View source for BMW R 1200 RT

{{Infobox Motorcycle
| name = BMW R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT
| image = [[Image:R1200rt-blue.jpg|250px|BMW R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT]]
| aka = 
| manufacturer = [[BMW Motorrad]]
| production = 2005&ndash;present
| predecessor = R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;RT
| successor = 
| class = 
| engine = 1170&nbsp;cc, 2-cylinder, 8-valve [[boxer engine|boxer]], [[oilhead|air/oil cooled]]<br>Bore x stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm<br>[[Compression ratio]]: 12.0:1
| power = 110&nbsp;bhp (81&nbsp;kW) @ 7500&nbsp;rpm<ref name=RideDec08>{{citation | title= BMW R1200RT | magazine = RiDE | issue= December 2008 | pages= 130&ndash;131 | issn= 1360-3507}}</ref>
| torque = 85&nbsp;ft·lbf (115&nbsp;Nm) @ 6000&nbsp;rpm<ref name=RideDec08/>
| transmission = 6-speed, [[drive shaft|shaft drive]]
| suspension = Front: BMW Telelever <br>Rear: BMW Paralever
| brakes = BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)<br>Front: 4-piston EVO calipers with floating 320 mm discs <br>Rear: 2-piston floating caliper with single 265 mm disc
| tires = Front: 120/70ZR17 on 3.50 x 17 rim<br>Rear: 180/55ZR17 on 5.50 x 17 rim<br>Cast aluminium wheels
| rake_trail = 63.4°, {{convert|4.3|in|mm}}
| wheelbase = 1.48&nbsp;m, 58.3&nbsp;in
| length= 2.23 m, 87.8 in
| width= 0.90 m, 35.6 in
| height= 1.43 m, 56.3 in
| seat_height = Adjustable 820&ndash;840&nbsp;mm (32.3&ndash;33.0&nbsp;in)<br>Low seat option: 780&ndash;800&nbsp;mm
| dry_weight = 229 kg (505 lb)
| wet_weight = 259 kg (571 lb)
| fuel_capacity = 7.1 US gallons, 27 liters
| related = 
}}
The '''BMW R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT''' was introduced in 2005 by [[BMW Motorrad|BMW]] as a [[touring motorcycle]] designed to replace the  R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;RT model.

==History==
===Previous RT models, 1970s to 2004===
[[Image:4generations.jpg|thumb|left|Four generations of "RT" motorcycles from 1996 to the present]]
[[BMW Motorrad]] began manufacturing "RT" (''(Reise-Tourer'', or "travel tourer") touring motorcycle models in the late 1970s.  The first of these were "[[Airhead (motorcycle)|airhead]]" models that continued BMW's long tradition dating to 1923 of producing "boxer" or [[Flat-twin|opposed-twin]] engined motorcycle with [[Unit construction|unit engine-transmission construction]] and [[drive shaft|shaft final drive]]. A change occurred, however, in 1995 when BMW produced its first "[[oilhead]]" RT, the R&nbsp;1100&nbsp;RT. The new machine included oil-cooling, standard [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS brakes]], four-valve heads, 5 speed gearbox[[History_of_BMW_motorcycles#Telelever_front_fork|Telelever]] front suspension, [[History_of_BMW_motorcycles#Paralever|Paralever]] rear suspension, and an electrically adjustable screen.

In 2002, BMW launched the R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;RT, providing the same basic platform with increased engine capacity and horsepower, fully linked, power-assisted ABS brakes, revised front lighting system and a 6 speed gearbox. This model was further updated in 2004 by the addition of two [[spark plug]]s per cylinder.

===R 1200 RT, 2005===
The latest version of the RT series arrived in 2005 with the introduction of the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT.
The design of this model is completely different from the R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;RT with a 15% boost in power, 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb) weight saving,<ref name="MCN Review">{{cite web | url= http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-R1200RT-2005-current/?&R=EPI-149 | title= Motorcycle Reviews | work= [[Motorcycle News]] | accessdate= 2007-08-31 }}</ref><ref name=RideDec08/>
optional electronically adjustable suspension (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 {{convert|820|mm|in|1|abbr=on}},<ref name=RideDec08/> 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 Automotive Systems|Continental Teves]], who also produce the optional [[Electronic Stability Control|Automatic Stability Control]] (ASC).<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/BMW_ASC.asp | title= Traction control comes to the street from an unlikely source: BMW | work= [[American Motorcyclist Association]] | date= 13 July 2006 | accessdate= 2007-08-31 }}</ref> 
An electronic [[Tire-pressure gauge|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.

The BMW motorcycling community has dubbed the 1200&nbsp;cc version of the RT and BMWs with the same or similar engines as "hexhead" models, so named because of the shape of their valve covers compared to the oval shape of [[oilhead]] models.

With {{Convert|110|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Auto ft.lbf|85|0}} of torque, the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT is suitable for long-distance touring carrying a rider and passenger and a full load of luggage; and is able to reach 135&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h) and do a standing quarter mile in 12.2&nbsp;seconds.<ref name="MCN Review" />

== Specifications ==
:''See information box for other specifications''
[[Image:Left-front-w2.jpg|thumb|The 2005 & 2006 R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT was available in [[Piedmont]] red]]
[[Image:Paralever-new.jpg|thumb|BMW's Paralever rear swingarm]]
===Engine===
* Type — Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke [[boxer engine]], one camshaft and four valves per cylinder, central [[balance shaft|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 3-way [[catalytic converter]]

===Performance / fuel consumption===
* Maximum speed — Greater than 125&nbsp;mph (200&nbsp;km/h)
* Fuel consumption over {{convert|62|mi|km}} course at a constant {{convert|56|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}} — {{convert|65|mpgus|abbr=on}}
* Fuel consumption over 62&nbsp;mile course at a constant {{convert|75|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}} — {{convert|49|mpgus|abbr=on}}
* Fuel type — Unleaded premium, 98 octane (RON) with automatic knock control 

===Electrical system===
* Alternator — 720 watts  60 amperes three-phase alternator
* Battery — 12 volts, 12 [[ampere hour]]s

===Power transmission===
* Clutch — Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
* Gearbox — Constant mesh 6-speed [[gearbox]] with [[Gear#Helical_gear|helical gearing]]

===Chassis===
* Frame — Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
* Front wheel location / suspension — BMW Motorrad [[History_of_BMW_motorcycles#Telelever_front_fork|Telelever]]; stanchion diameter 35&nbsp;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-[[History_of_BMW_motorcycles#Paralever|Paralever]]; spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA, rebound damping with standard ESA
* Travel front/rear — {{convert|4.72|in|mm}} / {{convert|5.31|in|mm}}

===Dimensions / Weight===
* Permitted [[gross weight|total weight]] — 1,091 lb (495 kg)
* Payload (with standard equipment) — 520 lb (236 kg)
* Fuel reserve — Approximately 1 US gallon</small>

==Special models==
[[Image:R1200rtp.jpg|thumb|An R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT outfitted for police duty]]

The R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT-P is produced as a specific emergency services variant, also known as "authority" model, by [[BMW]] Motorrad's Official and special duty vehicles division. In addition a unique R&nbsp;900&nbsp;RT model is produced for this market, which is not available to the general public. A number of United Kingdom police forces have taken delivery of the BMW R1200RT-P to replace the [[Honda ST1300]] Pan-European, which was withdrawn from service nationally after being involved in a number of incidents,<ref>{{cite web | title=Police withdraw Pan over safety concerns | work=Motorcycle News | url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/May/may15-20/may1407policewithdrawpanoversafetyconcerns/?&R=EPI-91227 | date= 14 May 2007 | accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> one of which resulted in the death of a [[police officer]] from [[Merseyside]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Police bike is 'serious threat' | work=BBC News | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6600897.stm | date= [[27 April]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref>

This replaced the R1150 RT-P variant as used by a many [[Police]] forces throughout the world. This variant was recognised by the addition of chrome crash bars situated about the front fairing, and could also be used for mounting of additional equipment such as sirens; crash bars around panniers, "city" lids to panniers, single seat with radio box, additional switch gear for equipment, emergency lighting, lower ratio [[gearbox]] increase capacity [[alternator]] and second [[battery (electricity)|battery]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmw-motorrad-authorities.com/authorities/en/index_frameset.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad-authorities.com/authorities/en/products/r1200rt/r1200rt_main.html|publisher=BMW Motorrad Authorities|title=Emergency services version of the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT and R&nbsp;900&nbsp;RT}}</ref>

==Reviews and awards==
The R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT was selected as the "''Best Touring Bike''" by two major American monthly motorcycle magazines.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/etc/utils.jsp?t=accolades | title=  Accolades | work= BMW Motorrad USA | accessdate= 2007-08-31}}</ref>

In September 2006 the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT was named the United Kingdom's "''number one motorcycle''" by readers of ''RiDE'' magazine in its annual "RiDER POWER" survey.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://195.224.59.217/news/archives_2000/news_details.asp?id=4800 | title= BMW wins Rider Power awards | work= Inside Bikes News | date= 26 September 2006 | accessdate= 2007-08-31}}</ref>
It repeated this achievement in 2007 and reached second place overall in 2008.<ref name=RideDec08/>

In October 2006, the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT was cited as the "''Best Tourer''" for the second year in a row by [[Motorcycle News]] in England. The citation read:
{{cquote|The R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT was awarded the accolade after ''RiDE'' readers were invited to nominate and assess their favourite bike according to a number of rating categories. These included build quality, engine performance, rider comfort, reliability, handling and overall impressions. The RT which also won the 2005 MCN Best Tourer Award in its first year of production received an overall score of 85.14 per cent, beating 149 other motorcycles to the number one spot.<br><br>Over 10,000 readers voted in the survey and each was asked to justify their choice of bike. "Overall this is a brilliant bike, I  haven't had so much fun in ages" said one RT owner. A second writes: "I've had no faults, build quality or reliability issues. I'm extremely impressed with my BMW." Another claims that his RT is "the best bike I've ever owned."|[[Motorcycle News]]}}

==Safety issues==
The R1200RT has been affected by a number of safety issues since its launch. The United Kingdom [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency]] (VOSA) has issued five separate [[Product recall|vehicle recalls]] covering the front brakes,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=2FB2C9140B693C4980257448004A4385&freeText=Blank | title= Recall RM/2008/019 | publisher= [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|VOSA]] | date= 12 June 2008 | accessdate= 2009-01-07}}</ref>
[[anti-lock braking system]],<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=7802F713BF36E6898025713B003ECCD2 | title= Recall RM/2006/020 | publisher= [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|VOSA]] | date= 14 March 2006 | accessdate= 2009-01-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=3931D4B7E0CCF9208025713B003F3828&freeText=Blank | title= Recall RM/2006/021 | publisher= [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|VOSA]] | date= 14 March 2006 | accessdate= 2009-01-07}}</ref>
throttle cable,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=971223298BFD22C9802570450036D627&freeText=Blank | title= Recall RM/2005/015 | publisher= [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|VOSA]] | date= 18 March 2005  | accessdate= 2009-01-07}}</ref>
and clutch.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=3EEE463E2EDBA5438025713B004149C9&freeText=Blank | title= Recall RM/2006/023 | publisher= [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|VOSA]] | date= 14 March 2006  | accessdate= 2009-01-07}}</ref>
This compares with just two for its R1150RT predecessor. Similar recalls have been issued in by vehicle safety authorities other countries.

==See also==
* [[History of BMW motorcycles]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==

* [http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/bikes/tour/r1200rt/r1200rt_main.html BMW Motorrad R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;RT web page]
* [http://motos.home.att.net/bmw-r1200rt.htm 2005-2009 BMW R1200RT]


{{BMW motorcycles}}

[[Category:BMW motorcycles|R1200RT]]
[[Category:Vehicles with boxer engines]]