As far as 2-cylinder fans are concerned, first-class touring has a memorable abbreviation – and it’s been around for 30 years: RT. For long-haul travellers there can hardly be any other term which has always stood for perfectly conceived motorcycling concept from start to finish: excellent wind and weather protection, optimum ergonomics, highly convenient operation combined with a top-class chassis fitted with the unique optional extras ASC and ESA II*. In the touring segment, these features probably define the ultimate benchmark of innovation. Even though the R 1200 RT cuts a superb figure everywhere with its dynamic new design, everything about it sends out the message: built to cover thousands of miles, preferably in one go. Then there is this fascinating mixture of distinctive engine and big bike dynamics. The characteristic “boxer? supremacy has been further enhanced in the current version: the engine’s crowning glory is now the radial DOHC** valve operating system from the HP2 Sport, though here designed for greater torque and without any loss of running smoothness: maximum torque 120 Nm, at 6000 rpm, rated output still at 81 kW (110 bhp). This means a tangible increase in thrust from the lower engine speed range through to above the medium range. The new valve control in the exhaust system ensures a discreet but more dynamic sound. And in terms of comfort, the bike boasts a new audio system available as an optional extra, with the innovative operating concept Multi-Controller carrying out virtually all commands from a single unit. So there’s only one thing you have to do yourself – drop by for a test ride. *ESA II = Electronic Suspension Adjustment. Electronic spring mount and spring rate adjustment ** DOHC = Double Overhead Camshaft, two overhead camshafts per cylinder Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled flat twin (‘Boxer’) 4-stroke engine, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft Bore x stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm Capacity: 1,170 cc Rated output: 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm Max. torque: 88 ft-lb (120 Nm) at 6,000 rpm Compression ratio: 12.0 : 1 Mixture control / engine management: Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3 Performance / Fuel Consumption Maximum speed: over 120 mph (200 km/h) Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h City: 43.3 mpg (4.1 l Euro) Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h Highway: 65.3 mpg (5.2 l Euro) Fuel type: Unleaded super and premium, octane number 91-93 Electrical System Alternator: three-phase alternator 720 W Battery: 12 V / 19 Ah, maintenance-free Power Transmission Clutch: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth Drive: Shaft drive Chassis / Brakes Frame: Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit Front wheel location / suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring strut Rear wheel location / suspension: Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable Suspension travel front / rear: 4.7/5.3 inches (120/135 mm) Wheelbase: 58.4 inches (1,485 mm) Castor: 116 mm Steering head angle: 63.8° Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels Rim, front: 3.50 x 17? Rim, rear: 5.50 x 17? Tyres, front: 120/70 ZR 17 Tyres, rear: 180/55 ZR 17 Brake, front: Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, four-piston fixed calipers Brake, rear: Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)