Bmw R 1200 Rt
The Bmw R 1200 Rt has a top speed of 200 km/h, produces 125 hp and weighs 279 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
The BMW R 1200 RT was introduced in 2005 as a successor to the R 1150 RT, featuring BMW's iconic air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine and designed as a premium sport-touring motorcycle. A major update came in 2014 with a new water-cooled boxer engine (despite retaining air-cooled styling elements), improved electronics, and enhanced rider aids including dynamic ESA and cornering ABS. It became one of the best-selling touring motorcycles in Europe, renowned for its long-distance comfort, stability, and advanced technology package.
125 hp
Power
125 Nm
Torque
279 kg
Weight
200 km/h
Top Speed
5.5 L/100km (approximately 18.2 km/L, real-world average for 2014+ model)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Camshaft Chain
Pre-2013 models with the air-cooled boxer engine are known for camshaft chain tensioner wear, which can lead to costly repairs if ignored. Always check service history and listen for rattling on cold starts.
Strong Resale Value
The R 1200 RT holds its value exceptionally well compared to competitors, often retaining 60-70% of its value after three years. Low mileage, well-maintained examples command premium prices in the used market.
Integrated ESA Suspension
Models equipped with Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) allow riders to tune damping on the fly for solo or two-up riding, a rare feature in its class. However, ESA components can be expensive to repair if they fail.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced as successor to R 1150 RT; air/oil-cooled boxer twin; 1170cc; integrated ABS standard.
"The benchmark touring twin that earned its reputation honestly."
I put 40,000 km on a 2007 RT over three years, including two Alpine tours and a run through the Balkans, and this bike genuinely changed how I think about long-distance riding. The boxer twin pulls hard from 2,500 rpm, that torque figure isn't a number — it's a physical sensation when you crack the throttle on a mountain switchback with luggage aboard. Wind protection from the electrically adjustable screen is genuinely class-leading, though the screen mechanism started creaking by year two and the fairing lowers trap heat onto your shins in traffic. The 279 kg is real and you feel it the moment you push it off the sidestand in a tight car park, but once rolling it carries its weight better than almost anything else in the touring segment.
Pros
Cons
Revised bodywork; improved ESA suspension; updated electronics; enhanced wind protection and ergonomics introduced.
New water-cooled boxer engine; 125hp; redesigned frame; improved cornering ABS; ride modes added.
ShiftCam variable valve timing; 136hp; updated TFT display; improved dynamics and connectivity features added.
Used Buyer Review
"The definitive used sport-tourer if you can afford the upkeep."
$9,000-$18,000 usedThe R1200RT is genuinely one of the best long-distance bikes ever built, and buying one used makes enormous sense — BMW built these things to last, and a well-maintained example with 60,000 miles on it will still feel tighter than a neglected one at 20k. The water-cooled boxer (2014 onwards) is the sweet spot — more power, better fuel economy, and those heated grips and ESA suspension aren't just gadgets, they're genuinely transformative on a 400-mile day. Previous owners tend to be older, careful riders who serviced them properly, so the used market is actually pretty decent. That said, do your homework. Check the final drive for play, inspect the shaft for leaks, and budget for valve checks — they're not cheap but absolutely necessary. The infotainment system on earlier water-cooled models feels dated now, and the bike's sheer size catches people off guard until they get the weight moving. Get one with panniers already fitted; buying them separately will hurt.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bmw R 1200 Rt — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALClunking on acceleration, inspect splines for wear
Rough idle, surging at low speeds
Ask for service records, listen for ticking
Test all electronics before buying
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid tourer, maintenance-sensitive, avoid neglected examples
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bmw R 1200 Rt
Yamaha Fjr1300
Bmw R 1250 Rt
Bmw K 1200 Gt
Bmw K 1200 Lt
Bmw K 1300 Gt
Compare Bmw R 1200 Rt Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Bmw R 1200 Rt vs Yamaha Fjr1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1200 Rt vs Bmw R 1250 Rt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1200 Rt vs Bmw K 1200 Gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1200 Rt vs Bmw K 1200 Lt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1200 Rt vs Bmw K 1300 Gt
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bmw R 1200 Rt? +
Final drive spline wear and failure: Clunking on acceleration, inspect splines for wear (serious) | Throttle body synchronization issues: Rough idle, surging at low speeds (moderate) | Valve adjustment neglect past 12k miles: Ask for service records, listen for ticking (moderate)
Is the Bmw R 1200 Rt a good motorcycle? +
The definitive used sport-tourer if you can afford the upkeep. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Experienced touring riders covering serious annual mileage. Avoid if: You hate dealer servicing or ride tight city streets.
What is the horsepower of the Bmw R 1200 Rt? +
The Bmw R 1200 Rt produces 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm, with 125 Nm @ 6,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 200 km/h.
Is the Bmw R 1200 Rt good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bmw R 1200 Rt is better for experienced riders (125 hp can be intimidating). Experienced touring riders covering serious annual mileage Avoid if: You hate dealer servicing or ride tight city streets
Is the Bmw R 1200 Rt reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Bmw R 1200 Rt, notably: Final drive spline wear and failure (Clunking on acceleration, inspect splines for wear). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bmw R 1200 Rt good for daily use? +
Experienced touring riders covering serious annual mileage Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approximately 18.2 km/L, real-world average for 2014+ model).
How fast is the Bmw R 1200 Rt? +
The Bmw R 1200 Rt reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, producing 125 hp at 279 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bmw R 1200 Rt? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw R 1200 Rt, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/r-1200-rt/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
