BMW R 1200 RT 2017 — Specifications

Imagine 1,170 cubic centimeters of a partially liquid-cooled boxer engine, 125 horsepower delivered at 7,750 rpm, 125 Nm of torque available at 6,500 rpm, all propelled by a six-speed transmission and shaft drive. Add 276 kilograms when fully fueled, a 805 mm seat height, a 25-liter tank, and a listed price of €18,905 at the bottom of the specification sheet. This is the BMW R 1200 RT 2017 model, in its latest guise before the R family transitions to the 1,250. At this price, in this segment, direct competitors like the Honda Gold Wing, the Yamaha FJR1300, or the Kawasaki 1400 GTR would do well to avoid being at the same traffic light.

What distinguishes this 2017 version from its immediate predecessors lies in two technical points that concretely change the experience on the road. ABS Pro now intervenes in curves, modulating braking according to the lean angle; this transforms the confidence available in the rain in a tight turn. The Dynamic Brake Light, for its part, intensifies the rear light signal during hard braking, warning those behind with far more effectiveness than an ordinary brake light. These two functions come in the "Pro Riding Modes" package, alongside the Dynamic mode which sharpens throttle response and attenuates electronic interventions. As standard, the BMW R 1200 RT motorcycle features ASC traction control and two riding modes, Road and Rain. The base is already serious.

The chassis remains faithful to the house philosophy. Telelever at the front, Paralever EVO at the rear with its monobrach and shaft drive, are the foundations of the RT’s legendary stability. The frame has been made continuous and slightly stiffened to improve cornering precision, while the center of gravity has been worked lower. The result is that, despite the displayed 274 kilograms, the machine remains agile, more lively than a roadster of this size has the right to be. Brembo radial four-piston calipers bite down on 320 mm discs at the front; it’s hardware worthy of the flagship they must slow down. On BMW R 1200 RT forums, the question of BMW R 1200 RT reliability comes up regularly, and the testimonials converge: this chassis ages gracefully, even past 100,000 km.

The dashboard deserves attention. The 5.7-inch color TFT screen, controlled by a dial on the left handlebar control, displays a density of information that recalls the cockpits of the K 1600 GT. Temperatures, instantaneous consumption, ESA Dynamic semi-active suspension settings, audio – all are controlled from this central point. These optional suspensions, with their two stroke sensors, adapt damping in real time according to the load and desired style. The Shifter Pro, the cruise control, the heated seats, the tire pressure monitoring system, the central locking, the homologated BMW R 1200 RT top case: the list of options is long, too long. For a motorcycle presented as the absolute benchmark of Grand Touring, displaying nearly €19,000 as a base without an integrated GPS is a questionable choice that Japanese competition cannot afford at this level.

That said, the BMW R 1200 RT motorcycle price guide does not collapse, and the used BMW R 1200 RT remains sought after several years after its commercialization. This is the most honest sign of real value. The BMW R 1200 RT maintenance plan provides for reasonable intervals, parts circulate well within the network, and owners who consult a BMW R 1200 RT PDF technical review before a used purchase know that they are dealing with proven mechanics. This machine is aimed at the experienced grand tourer, one who rides alone or in pairs over long distances, who wants performance without sacrificing comfort, and who is willing to pay for quality of execution. For this specific profile, the 2017 BMW R 1200 RT remains a reference in a segment where it has never ceased to dictate the rules.