BMW’s R 1200 range consists of a range of models, all powered by the same 1170cc twin-cylinder boxer engine, driven by shaft drives and built on the same platform. All R 1200 models are built on a three-piece chassis that consists of a tubular steel bridge-type main-frame, tubular sub-frame and the engine-gearbox unitary casing as a stressed member, and feature single-sided swingarms. The R 1200 range consists of the RS, RT, R and GS models.
R 1200 RT
RT stands for Reise-Tourer (travel tourer in English), and, as the name suggests, is the touring-oriented model in the R 1200 range. It is powered by an 1170cc air-cooled, twin-cylinder boxer engine with a water-cooled cylinder head that puts out 125hp at 7750rpm and 125Nm of torque at 6500rpm. As with all R 1200 models, the RT features shaft drive.
The RT rides on BMW Motorrad’s patented Telelever front suspension, which consists of 37mm forks and a central spring strut, a system that is supposed to increase ride comfort, improve handling accuracy and provide higher levels of safety, and adjustable rear monoshock.
The 2017 RT gets a judder damper on the transmission shaft, revised selector drum actuator, transmission shaft and transmission shaft bearing.
The RT is 2222mm in length, with a wheelbase of 1485mm and an 805mm seat height as standard. Lowered and raised seat height packages of up to 760mm and 850mm are available as optional extras. The RT weighs 276kg (wet), and can hold up to 25 litres of fuel.
In terms of features, the RT comes with active suspension control, ‘road’ and ‘rain’ riding modes, ABS, electrically-operated windshield, and saddle cases and heated grips. The RT also gets several optional features such as a ‘dynamic’ riding mode with BMW’s dynamic electronic suspension, shift assist, ABS Pro, keyless go, central locking for the saddle cases and cruise control.
The R 1200 RT is priced at Rs 18.5 lakh (Standard) and Rs 21.9 lakh (Pro) (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
R 1200 RS
The RS is the sportiest of the R 1200 series. However, the RS is more of a sports tourer than an outright sportsbike. As with other bikes from the R 1200 range, it is powered by a 1170cc air-cooled boxer twin with a water-cooled cylinder head, with an output of 125hp at 7750rpm and 125Nm at 6500rpm. The rear wheel is driven by shaft drive, through a six-speed gearbox.
The RS rides on 45mm inverted telescopic forks up front and an adjustable monoshock round the back. It is 2202mm long, with a wheelbase of 1527mm and a standard seat height of 820mm. Low and high seat options of 760mm and 840mm, respectively, are available as optional extras. The RS weighs 236kg (wet) and comes with a 18-litre fuel tank. Like the RT, it gets active suspension control, ‘road’ and ‘rain’ riding modes and ABS as standard, and keyless go, ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Light as options.
The R 1200 RS is priced at Rs 15.9 lakh (Standard) and Rs 16.9 lakh (Dynamic+) (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
