Previous RT models, 1970s to 2005[edit]
BMW Motorrad began manufacturing "RT" (Reise-Tourer, or "travel tourer") touring motorcycle models in the late 1970s. The first of these were air-cooled (or "airhead") models that continued BMW's long tradition dating to 1923 of producing "boxer" or opposed flat-twin engined motorcycles with unit engine-transmission constructionand shaft final drive.
In 1995, BMW produced its first air- and oil-cooled (or "oilhead") RT model, the R1100RT. The new machine included standard ABS brakes, four-valve heads, five-speed gearbox, Teleleverfront suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and an electrically adjustable screen.R1200RT - since 2005[edit]
In 2005, BMW introduced the R1200RT.[3] The design of this model is completely different from the R1150RT with a 15% boost in power, 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving,[3][4] optional electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and on-board computer. A low seat and/or a lowered suspension are available for shorter riders reducing seat height to a lowest level of 820 mm (32.3 in),[4] although the lowered suspension eliminates the ESA option. The standard electrically operated windscreen can be adjusted across a large range of heights.
The servo powered ABS brakes on the 2005 and 2006 models are partially integrated such that the rear brake pedal only applies the rear brake while the front brake lever applies both brakes. For the 2007 model year, servo assist has been removed from the partially integrated brakes. The new, more advanced ABS system is lighter and has been produced by Continental Teves, which also produces the optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC),[5] BMW's traction control system for motorcycles.[6]
An electronic tire pressure monitor (TPM) was introduced as an option. During the production of the 2006 models the original two-tone horns were replaced by a single-tone horn. Other optional equipment includes cruise control, heated grips, heated seats for both the rider and passenger, and a CD/Radio audio system.
With 110 hp (82 kW) and 85 lbf·ft (115 N·m) of torque, the R1200RT is suitable for long-distance touring carrying a rider and passenger and a full load of luggage; and is able to reach 135 mph (217 km/h) and do a standing quarter mile in 12.2 seconds.[3]
In November 2009, BMW announced some revisions to the R1200RT for the 2010 model year. The new model has the same horsepower, but more torque at 88 lbf·ft (119 N·m), a higher engine speed of 8,500 rpm, and double overhead camshafts that were first used on the BMW HP2 Sport.[7] There are some relatively minor styling changes and revisions to the screen and cockpit designs, switch gear (including conventional indicators), and location of the hydraulic fluid reservoirs.
Specifications[edit]
- See information box for other specifications
Engine[edit]
- Type — Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke two-cylinder boxer engine, dual overhead camshafts per cylinder (single prior to 2010) and four valves per cylinder, central compensation shaft
- Mixture control / engine management — Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMW engine management, BMS-K with overrun fuel cut-off, dual ignition
- Emission control — Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter
- Fuel type — Unleaded premium, 95 or 98 octane (RON) with automatic knock control
Electrical system[edit]
- Alternator — 720 watts 60 amperes three-phase alternator
- Battery — 12 volts, 19 ampere-hours
Power transmission[edit]
- Clutch — Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
- Gearbox — Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing
Chassis[edit]
- Frame — Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
- Front wheel location / suspension — BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA
- Rear wheel location / suspension — Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever; spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA, rebound damping with standard ESA
- Travel front/rear — 4.72 inches (120 mm) / 5.31 inches (135 mm)
Dimensions / Weight[edit]
- Typical measured curb weight with panniers — 628 lb (285 kg)[8]
- Permitted total weight — 1,091 lb (495 kg)
- Payload (with standard equipment) — 520 lb (236 kg)
- Fuel reserve — 4.0 l (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal)
Authorities models[edit]
BMW Authority Vehicles produce factory built versions of the R1200RT—including an authorities only 878 cc R900RT model—specifically for emergency services use, including police, paramedic, blood transfusion, fire services, and escort duty.[9]
BMW bikes have been popular with United Kingdom police forces in the past and many chose to return to them in 2007, taking delivery of BMW R1200RT after the Honda ST1300 Pan-European was withdrawn due to handling concerns.[10] It is also used by the traffic police in Ireland.
Many states and cities in the United States use the R1200RT-P for police duty, mostly in the West including by the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.[11] Acceptance of BMW's earlier R1100RT-P and R1150RT-P models had been moderate, but in 2005 came both the introduction of the more capable R1200RT-P and the end of production of Kawasaki's economical KZ1000P police motorcycle. As a result, BMWs and Harley Davidsons have taken most of the American market, though the 2011 re-entry of Kawasaki to the public-safety field has given the RT-P a strong second rival. In the United States, more than 225 law enforcement agencies have BMW authority motorcycles in their fleets of patrol vehicles.[12] BMW claims to have produced over 80,000 motorcycles specifically for public safety use.
The Authorities variant is based on the standard R1200RT, but can be recognized by the addition of stainless steel protection bars (colloquially known as "crash bars") situated about the front fairing and panniers, also often used for mounting of additional equipment such as sirens. Of course, paint and trim schemes also reflect the service use, most often black and white "panda paint," such as found on many patrol cars. The large, flat side panels on the R1200RT-P are a convenient and easily seen location for insignia.
Other changes include unique top-loading panniers (also known as "saddleboxes"), a single seat (with radio box in place of the RT's pillion seat), additional switch gear for equipment, emergency lighting, and an additional auxiliary battery which feeds all public safety electrical equipment. An additional feature of the RT-P is the reprogramming of the onboard computer to allow a motor officer to lock in their current speed on the speedometer display. The officer only needs to match speed with a target vehicle, press the "BC" button on the handlebars, and the speed is visible for later reference.
Optional equipment available through BMW includes electrically operated racks for mounting shotguns or rifles, as well as holders fornightsticks, flashlights, RADAR or LIDAR guns, citation books, and radio antenna mounts. Many of these items are also available from aftermarket manufacturers or may even be locally made.
The standard configuration of the R1200RT-P model used in the United States uses a 100-watt siren speaker mounted on the left front protection bar, and LED lighting pods (which were especially designed for the RT-P) above the front turn signals, and on the top rear edge of the radio box, all supplied by Code 3 Public Safety Equipment. There are also mounting hardpoints for mobile radar antennas. Optional lighting which may be installed includes bright lights for illuminating a scene or to the sides, and a light mounted on a telescoping post at the right rear, which can be operated while lowered for normal use, or raised to provide omnidirectional warning while stopped (such as at an accident scene).
Firefighting vehicle[edit]
In July 2010, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in England began trialling a fire bike version of the R1200RT fitted with twin 25 L (5.5 imp gal; 6.6 US gal) water tanks and a 30 m (98 ft) hose, capable of delivering water spray or foam to extinguish fires.[13]
While not suitable for extended use—due to the small amount of fire retardant and single firefighter carried—the motorcycle is able to reach the scene of a fire faster than a fire truck, especially in cases such as a vehicle fire (which typically results in traffic jams which can delay fire trucks). This may reduce spread of a fire, or even extinguish it while it is still small. In addition, the firefighter can give a report of the nature of the fire, thus enabling the agency to more rapidly task appropriate equipment.
Reviews and awards[edit]
The R1200RT was selected as the "Best Touring Bike" by two major American monthly motorcycle magazines.[14]
In September 2006, the R1200RT was named the United Kingdom's "number one motorcycle" by readers of RiDE magazine in its annual "RiDER POWER" survey.[15] It repeated this achievement in 2007, reached second place overall in 2008,[4] and won the top spot once more in 2009. In October 2006, the R1200RT was cited as the "Best Tourer" for the second year in a row by UK newspaper Motor Cycle News.
Safety issues[edit]
The R1200RT has been affected by a number of safety issues since its launch. The UK Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has issued six separate vehicle recalls covering the front brakes,[16][17] anti-lock braking system,[18][19] throttle cable,[20] and clutch.[21]This compares with just two for its R1150RT predecessor. Similar recalls have been issued by vehicle safety authorities in other countries.
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