BMW R1200RT review and specifications

Motorbikes from the German company BMW have long held the status of a standard of high strength and reliability. In this regard, it is not surprising that connoisseurs of two-wheeled transport always look forward to the appearance of new motorcycles from this manufacturer. One of the most successful new products on the motorcycle market is the latest version of the BMW R1200RT, which debuted last year. Reviews from experts and owners of the model characterize it as a very high-quality motorbike, which is excellent not only for long tourist trips, but also for high-speed driving. It will be discussed in more detail below.

general description

The new product is a motorcycle that belongs to the touring class and in terms of comfort is one of the world leaders among all two-wheeled vehicles. The developers made sure that while driving the BMW R1200RT the driver experiences absolutely no inconvenience. Thanks to the aerodynamics of the windshield, the rider is provided with complete protection from oncoming air flow. At the same time, the handles on the steering wheel and seat are equipped with a heating function. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height in the range from 805 to 825 millimeters. If such a need arises, potential buyers have the opportunity to order a lower or higher seat. Compared to the previous modification, the new product has a narrower frame. The bike owner can also adjust the position of the steering handles and footpegs.

Owner reviews

In addition to convenience and excellent handling in all weather conditions, the main advantage that owners of the BMW R1200RT talk about is reliability and long-term operation without repairs. When purchasing, the question immediately arises about the high cost of maintaining the equipment, but if your sports tourer is purchased in good condition, it will not require repairs or replacement of parts for a long time.

What else do the owners of this BMW talk about?

• Versatility. This is one of the few “iron horses” that cope well with both long distances and short trips around the city, while dynamically picking up speed and maintaining the comfort of the driver and passenger.
• Confidence. There will be no crazy adrenaline rushes here. Just a confident ride. If the purpose of the trip is to escape from the hustle and bustle and discover new countries, nothing will interfere with its implementation.
• Safety. Owners note the pleasant light, standard brake performance, and high-quality electrics. Driving on the highway is comparable to driving a high-quality jeep. Fans of conquering mountain serpentines and winding streets of Europe highly appreciate cornering.

If you dream of unforgettable motorcycle rides, new landscapes and a feeling of complete understanding with the bike, this touring bike should definitely appear in your garage. Pack your bags, take a reliable passenger with you and go conquer the world!

Engine

The developers installed a two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer power unit with a volume of 1170 cubic centimeters, which was previously tested on the BMW R1200-GS model, on this motorcycle. However, it has been slightly modified. Its power increased from 110 to 125 “horses”. In addition, stronger traction from the very bottom is provided by the engine that is used in the BMW R1200RT. The technical characteristics of the installation allow the motorcycle to accelerate from zero to “hundreds” in just 3.8 seconds. The main differences of the unit, compared to its older brother, were a larger generator and a heavier crankshaft. These knots have a more severe flapping effect. At the same time, the designers were able to almost completely eliminate vibration. The engine operates very smoothly both at idle and at maximum speed. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle averages 5.3 liters per hundred kilometers.

Specifications

The BMW R1200RT is manufactured with German precision and meticulousness. It is not pretentious, has a laconic, but at the same time expensive appearance and the necessary functionality.

Here are the characteristics of the 2014+ model.

Operating modes

In the BMW R1200RT model, the on-board computer provides three driving modes. The first of them is called Rain and is best suited for trips in rainy weather or just on wet asphalt, the second Road is intended for leisurely travel and the urban cycle, the third Dynamic is designed specifically for lovers of high speeds. The throttle handle functions without dips or jerks in any of them. Moreover, even a small fraction of the engine power is not dampened by the electronics, and the dynamics depend solely on the activated mode. One cannot fail to note the stability control system. Its function is to monitor wheel speed and reduce fuel supply when an imbalance occurs. It should be noted that the settings of this assistant differ in different driving modes, which significantly increases driver safety.

Transmission

The BMW R1200RT motorcycle is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an optional add-on, the model can be equipped with an assistant called Gear Shift Assistant Pro. Its main purpose is to smoothly shift gears up and down. However, even in its absence the ride can be called smooth and soft. The standard package also includes a downhill start assist system, which independently holds the brakes and prevents rolling back, because moving up a three-hundred-kilogram vehicle without it is very problematic.

Suspension

The suspension characteristics of the latest version of the BMW R1200RT deserve special mention. This unit was inherited from another popular model from this manufacturer - K1600-GT. At the same time, the designers adjusted its electronics to the realities of the present time. The rider can change the suspension settings even while on the move, alternating between normal, soft and hard modes. It should be noted that they are directly dependent on the engine operation options that were described above. The on-board computer automatically monitors and adjusts the rebound and compression of the springs.

As evidenced by reviews from owners of the BMW R1200RT motorcycle, its character largely depends on the suspension settings. If in soft mode this iron horse vaguely resembles a large scooter, then in hard mode it transforms into a powerful sports motorbike. It should be noted that the German developers have reduced the ground clearance compared to the previous modification. This allows the owners of the model to take turns quite safely even on a race track.

Review of the BMW R1200RT 2014 motorcycle

Cool sports touring bike from BMW

It feels like we've been waiting forever for a new version of the R1200RT.

Among the beauty of the red rocks near the town of Sedona, Arizona, a test drive of the new 2014 RT model was arranged. It’s too early to draw conclusions about whether the new bike is better or worse than its competitors, but the new version definitely has something to brag about. Particularly encouraging is the fact that BMW avoided raising prices on 2014 models, making the updated RT a more attractive purchase.

Ergonomics

BMW managed to take an already excellent weatherproof motorcycle and improve its protective qualities. The temperature during the test drive was about zero degrees, there was a little snow, so it was time to turn on the heated seats and steering wheel grips, raise the windshield and think about something warm.

The protection of RT from bad weather is very difficult to overestimate. The heated seat and handles, as well as the high windshield, will keep you from freezing, even if the temperature outside is below zero and it’s snowing.

But there was no need to think hard about hot tea, since thanks to the wind tunnel-tested windshield, transparent wind deflectors and ideally positioned mirrors, only the sharpest and strongest gusts of cold wind reach the driver. The lower fairings reliably protect your feet from cold air, so there is no need to wear thick insulated socks. All this, coupled with the warmth emanating from the seat and heated steering wheel, will prevent you from freezing even in sub-zero temperatures.

The only unpleasant aspect of driving with the window all the way up is that the top of the window is directly in your field of vision (if you're about 180cm tall). When there is no snow or frost, it is better to lower the windshield a few centimeters so that nothing blocks the view above its rim. With such a height of glass, wind noise is almost not a concern.

The instrument panel on the prototype included Garmin GPS, a new TFT color display and backlit dials. With a user-friendly interface and high screen resolution, taking so much information into account is not at all difficult.

Moreover, the designers were able to make a narrower frame in the area of ​​the seat and gas tank, which, coupled with the compactness of the new two-cylinder Boxer engine (more on this later), made it possible to lower the handlebar-seat-pegs triangle by 20 millimeters.

Power, technology and handling

So what can we say about the new Boxer engine that debuted on the 2013 R1200GS? Let's start with the fact that the RT version increased the crankshaft weight by 900 grams; an alternator with more power was also installed (540 watts instead of 510), which increased the weight by 600 grams. All this creates more inertial force, giving the twin-cylinder boxer engine more action from the rotating masses.

Long-time BMW fans may take a little getting used to with the new engine, as it has a different character and sound than before. But according to BMW designers, this is a smooth-running engine. At cruising speed and below this is true, but the closer the tachometer needle approaches the maximum permissible value, the stronger the vibration on the steering wheel will be felt.

Even with the driving position lowered by 20 millimeters, there is plenty of ground clearance when cornering. The top bag is an accessory and seat side bags are standard.

But the RT is not primarily designed for driving at maximum revs. The strength of the motorcycle is cornering at medium and low speeds due to the engine torque. In other words, the RT boasts 15 more horsepower and three extra Newton-meters of torque compared to the previous model.

Shift Assist Pro is primarily responsible for the sportiness of the RT engine - this is what BMW calls the quickshifter. The Pro version of the 2014 model adds clutchless downshifting, making the bike shift faster than even many sportbikes.

When cornering quickly at just over 20 mph, simply close the throttle, press down on the shift lever, and Shift Assist Pro instantly matches engine speed and shifts effortlessly; Upshifting is just as smooth. Just don’t assume that the quickshifter will work at low speeds in the city and with the throttle half-open when the clutch needs to be engaged for normal operation of the gearbox. Shift Assist Pro is a sports technology designed to be used accordingly.

The name Headlight Pro sounds impressive, but it just means that LED Corona Rings have been chosen instead of adaptive headlights like on the K1600.

Another new feature is Hill Start Control technology, which helps propel a fully loaded RT from a standstill on a steep incline. To activate it, the driver must firmly squeeze the front brake lever to engage the rear brake; As a result, the rear brake caliper will hold the disc and the motorcycle will stand still. With the rear brake engaged, the driver can stand confidently with both feet on the ground while working the throttle and clutch, making the transition from standing still to driving easier. You will need to squeeze the gas harder than during a normal start, but Hill Start Control will definitely be appreciated by any driver who has ever encountered the problem of starting on a hill while driving a heavy motorcycle.

The new Dynamic riding mode on Premium Package models allows you to enjoy the sporty side of the motorcycle's character. As the manufacturer himself says, this is a mode for experienced drivers.

A new one-piece steel tubular frame has been created to improve handling and strength. According to BMW representatives, coupled with a more compact engine, the new frame lowers the motorcycle's center of gravity. As a result, RT seems smaller than it actually is.

For a sports touring motorcycle, the RT is relatively light - 274 kilograms in a filled 25-liter gas tank. The bike confidently overcomes winding and narrow paths, and is also stable and agile.

Electronics

BMW is a leader in the use of the latest driver assistance technology and electronics, and the 2014 RT comes with a full suite of systems. In addition to the aforementioned Shift Assist Pro and Hill Start Control, the motorcycle has a dynamic electronic suspension adjustment system (Dynamic ESA), an on-board computer Computer Pro, GPS support, different riding modes (Ride Modes Pro) and a large color TFT display.

The Dynamic ESA system adjusts the suspension damping in a range of three settings (Soft, Normal, Hard) depending on the selected driving mode. But the setting can be set manually at your own discretion. For example, if you are driving with the Dynamic mode activated, which automatically stiffens the suspension (Hard setting), you can switch the suspension to Normal or Soft without leaving the Dynamic driving mode.

ESA may take away some of the fine-tuning with rotary controls, but the convenience of the system is worth it. For those who don't like these electronics, the base RT model comes with shock absorbers disconnected from it.

A color TFT display is new on all RT models. The 5.7-inch diagonal screen displays information from the motorcycle’s on-board computer and audio system. Using a multi-controller and a variety of buttons, the display allows the driver to monitor settings such as driving mode, suspension softness, ambient temperature, tire pressure, radio station, etc. Sometimes the reflection makes it difficult to see, but the display has two possible positions.

In the BMW market, they are focusing on the R1200RT with the Premium Package. In addition, the test bike was equipped with the following options: central locking and Gear Shift Assist Pro. There is also an anti-theft system, or you can purchase all three of these systems at once. Oh yes, the Garmin GPS navigator is also sold separately.

The RT 2014 is quite a bargain, at least when compared with its predecessor model. While the price for the base model has increased in the US, the standard model has become slightly cheaper and the price of the Premium Package model has remained unchanged.

There's a new FJR1300A (also with electronic suspension), so we'll have to see how the new RT stacks up against competing models from other manufacturers.

Additional equipment and cost

The list of additional equipment available to buyers of this motorcycle for a fee is quite extensive. This includes a sound system, navigation, wardrobe trunks and much more. It should be noted that the seat and handle heating function is also optional and you have to pay extra for it. Reviews from many owners call this one of the main disadvantages of the model. As for its cost, in the showrooms of domestic dealers the price of a BMW R1200RT in standard configuration starts at 850 thousand rubles. With the installation of additional equipment and systems, it can exceed the mark of one million rubles. This cost may seem very high to many motorists. On the other hand, we must not forget what brand of motorcycle we are talking about in this case.