The New BMW 1200 RT
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009Overview of the main features of the new R 1200 RT:
- New, even more dynamic engine with two overhead camshafts per cylinder.
- Maximum torque increased to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, maximum output remaining at 81 kW (110 hp) at 7,750 rpm.
- Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm, with an even broader useful range of engine speed.
- Significantly improved torque, traction, pulling force, and acceleration.
- Even more spontaneous and direct response with optimum dosage of power and significantly improved load change behaviour.
- Torque curve even smoother and more homogeneous.
- Cylinder head covers now with two instead of four fastening bolts and in new, even more dynamic design.
- Electronically controlled exhaust flap for superior and powerful sound.
- ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment with damping, spring base and now also spring rate adjustable at the touch of a button.
- BMW Motorrad Integral ABS featured as standard in the partly integrated version.
- Fairing in new design with protection from wind and weather improved once again.
- Re-designed cockpit with visor.
- New control units and hydraulic reservoir.
- Electronically controlled windshield with optimised aeroacoustics and improved transparency.
- New audio system with controllable interface for a USB/MP3 and iPod, operated through the Multi-Controller.
- Adjustable footshift lever.
- Hard-shell cases (each with a capacity of 32 litres) featured as standard, with accurately fitting four-point lock system and cover finished in body colour.
- Tank railing for conveniently fastening accessories.
- New colours for the R 1200 RT: Polar metallic, Ostra Grey metallic matt, Thunder Grey metallic, multi-colour paintwork in conjunction with Thunder Grey metallic base colour.
- Extended range of optional extras and special equipment tailored to the R 1200 RT, naturally in top BMW quality.
New boxer engine with much more torque for an even more dynamic and comfortable touring experience.
The BMW R 1200 RT has always been acknowledged as the epitome of comfortable and dynamic motorcycle touring in classic style. And now the latest version of this very special active tourer with its significant innovations offers even more superior enduro qualities and dynamic benefits thanks to its new engine.
In its configuration and basic structure, the new fl at-twin power unit is the same as the DOHC engine featured in the BMW HP2 Sport. It has however been further upgraded and optimised for the BMW R 1200 RT to meet the specific requirements of such an outstanding tourer.
With the 1,170-cc boxer engine on the former model already offering superior drive power under all conditions and in all situations, the new R 1200 RT has even more to offer. First, the new engine comes with an increase in maximum torque from 115 to 120 Nm (85 - 88 lb-ft) at an unchanged 6,000 rpm, for even more pulling force and traction. Second, the range of useful engine speed is now 500 rpm broader, going up all the way to 8,500 rpm. The third improvement is a significant increase in torque where it really counts at low and medium engine speeds, with an absolutely smooth and homogeneous torque curve. Maximum output, as before, is 81 kW (110 hp), now at 7,750 rpm (previously 7,500 rpm).
New DOHC cylinder heads for an even more efficient cylinder charge.
Designed and built for even higher engine speeds, the new boxer engine of the R 1200 RT, like the power unit featured on the BMW HP2 Sport, comes with two overhead chain-driven camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder. Valves are operated by very light rocker arms able to cope easily with high engine speeds. Radial arrangement of the four valves gives the combustion chamber very compact configurations, and like on the former models the fuel/air mixture is ignited by two spark plugs (HP2 Sport: one spark plug). The compression ratio of 12.0:1 remains unchanged.
Knock control allows the engine to run on 95-98 RON premium (plus) fuel. Under certain conditions the rider may experience a very small drop in torque and a slight increase in fuel consumption whenever knock control cuts in.
Horizontal arrangement of the camshafts in the direction of travel calls for two special technical features on the new fl at-twin power unit: Each camshaft controls one intake and one exhaust valve, and the cams are finished in conical shape due to the radial arrangement of the valves. Particularly in the interest of power and performance at low and medium engine speeds, and to provide even better free-revving riding characteristics, the intake and exhaust valve timing on both camshafts has been further optimised. Compared with the former models, the valve plates are up in diameter from 36 to 39 millimetres (1.41 – 1.54“) on the intake side and 31 to 33 millimetres (1.22 – 1.30”) on the exhaust side.
Valve clearance is adjusted by light semi-hemispherical shims. To provide a greater free-valve cross-section, valve lift is up from 10.54 mm (0.415“) on the intake and 9.26 mm (0.365”) on the exhaust side to 10.8 mm (0.425”) on both sides.
Significantly more torque throughout the entire speed range.
The existing ratio of bore:stroke remains the same at 101:73 mm (3.98:2.87”), giving the engine the same capacity as before of 1,170 cc. Other features likewise taken over from the former engine are the crankshaft and the connecting rods as well as their bearings, while the two pistons made of cast aluminium have been re-designed to match the modified dimensions of the combustion chamber.
Interacting with the upgraded intake system, throttle butterfly manifolds now offering 50 mm (1.97“) instead of the former 47 mm (1.85”) (HP2 Sport: 52 mm/2.05”) opening clearance, newly designed intake air funnels and an air filter element with even higher throughput, the power unit, as in the past, develops maximum output of 81 kW/110 hp, now at 7,750 rpm. The biggest improvement, however, is the increase in maximum torque to 120 Nm/88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
An oil cooler ensures a stable thermal balance even under extreme running conditions.
A further feature on the new model is the use of cylinder head covers with two instead of formerly four fastening bolts in new, even more dynamic design. A valve cover guard made either of aluminium or plastic as well as chrome-plated aluminium cylinder covers are available as special equipment.
Electronically controlled exhaust flap for superior and muscular sound.
On the exhaust system the two manifolds come in the same design, length and diameter as on the former model, while the interference pipe has been modified to take the different vibration conditions on the exhaust manifold into account.
Featuring an exhaust flap controlled via an electric motor and opening/closing cables, the new BMW R 1200 RT offers a particularly powerful boxer sound nevertheless in full compliance with all legal standards. To reduce ram pressure and improve the sound of the engine, the rear silencer unchanged in its exterior design versus the former models comes with a modified interior structure.
Ideal transmission of power thanks to six-speed gearbox and drive shaft.
As in the past, power is transmitted through the six-speed gearbox already upgraded in the 2008 model year, with larger bearing diameters and a modified gap between shafts. The maintenance-free drive shaft to the rear wheel is the same as before.
Running gear with Telelever and Paralever following a proven principle at BMW.
The proven, two-piece main/rear frame sections made of weight-saving steel tubes incorporating the engine as a load-bearing element offer maximum strength and stiffness under all running conditions. The front and rear frame are firmly bolted to the engine/gearbox unit, interacting with the engine and gearbox to form a load-bearing structure. The longitudinal arm on the front Telelever suspension is mounted as before on the engine block, the Paralever swing arm is fitted on the rear frame.
With its fixed tube measuring 35 millimetres/1.38” in diameter, the Telelever is the optimum solution for the rider using his machine exclusively on the road and focusing in particular on superior comfort. This is ensured by the good balance of sporting and comfort-oriented suspension behaviour, the maintenance-free system once again designed to reduce brake dive to almost zero, which again helps to provide greater stability when applying the brakes when leaning over at an angle.
As in the past the Paralelver swing arm in the rear central spring strut comes with travel-dependent damping or TDD for short, with the damping effect increasing progressively as a function of spring travel. This keeps the suspension smooth, sensitive and comfortable in absorbing even the smallest bumps, while at the same time offering generous reserves on bad roads and tracks with grooves or big bumps and pitholes.
As in the past, spring travel is 120 millimetres/4.72“ up front and 135 millimetres/ 5.31” at the rear. In standard trim, the rear spring strut offers infinitely variable adjustment on the outbound stroke as well as a hand-wheel for infinitely adjusting the spring base by 10 millimetres or 0.39”, in order to adjust the rear end to varying load requirements.
Like its predecessor, the new R 1200 RT comes on light, almost filigree cast aluminium wheels in fi ve-spoke design, combining an attractive look with an easy-to-clean surface and a high standard of stiffness. The front wheel measures 3.5 x 17“, the rear wheel 5.5 x 17”, running on a 120/70 ZR17 tyre up front and a 180/55 ZR17 tyre at the rear.
