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BMW

R 1200 RT

The R 1200 RT (2005-2018) is BMW's definitive boxer sport-tourer — a 1,170cc flat-twin in a full-fairing touring package with shaft drive, delivering long-range capability without chain maintenance. The 2014 wethead update (liquid cooling, ride-by-wire, Dynamic ESA) is the clear buy-used target; hexhead examples (2005-2013) are significantly cheaper but require 6,000-mile valve service and a final drive history check before purchase.

CategorySport Touring
Used range$7,000–$16,000
Open recalls0
Best forTouring
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1170cc flat twin (boxer)
Engine
564 lbs
Weight
31.5 in
Seat
$22,000
MSRP
Used range$7,000–$16,000

Too few clean used examples are moving yet to price this one confidently.

Used price, ownership cost, and rider-fit estimates are editorial. Verify before purchasing.

Rider fit

Best-use signals

Beginner2/10
Commuting6/10
Touring10/10
Off-road1/10
Two-up9/10
Sport5/10

Buying intel

Known strengths

  • Full fairing and shaft drive deliver long-range touring comfort without chain maintenance across the 2005-2018 production run
  • Wethead/LC (2014+) adds liquid cooling, ride-by-wire, and Dynamic ESA — major service interval improvement over hexhead
  • BMW dealer and aftermarket support across the full production run

Buying intel

Common issues

  • Hexhead (2005-2013): final drive bearing/seal wear on high-mileage examples — verify service history and inspect rear shaft seal
  • Hexhead valve clearance every 6,000 miles; wethead (2014+) extends to 12,000 miles
  • 564-579 lb wet weight makes low-speed handling demanding; test-ride before committing

Buying intel

Inspection checklist

No notes are in the MVP data yet.

Buying intel

Maintenance notes

  • Hexhead (2005-2013): valve checks every 6,000 miles
  • Wethead/LC (2014-2018): valve checks every 12,000 miles

Years to buy

Best years

No best-year signal has been added yet.

Years to inspect

Watch list

  • 2017
    Watch
    The R 1200 RT (2005-2018) is BMW's definitive boxer sport-tourer — a 1,170cc flat-twin in a full-fairing touring package with shaft drive, delivering long-range capability without chain maintenance. The 2014 wethead update (liquid cooling, ride-by-wire, Dynamic ESA) is the clear buy-used target; hexhead examples (2005-2013) are significantly cheaper but require 6,000-mile valve service and a final drive history check before purchase.

Recall snapshot

0 open campaigns

Last checked May 25, 2026 through MANUAL.

Configuration

2017 Base

sport-touring motorcycle with 1170cc flat twin (boxer).