2012 BMW R 1200 RT Specs & Review

The 2012 BMW R 1200 RT is a sport-touring icon built around a torquey boxer twin and long-haul ergonomics. It’s aimed at riders who demand comfort, real-world performance, and bulletproof long-distance hardware. If you’re comparing premium tourers, the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT specs stand out for balance and refinement.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled flat twin (boxer), DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
• Displacement: 1,170 cc
• Power: 110 hp (81 kW) @ 7,750 rpm
• Torque: 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
• BMW R 1200 RT weight: 259 kg / 571 lb (unladen, fully fueled)
• BMW R 1200 RT seat height: 820 / 840 mm (standard adjustable)

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the RT is BMW’s signature boxer: an air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder flat twin with a 101.0 x 73.0 mm bore and stroke and a 12.0:1 compression ratio. Output is a healthy 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm. In the real world, that means effortless roll-on power for highway merges, serene cruising, and relaxed overtakes without constant downshifts.

The fueling is handled by electronic fuel injection (BMS-K+) with twin-spark ignition, delivering crisp throttle response. A single-plate dry clutch feeds a 6-speed gearbox into a shaft drive (cardan) with a 2.62 final drive ratio. The spread of ratios (I 2.375, II 1.696, III 1.296, IV 1.065, V 0.939, VI 0.848) lets you surf the midrange in city traffic yet settle into a quiet top-gear lope on the open road. Top speed is over 200 km/h (125+ mph), but the RT’s magic is how calm and composed it feels at legal touring speeds.

This engine is tuned to be friendly and tractable: smooth, predictable torque that suits two-up touring and spirited weekend fun equally well. It encourages long stints in the saddle with minimal fatigue.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R 1200 RT Seat Height

BMW’s chassis recipe pairs a two-section frame (with the engine-gearbox as a load-bearing element) to a Telelever front end and Paralever rear. The BMW Telelever offers 120 mm (4.7 in) of front travel, while the BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm delivers 135 mm (5.3 in) at the rear. The setup reduces dive under braking and keeps the bike stable over imperfect tarmac—perfect for fast touring.

Geometry is confidence-inspiring: rake is 26.2° with 116 mm (4.6 in) of trail and a wheelbase of 1485 mm (58.5 in). Ground clearance is 155 mm (6.1 in), giving you room to lean without drama on twisty backroads. The BMW R 1200 RT seat height is standard-adjustable at 820 / 840 mm. Shorter riders will appreciate the 820 mm setting for easier flat-footing, while taller riders can use 840 mm to open legroom. At parking-lot speeds, the unladen BMW R 1200 RT weight of 259 kg (571 lb) is noticeable, but once rolling, the low-slung boxer mass helps the bike feel planted and neutral.

Tire sizes are sport-touring staples—120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear—balancing stability with agile turn-in.

Equipment & Features

Braking duty is handled by dual 320 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and a single 265 mm rear disc, all under BMW Integral ABS (semi-integral). It’s a reassuring setup for wet commutes and loaded touring. The drivetrain is classic BMW: a 6-speed box, shaft drive, and a single-plate dry clutch for low-maintenance mileage.

Electronics and hardware are aimed at reliability and touring utility: electronic fuel injection (BMS-K+) with twin-spark ignition, a robust 720 W alternator, and a 12 V / 19 Ah maintenance-free battery to power accessories. Fuel capacity is 25.0 L (6.6 US gal) with a reserve of roughly 4.0 L, giving meaningful range between stops. Additional chassis details include the load-bearing engine-gearbox frame concept and BMW’s Paralever design that curbs shaft effect during acceleration.

Who Is the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT For?

This is a premium sport-touring platform best suited to experienced riders who value long-distance comfort, stability, and dependable power delivery. It’s excellent for daily commuting, cross-country touring, and weekend sport rides. Newer riders may find the 259 kg (571 lb) unladen weight and physical size a bit much initially, but those confident with bigger bikes will appreciate its composure and practicality.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a BMW R 1200 RT review, the 2012 model makes a strong case: a charismatic boxer with ample midrange, a calming chassis, and touring-first ergonomics. The Telelever/Paralever combo, robust brakes with Integral ABS, and shaft drive form a cohesive, low-maintenance package that thrives on distance.

Trade-offs? The mass can be felt during slow maneuvers, and the standard-adjustable seat height of 820 / 840 mm may challenge very short inseams. But if you want a refined, torque-rich sport-tourer with real-world performance and endurance, the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT specs align squarely with that mission.

FAQ

• Is the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT good for beginners? It’s better suited to riders with some experience due to its size and the unladen (fully fueled) weight of 259 kg (571 lb).

• What is the seat height of the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT? The BMW R 1200 RT seat height is standard-adjustable at 820 / 840 mm.

• How heavy is the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT? BMW R 1200 RT weight is 259 kg (571 lb) unladen and fully fueled; dry weight is 229 kg (505 lb).

• What are the power and torque figures? It produces 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm.

• What is the fuel capacity? Fuel capacity is 25.0 L (6.6 US gal) with a reserve of approximately 4.0 L.