Overall rating Next up: Ride & brakes 5 out of 5 (5/5) Author: Jon Urry Published: 29 July 2020 Updated: 29 July 2020 Partially water-cooling the BMW R1200RT has evolved it into an even better tourer. The new motor gives it a bit more bite to take on the likes of the Triumph Trophy while not over-stepping the mark. Related: BMW R1200RT wins Best Tourer 2017 in MCN awards

BMW R1200RT wins Best Tourer 2017 in MCN awards Related: Best touring motorbikes Despite being a large machine the BMW remains light and maneuverable and the addition of power modes and the advanced electronics have brought it bang up to date. Although the gear shift assist is a touch unnecessary, the hill start is brilliant and the water-cooled engine is considerably smoother off the bottom end. The first BMW R1200RT replaced the R1150RT back in 2005. Then the second generation arrived in 2010. This is is the third generation, which has been superceded by the R1250RT in 2019. In 2016 MCN ran a BMW R1200RT on long-term test for a year. We found it a consumate mile-muncher with a long range, track riding capability and some smaller touches that really made us smile. Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join a community to meet likeminded folk. We'd recommend the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT forum. 2014 BMW R1200RT video review

Ride quality & brakes Next up: Engine 4 out of 5 (4/5) One of the key factors in the RT’s success is not only its extreme comfort, but also its light handling. Sensibly BMW haven’t played around with these features at all and the RT remains a superb mile muncher as well as surprisingly agile considering its size. The new fairing is fantastically protective and even at over six feet tall I found the screen deflected all wind blast over the top of my helmet without any signs of turbulence. The small tweaks to the riding position haven’t detracted from its all-day comfort levels and the new chassis still manages to mask the bike’s 274kg weight.

Engine Next up: Reliability 4 out of 5 (4/5) Although the majority of the RT’s engine is the same as the new GS’s, a heavier flywheel and alternator have taken a bit of the feeling of lightness out of the GS’s revs while a taller rear shaft gear has calmed down the acceleration. This change of mood suits the RT perfectly and as with the GS, BMW have essentially made an air/oil-cooled with a bit more of everything everywhere and a smoother throttle action. The RT is now not only more responsive low-down, but also smoother. It isn’t overly powerful, just more willing to pull when the rev counter is in the bottom of its range while the gearbox is far slicker.

Reliability & build quality Next up: Value 4 out of 5 (4/5) The boxer engine is reliable and the level of build quality very high. RTs easily shrug off huge mileages. It was affected by a recall for bikes using the ESA electronic suspension system issued immediately after going on sale, but that should have been fixed for free by BMW so we don't forsee any issues with those bikes. BMW R1200RT owners' reviews We've got 11 BMW R1200RT owners' reviews on the MCN site. A score of 4.7 stars out of 5 overall shows just how popular this bike is with owners. The score has gone up in the past few months, showing the R1200RT remains a great used buy.

Value vs rivals Next up: Equipment 4 out of 5 (4/5) In basic specification it is one of the cheapest full-dress tourers, but when you add the bling the price soon creeps up. It's a rival for the 2013-2016 Yamaha FJR1300, the 2012-on Triumph Trophy and 2002-on Honda ST1300 Pan European, but none of these can really hold a candle to the brilliance of the BMW.