BMW R1200RT (2005-current)

Done 15k miles on my 2nd hand Dec '05 1200RT from Vines (Guildford) without ANY reliability problems. Originally wanted a K1200S, but the pillion comfort was not much better than my Firestorm, so got the R1200RT old mans tourer! Can't say anything bad about it, but can't say much good about it? Terrific all rounder, but primarily designed as a one or two up long distance tourer. I use it daily throughout the year for work and the panniers and grip heaters are brilliant. Some quality issues, but items replaced under warranty, watch out for corrosion on footpeg support plate, engine front plate and fork stanchion legs. Bridgestone 020's better then the Conti Road Attack's, will try the B021's at next change. Have kept my sports bike for more spirited rides, but will always go on the BM when distance/luggage/rain are involved. Wind protection very good with the height adjustable screen, cruising at 80+ you can read a newspaper behind the screen! Given the choice purchase choice again, I would still go for the K1200S, but it is not as good as the RT for everyday and touring use. Handling surprisingly good once you get used to the bouncy suspension (in comparison to a sports bike) and very stable at all speeds. Main niggle at the moment is how to turn off the indicator auto-cancel 'feature', which is a pain in the a**e. Dealer says that they will have a look at cancelling it through the diagnostics at next service. If you want a comfy, quick (but not fast), ultra tourer, then give one a test ride. Bear in mind, if you haven't ridden a beemer, then it can take at least 500 miles to acclimatise to them (that's just the indicator switches), so don't expect miracles during a test ride.

First impression on the ride home -  it seems to suffer more from sidewinds. Sat behind a large screen, tillers for handlebars and mirrors underneath. Played with the electric screen to find a spot where the wind noise and turbulance disappeared and rode home 30 miles. Collected my wife, her first opinion was that the seat was comfy but she felt unsafe, missed the grab handles from the ST and the RT's felt too low and under her legs which was uncomfortable. It didn't get much better I'm afraid as I found the brake/clutch span adjusters would not get as close to the bars as the ST and felt I was trying to steer a barge and Sally described it as sittng on a sofa. We had intended to have a full day out but just took it back to the dealership. Never been so glad to get my own bike back and even more grateful to see that after a year I am still happier with the ST! It felt far more responsive, under my control and has killed of any thoughts of ever buying a true tourer again. Strengths: Build quality and load carrying ability for continental trips, brakes, engine and proven reliability. Weaknesses: Too large and not much fun once you get to you destination and remove the panniers unlike other sport tourer type machines.

I have never liked the BMW RT range. Being short of leg they have always seemed far to big and cumbersome for me to ride safetly. Problem I had was I wanted to tour two up and the wife could not get comfortable on the Harley. Enter the 1200 RT. The dealer suggested lower suspension plus the low seat option, had a ride on one and was totaly won over. So easy to ride especially at low speed and brilliant at motorway speeds. Spoke to Ohlins (Harris Performance) and they supplied the front/rear shocks 1.5 ins shorter than stock in one week, realy impresive service. Bought the bike and away I go. Strengths: Brakes are fabulous, I can not belive how well it handles for such a big bike. After the Harley this is a revelation. Weaknesses: Havent found any yet.