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2005 BMW R 1200RT Overview
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT is a touring motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. 2005 BMW R 1200RT delivers 81kW @ 7500 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 210 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2005 R 1200RT tips the scales at 259 kg, carries a 27-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm - 840 mm and spans a 1485 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 50.3 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2005 BMW R 1200RT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2005 BMW R 1200RT compared with other bikes in the Touring category
Here is how the 2005 BMW R 1200RT stacks up against other bikes in the Touring category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 465 models.
- Seat height of 820 mm is taller than that of 401 of the other 464 bikes in the Touring category.
- Only 35 of the other 277 bikes in the Touring category have a higher top speed than the 210 km/h of the R 1200RT.
- With 81 kW, the R 1200RT has the joint 56th highest power output of 219 bikes in the Touring category, 23% above the category average of 65.7 kW.
- Narrowing the field to the 168 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 820 mm is taller than that of 152 of the other 167.
2005 R 1200RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2005 BMW R 1200RT makes 81kW @ 7500 rpm with 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: The 27-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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⚙️
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
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📏
Tall seat height: The 820 mm - 840 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R 1200RT'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.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc 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 runs BMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA and Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, spring preload hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA, rebound damping with standard ESA 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 Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit - 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 259 kg, the R 1200RT 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 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2005 BMW R 1200RT with its 1170 cc touring, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 21 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200RT 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 for the R 1200RT's 1170 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, 4 valves per cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 4 l, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 12.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the R 1200RT has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
2005 BMW R 1200RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2005 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT has a factory-quoted top speed of 210 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT weigh?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT weighs 259 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT make?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT produces 81kW @ 7500 rpm of power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2005 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT has a 27-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 450-540 km between stops.
Is the 2005 BMW R 1200RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT has a seat height of 820 mm - 840 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT uses 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers at the front and single 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT use?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/60 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
How much oil does the 2005 BMW R 1200RT take?
The 2005 BMW R 1200RT takes 4 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
BMW R 1200RT Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200RT was produced across 14 model years (2005-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Wet Weight |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
259 kg / 570.9 lbs |
274.0 kg / 604.1 lbs |
274.0 kg / 604.1 lbs |
274.0 kg / 604.1 lbs |
276.0 kg / 608.5 lbs |
276.0 kg / 608.5 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 504.9 lbs |
182 kg / 401.2 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
229 kg / 485.0 lbs |
233.2 kg / 514.0 lbs |
233.2 kg / 514.0 lbs |
233.2 kg / 514.0 lbs |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
- |
Twin, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Twin, four-stroke |
Twin, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
210 km/h / 130.5 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
| Seat Height |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
780 mm / 30.7 in. |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
25.00 litres / 6.61 US gallons |
| Fuel Control |
- |
SOHC |
- |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Storage |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Saddle bags |
Saddle bags |
Saddle bags |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
81kW / 110 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque
115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
210 km/h / 130.5 mph
Weight
259 kg / 570.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal
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Full 2005 BMW R 1200RT Specifications
Year
200
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200RT
Make Model
BMW R 1200RT
Seat Height
820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench)
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.4 in
Ground Clearance
155 mm / 6.1 in
Length
2230 mm / 79.9 in
Width
905 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors) 980 mm / 38.5 in (incl. panniers)
Oil Capacity (l)
4.0 l
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
4.2 quarts
Dry Weight
229 kg / 485.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
27 Liters / 7.1 US gal
Wet Weight
259 kg / 570.9 lbs
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.3 L/100 km / 19.0 km/l / 44.7 US mpg
Fuel Induction
BMW engine management, BMS-K
Fuel Reserve
4 Litres / 1.0 US gal
Ignition
Digital engine management
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically
Final Drive
System Enclosed driveshaft with two universal joints
Final Drive Ratio
2.62:1
Gear Ratios
1st 2.28 / 2nd 1.58 / 3rd 1.26 / 4th 1.03 / 5th 0.90 / 6th 0.81:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Fork Tube Size (mm)
35 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.)
1.38 in
Frame Type
Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA
Suspension - Rear
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, spring preload hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA, rebound damping with standard ESA
Steering Head Angle
63.8°
Trail
116 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in
Alternator
Three-phase alternator 720 W
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/60 ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium
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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