Power unit – special modifications for even more output.

The all-new flat-twin power unit featuring a balance shaft and displacing 1,170 cc presented for the first time in the R 1200 GS is the “heart” of the new R 1200 RT. The concept and features of this new engine are described in detail in the press kit for the R 1200 GS.

Now featured in the Tourer, the engine offers even more power and torque increased to 81 kW (110 bhp). Inter alia, this extra power comes from an increase in engine speed by 500 rpm to 7,500 rpm, a different intake system, new silencers as well as modified camshafts also serving to boost engine output.

This power pack is rounded off by an increase in the geometric compression ratio to 12.0:1 ensured, inter alia, by higher pistons.

Featuring BMS-K electronic engine management presented for the first time in the R 1200 GS and boasting both anti-knock control as well as separate oxygen sensors controlling the fuel/air mixture individually for each cylinder, the R 1200 RT carries over the technological leadership of the new Boxer generation into the touring motorcycle range. As on the GS, this latest generation of engine electronics combines automatic idle speed control with an automatic cold start function. Anti-knock control enables the motorcycle to run on lower fuel grades down to 95 RON without suffering any damage (the engine is designed for 98 RON, the only difference with 95 RON being a slight decrease in engine output). Precise adjustment of the fuel/air mixture to each cylinder, finally, together with the high compression ratio and dual ignition, ensures an even higher standard of fuel economy than on the former model, the R 1150 RT. For comparison, fuel consumption of the R 1200 RT at a steady 120 km/h or 75 mph is 4.8 ltr/100 km or 58.8 Imp gals, while the R 1150 RT required 5.5 ltr/100 km or 51.4 Imp gals for the same exercise at the same speed. A fully controlled three-way catalytic converter, finally, ensures supreme environmental compatibility also on the R 1200 RT, offering the latest generation of exhaust gas management and the technical features so characteristic of BMW Motorrad for so many years.

The transmission – active riding features ensured by an extra-short sixth gear.

An all-new development for the R 1200 GS, the helical-gear transmission weighing only 13 kg or 28.7 lb, is also featured in the R 1200 RT. Shifting gears smoothly and precisely, and featuring extra-short gear travel between the individual gears, the gearbox has been improved once again by detailed optimisation of the shift mechanism.

Designed for active riding, sixth gear is particularly short and dynamic. In all, the optimum gear increments allow fast acceleration from 0–100 km/h in an impressive 3.6 seconds.

The frame – re-designed in proven BMW technology.

The two-piece main/rear tubular steel spaceframe combines maximum stiffness with supreme strength. Naturally, it retains the weight-saving truss structure already featured on the R 1200 GS, incorporating the engine as a load-bearing unit. But at the same time the particular structural configuration of the new RT required a new frame design offering exactly the right qualities for this machine.

The front frame is a welded steel structure, the rear frame is made of straight steel tubes welded to one another. As on all four-valve Boxers, the front and rear frame are bolted firmly to the engine/gearbox unit, jointly forming the load-bearing structure. The longitudinal arm incorporated in the front-wheel Telelever rests as before on the engine block, the Paralever swinging arm pivots on the rear frame.

For further information contact:
Alexander Corne
PR & Corporate Communications Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4238
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au