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2012 BMW R 1200RT Overview
BMW R 1200RT is a touring motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 81kW @ 7500 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 210 km/h. On the road, the 2012 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 50.5 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2012 BMW R 1200RT spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 BMW R 1200RT compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2012 BMW R 1200RT against up to 465 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 53 of the other 464 bikes in the Touring category have a taller seat height than the 820 mm of the R 1200RT.
- With 210 km/h, the R 1200RT has the joint 36th highest top speed of 278 bikes in the Touring category, 27% above the category average of 166 km/h.
- Power output of 81 kW is higher than that of 159 of the other 218 bikes in the Touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 255 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 820 mm is taller than that of 220 of the other 254.
Versus the 2011 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2011 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2012 R 1200RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 81kW @ 7500 rpm and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200RT is no slouch for its class.
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🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: A 27-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: At 820 mm - 840 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R 1200RT relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Valve clearance checks
With DOHC valve gear, the R 1200RT needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The R 1200RT's suspension runs BMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA at the front. The rear uses 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. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1200RT uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit, the R 1200RT's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
259 kg puts the R 1200RT toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
R 1200RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2012 BMW R 1200RT with its 1170 cc touring, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping 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 14 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 1200RT should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1200RT's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Carburetor upkeep
Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 1200RT - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R 1200RT since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2012 BMW R 1200RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT weigh?
The 2012 BMW R 1200RT weighs 259 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 BMW R 1200RT make?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT use?
The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200RT have?
The 2012 BMW R 1200RT is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
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 2012 BMW R 1200RT Specifications
Year
2012
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200RT
Colours
Blue, gray, magnesium/beige
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)
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
CO2
95.1 CO
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
DOHC
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
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
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
Chain Size
None (Shaft Drive)
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
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
Lighting system
12V 55W headlight
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
Cast aluminium
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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