Bmw Rocks the Boat
BMW ROCKS THE BOAT
HOT OFF ITS EIGHTH CONsecutive year of record sales, BMW has cut loose with a boatload of mods to two of its more popular models. This is no biennial deckswabbing, either. In the case of the R11150RT, it's all but a stemto-stern re-do.
A multi-time CW Ten Best winner in its previous iteration, the fully faired RT gets a new engine computer, increased displacement, a six-speed gearbox and "fully controlled" catalytic converter. Other cosmetic and mechanical updates include a restyled fairing, 17-inchrear wheel (replacing the outdated 18-incher), tandem headlamps with integrated fog lights and fitment of BMW’s new Integral linked brakes with standard ABS.
Now displacing 1130cc (a 45cc bump), the air/oil-cooled flat-Twin produces a claimed 95 horsepower and 74 foot-pounds of torque. Neat thing is, nearly 90 percent of peak torque is available from 3000 to 6500 rpm, smack in the middle of the engine’s powerband.
First seen on last year’s redone RI 150GS, the six-speed tranny is said to offer smoother, more precise shifts (on the GS, it does). Acting as an overdrive, the additional ratio further helps by slashing revs at highway speeds, in turn lowering engine noise, vibration and fuel consumption.
Slowing down has never been a problem on any late-model BMW, but Integral ABS should make coming to a halt, especially in unfavorable conditions, a no-brainer. Now in its third generation, the linked “adaptive” setup (the front lever activates pistons in both front and rear calipers, the foot pedal invokes only pistons in the rear) is designed to quicken response, aid front/rear bias and, with bigger rotors, add 20 percent more stopping power.
Other updates are more visually apparent. The re-drawn fairing, for example, combines sportbikelike lines with longhaul protection. And then there’s that rack of new lights, which makes for a grinning facade atop traditional BMW kidney grillework. The windshield is dimensionally the same as before and still electrically adjustable via a toggle switch on the left handlebar. Seat-wise, the three-way-adjustable, two-piece saddle is re-contoured with revised foam for “better thigh support and enhanced comfort.” Look for traditional options tankbag, topbox, radio with cassette player, cylinder guards-plus a special multitone horn. A navigation system is said to be in the works.
Fewer mods were made to the K1200RS, which debuted in `97. Engine and running gear are unaltered, but bigger EVO brakes and Integral ABS are now fitted. Wind-tunnel work resulted in a more slender upper fairing, which is complemented by a new instrument cluster, cockpit cover and larger mir rors. Still two-way manually ad justable, the wider, taller windscreen ups total area by more than 20 percent. As for ergos, the previously optional "comfort" handlebar is standard and pilot and passenger pegs are lower. The seat remains two-position variable.
Like we said a boatload of mods. Figure smooth sailingand likely another successful selling season-for the bikes from Bavaria.
Matthew Miles
