BMW R1200RT vs R1150RT - old vs new

V-Told's Moto Show
V-Told's Moto Show
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Publicado 2013-11-03
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Old vs new - similar yet different. To make a long story short, the major difference between the two is the looks, throttle response - which in the 1200 is much quicker and suspension adjustment - in R 1200 RT controlled witch flick of a switch (ESA). On the other hand you don't really feel the difference in weight or its distribution. The level of comfort is also almost identical - but remember that to adjust suspension, you have to get off the R 1150 RT and spend some time adjusting the knob. Also, the R 1200 RT's gearbox is more precise. As you can hear in the video - transmissions of the RTs sound pretty much the same. Wind protection may be a little bit better on the R 1200 RT. Performance - check the race of the two. Somehow you can feel that the new one is more powerful but can't really see a huge difference in a straight line. The R 1150 RT is equipped with Remus slip-on exhaust. Adds nice deep tones to the boxer engine's sound.

Music by Dan-O at DanoSongs.com
Todos los comentarios (21)
  • @thedolphinDog
    Because of this video I bought a 2004 1150rt. Beautiful sleek music in this video Such a beautiful sleek design ended in 2004. The newer ones look like a flying robot. Something about the older style timeless masterpiece. Thank you for this video.
  • @newsouthwhaler
    Great video ,tossing up wither to buy a 2011 for my 2001 1150,this hasn't convinced me I want to give the old girl up yet,Great work with this video
  • @jonmiller570
    Having owned both bikes, the difference is like night and day. The new RT with the twin cam motor is silky smooth, torquey, with an authorative exhaust tone. Set the cruise at 30mph and cruise with no surging and very accurate speed control. The huge difference is the weight and its impact on handling, especially at low speeds. The old RT rides like a Harley and the new RT is crisp, agile, and accurate. Much less exhausting to throw around than the heavier RT. Hopefully BMW won't blow a good thing by moving to the new water cooled boxer engine. Like all new bikes, keep it plugged in on the charger at all times as these bikes do draw current when parked and off.
  • @gdalsin
    Great comparison; really gives you a "feel" for the differences (and similarities). Love my '02 RT, it's given me 8 years and nearly 60,000 miles of smiles. I'm sure the 12rt is an improvement performance wise, and it does tempt me from time to time, but I do all my own service work and the electronics on the 12 give me pause. Maybe, with a GS911 in hand, I might give the 12 a chance down the road. Thanks for posting!
  • @supergnorf
    Nice video! Sort of inspired me to go the next step after having had the R1150RT for about half a year. Now ridden both over 10,000km and I have to say, no doubt it my mind in what saddle I'd like to be. The only thing I liked more about the R1150RT was lower rev in traveling speed on freeways. I tested in the 2016 R1200RT as some claimed it had a different gear exchange but noticed nothing major. This year I've done of 17,000km on the R1200RT, in all sorts of weather through Europe. Originally planned to do the same trip with the 1150 but have to say glad I upgraded. The gearing is smoother and the handling vastly improved on the 1200. The ESA especially was a welcoming addition to have, besides of traction control and the rest. Since I've tested the latest LC with all bells & whistles possible to get still not sure I'll rush for it. The LC engine is fantastic and has a surprising amount of grunt whilst compared to the air-cooled but does it really matter that much on long hauls? Not for me. in 2017 I'll try a whole range of different touring bikes to see if there really is anything else I'd desire. Also plan to try the S1000XR. But right now I'm perfectly ok with the Air-cooled R1200RT :)
  • @barkermjb
    I love my R1100R/T... I've had it since new in 2000. In a few days I'm looking forward to picking up my new 2014 R/T. It will be a huge leap forward. Nice video!
  • @GDLOTKIDOG
    Love these bikes. The old 1150 will alway be one of my fav bikes of ALL time. Love them. Almost the perfect bike
  • @gerardc79
    I thought the electric screen was a gimmick until I owned one. They're actually great
  • @Thekrpntr
     R100 RT and R100 s rider here, I like the simplistic nature of the old air-heads.  They work OK. They are not the latest or greatest of anything, but they behave well both in town and on the highway, and (important to me), they are easy to service.  It may be a while before I am in the market for a 1200 or a 1150,  The old girls are just too good to give up.  
  • @user-or2xb8wo7h
    I bought a 2007 R1200RT a year ago and what an awesome ride. Am a tall dude 6'5" and fits like a glove.
  • @johnnyb4060
    I love these bikes. Thank you - great test...
  • @stuartvorster4911
    Great bike the old RT, had a Biaritz blue a few years, loved it, beautifully made & i think would last forever. Did many long journeys in South Africa with it Winter (do we have Winters in S.A.?) & Summer - great memories. If you end up being responsible for me buying another.....my Wife is gonna take out a hit on you! Thanks, thats really a memorable video, I enjoyed it. Johannesburg, South Africa
  • @littlecente1133
    I prefer the look of the 1100rt with the old style square headlight - I’m biased, of course, because I have one.
  • @davenathan5347
    I just bought a red '03 R1150RT and LOVE IT.  I'm sure the upgrades are great on the 1200, and I like the look of it as well, but my 1150 is my baby.
  • @lex1945
    Nice video! Bought an R1150RT last week, in the same grey metallic color. Such a neat looking bike. I am very happy with it.
  • @chrisboddy9775
    R1150RT all the way looks and comfort top notch great motor my 2001 is still great
  • @03flhtcui
    To be perfectly honest, I could easily afford a new 2017 RT if I wanted one, but I still prefer my 2002 RT. Yes, my bike is 14 years old, but it still looks showroom new and I think from a styling perspective the older body style from 2002 to 2004 RT and even the model prior to that 1996 to 2001 RT looks more appealing than the current RT's. When I look at my bike, I see aesthetically pleasing lines that are sculpted, round and contoured. In a word, it has very "sexy" lines. The bikes made from 2005 to current simply look bulky, they have sharp edges and are very robotic looking. the movie, Transformers is what comes to mind, every time I see one. From a technical standpoint, the new bikes do have more to offer and for a rider who cares about those things, then the new RT is the way to go. For me, I couldn't care less about whether a 50cc difference in engine size makes the 1200 slightly faster than my 1150. I'm not looking to win a speed contest anyway. I rarely need to go WOT anyway and when I do, I'm always impressed by what the engine is capable of. Secondly, I suppose the traction control and electronically adjustable suspension is very nice to have, but I've been riding for 30+ years without them, so it's not something that I feel is important to me. I rarely need to adjust my suspension setting except for when I ride two up. On those occasions, I get off the bike, and adjust the preload with the convenient hand dial located under the side panel. It takes less than a minute to make the adjustment. Again, I realize for some folks they want the latest and greatest technology and for them, all the goodies the new RT's offer is important. To me I have to like the way a bike looks before I throw a leg over it and go for a ride. To me, riding is a feeling an emotion and it begins with how sexy the bike looks. The same goes for women. Nobody wants to ride an ugly fat chick, either. See my point? My bike is comfortable to ride long distances, offers superior wind/rain protection from the knees down (lower fairing) and has plenty of power to ride two up. I have ABS, heated grips, electrically adjustable windscreen and stereo. I really couldn't ask for more.