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Touring · 2009

R 1200 RT

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MotoLibrary Score
63 /100 Sporty
Power/Weight
0.6 hp/kg
Top Speed
200 km/h
Torque
115 Nm
Engine
1170 ccm

2009 BMW R 1200 RT Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's touring motorcycle lineup, the 2009 BMW R 1200 RT relies on a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 108.6 HP (79.3 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 115 Nm (84.8 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 92.8 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (6,000 rpm) and peak power (7,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R 1200 RT measures 204 kg (450 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.53 HP/kg (1.88 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 780 mm (30.7 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,485 mm (58.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 16-liter (4.2 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 444 km (276 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 200 km/h (124 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 13 indexed model years from 2006 to 2019, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
92.8 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.53 HP/kg (1.88 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
6,000–7,500 rpm
Theoretical Range
~444 km (276 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine Details Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power 108.6 HP (79.3 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Compression 12.0:1
Bore x Stroke 101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition
Fuel Control Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
Top Speed 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Fuel Consumption 3.60 litres/100 km (27.8 km/l or 65.34 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 83.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Exhaust Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Chassis
Frame Type Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Rake 26.2°
Trail 116 mm (4.6 inches)
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring strut
Front Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Suspension Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear Travel 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase 1485 mm (58.5 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 180/55-ZR17
Front Brakes Double disc. ABS
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. ABS
Rear Brake Ø 265 mm (10.4 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds)
Weight incl. 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.5968 HP/kg
Seat Height 780 mm (30.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height 820 mm (32.3 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Height 1430 mm (56.3 inches)
Overall Length 2230 mm (87.8 inches)
Overall Width 905 mm (35.6 inches)
Fuel Capacity 16.00 litres (4.23 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Biaritz blue, Sapphire black metallic, Titan silver
More from BMW
Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🔴
Advanced
High performance — experienced riders only.
🗺️
Best For
Long Distance Touring
📏
Seat Height
78 cm / 30.7 in
⚖️
Handling
Medium weight — some experience needed
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