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BMW Introduces two new models, the R1200ST Sports tourer and the new R1200RT. R1200ST Sports Tourer The Sports Tourer motorcycle, protection with dynamic performance, was a BMW standard. The K100RS, in 1983, followed the R100RS. In 1992, the R1100RS introduced the new age 259 Boxer motor. These three machines, along with the K1200RS (although a bit heavy), set the standard in the class. The R1150RS followed the R1100RS, but it has not been a big seller. The marketing of the RS, in the end, did not hit the target. This is all about to change with the release of the R1200ST; the new generation Boxer Sports Tourer. The ST launch came as a bit of a surprise. The RT was initially taking centre stage, but a re-think saw this important motorcycle share the billing at Bologna. 
The flowing bodywork and distinctive dual-headlight face set the ST apart. The bike has a stance that is distinctively BMW. The bodywork gives protection without the bulk of the RT, with a classical BMW riding position. The tank takes its design from the K1200S, with knees and arms tucked in out of the wind and adding to rider control and comfort. The ‘screen takes the windblast off the chest and shoulders. As in the R1200RT, the engine and electronic technology is an extension of that introduced on the R1200GS earlier in the year. The ST develops 110 hp with new cam profiles and tuning. This will give impressive performance in a package that weighs in at 229 kg, wet. Telelever/Paralever suspension are set up to give responsive handling without sacrificing comfort, solo or with pillion. The comfort is enhanced with the adjustable seat and the use of clever geometry to maximize both leg angle and foot grounding ability. Passengers get a well-positioned seat and good foot peg placement. The two full-sized panniers will further set the ST up as a great Sports Tourer. Bringing the bike to a stop will be taken care of by BMW Integral ABS in the partial set up. The system has been further refined to give greater feel and power. The list of accessories and Australian specifications has not yet been announced nor has an Australian delivery date. It is going to be a very busy start for BMW Motorrad and BMW Motorrad dealers. Three new models, in different market areas, that will attract current BMW owners and, importantly, those enjoying their first BMW. 
R1200RT - the next generation The long awaited successor to the R1150RT, the R1200RT, was unveiled at the Bologna Motorshow; the last international show of 2004. Gone is the smooth, rounded shape that has characterised the RT since the launch of the R1100RT in 1995. It is replaced by a motorcycle with a dynamic stance which, like the R1200GS, has an integral look made up of various surfaces. It gives visual impact, highlighted by the large, clear, twin headlight and nose intake. The R1200RT is the third generation RT. It is a signature model; the long-distance machine, for comfortable touring, without sacrificing performance. 
In 1978, the R100RT was released. It was based on the R100RS, but with a larger top-half fairing. It came equipped with panniers, and the basic design remained until the R100LT Classic, in 1996. That was the first time BMW had targeted the touring market with a complete motorcycle. BMW was always seen as a touring machine but had let companies, like Avon and Craven, provide fairings and panniers. In Australia, the RT was an instant hit; big distances in comfort. The R1200RT follows the pattern with protection, carrying ability and style. The RT takes much from the R1200GS which, earlier in the year, introduced the new, Boxer powerplant. The motor uses the same BMS-K engine management system with dual ignition, including anti-knock sensors. A bonus when PULP is not available. However, altered cam profile and intake system gives 110 hp, at 7 500 rpm; an increase of sixteen per cent. Torque increases to 115 Nm, at 6 000 rpm, with pulling power throughout the total rev range. Thermal efficiency is further enhanced with a compression of 12:1; higher than the GS. All this adds to fuel economy. The twenty-seven-litre tank will go a way between stops at the pump. A claimed increase of eight per cent, if other releases are a guide. Under the bodywork, the new generation Boxer, with balance shaft and lightweight, helical, six-speed gear box, will provide, as on the GS, a smooth and powerful improvement on the previous 259 powerplant. The frame uses the engine as a load-bearing unit but, due to the RT's different dynamics, the frame is changed. It is made of straight, steel tubes of various sizes and strengths. Telelever is retained but has been re-tuned for greater stability and lean-angle. Travel is 120 mm, with brake-dive reduced to virtually zero. Down the back, the Paralever is taken from the GS with modification to allow for the wider tyre. The rear strut incorporates Travel-Dependant Damper (TDD) technology, as used on the Enduro model. This system has proved itself, providing a smoother, more responsive ride under all road conditions. To pull-up the 259 kg (wet) RT, which is 20 kg less than the R1150RT, the bike is equipped with EVO brakes, twin 320 mm, front, and 265 mm, rear. BMW Integral ABS is standard, in the partial format. The handlebar brake activates both front and rear, while the foot peddle only works the rear disk. It is the new bodywork that sets the bike apart: the ‘face'; the integrated hand protection and mirrors; the new, larger, electrically-adjustable screen; and down the back of the bike, the colour-co-ordinated thirty-two-litre panniers that are attached by four mounting points. It will be the topic of much conversation, I'm sure. The bike will stand alone. For the rider, there is a new instrument cluster with analogue speedo and tacho, as well as an array of warning lights and gauges; oil temperature, fuel level, residual range and gear indicator are all displayed, with illumination controlled by a photoelectric cell; a system that works well on the GS. The switch controls and hydraulic reservoirs are carried over from the R1150RT but clutch fluid is now lifetime; no need to refill. The seat, as would be expected, is designed for comfort and support. The rider's seat uses clever geometry that gives greater comfort and easier ground-reach, which is very important on a fully-laden tourer, possibly with passenger. Seat height is 820/840 mm or the low option of 780/800 mm. All shapes and sizes will be able to dial the perfect position. In Australia, we will probably get a bike with similar specifications to the R1150RT, with heated grips and radio pack, which now has a CD player. There is, as you would expect, a list of options for the ‘go and show': heated seats, onboard computer, Electronic Suspension Adjustment (as on the K1200S), Chrome pack, and importantly cruise control, Navigator II, and the choice of a forty-nine-litre or twenty-eight-litre top-box with backrest. Colour choices include Granite Grey Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic and Piemont Red Metallic. The tank has railing that complements the optional, expandable tank-bag; thirteen to nineteen-litres with attachments to carry all sorts of odds and ends. This new generation RT will attract riders of previous RT models but the change of shape will also, like the other new models, bring in new riders to BMW and to our club. The R1200RT will be a success and help BMW Motorrad grow in 2005. This year was very much model transition, next year the model range will expand in this dynamic direction. At this time, there is no Australian pricing or delivery. If the past is any guide, pricing will be very competitive and, perhaps, March/April as the Australian launch. BeeEm world will keep you updated. |
