Faults:

Corrosion on brake calipers and bolts: Like all motorcycles, the RT is not immune to corrosion, but the particular vulnerability of the brake calipers means that less frequently maintained units might require piston and seal repair kits, as the original components could have seized.

When shifting gears, there is a sense of solidity felt through the left foot, especially when moving from first to second. It requires firm operation to function correctly—something I find rather annoying, as it can lead to missed shifts or abrupt gear changes when using the shifter.

The valve integrated into the standard exhaust system tends to get stuck due to corrosion or dirt.

Stator overheating.

General Comments:

The main virtues of this motorcycle are comfort, stability, and practicality.

The electrically adjustable windscreen offers exceptional wind protection, the semi-active suspension ensures composure on uneven surfaces, and the 1,170 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine delivers powerful, usable torque rather than spectacular performance. Despite weighing over 270 kg, its low center of gravity helps it feel lighter than expected once in motion. Furthermore, its utilitarian nature is complemented by a touch of elegance.

Any limitations? It is undeniably heavy when stationary, the gearbox can feel clunky at low speeds, and the finish quality in certain areas is a weak point regarding corrosion and component durability. However, viewed more as a long-distance tourer than a sport-tourer, it remains one of the most well-rounded touring motorcycles of its era.

The riding position is excellent for long journeys. The wide seat, broad handlebars, and excellent forward visibility preserve that classic BMW touring feel. The electric windscreen offers exceptional weather protection, allowing you to ride with your visor up at highway speeds—and even deflecting enough wind to hear the integrated audio system clearly at those speeds without having to turn the volume all the way up.

In terms of dynamics, the chassis and suspension remain stable at high speeds. The Telelever front suspension minimizes brake dive, the bike’s weight seems to vanish once in motion, and it offers the rider reassuring stability while absorbing road irregularities with astonishing ease.

Spacious rear panniers and smaller compartments around the bike enhance overall storage practicality—especially nowadays, when items like action cameras and increasingly large smartphones have become commonplace.

The boxer engine is a gem, offering abundant, usable torque across the mid-range and smooth operation. Tackling any type of road—whether winding or straight—is a breeze for the RT. Staying in a single gear is often enough for riding at varying speeds on back roads, while the top gear on the highway keeps the engine smooth yet ready for a quick burst of speed when needed.

If your priority (which isn't necessarily mine) is comfort and stability over long distances, rather than cutting-edge electronics or pure excitement, then the RT is easy to recommend.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

This motorcycle is an engineering work of art. It handles almost as well as my RF900 Suzuki (granted with much less power, but a far more comfortable riding position) and it performs far better than my R1100. While I do not avail myself of the audio system very often - nor the GPS navigation system - and I don't use many of the scroll through features on the dash - but the fact that they are there - and I can adjust heat levels (seats and grips), toggle between voltage charge rates and several other key engine KPIs - and the electronic suspension settings (three (3) of them) and the three (3) riding performance modes - which you can change with a flip of the button and a scroll of "the mouse", is simply amazing.

The luggage package with the liners is an improvement over what we had on older bikes. I out 69,000 miles on the older Beemer and I think I will put over 100 k on this one. The personnel at the local dealer have been great to work with.