Top Motorcycle

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.
*ESA II = Electronic Suspension Adjustment. Electronic spring mount and spring rate adjustment
** DOHC = Double Overhead Camshaft, two overhead camshafts per cylinder
Engine

Type Air/oil-cooled flat twin (Boxer) 4-stroke engine, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft

Bore x stroke 101 mm x 73 mm

Capacity 1,170 cc

Rated output 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm

Max. torque 88 ft-lb (120 Nm) at 6,000 rpm

Compression ratio 12.0 : 1

Mixture control / engine management Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition

Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3



Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speed over 120 mph (200 km/h)

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h City: 43.3 mpg (4.1 l Euro)

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h Highway: 65.3 mpg (5.2 l Euro)

Fuel type Unleaded super and premium, octane number 91-93

Electrical system

Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W

Battery 12 V / 19 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth

Drive Shaft drive



Chassis / brakes

Frame Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit

Front wheel location / suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring strut

Rear wheel location / suspension Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable

Suspension travel front / rear 4.7/5.3 inches (120/135 mm)

Wheelbase 58.4 inches (1,485 mm)

Castor 116 mm

Steering head angle 63.8°

Wheels Cast aluminum wheels

Rim, front 3.50 x 17"

Rim, rear 5.50 x 17"

Tyres, front 120/70 ZR 17

Tyres, rear 180/55 ZR 17

Brake, front Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, four-piston fixed calipers

Brake, rear Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper

ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)



Dimensions / weights

Length 2,230 mm

Width (incl. mirrors) 905 mm (incl. panniers: 980 mm)

Height (excl. mirrors) 1,430 mm

Seat height, unladen weight 32.2/33 inches (820/840 mm), low seat: 30.7/31.5 inches (780/800 mm), extra low seat (one-piece): 30.1 inches (765 mm), lowered suspension: 29.5 inches (750 mm), comfort seat: 30.9 inches (785 mm)

Inner leg curve, unladen weight 1,880 / 1,920 mm (low seat: 1,800 / 1,840 mm, extra low seat (one-piece): 1,780 mm, lowered suspension: 1,750 mm, comfort seat: 1,820 mm)

Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1) 570 lbs (259 kg)

Dry weight 2) 504 lbs (229 kg)

Permitted total weight 1,091 lbs (495 kg)

Payload (with standard equipment) 520 lbs (236 kg)

Usable tank volume 6.6 gallons (25 l)

Reserve approx. 1 gallon (4.0 l)

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90% of usable tank volume (without panniers)
2) Unladen weight without fluids (without panniers)