.
Like the K 1300 models, the new R 1200 RT comes with a brand-new generation
of switches and manual controls. The new switches are far smaller and more
compact, but at the same time offer a higher level of functional value and come
in very clear design. Apart from the standard direction indicator, horn, high beam and starter
functions, the R 1200 RT features controls for the electrically adjustable
windshield and the optional handlebar and seat heating, the on-board computer,
ESA II, ASC, and cruise control all integrated in the control unit.
As part of this modification, new, square-shaped and separately mounted
hydraulic fluid reservoirs in a discreet smoky glass look for the clutch and
brake fluid are also fitted in the cockpit area.
To avoid unwanted vibration and offer an even higher standard of riding
comfort, the handlebar is now also mounted on rubber bearings to cancel out
vibrations. The upper fork bridge now finished in silver complete with the BMW
logo underlines the particular style and flair of the R 1200 RT also in this
area.
New audio system masterminded by the Multi-Controller coming as an option.
An absolute innovation in the motorcycle market is the new Multi-Controller.
Fitted on the inside of the left handlebar within optimum reach at all times,
the Multi-Controller replaces the former function satellite fitted further to
the inside of the handlebar. Like a computer mouse, the Multi-Controller
responds to turning and pressing of the wheel, enabling the rider to select a
specific radio station and music title or vary the volume of the sound system.
The audio system is also brand-new, featuring interfaces for an MP3 player,
an iPod or USB stick as well as conventional devices such as a CD player. The CD
player fitted on the former model has been dropped.
The new system allows administration of no less than nine playback lists on a
USB/MP3 and iPod, with the alternative option to play all titles in random
choice.
The Info Display presents the volume chosen as well as the title currently
being played. The external devices used may be kept conveniently in a lockable
compartment on the right side of the inner fairing, protected safe and sound
from wind and weather.
The radio functions themselves are the same as before, but now the new audio
system enables the rider to save 24 instead of just six stations. The rider can
select stations either manually, through the memory function on stations saved
in advance, or through the station search mode looking for the station with best
reception (Autostore). The station currently being played is presented on the
Info Display and the speed-related volume control may be set to three different
levels.
Over and above the functions provided by the Multi-Controller, the radio
control unit is masterminded as before through control knobs on the left side of
the inner fairing
Perfect ergonomics for superior long-distance riding comfort.
As before, the comfortable seat on the R 1200 RT is split up into two
sections, with manual adjustment of the rider's section to two levels, 820 and
840 millimetres (32.3 and 33.1"). A lower seat is available as an optional
extra, with seat height of 780 and, respectively, 800 millimetres (30.7 and
31.5"). A further option is to lower the entire motorcycle (750 mm/29.5" seat height
including an extra-low seat bench), with a single-piece, extra-low seat bench
measuring just 765 millimetres/30.1" in height available as special equipment. Supreme comfort is ensured by the single-piece comfort seat bench also
available as special equipment within the wide range of features coming from BMW
Motorrad.
The ergonomic triangle made up of the footrests, seat and handlebar ensures
an active seating position with maximum grand touring comfort. The rider and
passenger on the R 1200 RT thus enjoy a pleasant knee angle at all times and
under all conditions. In the process of upgrading the new model, BMW Motorrad has given the R 1200
RT gearshift levers adjustable by an eccentric control bar serving to change the
distance between the shift lever and the footrest and once again improve rider
ergonomics.
High-tech baggage system for comfortable touring.
The R 1200 RT comes as standard with hard-shell cases offering a capacity on
each side of 32 liters
. The case holders are integrated almost fully in the body
of the machine, providing a perfect match with the contours of the R 1200 RT.
Case covers finished in high-quality body colour and an appropriate surface look
matching the overall design of the motorcycle ensure a harmonious overall
impression from every angle. A high-class locking system with four locking
points guarantees an exact fit of the case cover as well as reliable sealing
against water coming in.
The luggage rack offers ample space for additional luggage. As an
alternative, the rider may opt for two topcases (either 49 or 28 liters
) from
the wide range of special equipment. The smaller of these two topcases is
finished in black, the larger comes with a cover finished in White Aluminium
metallic matt as a contrast to the black grain lower section or, as yet a
further option, the cover in Sapphire Black.
A railing is fitted on top of the tank for fastening the tank bag developed
especially for this purpose. And last but not least, numerous lashing points for
luggage round off the touring package on the R 1200 RT.
Optional Extras and Special Equipment.
As a systems supplier by tradition, BMW Motorrad has developed a wide range
of optional extras and special equipment also for the new R 1200 RT, allowing
the discerning customer to personalise his machine to an even higher standard.
Special equipment comes directly from the factory and is fitted during
production at the Berlin Plant, optional extras are fitted by the BMW Motorcycle
Dealer.
Optional Extras.
ASC.
RDC.
ESA II (Electronic Suspension
Adjustment II).
Audio system including
Multi-Controller and interfaces for iPod, USB, MP3, etc.