BMW R 1200 RT (2006-2013) - Review & Buying Guide

The RT has long been the go-to mile-munching option and is BMW’s best-selling touring model. With a firmly established worldwide fanbase, the RT attracts loyal customers who tend to put serious miles on their bike and then chop it in for the next generation when it emerges. Which is exactly what happened in 2006 when the R1200RT replaced the R1150RT in BMW’s model range. Using the all-new 1200 boxer motor, which was debuted on the R1200GS two years previously, the R1200RT also upped the RT’s tech level, lowered its weight and improved its weather protection. Not only that, it boasted a bigger tank and improved fuel economy, helping the RT do what the RT does best even better! If you want a budget-friendly full-dress tourer, it is hard to think of any bike that hits this brief better than an R1200RT.

Pros & Cons

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Price

The R1200RT was sold in standard trim for £10,895 however very few bikes are stock and most have items such as ESA, ASC, a stereo, cruise control etc added. Panniers were included as standard. If you are happy to buy a bike that has seen some long distance action (and most have...) you can pick up an RT with around 40-50,000 miles on its clocks for in the region of £2500-£3000. That might sound like a bit of a gamble but the RT soaks up miles well. If you can push your budget to £3500 you can get one with 20-30,000 miles on it while one that has covered under 20,000 miles will be closer to £5000. Prices for the ‘twin cam’ 2010-onwards model start at £3999 and rise to a top-end of £6500 but as with the ‘single cam’ model, it is very much dependent on mileage. With the RT spec is less of a factor as the options were more limited than later generations – however always check what extras the bike comes with as things like cruise control are very handy to have on a tourer. Ex-police bikes are not uncommon but are generally best avoided – they might be cheap but they tend to have a harder life than a road-rider’s bike.

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Engine & Performance

A significant improvement in both reliability and feel when compared to the R1150 motor, the R1200 boxer is a much more refined unit with less vibes and a better spread of power. It was used on the whole boxer-engined range for nearly 10 years and a derivative is still used nowadays on the R nineT models so it is fair to say it has survived the test of time. Thanks to a lovely spread of mid-range torque, it is ideally suited to a touring brief and feels right at home in the RT and as long as it is service regularly (every 6000 miles with valve-clearances at every service), all should be well when it comes to reliability. Major concerns tend to be down to wear and tear and mileage rather than inherent faults as such and aside from the occasional fuel pump, coil, sensor or electrical glitch, you need to watch out for major failure on items such as the clutch or starter motor. A lot of owners also say you need to be wary of the rear hub drive, which can give up the ghost, so listen out for any bearing grumbles or signs of oil leaks. It is a good idea to change the hub oil alongside the engine oil to keep it running smoothly as there isn’t much oil in there. Some owners use this service as a chance to inspect the drive shaft as the splines are known to wear and also can become corroded if water gets into the system. The generator belt needs changing every 25,000 miles, however it isn’t a huge job.

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

The R1200RT shouldn’t handle as well as it does. Despite its quite hefty 259kg wet weight (plus panniers, rider, pillion and luggage remember!), the BMW is still a lot of fun in the bends and while not sportsbike-agile, rolls through corners with a lovely feeling of security and unflappability. And, more importantly, it is totally stable at motorway speeds. If you want to cover miles, and not feel like you are on a barge when you reach an Alpine pass, the RT is for you. And it even stops pretty well too.

On used bikes, the main areas to be wary of is the suspension and Telelever front end, the rest of it is very sturdy with an excellent level of finish. If the Telelever system is worn, the bike will weave slightly at low speed, which is easy to notice. Replacing its joints will cost in the region of £400 as it requires a few specialist tools and can be a bit of a fiddle to gain access. On any ESA-equipped bike (most are) you need to check that the system is working. Cycle between its modes (static for spring preload, moving for damping) and check all is well and that there are no error codes. As on all ESA shocks, BMW say the shock isn’t rebuildable, specialist companies claim to be able to do it for around £300. Other than ESA and Telelever, you major worry is the ABS system.

If the ABS system runs into issues you are looking at a major bill. Hopefully it is just a wheel speed sensor, however if it is the actual unit then you are in for a big bill. There is generally no point in buying a new unit from BMW as they are over £1500 so you will need to get the old one out and sent off to be rebuilt, which will cost you about £350. Or you can just remove it completely using an removal unit (about £180)...

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Comfort & Economy

The RT is an incredibly comfortable bike for both a rider and pillion, which is why so many mile-munchers tend to opt for it. And additions like heated seat and grips as well as cruise control make it even more efficient at covering miles.

When it comes to economy, BMW claimed the RT could average a best of 78mpg with an average of 59mpg, which is about what owners reckon as well. The updated 2010-onwards bike is slightly more fuel efficient but there isn’t much in it. Thanks to its huge 27 litre fuel tank, that gives the RT a range of over 200 miles however it has to be noted that the 2010-onwards model has a 2-litre smaller fuel tank at 25 litres.

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Equipment

As standard the RT came with an electronically-adjustable screen and ABS as well as panniers. The original bike has the option of ESA, heated seats, heated grips, cruise control, on board computer (with oil level warning), radio player with CD, alarm and low seat (780-800mm). The 2010-onwards model increased this list to include ASC (traction control) and ESA II and its optional stereo has an interface for iPod, USB etc. There was also a suspension lowering kit. In general, most RTs come with cruise control, ESA and heated components as these are the kind of things that tourer want and top boxes are also pretty much standard fitment on a used RT but always ask what is on it.

When buying used, check the electronically-adjustable screen moves up and down smoothly as its mechanism is known to break and test that things like cruise control and heated grips/seat works. A few owners have reported electrical issues with older RTs so ensure all is functioning. Most RTs come with official BMW accessories, however things like aftermarket bigger screens, fender extenders, tank bags etc are also quite common.

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Rivals

The full-dress tourer market is generally dominated by the RT but bikes such as the Honda Pan European or VFR1200F, Kawasaki 1400GTR and Yamaha FJR1300 are great alternatives if you want something a little sportier.

Honda VFR1200F (2010-2017) | Price: £3500-£8000

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Power/Torque

170bhp / 95lb-ft

Weight

267kg

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) | Price: £4000-£9000

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Power/Torque

155bhp / 100.4lb-ft

Weight

305kg

Yamaha FJR1300 (2013-2021) | Price: £4999-£9999

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Power/Torque

141bhp / 99lb-ft

Weight

292kg

2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Verdict

The BMW R1200RT is a fabulous full-dress tourer that is also surprisingly sprightly in bends. There is no denying the fact that its effortlessly relaxed riding position means that it is quite a big bike that can be a touch imposing at low speed, however once rolling the weight dops away and its bulk makes it totally stable at motorway speeds – even when fully loaded up. When you look at the used market there are lots of RTs for sale with over 50,000 miles on their clocks, which tells you a lot about this bike and its reliability levels. If you want to tour Europe or even further afield, solo or two-up, it is the perfect companion. However you do need to be wary when buying used as if you have a major failure (clutch, ABS etc) replacement parts can be very expensive from BMW directly  – although saying that, there are lots of used parts for sale on online sites if your budget is tight.

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2006 - 2013 BMW R 1200 RT - Technical Specification