2010 BMW R 1200RT Specifications

Sport touring • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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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

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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
Top Speed 210 km/h / 130.5 mph
Acceleration (60-140 km/h) 9.8 sec
Max Power 81kW / 110 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque 115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.4743 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-100 km 3.7 sec
Standing Start ¼ Mile 12.2 sec
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
Tachometer Standard
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.

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