2010 R1200RT – First Impression

CW’s Dave Wyndham and Wally Chesshire tested the 2010  R1200RT on twisty mountain roads north of Malaga in mid-January. Weather conditions were sunny and warm, but road conditions were quite mixed, with some good surface but also long stretches badly eroded following recent heavy snow and flooding. This is Dave’s first impression:-


The  R1200RT shares the same uprated engine as the GS and Adventure models, which means that although the headline 110 bhp hasn‘t increased on this model for 2010 the bike now gives a smoother and torquier riding experience right through its rev range. As with the GS the RT engine will give an extra 500 revs, up from 8,000 to 8,500, with the maximum output produced at 7,750 revs, as opposed to 7,500 on the previous model.

The electronically controlled exhaust flap fitted to the 2010 GS and Adventure models is also found on the new RT producing ‘a particularly powerful boxer sound nevertheless in full compliance with all legal standards’, as BMW express it. But although the exhaust tone on the new RT is different from the previous model, we both thought the result was a more civilised sound than on the GS, but of course the RT is better baffled to start with. You won’t annoy the neighbours too much on this bike except perhaps by making them jealous.

One improvement for 2010 is the ESA II suspension, introduced last year on the K-series. This is a great system that produces a very pampered ride indeed. As with ESA I the rider himself selects spring preload and damping requirement for both front and rear suspension struts, but on ESA II there is a constant electronic calculation made via the Central Vehicle Electronics that maintains the optimum damping level at all times within the parameters preset by the rider. The system is self-levelling and is designed to be just as stable under full load as when riding solo. In short, it’s a better and more comfortable system, and both of us noticed the difference.

The fairing and front mudguard have been modified to enhance styling and improve aerodynamics, but the changes are slight and the overall appearance of the bike is not significantly different from the 2009 model. It just looks a little sharper than before.

The windscreen has changed shape, now having wider ‘wing’ extensions to the top part, designed to reduce wind noise. I never really had a problem with the previous screen, which I thought was as good screens get, but the new design certainly reduces distortion at the periphery, and does its job well.

The tacho/speedo cluster now has a sun screen so that you can actually read the instruments in bright sunlight (about time, too) and the faces have improved definition as per the new GS/Adventure. The switchgear has become K-series, with a push-to-cancel indicator on the left hand. You do get used to this, but it takes a few miles.

One brilliant gizmo that disappeared when the R1150RT became a 1200cc has made a come-back on the 2010 version. Yes, at last we have our wonderful headlight height adjuster knob back on the inner fairing, within easy reach of the rider. Three cheers for common sense.

Don’t worry about the redesigned hydraulic reservoirs above the redesigned handlebars. They don’t vibrate and you don’t notice them when you’re riding the bike. The handlebars are now also rubber mounted for comfort.

The RT that I rode was fitted with the new audio system, controlled by a multi-function wheel fitted around the left hand switch-gear and easily reached by thumb. This wheel is used for volume, station search, and track selection.  I was using a Navigator IV but I haven’t got Blue Tooth in my new System 6 helmet and I was surprised that I could hear the audio instructions from the Nav through the audio speakers on the bike, as clear as a bell and at just about any speed - even on maximum volume there was no discernible sound distortion. The new sound system has interfaces for MP3, iPod or USB stick as well as CD player. Volume level and current track being played comes up on the info display on the dash. Your USB/MP3, iPod and any other external devices you want to plug into the system can be stored in the lockable fairing pocket.

The traction control (ASC) fitted to all three of the models we rode in Malaga (R1200RT, R120GS and R1200GS Adventure) proved extremely useful on the gritty and unstable surfaces. At no time on any of the three bikes did either of us miss a step. These bikes are the supreme kings of road-holding.

The 2010 on the road price of the basic R1200RT is  £11,775. The R1200RT SE is £12,880. Stunning value for money compared to the new pricing of Japanese competition.

The official launch of these new models is 6th February and we have demonstrators available. Please don’t hesitate to ask for a test ride.

Dave Wyndham