2010 BMW R 1200 RT
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 unique active tourer, with its significant innovations, offers even more superior enduro qualities and dynamic benefits thanks to its new boxer engine.
In its configuration and basic structure, the new flat-twin engine is the same as the Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine featured in the BMW HP2 Sport. It has, however, been
further upgraded and optimized for the BMW R 1200 RT to meet the specific requirements of an outstanding tourer.
The punchy new boxer engine delivers generous amounts of torque, for instant responses right through the rev range. The new DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valve operating system from the HP2 Sport delivers a maximum torque of 120 Nm at 6000 rpm and a rated output of 110hp.
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 offers an increase in maximum torque from 85 - 88 lb-ft at an unchanged 6,000 rpm, for even greater acceleration and passing power. Second, the range of useful engine speed has been increased by 500 rpm to a maximum 8,500 rpm. The third improvement is a significant increase in torque where it really counts at low and medium engine speeds, with a smooth and homogeneous torque curve. Maximum engine horsepower is the same as the prior model at 110 hp but occurs now at 7,750 rpm (previously 7,500 rpm).
2010 BMW R 1200 RT
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 flat-twin engine: 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. 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 improved. Compared with the former models, the valve bases are up in diameter from 1.41 – 1.54 inches on the intake side and 1.22 – 1.30 inches 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 0.415 inches on the intake and 0.365 inches on the exhaust side to 0.425 inches on both sides.
The existing ratio of bore to stroke remains the same at 3.98:2.87 inches, giving the engine the same 1,170 cc capacity as before. Other features borrowed from the former engine are the crankshaft and the connecting rods, as well as their bearings, while the two pistons made of cast aluminum have been re-designed to match the modified dimensions of the combustion chamber. Interacting with the upgraded intake system, throttle butterfly manifolds now offer 1.97 inches instead of the former 1.85 inches (HP2 Sport: 2.05 inches) opening clearance, newly designed intake air manifolds and an air filter element with increased volume capacity, the engine as in the past develops maximum output of 110 hp, now at 7,750 rpm. The biggest improvement, however, is the increase in maximum torque to 88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
2010 BMW R 1200 RT
The manufacturer also worked on the exhaust system, which features electronically controlled exhaust flaps and a modified interior structure of the rear silencer, for superior and powerful sound.
Other enhancements to the bike’s features include an ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment with damping, spring base and now also spring rate adjustable at the touch of a button. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS and hard-shell cases (each with a capacity of 32 liters) are featured as standard.
Exterior modifications include an improved fairing and a redesigned cockpit with visor and adjustable footshift lever. The new audio system features a controllable interface for a USB/MP3 and iPod, operated through the Multi-Controller.
2010 BMW R 1200 RT
Overview of the main features of the 2010 R 1200 RT:
- New, even more dynamic engine with two overhead camshafts per cylinder
- Maximum torque increased to 88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm, maximum output remaining at 110 hp at 7,750 rpm
- Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm, with an even broader power band
- Significantly improved torque and acceleration
- Smoother Torque curve
- Cylinder head covers now with two, instead of four, fastening bolts and a new 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
- New design fairing with improved protection from wind and weather
- Re-designed cockpit with visor
- New control units and hydraulic reservoir
- Electronically controlled windshield with optimized aero-acoustics and improved transparency
The fairing on the new R 1200 RT is lighter and more dynamic than the large surfaced fairing of its predecessor. This lighter and more dynamic look is achieved by the sophisticated black-grain surface finish around the side and front sections. The color concept -- with four new color shades -- enhances this effect and gives the 2010 BMW R 1200 RT a significantly more compact look through the contrast between the color of the body and the matt-painted engine spoiler as well as the seat finished exclusively in black on all models. Polar metallic accentuates the elegant sporty design of the new R 1200 RT. In conjunction with the engine spoiler finished in Dark Slate metallic matt, Polar metallic is a particularly colorful highlight in the R 1200 RT range. Thunder Grey metallic in combination with the engine spoiler finished in White Aluminum metallic matt, by contrast, offers another bold look.
2010 BMW R 1200 RT
Ostra Grey metallic matt sets a powerful contrast to the engine spoiler finished in White Aluminum metallic matt, offering a very technical look. Twin-tone paintwork based on Thunder Grey metallic, together with sweeping lines in Titanium Silver metallic and Granite Grey metallic, makes the side surfaces appear even more compact and dynamic. The exciting array of colors available for the new R 1200 RT sets a sporty new tone along with the cases finished for the first time on a motorcycle in several of the machine’s colors.
