No images available
Tap to enlarge
2010 BMW R 1200RT Overview
For 2010, BMW offers the R 1200RT as a sport touring motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2010 BMW R 1200RT is built around a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. Out on the road, the R 1200RT delivers 81kW @ 7500 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 210 km/h. In everyday use, the 2010 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 16.8 kg heavier than the average sport touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2010 BMW R 1200RT spec sheet below.
2010 BMW R 1200RT compared with other bikes in the Sport touring category
Measured against other bikes in the Sport touring category in our database (up to 562 models, one entry per model), the 2010 BMW R 1200RT comes out as follows.
- With 1170 cc, the R 1200RT has the joint 105th largest engine displacement of 562 bikes in the Sport touring category, 31% above the category average of 896 cc.
- Torque of 115 Nm is higher than that of 233 of the other 313 bikes in the Sport touring category.
- Only 131 of the other 445 bikes in the Sport touring category have a heavier wet weight than the 259 kg of the R 1200RT.
- Narrowing the field to the 156 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 91 of the other 155.
Versus the 2009 model
Compared with the 2009 model, wet weight went up from 204 kg to 259 kg (+55 kg), seat height was raised from 780 mm to 820 mm (+40 mm) and top speed increased from 200 km/h to 210 km/h (+10 km/h). Displacement is unchanged.
2010 R 1200RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200RT is 81kW @ 7500 rpm and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
-
🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
-
⛽
Large fuel range: With a 27-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
-
⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: An 820 mm - 840 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1200RT keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on SOHC-equipped engines like the R 1200RT's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by BMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA up front 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. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 1200RT removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 1200RT's 259 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 1200RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2010 BMW R 1200RT with its 1170 cc sport touring should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 16 years old, this sport touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1200RT settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1200RT's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. 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. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
An R 1200RT that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if an R 1200RT's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2010 BMW R 1200RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2010 BMW R 1200RT uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2010 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT weigh?
The 2010 BMW R 1200RT weighs 259 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2010 BMW R 1200RT make?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT use?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2010 BMW R 1200RT is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
How much oil does the 2010 BMW R 1200RT take?
The 2010 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
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
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
Advertisement
Full 2010 BMW R 1200RT Specifications
Year
2010
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200RT
Colours
Light gray, gray, silver, polar
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
Height
1,430 mm / 56.3 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
CO2
83.5 CO
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Exhaust
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
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
Valve System
4
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
Gearbox
6-speed
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
Rake
26.2°
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 Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
265 mm
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.
Advertisement