Reader's Choice Best Sport-Touring Motorcycle Of 2015: BMW R1200RT
On this we can agree, BMW’s R1200RT is the best sport-touring motorcycle available today. The newly designed Beemer won our 2014 Sport-Touring Final SmackDown + Video, and was chosen by both MO editors and MO readers as the class winner, making it a unanimous decision. As one of the lighter sport-touring bikes available, (604 pounds with its 6.6-gallon tank full), the RT navigates long sweepers and tight switchbacks with equal aplomb. It was, however, a narrow victory over Ducati’s Multistrada, with 25.0% choosing the BMW and 22.8% choosing the Duc. As our choice for Best Sport-Touring Bike of 2013, we understand the allure of the Multistrada. The Multistrada, with a curb weight of 516 pounds, is significantly lighter than the BMW or our second place sport-touring shootout finisher, Yamaha’s FJR1300.
The R1200RT is a bastion of electronics including our choice for Best Technology of 2014. Hill Start Control is a technology that helps to get a fully loaded RT underway from a dead stop on a steep incline without concerns about it rolling backward. The TFT color display is new to the RT, and its 5.7-inch window displays information from the RT’s onboard computer and audio controls. Using the multi-controller and various fairing-mounted buttons, the TFT color display provides the rider with all the current settings such as Ride Mode, suspension setting, ambient temperature, tire pressure, radio channel selection, etc.
2014 BMW R1200RT Review – First Ride
At nearly $21k, the RT with the Premium Package is a technological tour de force, and it would even be a worthy nominee in the Touring category. The sport-touring class contains some bikes that are faster, but none that have the broadband competence of the nimble, advanced, comfortable and adaptable BMW R1200RT.
Reader’s Choice Best of 2015 winners:
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Have you checked the price of a 2015 Multistrada S? $19,695.
After riding Harley touring bikes for years and also two FJR's I decided to rent the new WC 1200rt for a weeks vacation in CA. The RT blows everything I have ever ridden away. Even my wife said she has never been more comfortable on any other bike. I will be buying one this Spring.