BMW R1200RT (2014 - 2019) Review

This bike gets 5 stars for rider and pillion comfort. My wife and I have ridden three hours without needing to stop. Most riders would stop before then anyway. The riders position is alright if you are tall, I had to fit a foot peg lowering kit. I am 5ft 9 with a 29 inch inseam, with the seat on its lower setting, I can nearly flat foot it. I have the most fun on fast back roads , using all the low down torque, knowing the handling is tight and the brakes are really strong.

I like the masses of grunt, but there is a flat spot at mid range, although she picks up again, a linear power curve would be nice. I will get her remapped at some point. At low speed, the fueling is snatchy which is really disappointing. The power booster plug smooths things out, but this should not happen when you pay this amount of money .

I have only ridden 1000 miles out of its 11000, so I cannot comment on reliability. There is no corrosion , no doubt due to the previous owners cleaning it properly. The front of the bike has lots of plastic to remove to allow access to the air filter. You get used to it. The horn came came out of a Christmas cracker, pathetic comes to mind.

Although I do my own maintenance, £350 seems to be the average at the dealers.

The best feature of the bike is its ability to be fun on the twisties, and yet relaxing on long motorway runs. It does everything well and , for me, is the total package. My tyres are Pirelli road angel 4 gt . I have no complaints, they feel very stable wet or dry. The Hill start assist is laughable at first, but you use it a lot when you get used to it. Cruise control is nice, but the best is the automatic suspension settings. I have no time for the gear assist pro. The clutch is so light anyway.

I would probably take a break every couple of hours riding

If it’s a big twin you want then I would recommend it but some people don’t like the opposed cylinders

When I serviced it the last time I fitted two new tyres so that increased cost more than normal

Excellent all rounder. There’s a very good reason that the police use them. Seat could be better. Brakes great 60-0 in under 30m.

The last tankful went through at 61mpg, including quite a bit of naughtiness!

Some aspects of the finish, leading to early corrosion that would not be tolerated in the car world. Disc callipers rubbish finish. Unnecessarily high maintenance costs though not the worst. Cheap skate aspects like shaft splines not lubricated and unsealed universal joints. Alternator failure well into 4 figures. That said, mine was great in the 5 years I had it.

Like almost all the manufacturers, far more thought has gone into style at the expense of practicality, front mudguard anybody? No, we put up with the engine etc getting grit blasted and salted.

In the era of average speed cameras, cruise control. Never thought about heated seat until I tried one out in freezing temperatures. Last set of tyres Michelin Pilote Road 5s, best I have ever used.

It's a heavy old beast at standstill and pushing it around but once moving it's lovely and light. Make no mistake you know you're on a big heavy bike but if you're in the mood it will dance like a sports bike and that weight just vanishes. It will corner far faster than I would ever dare and has saved my bacon once or twice when I've gone into a bend too hot. This is a bike that flatters your riding if you trust it. Easy to manoeuvre at low speeds too. All the controls are light. Only the clunky gearbox lets the side down on the refinement front.

Plenty of grunt. Bike not quick enough? Feel the need for real speed? Select 'Dynamic' mode and it'll take off like a scalded cat!

The plastic bits (of which there are many) feel like plastic but at least it's decent quality plastic. Nothing has ever broken or fallen off. I know I'm tempting fate now but it really has been faultless over 4 years and 16,000 miles so far.

Main dealer servicing has averaged a shade under £300 a year. Tyres come in at £250-300 a set every 6,000 miles or so.

More electrickery than you can shake a stick at. The LE has everything. The only things I spent money on were cylinder head guards in case that enormous weight got the better of me and I dropped the thing (I haven't!), and a front mud guard extender which is essential if you don't want to pepper the front of the engine with stone chips. Why can't bike manufacturers put function ahead of style and do this from the factory? Oh and the saddle is not brilliant after a couple of hours. No different to anyone else's standard saddle though in that!

Not tried a passenger as of yet . Driven seven hours in one go England to Scotland just stopped for fuel and a coffee

No issues good power

Not let me down as of yet . Just regular serviced

The bike has everything a biker would need . The only thing I feel missing is front fog lights to aid other drivers seeing you . The bike has the electric screen , cruise control, good headlights, pro gearbox , heated seats and handle bars, good luggage , central locking , abs breaks

Excellent. BMW has fitted high quality components. I am going to need to get the suspension looked at as I select the pillion setting and firm suspension on the suspension setting, which is leading to the rear tyre feathering when ridden with some pace in the bends. Nothing that causes an issue when riding however.

Torquey, with enough acceleration for most roads, particularly the twisty ones that I like to tide. No issues.

Always works; no issues to report.

The cost depends on the mileage of course. There was one fault, which was a rear wheel bearing wearing out in under 10,000 miles, which was covered under warranty. No issues since.

There are issues with the bluetooth connections on this bike. Unless a BMW helmet is purchased, it is only possible to connect one helmet to the bluetooth system, which causes issues if you wish to ride two up. Also, BMW markets this bike as being able to connect an IPod. You can but only one pre-September 2013 will work. To listen to music, you have to use a USB stick in the standrad windows configuration. You cannot use Apple products; they don't work! I use Bridgestone T31 tyres, which I am pleased with. Stable, good turn in and grip in both wet and dry. I regularly ride to the edge of the rear tyre, where these tyres provide good communication as to what is happening with the bike. Where the electronics are good is that I change the suspension settings as the road surface changes. This really works and enables the rider to make good progress over different surfaces as the surface changes. If it only had a DAB radio!

With the exception of the seat, Sub 90 minute comfort. 2/5

Engine is fine but I would like to try the 1250.

Corrosion, poor for such an expensive bike. Probably down to too many sharp edges on painted surfaces. This is where most corrosion problems seem to emanate. The noise valve failing to operate. If this was necessary to pass homologation tests, when it fails does this, technically, make the bike illegal?

Service costs vary but do seem to be somewhat steep compared to the car world.

Crash bars recommended and better horn. Access to battery and air filter poor.I didn't rate Michelin Pilote 4GTs but the Pilote 5s fitted at the moment are superb.

The best bike there is for all day touring. Pillion loves it.

Torquey. Flexible. Fun.

Mine was OK until the rear disc came loose literally hanging loose, at 1000 miles. And it happened again too. Could have been a disaster at speed. Dealer said ‘bring it in and we’ll have a look. Needles to say I declined to ride it and insisted they collect. The first fix didn’t work so I changed who services it. 1Star because that could have killed me.

Actual servicing around £500 on average taking into account big and small services. But being a BMW with occasional very expensive quality issues you need the extended warranty which adds about £400. None of my Hondas needed that and they were cheaper to service too.

Heated seats and grips are very effective with pillion able to control heat in their own seat. Suspension is utterly brilliant and confidence inspiring. Everything on this bike is perfect equipment wise and there is plenty of it. Just don’t buy the Nav VI satnav. It’s the worst piece of electronic equipment I have had the misfortune to use in my entire life. Checkout owner reviews elsewhere.

Superb manners

If this is what you started with you will find it more than adequate if you have driven the 1250 cc then no doubt you would feel a dramatic difference

Perfectly feasible to service yourself if you are a competent person

Adjustable windscreen and heated seats and grips

Strong power throughout the range

Easy to ride - riding modes to make a difference to throttle response

I find the bike an absolute dream on the road whether it be motorways or lovely country roads , I think the bikes loves the bends as I do

Engine wise I cannot complain on my bike I find it more than adequate for my needs but I understand the new 1250 takes it to a new level

I never have had any problems with this bike since I bought it

I service the bike mainly myself and find there is nothing that difficult to do on it

Self cancelling indicators would good and the horn in a more convenient place

Super comfortable, but I'm only using it so far as a commuter bike.

The only complaint I could possibly have is that the clutchless shifting is a bit too noticeable and not as smooth as I'd like in the lower gears.

I can't really say anything about maintenance costs as I purchased the extended 7 year/100,000 mile warranty, and it's too new to have had a breakdown.

I added on the iliumworks engine and pannier guards. I feel this is a must and should come standard. No one plans on dropping a bike, but most likely you won't go through years of ownership without that happening. No one wants a scuffed up pannier or cylinder cover. I also added on the iliumworks sportboards to replace the driver pegs. I purchased a full featured topcase that includes it in central locking. Finally, I added on a BMW low seat and BAKUP backrest.

This bike is super comfortable and it can be ridden comfortable between fuelling on long trips. Considering the weight of the bike, the braking is excellent.

Personally I don't need more power from a bike. Even two-up the bike responds very well when acceleration is needed.

The bike has had no issues... except for a hole about 2 square inches blew out in the rear wheel rim on a dual carriageway. Bike had about 35,000 kms at the time and tyres were almost new. Frightened the life out of me.....Biggest "let down" was that BMW ignored the whole event. BMW did not want to know anything about what happened. All I could think of, was " if that happened on the front wheel rim, what might have happened to me on the bike?" This has changed my perception of BMW as a brand.

BMW servicing is costly but a good quality service generally.

My bike is fully loaded with all of the extras. However, I would be very happy with the base model which has most of the "must haves". The "extras" are only occasionally used.

R1200RT is the limo of the bike world. It feels like you are riding a much smaller bike and I have to remember this thing is as wide as a bus when filtering.

Has all the power I need to get a decent traffic fine.

I have been riding this bike for 2 years with a little over 15K KMS on the clock. Nothing has gone wrong with the bike - nothing has fallen off and there are no rattles. Great BMW quality.

The annual service comes out around 600 dollars Australian - add to this 500 dollars compulsory insurance, 200 dollars road tax and 400 dollars accident/theft/fire insurance and it isn't a cheap toy to have in the garage. I ride mine to work daily so I get value for my money.

The only thing that didn't come standard in Australia was the top box and sat nav. Both cost an arm and a leg to get, I got the top box and use it every day and use my phone for sat nav. Favourite feature of the bike would have to be the ABS brakes - stops well on wet, dusty or dry roads in all temperatures. After my previous Yamaha V-Star, the BMW is a dream to stop.

Thanks to the front fork geometry, diving on braking is minimised and the Brembo's really bite. Definitely a decent all-round bike with long hours between breaks even for 6Ft + riders. The seat can get a little hard and an aftermarket air cell gel seat would be a very useful add on. The standard panniers are cavernous and waterproof making weekend getaways a definite possibility.

I like the torque spread which negates the need to change down to overtake at our governed speeds. It can be induced to lift the front wheel on spirited launches despite all the electronic safety measures onboard but always feels controlled.The improved exhaust note on the dynamic engine setting is throaty and spirited.

Very well built but ensure that exhausts are well polished frequently as pitting can occur on account of their exposure. In 12000 km in just over a year no issues at all. A very basic and awkward oil level checking system using a sight glass but uses no oil at all. The increased flywheel mass has smoothed out engine vibrations and the partial liquid cooling has assisted hot weather cruising.

Annual servicing in AU $ based on servicing every 10,000 km at an authorised BMW Motorad centre is about average.

The cruise control really stands out on motorway rides. The level of information available on the dash is very exhaustive and easy to access once the thumbwheel has been mastered. I have stuck with the original Metezeler tyres and found them to be very good for grip and longevity. The daytime riding light also tends to get noticed by traffic and is very distinctly BMW.

For me no other bike, including previous model was quite as smooth as this one.

Smoother, quicker, as economical, quieter, has much more punch, I like it.

After 6000 miles rear drive shaft bearing needed replacing! Luckily under warranty but shouldn't have failed at such low mileage. Otherwise excellent.

For me excellent value, yes it's expensive, yes the extras cost alot, but keep it, look after it and you'll see why the don't depreciate quite as quickly like most other manufacturers.

I have the LE spec model which has more bells and whistles than I thought I'd never need, but strangely I've started using the gear shifter and hill start brake and found them quite useful.

Clutch needed removing and soaking overnight after 600 miles. Still felt like a bag of nails afterwards.

This is one of the best bikes I've ridden, steady and smooth in slow traffic / crawling (due to low centre of gravity), if you're a bigger chap (or chapess), it's worth switching the suspension to "rider with luggage: set up to firm up the back end. Dynamic mode is awesome for around the streets, and rain mode gives you that bit bigger safety net in the wet (or off road track, gravel car park, etc). It feels like a much lighter bike than it really is when above 15-20mph, but still maintain control and poise. Brakes top notch.

Slight vibration of wing mirrors at tick over, other than that, slick as anything. Damn fast with good acceleration and quick shifter a dream. Still has Soviet block tractor clunkiness to the gearbox but it's endearing and hints of over-built longevity.

So far, so good. I believe the LC GS was an "electrical lemon", having had the battery replaced three times due to not holding a charge, even with the BMW battery conditioner. Something somewhere was draining the battery and BMW couldn't figure it out. But the RT has been reliable starting even after two months of sitting in the garage (due to work, not being a fair-weather only rider, thank you very much!). Am a little worried of stories and rumours of corrosion of bolts on engine block so mines acdf'd 50'D to the max. Time will tell.

Nothing required so far except initial check. But you pay for what you get. Good return of value and distance for a tank of fuel (unless ridden like you stole it!). It would be an idea for BMW to introduce all your servicing for a nominal monthly fee as per a lot of the German car manufacturers these days, Skoda even include tyres in these packages.

Pretty much faultless, however some optional extras are excessively priced! A radio with external speakers, on a bike? over a grand! really? A carpeted top box with lights, bells, whistles and pneumatic struts - ditto above. Would have like to have seen better phone / GPS integration ? Bluetooth compatibility (iphone/ android plug in option and make compatible with wheel selector and TFT screen! And finally, why not have the other cubby box as an extra? why if you only buy the radio? Griping aside, equipment levels very good, would have liked a choice of tyres though. Only just getting used to Interact Z8's after Metzlers on previous bikes (Pilot Road 4 GT should be an option, methinks)

For a bike of this size the handling is a revalation, never having owned a barge before I wasn't sure what to expect but handling surpassed my expectations. It's no fire blade but I couldn't see me walking properly after 700 miles in a day on a blade either. Feels very reassured in the wet of dry and always feels planted even two up with luggage

Sounds like a tractor on tickover but pulls strongly and smoothly when on the road. Torque is great, pulling away in third with luggage no mean achievement. Flexible and smooth delivery to make progress as rapidly as you need and despatches overtakes with ease

Great build and 2500 miles in 3 months and all is well

The bike isn't cheap and options are pricey. Not a value motor by any means but very good at what it does and it does it exceedingly well

So i ticked all the options list. I particularly like the hill hold function, waiting at traffic lights on a hill takes all the hassle out of it, think of it as a handbrake for a bike. The quick shifter makes clutches down change so easy that you only find you need the clutch for town work, changing up is more of an art and I still find myself shutting the throttle to up change which upsets the system. Get it right and up shifts are perfect with no need to roll off the power. Great shield from the fairing she it's raining and the electric screen creates a perfect bubble of tranquility.