RT lives up to it's solid name.
Written: Dec 22 '07
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Pros: Comfy, decent handling, good economy and good on long hauls.
Cons: Slightly too heavy, grabby brakes but little else wrong.
The Bottom Line: Great traditional design with nice updates and excellent ride qualities.
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| johntrak's Full Review: 2007 BMW R 1200 RT |
My K bike developed a glitch with the computer and ignition key so it had to have an extended stay with the Beemer store for diagnostics and repair. Instead of the usual loaner R 1200 R, they issued me an R 1200 RT. It took some haggling but was necessary due to the long commutes. The first thing I had to do was trade with the smaller seat they had available to prevent tippy-toes on the ground. Like all BMWs, this bike is predictable and easy to become acquainted. The instruments are familiar and the options are generous. The faring is a carry over from the rider's view but with updated speedo LCD display, and tach. Otherwise, mirrors and overall shape is similar. The difference, as mentioned, is the redesigned front, read down. The electronically controlled suspension is fun but I left the setting on "Comfort" mode because of the nasty pavement here on the CA central coast. Short chop is more abrupt than on the K 12. Fine in most riding situations but a bit disconcerting at ties. The redesign of the frame incorporates an updated faring, more squared edges but a wider and taller windscreen you can adjust up or down at the touch of a button on the handlebars. Wind protection is larger and more calm than previous versions. This bike retains the electric brakes with noisy servo motors you hear well even with the quite engine at parking lot speeds. Beware, when the ignition is off you'll need more pressure to slow or stop. Please, incorporate the more communicative system from the K 12. Much like a power brake in the car. The bike feels more nimble than previous iterations of the R sport touring models. The heated seats and grips works well and came in handy on cool days. Cruise control is always nice on the highway. The rider seat can be adjusted to a high or low position simply by moving the adjusting peg below underneath the front part. Speaking of pegs, the rider's pegs are in an almost perfect position. Not too far forward or aft.
Starting up and moving off is easy but the engine needs some revs when cold or it will want to stall. Shifting through the gears is easy but some shifting is a little vague and it will be necessary to double clutch. Shifting to first at a stop requires a little clutch work for a solid shift into gear. Remember this is a dry clutch and feels more insistent than those of a wet nature so shifting is more abrupt when rowing through the gears quickly. It takes a little finessing to keep it from being jerky and your passenger comfy. After a little time, you can develop a smoother technique as it requires a little slipping into gear.
Power is always decent but the extra weight, compared to the naked R bike, reveals itself with strong throttle roll on but, and interestingly enough, never is anything but smooth. Torque and rpm ratios are very different from a V or inline engine and you quickly find that out when passing and discover it is happier with a shift down to 5th or 4th on a two laner. It's a little deceiving because you build up speed with out really perceiving it until a glance at the speedo says you are, indeed, moving along nicely. When you get to 80 or more the thumper characteristics are prominent. Not bothersome but a little annoying when you're used to a smoother power plant. It's a boxer and vibration, while not obtrusive, is noticeable. Especially in the faring mounted rear view mirrors that are practically useless as it is, compounded by the obscured view being partially blocked from the handlebars and rider. BMW could mount them higher as on the K 1200 GT, whose mirrors are smaller but much better for seeing what is behind you. Seating position is more upright on this bike than the GT and equally as comfortable. Don't look for Goldwing like manners this is a Beemer after all, but it is wunderbar in German engineering.
Handling is next to perfect on this bike. Lean in is neutral most of the time with only a slight hint of countersteer needed. Nothing like the bag bikes out of the land of the rising sun. Those require a lot of counter effort, making it hard for slow speed maneuvering as well as twisting and turning. Something BMW got right from the beginning. The other brands would do well to take notice. More about braking, you need very little effort on the front brakes and same for the rears. It's almost to easy to throw you against the windscreen and takes some time to adjust to the grabby feel. Some wider modulation would be nice, again that is addressed well on the K 12. ABS works perfectly and very predictably. Quick accelerating takes some rpm but not as much as an inline and the results can be fun or catch you off guard, depending on your goal. Torque is never a problem off the line, it is a thumper after all. Mileage is decent but not stellar. The best we saw was about 46, same as the GT and a bit surprising for long hauls. The R bike has been in the paddock for about a month, yes the GT issue has been resolved and working perfectly for the moment. Along those lines, I traced the problem back to the Hungarian made engine computer, on the K bike, to a cold soldered joint. On a side note BMW, for crying out loud, stop outsourcing! Look what that's done to Mercedes' otherwise wonderful cars.
The R 12 is very traditional and yet modern at the same time. IT offers the rider a lot and it's stay with us proved that out. The boxer is an enjoyable ride. It does everything well, wears the Beemer trademark, living up to German spec and is friendly all the time. If I didn't have my K bike, the R 12 would do the job nicely with no complaints.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): Loaner
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2007
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Epinions.com ID:
johntrak
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Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 0 members
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