
BMW R1200RT
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
BMW R1200RT
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

User Reviews
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
Exellent Motorcicle, I Put 6000 Km In 2 Months Ver
Exellent motorcicle, I put 6000 Km in 2 months very comfortable, excellent performance, very good handling for such a big machine,lightes in the category, only downside is a high price. I have a fully loaded modell with ASC, ESP, navi IV, heated grips and seats, top case plus all kind of nippy normans, boxer design and Touratech possible after market accessories. Cannot expect more from a motorcicle, probably centrall lock, key less go and rear view camera on next modell.
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
Purchased From Main Dealer With 19k Miles On Clock
Purchased from main dealer with 19k miles on clock, 2 years later 37k miles on clock. Main dealers really must get their act together about what service/inspection a bike needs, rang 3 dealers and all gave a different price for what they called a service/inspection. I chose Cannons of Braintree eventually, 95 miles from home but very efficient. Defects/poblems so far, final drive oil seal replaced at 30k miles, and engine front cover paint peeling off; that's it. The mirrors are not very good, your hand/body obstructs rearward vision, BT021 tyres are not suited to this machine, handling affected badly, Michelin Pilots seem to be a better option.
Overall, it's been a good bike, and after owning an 1100RT and 1150RT, this bikes much better handling wise, less weight, better gearing much better (head)lights than the previous models. Try one for yourself :)
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
I Bought An R1200rt New In 2005, Since Did 32k Mil
I bought an R1200RT new in 2005, since did 32k miles. The ESA failed after 4 days, it took BMW more than 2 years to make it work properly.Throttle jammed due to incorrect assembly. Horn bracket fractured twice. Starter motor failed. RHS indicator switch failed. Oil leaks from main egine seal. Front engine cover and rear wheel replaced due to corrosion problems. Fuel pump elelectronics failed. Wiring harness to ignition switch fractured. Needle roller on final drive failed. Blew 8 headlamp bulbs. BMW washed their hands of it after 2 years.
Conclusion, lovely bike with totally unacceptable quality.Not recommended.
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
Very Poor Quality Build. Paint Peels Off From Eng
Very poor quality build. Paint peels off from engine cases within one year. Rear wheel pain and footrest hangers also blistered. Engine seal failure (common) trashed the clutch, final drive packed up. Fuel pump stopped working (also common)in fast lane of motorway. Cheap standard suspension spoils a good chassis. Good will frmo BMW non-existant if anything happens more than one minute outside the two year warranty that Europeans are short changed with.
If buying second hand, get a 2007 and budget a couple of thousand pounds for breakdowns.
Once sorted it is a great bike - but definately not worth the cost when new.
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
I Bought My '05 R1200rt Second Hand With 12k Miles
I bought my '05 R1200RT second hand with 12K miles on the clock. With the exception of the EWS ring antenna and fuel strip (shows miles remaining on tank), the bike has been exceptional!! Both failures where covered under warranty. In the 16 months I have had it, I have put 22K miles on the bike. It is a joy to ride !!
The handling on this bike is fantastic. The gas mileage is terrific and I average well over 50 mpg. Although power isn't as strong as the Kawasaki Concourse 14 or the Yamaha FJR, it is powerful enough for all practical purposes. For a twin, it is extremely smooth.
I have performed all maintenance tasks with the exception of brake flush myself. Once the body work is removed, it is a very easy machine to work on.
I would definately recommend this bike to anyone that is interested in a comfortable tourer or sport tourer that wants to avoid a ticket machine.
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
Had Bmw R1200rt From New 2006 On A 56 Plate, Just
had BMW R1200RT from new 2006 on a 56 plate, just part ex for a 1300gt deliver expected 20th july , rt only stop once in 23k miles, relay fault, brilliant handling for a big fairing 2 up or solo, 11k out of the back tyre, pilot road 2 are a must, anywhere between 42 and 68 miles per gallon, 2 up touring average 54 miles per gallon, 150mph on the clock solo with no panniers fitted, serviced by cw dorchester, best around the southwest but bit pricier
I found this review very helpful because...
it toold us the mpg to expect under different conditions, something that reviews never detail.He explained how it performed solo and two up, which again is the info a potential buyer is looking for. His experience riding solo sin panniers and top speed noted is useful.
Kevin Campbell
Build quality
Reliability
Value For Money
I Got The Bmw R1200rt New In The Belief I Was Buyi
I got the BMW R1200RT new in the belief I was buying a £12200 quality built and long lasting machine. Having owned it from new (2007) and done 9000 miles I am very disappointed, the immobiliser failed after 6 months (EWS - key antenna), the final drive failed at 8000 miles, front brake callipers were sticking from new - wearing out pads unevenly. The electrical wiring is flimsy (thin wires) and I doubt it will last the 10+ years I normally keep bikes. My perception of its reliabilty has been badly dented. However, when it's going, it performs very well. Definatey a bike for BMW enthusiasts but not for someone expecting a long-lasting trouble-free bike.
Q&A
There are no questions yet.