BMW R1200RT (2010 - 2013) Review

Panniers take 2 big bags of shopping, excellent pillion, good road presence and with a white helmet some drivers get out of the way when i'm filtering. Brakes are lovely after my 23 year old Road King (needed a rope and anchor when 2 up) and my old British Bike. Lower centre of gravity than the Guzzi's i have had before, but it is a tank to push about (pet name the Panzer).

No complaints, my second BMW (had a GS1150)

fuel gauge caused a breakdown a week after i bought it as it ran out of juice with a 3rd showing on the gauge. the finish is superb.

Going to continue with the BMW main dealer history as i might look into a lighter bike next year

Heated grips with different levels of toastiness are great, haven't used the cruise control yet as I avoid motorways when I can, replaced both tyres with Brdgestones which are good. ESA is marvellous when I take a pillion, but i'm concerned about what will happen when it goes wrong. I Was looking to buy a new bike but all the buttons on everything etc put me off, the Africa twin and the NT1100 were the 'worst' and the beemer has a few buttons but I the important ones, indicators, heat, screen are easy to find.

It's a good all round bike, comfortable to ride, i can ride over 2 hrs before needing a break. Brakes are decent, they stop me when i need them.

When in a lowe

When i broke down the alternator broke so I lost all power, no electrics, unfortunately this was an expensive repair.

The controls for the heated seats are at your finger tips, no fiddling around to switch on.The cruise control is very handy when touring the UK using the motorway.

This is where the bike is very good. It handles brilliantly and is very nimble for a big bike, absolutely nothing like Pan European. Brakes are good. The fairing is the best I've encountered and the ride position is brilliant, all day comfy. I do big miles commuting and if you're moving, you won't get wet.

Very torquey albeit fairly industrial. The gearbox is clunky, don't bother with clutchless gear-changes below 4th.

I bought it new and still own it. Paint started to peel off the metalwork after about 18 months. I do a lot of commuting in all weathers, so maybe a bit more ACF50 from me, but I didn't ignore it. It had some very annoying problems, i.e. engine sensor packing up and failed diagnosis from the dealer leaving me stranded more than once. The corker though was the frame cracking! Yes, after 33,000 miles, and BMW tried to make it, it was nowt to do with them as the warranty had expired. Many letters later, and having photographed the new frame where they'd actually changed the design of the joint, they relented and paid for 75% of parts and labour. That really sullied my view of their 'customer support' as they new perfectly well there was a problem and were dodging the bullet. It's also had numerous fuel tank sensors (on its 5th or 6th). That is a drain down of the tank, and very expensive job.

About what you'd expect.

Don't ever bother with a radio!

Gearbox is a bit clunky - but I love that engine

Do my own servicing to save cost

Well equipped as standard and mountains of aftermarket available

My bike is a work tool. It's not a sports bike but again would not have covered the miles. It's been great, comfy, fantastic weather protection in minus 6 with sleet!

Small corrosion on rear foot peg hanger. However bike is left with winter salt under a bike cover for a few days at a time.

Two services in a year tad steep and third set of tyres. I replace tyres moment they start to square, more life left in them but prefer not to risk.

Very comfortable for long days in the saddle, most I managed was 700 mile in one day and it was a bit strained but hardly surprising!

Tried and tested, not the fastest but it will go all day long at good speeds 80+ and give good fuel economy, Ive had 65mpg from her but averages at about 55mpg, never used any oil at all other than services.

The only problem I had was a fuel sensor that had corroded for some reason. That was replaced free of charge after 4 years so no grumbles from me.

Only requires a service once a year if you do about the normal mileage of 6k which I do, Main dealers are expensive but no more than any other really but the after sales is excellent

Lots of BMW toys all very reliable