BMW R1200RT (2010 - 2013) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £280 |
| Power: | 110 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (505 lbs / 229 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesA brilliant touring bike as long as you like it in grey. The RT gets a new fairing, new clocks and an all new 110bhp twin-cam engine which gives it just enough grunt to make it entertaining and sit at high-speed over long distances. It is ultimately comfortable and in all weathers too as the SE version gets a heated seat, heated grips and an optional radio if the road gets too straight and boring.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThis bike will lean over way further than you expected it to and let you carve through back roads defying a bike of this size. This is no sports bike, a GS makes it feel light, but you’ll be amazed how smooth it will arc its way on some truly demanding roads that would have a GTR or FJR running wide and looking for run-off beyond cliff faces.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe new twin-cam engine is derived from the BMW HP2 Sport and new in the RT for 2010. The motor gives the same 110bhp total output as the old bike but it accelerates faster, the fuel injection is crisper and the bike has more instant grunt when going for those 70mph-plus overtakes. It’s never exciting but it does the job intended perfectly.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBuild quality is often hard to rate on a motorcycle but with the BMW R1200RT it’s easy. The paint quality is deep and well lacquered even if you can only choose from four different shades of grey, and the fit of all those panels is millimetre perfect and there’s never any vibration from the panels.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt £11,775 the base model bike is great value as it comes well equipped with everything you need to cross-continents. But as most people spec up the SE version with almost every box ticked and this has consistently been the UK’s best-selling touring bike then we’d have to say it’s great value for such a huge hunk of metal. Find a BMW R1200RT for sale.
Equipment
Spec up the SE version and there’s enough options to make a BMW car driver proud. The new 2010 bike comes with an option for an Ipod or MP3 connection system which sits in the right-hand fairing pocket. It uses a neat wheel on the left thumb to operate and is very simple to use. You can also get a heated seat, heated grips, tyre pressure sensors and adjust the seat height and gear lever. And let’s not forget the ESA II electronically adjustable suspension which lets the bike waft along with a pillion or firm up spring and damping at the touch of a button. It also gets an electronically adjustable screen as standard that will keep the wind off all but the tallest riders. And if that’s not enough then you also get traction control! Compare and buy parts for the R1200RT in the MCN Shop
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8V Twin cam Boxer, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Engine as stressed member |
| Fuel capacity | 27 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 229kg |
| Front suspension | Electronically controlled ESAII |
| Rear suspension | Electronically controlled ESAII |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs |
| Rear brake | 1 x 265mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £280 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,000 - £9,000 |
| Insurance group |
11 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 110 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 85 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 140 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 245 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
Updated in 2010 with new fairing, clocks, ESAII electronic suspension and a 110bhp twin-cam engine.
Other versions
BMW R1200RT - £11,775
BMW R1200RT SE - £12,880
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1200RT (2010 - 2013)
6 owners have reviewed their BMW R1200RT (2010 - 2013) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1200RT (2010 - 2013)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £280 |
Version: SE Alpine White
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £190
The bike is pretty nimble along country roads, light enough to control. I would recommend this bike to anyone thinking of chamging their bike.
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.
Version: SE
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £600
Some great plus points, let down by poor reliability and BMW 'don't care' customer service.
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!
Buying experience: Bought new, dealer okay.
Version: SE
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £150
Fantastic bike - used all year round for commuting
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
Buying experience: Bought on eBay - cheap and easy - just chose a good seller with good comments (Steve Bateman Superbike Wholesale Ltd - superbly helpful, can't recommend strongly enough)
Year: 2013
Covered 15000 miles in a year, in all weathers. Urban, motorway, twisters. Fantastic machine
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.
Buying experience: Dealer bought, traded in 1000r!!!
Version: SE
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £200
I have had my bike since new for 6 years now having had the earlier model previously. It has now covered 33k and so I feel qualified to give an accurate assessment. What can I say it is a brilliant bike and has never given me one problem. It handles great, the brakes are great and its so comfortable.
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
Bought my RT in March after riding a K12GTSE for 2 years. I've read in most of the bike rags that it only comes in variations of grey, well mine is Polar Blue which is the colour shown in the promo video filmed around scotland. I notice the difference in power from my GT and miss it a bit. However the ESA2 is better than the original ESA on my K12. Ive done 2600 miles on it since i bought it and my only niggle is that the seat is a bit too soft, but with moving around on the seat, long days in the saddle are possible.Another minor niggle is that the paint has worn near the footpeg and gearchange. However this will be dealt with under warranty. I've ridden in all weathers and the protection from the fairing/screen is brilliant. With ESA in sport the bike handles amazingly well for its bulk on twisty "A" roads. Slow riding in heavy traffic or around town is very easy due to the low centre of gravity. It is a great all rounder and i'm going to enjoy putting lots of miles on it!
