2017 BMW R 1200RT LC Specifications

Sport touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2017 BMW R 1200RT LC Overview

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is a sport touring motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC delivers 92 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 R 1200RT LC tips the scales at 274 kg, carries a 25-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 805 mm and spans a 1485 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 26.1 kg heavier than the average sport touring motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2017 R 1200RT LC - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC makes 92 kW @ 7750 rpm with 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
  • Fuel injection: The fuel injectionwith ride-by-wire throttle system system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
  • Large fuel range: The 25-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

  • Age-related wear: As with any used R 1200RT LC, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

R 1200RT LC's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injectionwith ride-by-wire throttle system. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the R 1200RT LC runs BMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut and Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Continuous tubular steel bridge-type frame - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 274 kg, the R 1200RT LC is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

R 1200RT LC - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200RT LC should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 1200RT LC. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The R 1200RT LC's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC have?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/liquid cooled.
How much does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC weigh?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC weighs 274 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC make?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC produces 92 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 125 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has a 25-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 416-500 km between stops.
Is the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has a seat height of 805 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC have?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers at the front and Single 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC use?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC have?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is fitted with a 6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm

Torque

125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

274 kg / 604 lbs

Fuel Capacity

25 Litres / 6.6 US gal

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Full 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC Specifications

Year 201
Make Model BMW R 1200RT LC
Seat Height 805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase 1485 mm / 58.5 in
Height 1416 mm / 55.7 in
Length 2222 mm / 87.5 in
Width 983 mm / 38.7 in
Fuel Capacity 25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Wet Weight 274 kg / 604 lbs
Max Power 92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque 125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in
Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Cooling System Air/Liquid cooled
Emissions Euro 3
Exhaust management Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter
Fuel Induction Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Reserve 4 Litres / 1 US gal
Ignition Digital engine management
Lubrication Wet sump
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Shaft
Gear Ratios 1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1
Primary Drive Ratios 1.65
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears
Frame Type Continuous tubular steel bridge-type frame
Suspension - Front BMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut
Suspension - Rear Cast 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 handwheel
Steering Head Angle 63.6°
Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 136 mm / 5.4 in
Alternator Three-phase 540 W generator
Brakes - Front 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers
Brakes - Rear Single 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)
Rims - Front 3.50 x 17
Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear 180/55 ZR17
Wheel Caster 116 mm / 4.6 in
Wheels Cast aluminium wheels

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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