If you've never ridden one, the tractor analogy sounds spot on. The engine sound, the HP figure on paper, the weight and the lazy riding position - screams ocean liner. But don't be misled folks. Think Clark Kent and smile to yourself. If you are a decent rider you will outride a lot of sports bikes in the twisties. When I say a lot it's not about who's got more power it's about who can confidently use what they've got under them. The BMW's torque is more than enough to scoot you from corner to corner without shredding your tyres (or your ears). The key is this bike's ability to get in, lean over and get out of corners with confidence, that's where the advantage is. What you can't see is the balance and feel from these bikes. Once you know, you know.

BMW make some of the best handling machines ever. Coming from a Harley guy. They are truly a joy to ride.

French guy here, happy owner of a 1984 K 100 RT. You're a living add for this 1200. I have to confess that i was about to buy a Norge, and now, i am lost between the BM and the Moto Guzzi......Excellent work indeed.

Bought the exact same bike last month. Great to fall in love again after so many years.

Best review of BMW 1200RT air cooled on KZfaq. I own one and agree the handling is superb for such a large bike. I have surprised many sports bikes in the twisties - they just lack a little acceleration. I also think the turning circle and manoeuverability in small car parks is better than that of a sports bike. And of course they are supremely comfortable, you can add the panniers and go touring. It’s great to see someone finally riding one properly. I run Pirelli road pilot 4s on mine and the steep profile of the front suits the bike very well (especially for the type of riding you were doing) they are nice and sticky at the rear too (likely to get circa 7000 miles) for your sort of spirited riding. Thanks for the review. From England.

I´ve had a 1996 R1100 RT a few years ago and that was my 1st BMW (after decades riding japaneses everything) and my first experience with Telelever sus and boxer engine. Even with 130.000+ Km on odometer the bike was fine, very easy handling, provinding great comfort despite a bit agricultural, specially the gearbox feel. The only issues were the old ABS system and the rear 18' wheel (a bit too hard to find good tires for it in my country). Sold the bike two years later and rode several japanese until now, when I've found a 2009 R1200 RT with just 30.000 Km on the odometer (bought fom a guy who had a leg problem and could not ride the RT anymore). The feeling is like coming back home with this bike. Ok, RTs are not for young, immature, testosterone-driven guys, it´s more suited for riders that have learned a few things about motorcycling over the decades. Despite the fact that the RTs hasn´t that crispy engine response or that boost acceleration sports bikes have, the power delivery is just steady, reliable and always there at any blip of the throtle. Spirited riding on back, twisty roads, carving corners, is so easy and so fast that you can do it for all day long, even with a pillion and fully loaded. And you can even surprise some leather covered newbies trying to tame those sporty crotch rockets here and there, while leaning until erase that Michelin logo on the edges of the fantastic Road 6 GTs. This is one of the most precise and honest reviews about R1200 RT I've found on YT. It describes the exact feeling a rider can have behind the bars of this great motorcycle!

...I can share and understand your enthusiasm! Since 2021 I have owned a newly purchased R 1250 RT / 719... with radar, inductive charging compartment, fully equipped! The best I've ever ridden after 8 motorcycles! I didn't want to drive it in winter...too much salt on German roads! Last week I bought an RT 1200 / 2009 😳😎 just for winter use...best regards from good old Germany! 😉✌️

Picked up a 2007 . Decided to try something different . Glad I did, my wife said it has the same carector as the motor guzzi. It has a certain charm about it. The suspension is better over rough roads that our goldwing. She has more air flow around her but, doestnt have the buffering . I think we both agree the quiet exhaust sounds is the bikes of our choice.

Surprised to see so many comments taking the tractor analogy negatively, as your intention seemed clear from your explanation. Oh well. Personally, this was very useful & you've got me thinking about an RT when I'm supposed ot be online sourcing a K. Thank you for your input & I hope you and yours are well.

Had my 2009 a couple of weeks and so far I love it nice review too👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I just bought a 2003 r1150rt with 56000 Miles and it runs like new, and looks almost new except a couple scratches on the hard saddle bags

I have this exact bike. Excellent review!

G'day 🇦🇺🦘 I'm a 44 year old dude that has lived a blessed life in a beautiful environment called Tasmania.... Australia. In my 44 years I've ridden anything from a PeeWee 50, a KLR 250, a ZZR 250, VFR750, a GSX-F 650, a GSX-R 750, a Harley fatbay.... I picked up an ex Tasmanian police bike that was produced in 2009. Her name is "Betty" & out of all the previous mentioned rides.... This BMW R1200RT-p is the most enjoyed ride on the road 🙌

Great review and analogy a boxer should be classified different that the FJR and C14 it's not as capable of blinding speed and acceleration but plenty of power.

Thanks for the review. I have always admired BMW R bikes. I am considering an RT as my next purchase. This review and Sean's review at SRK have convinced me this should be my next ride. Thanks

A great video and riding my friend. I own a 97 1100RT which have been using for touring and commuting almost all seasons. I once rode a 2009 1200RT and looved the riding position, braking and how nimble and scooter alike she was. I wish, I can save up some money and buy one before I stop riding(if I do!)

Love tractor.have 2010..love it 47000 miles tracking like new..great review..😃

Loved the video, add one of these biggest regret selling it, now going to get another 👍

I just got an 06 with 23000 mi for $2500.00.. i Think i got a deal .. no scratches no dents

Just bought one. It's amazing and you're spot on.

I'm looking at picking up one of these, thanks for the review 🍺

When my 07' 1200GS is tired and done, this will be my next 👍❤

Own a 08 r1200rt, 44k miles, after knee surgery I have to give it up, bike is just to high, lowered the pegs, still back to far, I know the reputation is there but I dont find the bike that comfortable handling is great, electronic windshield takes u completely out of the elements, maybe it's me but I like the goldwing better, I'm not into scraping pegs with a touring bike, dont get me wrong, this is a great bike, just not for me any longer

The R1150RT & R1200RT are both becoming very affordable. New R1250RT is pretty sweet but out of my price range. Found some R1100RT bikes but like the newer fairing/headlight look.

Going to get one after this review, thanks buddy you convinced me!

That looks like a fun road to ride. What road is it? I’m in Alameda and it looks like the road to Wente.

Great review and I want and RT BUT I was looking at a 2009 police unit with 20,000 miles in good condition BUT between the fuel pump recall and fuel strip recall (was broken)and apparently the rear hub recall and the antilock cost possibility it’s pretty apparent why the price is in the 5 to 7 thousand dollar range and just did not make sense in my case

Just sold my 2002 1150rt☹️. Bought a 2009 1200rt. They are so amazing for a touring bike!

Gracias por tu review, estoy considerando una moto como esa.

I'm renting one in June out of Denver Co, wish me luck

I want this to be my first bike

The 09 BMW R1200RT is utterly perfect 💦❤️ 🇩🇪

I own a R1200RT and prefer sportcars over tractors.....;-)

Great review! I am thorn between the 2007 Moto Guzzi and the R1200RT and since you have experienced riding both, I would like to hear your opinion about both of those beautiful motorcycles. Great video reviews, keep them coming!

*Well done!* Great review.

Nice review ! I hesitate between the Moto Guzzi Norge and this BMW. How do you feel between these two machines? ( Comfort, engine, passenger ...)

I

Is it a bad choice for a short rider? (165cm) 😅

Back brake is linked to the front brake.

Great review! Just picked up a ‘04 1150RT, but can’t figure out how it likes to be driven. Low revs, or high 🤔

Hey, sorry for my english I’m french, but how did you install the Quadlock? I’ve a 2007 1200 RT but I don’t know how I can install that for a good result.

Should I be afraid of buying a 2010 R1200RT ? I have a Harley touring which is my only experience on bikes, and I kinda want to see what it's like to ride one of these.

I have the 2006 RT model. Love the bike but the seat really sucks. You can be honest…. It sucks. Mine has all the options and just turned over 55k and still running strong. (Hopefully).

How good is an RT 🙏❤️🙌

How did you set up your quadlock?

Oh my, now that I've watched THIS video, I am searching for a 1200RT instead of the 1150RT. Going to be patient, save some more, then see what I can find :D

I have 2004 1150RT......yours looks awesome fun.......is that stock windshield? Sure looks clear

Mind me asking how you fitted the phone holder? Did you replace the horizontal bolt for the left handlebar and fit a longer one or replace one of the ones attaching the bar to the yoke? I’m a little stumped on my rt as to which way to attach a quad lock Thank you and great review

(JUST THE FRONT BRAKE?) WASNT AWARE YOU COULD APPLY THE FRONT ONLY DUE TO THE SERVO BRAKES

What about the Honda ST1300?

Could this be a good first (learner) bike?

What is your iPhone handlebars support thanks

THE HEATED SEAT IS SO HOT I GET OFF MY BIKE AND I CAN FEEL THE HEAT COIMING OFF MY ASS FOR THE NEXT 120 SECONDS OR SO I LEARNED HOW TO RIDE IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER

Sehr gut!👍🇨🇭

Better than GS? ;) even if I never tryed any of them haha good for 190 cm guy?

What a bad analogy. Really tractors! The RT is one of the best if not the best handling touring sport touring bikes ever made, tractors, really!!

Wait. Say that again please. “Removed the foot pegs because…”?

but but... you never did the comparaisin between the R1150 and the R1200? :-/

300k miles normal? To be honest I never saw one with that mileage.

any engine heat...motorcycle heat while riding..

Please stop talking because you’re descriptions are way off on the description of a Tractor. This is a great and the best handling touring bike ever made that will pull wheelies and ride them if your capable, to the next corner.

Can any brother help an Australian lad with some side panniers please 😭🤷🏻❤️

Here I am 12 months latter frothing the same 💦🤦🤷🏻❤️

I have this exact bike. Excellent review!