As promised (or threatened) here is my initial impression of my newly acquired R1200RT. The bike is a 2010 model, the first of the twin cam “hex heads”, with less than 4000 miles on the clock.
As Olaf has noted above “it ain’t a K”! I have yet to do any significant distance on it, but it gives the impression of being simply and single-mindedly the most efficient way of moving one or two people from one place to another on land, similar in this respect to my 1980 R100RS but with another 30 years refinement. It has very long metaphorical legs, 80 miles/hour in top gear (of six) being a little over 4000 revs/min; the trade-off for this, of course, is that city traffic at 30 miles/hour is a second and third gear affair. It certainly, but not surprisingly given the characteristics of a big twin, lacks the K’s smooth low-speed operation and tolerance. The aerodynamics are superlative and the electric screen a huge advantage. Surprisingly for an English summer I have had no opportunity to ride it in rain yet, but I fully expect the weather protection to impress, with the possible exception of the seat shape which (like the Ks) encourages water to pool in the crotch area. Handling is sure and effortless with the typical BMW low C of G and consequent low-speed stability. I have read some criticism of the OE Metzeler tyres but, subject to the caveat above, I cannot fault them. I will probably switch to my preferred Michelin Pilots when the time for replacement comes though.
I want my K gearbox back! My 16v had the smoothest gearbox of any of the five BMWs I have owned and was a pleasure to use. I do recognise that mine is not even close to being fully run in at 4000 miles and I sincerely hope it improves. I recall from my previous Airheads that the required downshift technique is very much more precise for the big twins, so I will learn again to achieve this familiarity. The precise throttle control required to achieve the above is certainly not helped by my only real gripe about the bike – the twistgrip would be an embarrassment on a Chinese scooter; on a £12000 bike it is inexcusable. With the cable adjusted to a minimum 5mm play there is still way too much free movement and it also has excessive slack in the radial fit of the sleeve. Horrible thing!
The quality and ease of use of the luggage is excellent. For day-to-day use the 46l GIVI top box has sufficient capacity so I have left the panniers off to assist manoeuvring in tight traffic situations, as the bike is intimidatingly wide with them fitted. I habitually rode my K with the OE panniers fitted as it had no top box, so I’m sure it will be no problem even with the greater width when necessary.
So that’s it. With the exception of that twistgrip, which I suppose I must learn to live with, I am well satisfied and pleased with the bike; I may have to consider changing my user name!