The world of two-wheeled tourism is competitive. Perhaps the toughest and most saturated for the number of solutions that can be found: you go from fast sport-tourers if you still dream of kneeling, to the more versatile crossovers that are second to none in terms of driveability and are also comfortable .
Then there are the more recent road enduros, which with their 19″ or 21″ front wheels promise to take you wherever you want. In short, there is something to have fun with. But if you are aiming for pure and hard tourism, well, then there is only one answer: BMW RT. She has always been in charge of the kilometer grinder niche: protective, spacious, comfortable, with a good load capacity and a more than discreet seat. To drive, then, is a show: nailed to the asphalt on the fast, agile beyond all expectations, considering the size, on winding roads and in the city.
The standard equipment is not exactly complete (there are however two riding modes, the side cases, the adjustable plexiglass, the heated grips and saddle, the central stand) and what is missing is not cheap (think of the ESA electronic suspension , the Dynamic map and the cruise control, while you can do without the underpowered audio system), so if you aim for a RT used, it could be an opportunity to purchase a full optional model saving some good money.
Today we look at the version Euro 3-4 of the R 1200 RT, produced from 2014 to 2018. The choice fell on her because it is still quite recent, the shapes are modern and less heavy than the previous version from which it also differs in the evolution of the boxer engine, still 1,170 cc air/oil but with the addition of the clutch slipper multi-disc and power that rises to 125 HP, in our opinion the right compromise for this bike: a less bad engine than the 1,254 cc 136 HP engine of the last RT1250 but more full-bodied and enjoyable than the 110 HP of the previous model.
To all this must be added that in its period of life the RT 1200 has not changed a bolt, which is why the quotations relating to used cars remain quite high, in addition to the fact that it is a BMW and that it belongs to the boxer family, famous for being a sort of “cashier’s check” due to its value retention and easy to resell. Because whoever buys a BMW boxer knows that he is buying a properly maintained motorcycle, almost certainly indoors, washed, polished and serviced as only a “good family man” can do.
Here are the coupons: beyond the times to follow (every 10,000 km), if these have been carried out by a dealership or an authorized workshop they are worth like gold not only because they should be a guarantee of good work, but also because they are registered in the BMW database which allows you to know everything about the bike you would like to buy. Such as if the electronics are up to date (sometimes the manufacturer makes changes to the software without making it known) or, more importantly, if the bike has been subject to recall occurred in 2014: due to a manufacturing defect, the single shock absorber, which tended to break while riding, was replaced on the versions equipped with ESA electronic suspension.
Then, nothing more: in five years the RT1200 has not had any major problems, as also testified by the our 50,000 km long test published in the December 2018 issue of Motociclismo. The bike came out “clean”, with tolerances, carbon deposits, wear and oil consumption (1.5 liters in 50,000 km) within the norm. And as is often the case, especially with BMW boxers, more road is made, the more the German propeller is untied: in the endurance test it gained 6 HP and 8.16 Nm of torque. The valves only needed to be registered at 40,000 km, all normal.
As always, when you are about to buy a used model from a private individual, there are checks that must be strictly carried out. First of all the title papers and the service booklet: if something doesn’t convince you here, such as excessive engine noise even with the clutch pulled or some warning light that comes on (or doesn’t when it should), switch immediately to another seller. The wear of the brakes and tires can give you an idea of the mileage and if they are close to the end of their life, negotiate the price: with a not too sporty ride, the pads last even 15,000 km, while for the tires we are around 11/12 thousand. The knobs, on the other hand, tend to wear out quickly, especially the heated ones.
