Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 RT 2014 Interstellar expanse

For so long, countless waves have been crashing against an unchanging rock. Whether the foam comes from Japan, America, Italy or England, nothing can shake the icon of the road. The BMW R 1200 RT. Condemned to remain the best in its segment. Its success bears witness to this, and the manufacturer is well aware of the fact. Each evolution takes it a notch higher in excellence; this time, the step up is much greater for the tourer. The heart of the car is now in a new generation, and the whole machine is taking advantage of this to pass a number of technological milestones. Mrs RT, what do you see behind the horizon that you're so eager to cross?!

she sees... No, we see it. And with envy. The 1200 RT wants more than just to travel. It's clearly more dynamic than ever before. The design is no longer wise, corporate, serious as a function. A touch of impertinence here, effects there, a line between seduction and sharpened stature, and our traveler takes on the allure of youthfulness. Its face seeks out affront, drawing its style largely from that of the K 1600. The headlamp unit offers a striking signature with its circular high beam escorting the main headlamp. Optional daytime running lights offer circles of light similar to the brand's sedans. Superb. Clearly, the RT has energy to spare, and it wants to show it. Understandably so: the connecting rods are tingling, as the all-new, all-beautiful boxer shorts give the whole series a boost.

introduced on the R 1200 GS trail bike, this engine now powers the milestone devourer, and will gradually be introduced on all R models. The Bavarian manufacturer's approach is unchanging... and no one will complain, since this flat engine is so popular with users.
Let's quickly review the main features and changes of this block: partially liquid cooling, oil bath clutch, integrated gearbox and clutch, and much improved power. We're talking 125 hp, with 12.7 mkg of torque. In other words, the values of the GS tourer, but with a few adaptations to better match the RT's Grand Touring character. Heavier inertia weights at the crankshaft and alternator smooth out engine behavior and make it smoother. The transmission has also been lengthened to reduce engine speed, noise and fuel consumption.
No need to worry the team underneath, who're only too happy to gallop along. In a chat with one of our RT enthusiasts, he confided that with his old 1200 in 5th gear, he couldn't get the new RT up to 6th gear. And yet, the latest version comes with a handful of extra kilos. True, but between the two, there's a 15-horsepower difference, and an engine that breathes with sparkling glee.

The R 1200 RT breathes, without restraint. It's a lively twin, with plenty of muscle and electronics to tell it how to react. Standard features include ASC traction control and two riding modes. The "Road", calibrated for the right balance between performance and comfort; the "Rain", which reacts more coolly.
Now let's take a look at the options (as usual). Among the many shelves is the "Pro riding mode". This adds the "Dynamic" mode and Hill Start Control. What's that? Basically, it's a hill-start assistant that blocks braking until the bike takes off.
And "Dynamic"? Oh yes, sorry. This mode makes riding livelier and sportier, with a more direct response to acceleration, and a more discreet intervention of the ASC and ABS.

and these driving modes also affect the suspension, if the owner has opted for ESA Dynamic semi-active suspensions. Thanks to two travel sensors and a series of parameters, damping adapts automatically to driving conditions. All you have to do is choose your style (soft, normal or firm), your load level (solo, solo with luggage, two with luggage), and the suspension will adjust as you drive along.
(N.B.: an extensive recall campaign for around 8000 R 1200 RT ESA Dynamic models this year has somewhat blunted the reputation of the Bavarian GT. The shock absorber piston rod was in danger of breaking)
A little technical refinement, to which you can add other delicacies. The Shifter Pro, for example, allows you to upshift and downshift on the fly, without touching the clutch. Or Hill Start Control, for easier hill starts. How about heated saddles, tire pressure monitoring, central locking or cruise control? Ah, we love options at Béhème...
Where the pill doesn't go down well is on the navigation side. GPS is also available as an option. Oh dear! The RT proclaims loud and clear that it's the epitome of the Grand Touring motorcycle, and it doesn't even come with a GPS as standard! Say, that's small potatoes for an 18-bar motorcycle. And it's really petty when you see the space shuttle instrumentation integrated into the cockpit.

Strongly inspired by that of the K 1600 GT, the instrument cluster almost takes us into the world of avionics. An elegant, futuristic arrangement of meters, an array of warning lights and a 5.7-inch TFT color display. The R 1200 RT can display a wealth of information, scattered across a range of menus. And what better way to do this than with an intuitive thumbwheel on the left-hand commodo. Mind you, a lot of menus, settings and information also means a lot of attention must be paid to the instrumentation. So be sure to adjust everything before you set off.
This high-tech dashboard has also allowed us to revise the audio system (optional), which is more complete, can drive an iPod or MP3/USB support, and is complemented by a bass-reflex tube to improve sound quality.

the fundamentals are more classic, more tried and tested, and as effective as ever. And then some. The Telelever front drivetrain is unwavering, as is the Paralever gimbal. The tubular steel frame, too, but now continuous and a little stiffer for improved handling. A little work to optimize the center of gravity, and this 1200 RT promises even greater agility and precision. The 15 kilos that this generation has put on its hips will have no trouble keeping a low profile. ABS is standard, as it has been on all BM bikes for some years now. It monitors the 320 mm front tracks, bitten by Brembo radials with 4 pistons per caliper. While the RT's balance will hardly suffer from the 274 kilos it carries, braking must be top-notch to slow down this beautiful vessel.

the look is galvanized with dynamism, without forgetting its primary function and laudatory reputation: protection. It will go even further on this generation, BMW having taken care to improve the windscreen in particular. This electrically adjustable windscreen is more effective at reducing air pressure and aerodynamic noise. What's more, its memory function returns it to its lowered position when the ignition is switched off. It returns to its original position when the engine is restarted.
The new mirrors are smaller, offer better rear-view vision, and can now be folded down. Near-perfect ergonomics are now more appealing, with the handlebar/seat/footrest triangle lowered by 20 mm, as is the passenger seat. The saddles are larger (2 cm for the rider and 1 cm for the passenger), and the rider's can be adjusted to two different heights. The rider's saddle is adjustable to two heights, and can be made even more adaptable with the high or low saddle options.

As ever, BMW has provided its RT with everything it needs to stay at the top of its class, and to disgust the competition. The liquid flat and the desire for dynamism will undoubtedly make it even more enjoyable. All that remains is a hefty price tag and a list of options as long as your arm. Worst of all, it can afford it. A little heavier, a little wider (983 mm), a little more responsive, a little better equipped, a lot more powerful and even more rewarding, the R 1200 RT has quite simply earned its place at the top of its class.

M.B - manufacturer's media