| Manufacturer | BMW Motorrad |
|---|---|
| Production | since 2005 |
| Predecessor | R1150RT |
| Class | Tourer |
| Engine | 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin, 8-valve, air/oil cooled |
| Bore / Stroke | 101 × 73 mm (4.0 × 2.9 in) |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Power | 81 kW (109 hp) @ 7,750 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 120 N·m (89 ft·lbf) @ 6,000 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive |
| Frame type | Load-bearing unit construction engine & gearbox, with front & rear subframes |
| Suspension | Front: BMW Telelever Rear: BMW Paralever |
| Brakes | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral) Front: 4-piston calipers with floating 320 mm discs Rear: 2-piston floating caliper with single 265 mm disc |
| Tires | Front: 120/70ZR17 on 3.50 x 17 rim Rear: 180/55ZR17 on 5.50 x 17 rim Cast aluminium wheels |
| Rake, Trail | 36.2°, 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,485 mm (58.5 in) |
| Dimensions | L 2,230 mm (88 in) W 905 mm (35.6 in) H 1,430 mm (56 in) |
| Seat height | Adjustable 820–840 mm (32.3–33.1 in) Low seat option: 780–800 mm (30.7–31.5 in) |
| Weight | 229 kg (500 lb) (dry) 259 kg (570 lb) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 25 L (5.5 imp gal; 6.6 US gal) |
| Fuel consumption | 41.6 mpg-US (5.65 L/100 km; 50.0 mpg-imp)[2] |
| Related | R1200GS R1200R |
The BMW R1200RT is a touring motorcycle that was introduced in 2005 by BMW Motorrad to replace the R1150RT model. It features a 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.
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BMW Motorrad began manufacturing "RT" ((Reise-Tourer, or "travel tourer") touring motorcycle models in the late 1970s. The first of these were "airhead" models that continued BMW's long tradition dating to 1923 of producing "boxer" or opposed-twin engined motorcycles with unit engine-transmission construction and shaft final drive. In 1995 BMW produced its first "oilhead" RT, the R1100RT. The new machine included oil-cooling, standard ABS brakes, four-valve heads, 5 speed gearbox, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and an electrically adjustable screen.
In 2002, BMW launched the R1150RT, providing the same basic platform with increased engine capacity and horsepower, fully linked, power-assisted ABS brakes, revised front lighting system and a 6 speed gearbox. This model was further updated in 2004 by the addition of two spark plugs per cylinder.
The next version of the RT series arrived in 2005 with the introduction of the R1200RT.[3] The design of this model is completely different from the R1150RT with a 15% boost in power, 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving,[3][4] optional electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and on-board computer. A low seat and/or a lowered suspension are available for shorter riders reducing seat height to a lowest level of 820 mm (32.3 in),[4] although the lowered suspension eliminates the ESA option. The standard electrically operated windscreen can be adjusted across a large range of heights. The servo powered ABS brakes on the 2005 and 2006 models are partially integrated such that the rear brake pedal only applies the rear brake while the front brake lever applies both brakes.
For the 2007 model year, servo assist has been removed from the partially integrated brakes. The new, more advanced ABS system is lighter and has been produced by Continental Teves, which also produces the optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC),[5] BMW's traction control system for motorcycles.[6] An electronic tire pressure monitor (TPM) was introduced as an option. During the production of the 2006 models the original two-tone horns were replaced by a single-tone horn. Other optional equipment includes cruise control, heated grips, heated seats for both the rider and passenger, and a CD/Radio audio system.
With 110 hp (82 kW) and 85 ft·lbf (115 N·m) of torque, the R1200RT is suitable for long-distance touring carrying a rider and passenger and a full load of luggage; and is able to reach 135 mph (220 km/h) and do a standing quarter mile in 12.2 seconds.[3]
In November 2009, BMW announced some revisions to the R1200RT for the 2010 model year. The new model has the same horsepower, but more torque at 88 ft·lbf (119 N·m), a higher engine speed of 8,500 rpm, and double overhead camshafts first used on the BMW HP2 Sport.[7] There are some relatively minor styling changes and revisions to the screen and cockpit designs, switch gear (including conventional indicators), and location of the hydraulic fluid reservoirs.
The R1200RT is produced as a specific emergency services variant by BMW Authority Vehicles. In addition, a unique R900RT model is produced for this market, which is not available to the general public. BMW bikes have been popular with United Kingdom police forces in the past and many chose to return to them in 2007, taking delivery of BMW R1200RT after the Honda ST1300 Pan-European was withdrawn due to handling concerns.[8] It is also used by the traffic police in Ireland. Many western states and cities in the United States use the R1200RT-P for police duty, most notably California, especially since Kawasaki in 2005 stopped producing its economical KZ1000P police motorcycle. In the United States, more than 225 law enforcement agencies have BMW authority motorcycles in their fleets of patrol vehicles.[9]
The authority variant can be recognized by the addition of stainless steel protection bars situated about the front fairing and panniers, and could also be used for mounting of additional equipment such as sirens. Other changes include unique top-loading panniers fitted to some versions, a single seat with radio box in place of the pillion seat, additional switch gear for equipment, emergency lighting, and second battery.[10]
In July 2010, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in England began trialling a fire bike version of the R1200RT fitted with twin 25 L (5.5 imp gal; 6.6 US gal) water tanks and a 30 m (98 ft) hose, capable of delivering water spray or foam to extinguish fires.[11]
The R1200RT was selected as the "Best Touring Bike" by two major American monthly motorcycle magazines.[12]
In September 2006, the R1200RT was named the United Kingdom's "number one motorcycle" by readers of RiDE magazine in its annual "RiDER POWER" survey.[13] It repeated this achievement in 2007, reached second place overall in 2008,[4] and won the top spot once more in 2009. In October 2006, the R1200RT was cited as the "Best Tourer" for the second year in a row by UK newspaper Motor Cycle News.
The R1200RT has been affected by a number of safety issues since its launch. The UK Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has issued six separate vehicle recalls covering the front brakes,[14][15] anti-lock braking system,[16][17] throttle cable,[18] and clutch.[19] This compares with just two for its R1150RT predecessor. Similar recalls have been issued by vehicle safety authorities in other countries.
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