2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 BMW R 1200RT LC 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windshield. Heated grips. Electronically adjustable suspension system.
Year201-
MakeBMW-
ModelR 1200RT LC-
Colours-Graphite, Silver
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LC-
Warranty-1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Storage-Saddle bags
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in805 mm / 31.7 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,544 mm / 60.8 in.
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1,455 mm / 57.3 in.
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2,230 mm / 87.8 in.
Width983 mm / 38.7 in749 mm / 29.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-4.90 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.32 quarts
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs292.0 kg / 643.7 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM9000 RPM-
Mods from previous modelFinal SOHC/DOHC 1170cc platform refinement ahead of ShiftCam architecture release-
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm138.00 Nm (14.1 kgf-m or 101.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 Revolutions
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-79.0 x 66.2 mm
CO2-151.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-1298.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-79.20 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.1 x 2.6 inches
Stroke73.0 mm-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderForward-inclined parallel cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio-10.8:1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooled-
EmissionsEuro 3-
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption-6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine management TCI
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
Chain SizeNone (Shaft Drive)-
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedAssist and slipper clutch
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears -
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameAluminium, Diamond Shaped
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strutUpside-down telescopic fork, ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelLinked monoshock with spring preload adjustment
Rake-26.0°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in124 mm / 4.9 in.
Electronics
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Lighting system-Front LED lights with adaptive cornering lights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-11.1 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-282 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55-ZR17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 136 mm vs 124 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE - Advantages

  • More front wheel travel: 135 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Does the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE have ABS?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2017 Yamaha FJR1300AE stands out for higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.