EICMA 2013: 2014 BMW R1200RT Revealed

We confess, the BMW R1200RT was a glaring omission from our list of top 10 motorcycles to watch at EICMA. There are so many new bikes coming out at the 2013 EICMA show, it was hard enough to narrow it down to just 10, but that doesn’t excuse us forgetting BMW is adding another model powered by the new R1200GS‘ liquid-cooled boxer engine.

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The peak numbers for the R1200RT are the same as with the GS, with BMW claiming 125 hp at 7700 rpm and 92.2 ft-lb at 6500 rpm. On the RT, the centrifugal masses of the crankshaft and alternator were increased to help the engine run smoother while longer gear ratios keep the revs lower than on the GS.

BMW equipped the R1200RT with two ride modes and automatic stability control as standard, while an ex-works option adds a more dynamic ride mode and hill start control to make it easier to stop and go on an incline. Suspension is a combination of BMW’s signature telelever and paralever design.

The fairing has been redesigned with a new headlight that resembles that of the K1600GT, with ring-shaped LED daytime running lights available as an option. Along with the fairing, the new adjustable windscreen helps provide for added protection against turbulence.

The R1200RT comes with a 5.7-inch TFT color display which shows a wealth of data from the standard onboard computer. The speedometer and tachometer are more old-school with easy-to-read analog dials. An extra option is an audio system operated by a multi-controller.

The hard cases are standard equipment, though BMW offers an upgrade to a central locking system with anti-theft alarm that can be opened by a button on the right handlebar or by remote control.

Other optional add-ons include BMW’s dynamic ESA semi-automatic suspension and a clutchless quick shifter.

[Source: BMW]

By Dennis Chung