The day was hot, really hot, as most of the summer has been in Ontario. My plan was to head up north and maybe, just maybe, get some reprieve from the heat. I would be traveling on Ontario's major 400 series highway system and then head back to the office on some cottage country back roads. This way I could get the feel of the R1200RT on the faster, smoother highways as well as the not-so-smooth secondary roads that twist and turn through Ontario's cottage country.

Ridiculously high fuel prices during the last third of the year make the RT very appealing. The RT's large fuel tank holds 27 litres and the on-board computer claims over 540kms from a full tank is achievable with 300kms left at a half tank. I averaged 4.7l/100kms (61.5mpg) on the RT and by doing the math the bike should be able to get 586kms from a tank of fuel. That kind of mileage rivals that of today's hybrid cars. My first fuel stop was at 400kms and the bike took 18 litres leaving 9 litres left making for a saddle time of many hours between fuel stops on those long trips. This is of course what the R1200RT was designed for, a long distance touring machine. I did find that after a full days riding with few fuel stops, my rear end was a little tired of being in the saddle. In all fairness to the bike, sitting in one spot for many hours and not being able to move much will contribute to 'numb bum' though. The seat was comfortable and gave good support and is designed so it's not-too-wide in the front section to make it easy to plant your feet flat on the ground. Generally, when riding with friends, fuel and stretch stops will be more frequent depending on riding styles and tank capacities of the other bikes in the group.

The riding position is very comfortable. The handlebars come back to meet you allowing the rider to sit straight up and the footpegs are in such a position for the rider to sit in a naturally relaxed position. I found the dual height seat a little high for my 32" inseam but it never was a cause for concern except when trying to back up on uneven ground. The seat has an adjustable height of 820mm and 840mm (32" and 32.75"). For long trips, the higher setting lets your legs stretch a bit more. An optional lower seat is available with a seat height of 780mm and 800mm (30.4" and 31.2").

On one of the days I was out riding, the on-board computer display panel showed an ambient outside temperature of 31o celsius and, as most of the summer has been, the high humidity made it feel more like the high 30's or even 40o. The R1200RT provides excellent rider protection from the elements but this also means protecting you from the cooling breeze on a hot day. As hot as it was though I didn't find it unbearable with the windscreen in its lower position. The power windscreen, activated with a button on the left handlebar, has a total range of 130mm (5") completely eliminating any helmet buffeting and windnoise when in its highest position. Unfortunately I was not able to ride the bike in the rain to get a real feel for the weather protection it provides. The fairing mounted headlights, two low beam and one center high beam, brightly lit the road up during the night's ride. The mirrors, also mounted to the fairing, provide a good view of the road behind and were free of vibration regardless of road or engine speed.

All the handle bar controls were easy to reach and operate and the hydraulic clutch and front brake levers are adjustable for different hand sizes. As is standard on many BMW motorcycles are heated grips, definitely a nice touch in the spring and fall. The bike I was riding did not have cruise control installed but it is an available option as is the heated seat.

The spacious system cases, or saddlebags, are both of equal size and easily swallowed my full face helmet with room to spare. Inside each case are adjustable straps to secure items and prevent things from falling out while the cases are opened. The side cases are easy to remove with one hand and the bike still looks great with them off. Also available options for the touring minded rider are two sizes of rear top cases which easily attach to the large luggage rack behind the passenger seat and an easily attached tank bag which clips onto a receiver atop the fuel tank. There is also limited room for some storage under the passenger seat.

Passenger room is plentiful with a large comfortable seat and rear footpegs that are ergonomically placed for comfort. The optional top case also acts as a back rest for the passenger.

A very enjoyable well mannered touring bike capable of virtually any type of riding and able to cover long distances on a single tank of fuel in total comfort.

The more things change, the more things stay the same. The re-design of the whole motorcycle has been drastic with the newest version of the boxer engine and the visually striking appearance that will keep these BMW touring bikes in the forefront among long distance riders just as the previous models have been. MMM


R1200RT
Standard Base Price $23,250.

Test Bike Options:
Oil Level Indicator $65.
Heated Seat $300.
On Board Computer $150.
Stereo $1,600.
Price as tested $25,365.

www.bmw.ca