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
¼ Mile
12.2 sec
Acceleration
60-140 km/h
9.8 sec
Top Speed
210 km/h / 130.5 mph
.
As far as 2-cylinder fans are concerned, first-class touring has a memorable
abbreviation - and it’s been around for 30 years: RT. For long-haul travellers
there can hardly be any other term which has always stood for perfectly
conceived motorcycling concept from start to finish: excellent wind and weather
protection, optimum ergonomics, highly convenient operation combined with a
top-class chassis fitted with the unique optional extras ASC and ESA II*. In the
touring segment, these features probably define the ultimate benchmark of
innovation. Even though the R 1200 RT cuts a superb figure everywhere with its
dynamic new design, everything about it sends out the message: built to cover
thousands of miles, preferably in one go.
Then there is this fascinating mixture of distinctive engine and big bike
dynamics. The characteristic “boxer” supremacy has been further enhanced in the
current version: the engine’s crowning glory is now the radial DOHC** valve
operating system from the HP2 Sport, though here designed for greater torque and
without any loss of running smoothness: maximum torque 120 Nm, at 6000 rpm,
rated output still at 81 kW (110 bhp). This means a tangible increase in thrust
from the lower engine speed range through to above the medium range. The new
valve control in the exhaust system ensures a discreet but more dynamic sound.
And in terms of comfort, the bike boasts a new audio system available as an
optional extra, with the innovative operating concept Multi-Controller carrying
out virtually all commands from a single unit. So there’s only one thing you
have to do yourself - drop by for a test ride.
MotorBox Riding impressions
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 R1200RT’s styling hasn’t 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 you’ll 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 it’s 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 that’s good for covering long
distances at a fair clip and that also remains fun to ride.
Overall, the highway is definitely the BMW R1200RT’s home. With great weather
protection from that height adjustable windscreen, adjustable suspension that
works very well and the more refined engine, it’s almost impossible to not like
the bike.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.