2005 BMW R 1200 RT - Motorcycle.com
The BMW R 1200 RT replaces the R 1150 RT as BMW's mid-line touring platform. Though the new RT makes a credible sport tourer, we shouldn't call it one because BMW's official "Sport Tourer" designation is occupied by the new R 1200 ST. However, the RT is also an accomplished long distance luxury tourer, though the K 1200 LT is BMW's official luxo tourer. So, where exactly does this place the R 1200 RT? The best answer I can come up with is... "everywhere". After all, what can you call a bike whose dynamic performance falls within 5% of the ST and whose long-haul comfort and luggage capacity is comparable to the LT? I guess we should simply call the new R 1200 RT BMW's "best choice" tourer.
Like the new ST, BMW says the new R 1200 RT is a "100% New" motorcycle, with a 14% power increase, 17% torque increase and an 11% weight reduction, compared to last year's R 1150 RT. That works out to 110Hp, 85LbFt and a 505lb dry weight, if BMW's claims are to be believed. After riding the new bike, I have no reason to doubt those numbers and might even say they are a bit on the conservative side.
The $17,490 R 1200 RT features a veritable plethora of standard features, including BMW's excellent heated grips, adjustable seat height, electrically adjustable windscreen, partially linked ABS, cruise control, well-integrated color-matched hard luggage, integrated tank-bag rails, 12V power outlet, center stand and 15 other things that I'm just too lazy to list. In addition to those standard features, you can also get an optional Radio/CD changer, heated seat, trip computer, extra-low seat, alarm, and various combinations of seat and trim colors. Like the ST, the RT's standard toolkit has been reduced from BMW's usually comprehensive kit, to something closer to what you'd expect to find on a Japanese motorcycle. However, the traditional BMW uber-toolkit is available as an extra-cost option. One highly interesting option available on the new RT and ST models, is BMW's new $750 ESA (Electric Suspension Adjustment) Unfortunately, our test units were not equipped with ESA, so I can't comment on its effectiveness, though on-the-fly adjustment of preload and rebound damping seems like a cool feature indeed.
My only real complaint with the RT was that even though BMW touts its new mirrors as being "huge" and designed to double as hand guards, I found them exceedingly difficult to aim and even when correctly adjusted, I didn't feel as though they offered a very effective picture of what was going on behind the bike. They do however effectively shield the rider's hands from bugs and rain, so it's not a total loss. Other than the mirrors and steep pricing, I can't find anything else to complain about on the RT. I even think the partially linked ABS brakes are appropriate for this bike.
Though the new RT still sounds like a traditional boxer-twin, its improved chassis and power output transform the riding experience into something more like an Aprilia Futura, than a traditional BMW twin.
More by Sean Alexander
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