Review of the BMW R 1200 RT

[@vplph]

Got a 2006 rt1200 50000...does everything great, cost nothing in fuel, and cheap in maintenance. Rides like a champ. And you know what? It is so good that it becomes boring.

[@rollysvw]

I currently have a 2006 RT with 39k miles. Bought it with 10k miles almost 2 years ago. Zero issues all I’ve done is normal maintenance.

[@arturcarvalho5558]

Funny to say the least... I owned a 2006 R1200RT (new) and sold it 4 years later, with 123.000km done with zero problems, yes zero! Maybe because it was always properly served on time at official dealerships bmw, definitely the best by far of the many bikes I've owned before, including japanese, italian, english, etc, and the worse of all... american! I currently own a 2023 R1250RT with 9.000km now, zero issues so far but of course a bit early to take conclusions... just hoping for the same reliability I had so far riding bmw's.

[@chiefpepdesign]

Great to hear! Well done to bring it to the official BMW service centre. They were able to tackle all issues in time so you never would have these. Always a great feeling if you bring the bike to the official dealership! I am really curious of the BMW R 1250...

[@Richard57072]

I’ve been riding GSA’s for ten years and love them. But I tested a new RT last year and was instantly hooked. It will be my next bike. Oh and I’m 58 😂

[@seansixfive]

Smart buy. That is a lot of bike for the money. I test rode one when they were released at an out if town dealer and was really impressed with the open road performance and I rode it again from a London city center dealer to try its city manners and was very surprised how good it was. No wonder the police buy them.

[@chiefpepdesign]

I just rode back 350km's from Germany on the Highway (no speed limits...) 180km/ph as cruising speed was unbelievably 'comfortable'!

[@philphil397]

I have the 2013 model with only 31k and it's very different from the ST1100/1300 I had before. The 4 cylinders are more smooth but apart that the RT is hands down better in any way. 50kg lighter, lower center of gravity, more torque, better handling, better comfort, better protection. no heat burning your leg even in hot summer (very important point for me) much much faster in the twisty roads of swiss Alps (you have to force to keep the curves with ST the RT turn by herself and you can break later and stronger less weight). No reliability issue for the moment and I made all services by myself very esay to work. Honda is very reliable I had 5 Honda before despite I had ABS failure with the ST1100

[@suzyamerica4679]

Here in the US, those servo-driven ABS systems (called "whizzy brakes") disappeared after the 2006 models. I just picked up a used 07 R1200RT-P and am just taking care of issues related to the previous owner neglecting it a bit. The handling and comfort are quite good .. I see why police worldwide use this bike.

[@medler2110]

I've owned the same model as this for 5 years, I ride it all year and do my own maintenance, other than normal service items, the only issues I've had was left hand switch gear failure, the switches use a flexible circuit board and it cracks and the switches stop working, also not cheap to buy and new pistons in the rear calliper, not too bad and probably due to salt and water after years of winter riding. The engine is ok, but runs out of puff at top end, (I test rode a 1250RT and that has the grunt all the way to the top end) but has the torque to overtake at normal road speeds. I love the handling, its surprisingly good on the back roads, but will eat motorway miles. As you said maintenance is easy, I love the fact that you need one size Torx key to remove all the body work and once done its all easy to get to, very different from my VFR800, which had various screws and clips to get parts of the bodywork off or my friends ST1300 which is a lovely bike, but its also had its issues, with the electric screen adjustment failing, which seems to be a known problem and the clutch slave cylinder needing replacing, a job which the Honda dealer says is engine out, but he managed to do it without going that far.

[@fransgabler]

I totally agree about the prices and the various problems you will encounter. The costs are enormous. For example the fuel pomp of my 1200RT was quite allright after 48000 km, but a plastic hose of the pump broke off. I had to buy a new one a 450 euro. The abs 3 system of my R1150RT failed in France. The remaining breakpower was about 10 % and I drove it 400 km home at night to avoid braking. Repair would cost 1200 euro, a new system 2750 euro. Quite ridiculous. I removed the abs and sold the thing instantly. Still I had almost every type of BMW. When its riding, a BMW is the best bike in the world. The wind protection of every RT is quite perfect and I love the boxer concept. As told in the video, a Japanese od even English bike wil be by far more reliable and less expensive to purchase and repair. BMW really makes you love and hate the bike. The most reliable is the name, not the bike itself.

[@chiefpepdesign]

Exactly that.

[@nigelhanbury8169]

I like video and think fair. i have two 2011 rt’s Overall a great bike feels good fast enough and handles well. People of all walks come up to admire this bike. They are not perfect but overall are very satisfying to ride and grow on you.

[@dieged3065]

RT had ABS problems until September 2006, not 2008. Some other problems were also corrected at that time.

[@chiefpepdesign]

@@dieged3065 The 2006 BMW R 1200 RT had issues with its servo-assisted braking system, which could result in abrupt or diminished braking if the servo failed. Both the 2006 and 2008 models experienced problems with ABS warning lights and occasional ABS pump failures, leading to expensive repairs. Overheating of the ABS system was also reported in heavy braking conditions, but regular maintenance helped prevent many of these issues.

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Thank you. My relation with BMW is very much like yours. I'm really a Honda guy. But... in November last year I traded in my old ST1100 for a R1150RT. I had to find out what the better touring bike was for me. To me, and I hate to write this, it is the RT. Weather protection is second to none, stability is great (much better than the ST1100). Of course the boxer is no match for the V4 of the ST and the gearbox is very precise yet clunky. Early this year I bought a CBR 600 FSport. Great fun bike, far too fast for me. An opportunity came up to trade in the CBR for a 1150GS. I had promised myself to never ever purchase a GS, they are so f... ugly. However, I did buy this 2003 GS and now the RT is up for sale. I prefer the GS and I now understand why these bikes are so popular. OK, there is almost no weather protection but, to me, that is the only drawback when comparing the GS with the RT. To me it feels like BMW put more effort in designing the GS than they did with the RT. The GS is a near perfect commuter and is also fine on longer road trips. And for real fun there still is a 4th gen VFR in the shed. I love these VFRs more than any other bike.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

My brother traded his rt 1200 for a super tenere 1200 .. He was sick of repairs. 0 issues for a year with the Yamaha.

[@chiefpepdesign]

I understand

[@GPR111]

The ST1300 is the safer bet at this age and no warranty ..... 😉

[@markoskalakoutis7707]

very nice review. you convinced me brother

[@lipsee100]

Regarding the 2005/6 RT models,, I have a 05 model with 86000miles,, the fuel strip I have never had problem, servo brakes I have never had the problem,,,shaft drive again no issue,,,it blows headlight bulbs regally ,,,I,v toured europe lots of times.. and I,m not a BMW fan boy... One big problem with my RT is the gearbox broke in a big way,it cost me an arm and leg to fix...I,v had the bike 8years ,,,I have a Ohlins on the baack suspension I need a front shock.. You do,nt need CC ,,just get a Go Cruise

[@user-on2md7gk4b]

48k, a lot of miles???? I had 140000k on my Harley electraglide limited and just sold it and now am looking for a Goldwing 1800

[@chiefpepdesign]

@@user-on2md7gk4b 148.000 km's... 😉

[@TremereTT]

Why do you prefere your bike to do those dangerous nosedives on breaking? If you had a R1200 GS before it has the same telelever suspension right? Soes it behave differently? I'm currently I'm looking for BMW's exactly because of this feature. Is it bad a bad feature?

[@chiefpepdesign]

Yes indeed. The same. But I just notice it now more than before since my last bikes were: V85, ST 1300, Burgman 650, Tenere 650. All those just acted like 'normal bikes'. I am convinced I will get used to it, I just noticed it instantly.

[@Richard57072]

Edit

[@sfejes]

Hi, I am just in the middle of making a decision, Honda ST1300 Pan European 2004 or BMW R1200RT 2013. I am it guy, so, technology is very interesting to me, but, a cost of ownership too, reliability vs. technology, maintenance costs... I am 175cm toll, and really do not know which i should buy. Can you advise based on your experience?

[@chiefpepdesign]

@@sfejes best is to look both my video's of the ST 1300 and the R 1200 RT. Listen to what I say and make your decision. RT is more advanced with gadgets. ST has a way better engine

[@sfejes]

@@chiefpepdesign thanks

[@fireoil]

Hi There, it's a great video. Although i'm not agreeing with you about the lack of the Boxer character of this DOHC one particulary, that i just bough again for this reason ! i have to make my voice heard , friendly :). oh i'm French rider, 33, maybe i wont be agreeing because of that ? jokes asides let me explain By the way I'am waiting my next motorcycle, my 11th vehicule owned so far a second hand 2012 BMW R1200RT with 66000 km on the clock, like yours, with RT2 packs, don't have every pack because RT3 pack include the radio with the physical buttons on the left, antenna , the left handlebar grip 0 ring clics and bmw satnav preparation, all i don't care on a motorcycle. i previously owned 5 years and ride 55000 km the 2014 R1200R from 60000 km to 116500 km with 0 issues. With the same engine, the very last "true" BMW with old turn signals buttons and the last air/oil cooled DOHC engine associated with the Telever. It was my only vehicule so no car, been 3 weedings, racetracks in Germany ( hi there ! ) where i reached 240km/h on the gauge and about 223 kph GPS on Autobahn on the Nordschleife for my first racetrack experience ( crazy good ! ) and Circuit Carole in France, one of the shortest racetrack top speed 0 hard case luggages this time, not bad for a air oil cooled roadster ! Oh boy it have a character this engine ! it came from the BMW HP2 engine in it's core i have tested Liquid cooled 1200 boxer and the 1250 on GS, RS and R and i missed that lower grunt good vibration, subtle but there. The new engine to me erase the boxer character, keep just the performance. they are more powerfull but they lost the magic on this engine that only drive them explain. after have tested dozens of motorcycle, owned a Harley, 2 Suzuki SV 650, test ride a lot of two cylinders motorcycles from Almost all Panigale, KTM 1290 and lot of Harleys. I instantly felt in love with the BMW R1200R and it's boxer and the telelever feel on the road in 2018, in fact i've been the second and fourth owner of the R1200R succed to rebuy it from a owner that kept it 1 month ! after sold in 2023 i recently try a R 1250 RS, the new Honta NT1100 DCT and i wasn't convinced for both. price wise they were triple and double the price asked from the 2012 BMW R1200RT i bough test riding the RT i have eyes on ? it was the last Family of the R Engine i never tested, just been passenger on the past. oh i was like home again, with that fantastic engine that have it's little low rpm character but easiness. combined with the magic telelever, i never felt the miss of front info bothering but always put top Michelin tyres. i was surprised to that resistance on the angle that was not there on the R1200R, a set of new tyres will correct that perhaps. The clutch lever and gear operation seems smoother on the RT vs the one of my R1200R. it's the ultimate update i needed for the only vehicule and riding all year long distance, cold, rain, to visit familly and a yearly road trip in a different european country. All the "default" of the R1200R are resolved, more confort seats ( the comfort BMW seat is magnicient ) less angle on the legs that hurted me long time due to knee problem on the R1200R, more easy clutch and gear footlever. and the Duo was not plaisant on the R1200R, well with a custome comfort seats that made the passenger fall on the rider like a sportbike. the ESA have real difference between present and so convenient to change on the go instead of the manual hub under the seats and the screwdriver on the dark to set the preload on rear shock, All the protection added and... a Cruise control finaly ! as i loose a more beautiful bike for a weekend blast ride i will gain a do it all but with the unique character of this engine that to me is the best engine for road use, a perfect combination of easiness, power and still a character, low consumption and it's reliable as never the new boxter would be. i missed so much the DOHC Boxer and this RT i will keep for a very long time, maybe forever. oh i was 8 when my father an i did a 2500KM + Tour de France on a r1100 RT, it was mean to be owned by me as a legacy maybe ;) cheers !

[@JoseSilva-sh2oe]

How do you compare it with the ST? Wich is better?

[@chiefpepdesign]

@@JoseSilva-sh2oe to be honost... The ST was more fun, had a more powerfull engine and was better in cornoring... The RT is more modern with the 'bells 'n wistles' and way lighter. If I had the choice, I would rather go for the ST.

[@JoseSilva-sh2oe]

@@chiefpepdesign I have an ST and sometimes think about changing to an RT. Thank you for the reply. I think I will keep it

[@chiefpepdesign]

@@JoseSilva-sh2oe I know the feeling... Make a testdrive to convince yourself

[@JoseSilva-sh2oe]

@@chiefpepdesign your videos are great, by the way. Keep going like that, please

[@lipsee100]

And I think the panniers really suck ,,I hate them I guess we would not be friends ,,,,

[@gottfriedt.2222]

The rear view mirrors are definitely a poor design, you can hardly see what is happening behind.

[@dieged3065]

This probably depends on the height of the motorcycle rider. For me (181 cm) these mirrors are great, I have additional small blind zone mirrors.