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Road test on the 2001 BMW R1150RT by Ian Parks

 "Geez it’s big" came the comment from the compact VFR750 rider, followed by "wow".
The K1100LT rider said to his wife "run inside and write a cheque for it please love".
The bike in question is BMW’s R series tourer, big, powerful and comfortable. At 279kg there is a fair amount of bike to shift around, but the majority of this bulk dissipates once it starts moving. It looks like it’s R1100RT predecessor, but it has extra grunt and a braking system that can only be described as ‘idiot proof’. The new flat twin, four valves per head, 1130cc engine, churns out 95hp (about the same as a 4 cylinder K1100). A six-ratio gearbox transfers the motive force to the rear wheel.
Standard equipment on the test bike, includes heated handgrips, 33 litre hard case panniers, fog lights, cassette stereo, multiple seat height adjustment, EVO ABS brake system and electric windshield. A study of the service booklet shows maintenance to be fairly easy all round, with only the battery removal requiring a little more care and effort. The R1150RT valve adjustment is by lock nut and screw, so service costs should be economical. It’s a good bike for tall or vertically challenged people.
The first noticeable thing when started, is the ‘Boxer’ engine’s ‘shimmy’ at low revs, a peculiar sensation to the first timer and considering you’ve got two 101mm diameter pistons throwing themselves out and back, right in front of your feet, not unexpected. But, don’t concern yourself, this smooths right out with a few extra revs and you don’t notice it during traffic duty. The engine has more than enough power on tap and spins freely. According to the conservative BMW literature, a full fuel tank will carry one for 400 kilometres before having to be concerned as to where the next dose of premium unleaded will come from. This is also one of the first new BMW’s I’ve seen without Metzler tyres, Michelin Macadams doing the business. (Front 120 70/ZR 17 $199. Rear 170 60/ZR 17 $265).
I like the rear view mirrors, which are placed in a position in line with your eye’s view of the instruments, one quick glance reveals the bike’s status and all behind you. The seat is very comfortable. My favourite pillion gives the thumbs up from the passenger’s point of view, with great suspension, seat and foot-peg position. The lights and horns are typically BMW high standard, something you appreciate on dark roads and in the midst of intimidating traffic. The stereo is clear and has a nice tone, handlebar controls allow the left hand to adjust volume and scan for the best music, while a mute button gives you a chance to hear any comments from the pillion. The gearshift has a solid feel to it, but, as it is a new bike, that may smooth out when run in. Sixth gear comes up on the indicator as ‘E’ for economy and at 110kph the engine is turning at a lazy 3500rpm.
4 colours are available, I’m not going to write their long names here but suffice to say they consist of red, dark blue, light blue and silver, all being of the metallic variety.
BMW has seen fit not to install self-cancelling indicators, something I’ve become used to on other bikes. The parking light globe, does not fit the characteristic of the bikes otherwise superb finish. I had a little trouble getting my big feet to deploy the side stand, no doubt a little practice will overcome this. One past bugbear has been the unlocked panniers ability to work loose and fall off while riding, it would appear impossible for this to happen with the new luggage system.
The first bike ABS system appeared on the unusually styled BMW K1. The new EVO brake system is referred to as BMW integral ABS. I viewed a detailed video of the system and am of the opinion that it will do everything but buy your lotto coupon for you each week, however, if a German lottery ticket arrives in the mail I won’t be surprised!! In brief the fully BMW integral ABS is power assisted by electro hydraulic pumps, and requires very little effort to apply. It will also balance the distribution of braking force between the front and rear tyres correctly for the road conditions, while being able to adjust from solo unladen braking to two up fully loaded stopping, and all within the shortest braking distance possible. This bike will always stop as though Mick Doohan was in control.
All this will set you back $24,396 ride away no more to pay. Add $600 if you want the 33-litre top box accessory, which I think is a worthwhile investment. If that price is a bit rich, remember that the R1100RT has been out for a few years and bargains are available. It doesn’t have the wizz bang brakes, but it’s still a great bike.
The Hunter’s weather put on it’s worst for the test ride, but, I still found a great deal of pleasure riding around on this sure-footed tourer. I will add that, half an hour on this bike doesn’t do it justice, it was the second day that I really began to feel at home on the machine. If you buy one you may be a tad unsure at first, but then every time you ride it, you will get a great feeling of confirmation with your decision.

Test bike supplied by John Brisan Motorcycles, Cnr Hannell & Greenway Strs Wickham NSW – 2293 Ph49694500 Fax49612825


Specifications BMW Motorcycles R 1150 RT.
Engine Cubic Capacity 1130cc
Bore/Stroke 101/70.5 mm
Max Output 70kw 95bhp at 7250rpm
Max Torque 100Nm
No. of Cylinders 2
Valves per Cyl. 4
Fuel Supply Motronic MA 2.4
Power Trans/Gearbox 6-speed
Clutch Single plate dry clutch – 165mm dia.
Suspension Rear wheel drive – BMW Paralever
Spring Travel Front/Rear – 120/135 mm
Brakes ABS standard
Wheels Front – 3.5 x 17
Rear – 5.0 x 17
Tyres Front – 120/70 – ZR17
Rear – 170/60 – ZR17
Dimensions/Weights
Seat Height 805/825/845 mm
Weight – Unladen with full fuel tank – 279kg
Fuel Tank 25.2 litres
Fuel Consumption @ 90km/hr - 4.7 ltr/100km
Acceleration 0-100km/h (62mph) – 4.3 sec
Colours Titan silver metallic, Aqua mint metallic, Dark blue metallic, Red 3 metallic

Motorcycles and specifications shown are indicative only and subject to change.