By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer vs Naked Bike
BMW R 1200 RT (K26) vs R 1200 R Classic (MY2011)
BMW R 1200 RT vs R 1200 R Classic: different classes, one choice. Here's how to make it.
You'll barely notice a broken patch of pavement on the BMW R 1200 RT, whose soft suspension swallows the hit whole. The BMW R 1200 R Classic's front end doesn't get knocked off line by the jolt. Its bars hold still while the road shudders underneath.
So which one do you buy?
The R 1200 R Classic has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: R 1200 R Classic
For the ride to work, the R 1200 R Classic noses ahead. Don't let that alone make the call.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: R 1200 R Classic
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the R 1200 R Classic. Most of that is stronger brakes. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
What makes each one tick
R 1200 RT
There's torque to spare as the RT's boxer thrums from low revs, while the wide fairing and tall screen carve a calm pocket of air at highway pace. Its Telelever and low center of gravity tip all 571 lb (259 kg) into a bend willingly. The brake lever hauls it down on a chassis that doesn't squirm. The padded seat eats whole days.
R 1200 R Classic
The Classic's boxer pulls hard from low revs, and a broad spread of torque makes quick work of a pass. The enclosed shaft won't need lube. Up top, the throttle wakes a livelier rush from the Camhead.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The R 1200 R Classic has the lower seat: 31.3 in (795 mm) vs 32.3 in (820 mm).
- The R 1200 R Classic has the lower wet weight: 492 lb (223 kg) vs 571 lb (259 kg).
- The R 1200 RT has the larger fuel tank: 6.6 US gal (25 L) vs 4.8 US gal (18 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Sits this out: R 1200 R Classic
No long-distance verdict for the R 1200 R Classic. It's made for something else entirely.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Neither one fits
Both of these ask too much of a rookie. Spend your first year on something lighter.
These two run dead level on running costs. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
R 1200 RT
What owners say
Strengths
- Robust and characterful boxer engine
- Impressive weather protection
- Surprisingly agile handling for a heavy tourer
Trade-offs
- Hefty weight at low speeds
- High cost of clutch and final drive repairs
- 2005-2006 servo brakes can be problematic
R 1200 R Classic
What owners say
Strengths
- Torquey, characterful boxer engine
- Stable and compliant Telelever front end
- Low-maintenance shaft drive
Trade-offs
- Inconsistent build quality and early issues
- Harsh suspension over sharp bumps
Known problems to check before you buy
R 1200 RT
- Fuel pump flange cracking The fuel pump flange can crack over time, allowing fuel to seep past the seal. BMW revised the part; a cracked flange is usually replaced with the improved version.
- Servo brake unit failure (2005-2006) The servo pump in the ABS modulator can fail, especially if corrosion sets in. When it fails, residual braking performance is dangerously poor. Replacement of the complete unit is the usual remedy.
- Final drive bearing/spline wear The final drive can develop oil leaks or noisy bearings, and the drive shaft splines may wear or corrode. Regular inspection and fluid changes are recommended. Failures can lead to rear wheel lock-up in extreme cases.
- Fuel pump controller failure The original silver-coloured fuel pump controller is prone to corrosion and sudden failure, leaving the rider stranded. A revised black-coated unit is more durable.
R 1200 R Classic
- Fuel pump flange cracking and recall Recall 21V060000 The fuel pump flange can develop cracks over time, leading to fuel leaks. BMW issued a safety recall (NHTSA campaign 21V-060) for affected 2011-2014 models to reinforce or replace the pump.
- Fuel strip sensor failure The film-type fuel level sensor strip inside the tank commonly fails, causing the fuel gauge and remaining-range display to read erratically, drop to empty, or stop working altogether, often with a fuel warning shown on the instrument cluster. Replacement strips frequently fail again, so the fault tends to recur over the life of the bike.
- Rusting fuel filler neck Water can accumulate around the fuel filler cap area due to poor drainage, leading to rust.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1170 cc
- Engine
- Flat-twin (boxer)
- Cooling
- Air/oil-cooled
- Power
- 110 hp (81 kW)
- Peak power at
- 7,750 rpm
- Peak torque at
- 6,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Fork
- Telelever
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| R 1200 RT | R 1200 R Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Wet weight | 571 lb (259 kg) | 492 lb (223 kg) |
| R 1200 RT | R 1200 R Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) | 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) |
| R 1200 RT | R 1200 R Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.6 US gal (25 L) | 4.8 US gal (18 L) |
| R 1200 RT | R 1200 R Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 58.5 in (1485 mm) | 58.9 in (1495 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| R 1200 RT | R 1200 R Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Cruise Control | Option | Not offered |
| Keyless System | Not offered | Option |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Option | Not offered |
| Adjustable Windscreen | Standard | Not offered |
| Electrically Adjustable Windscreen | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
