Get those alloy wheels turning though and it's a very different tale. OK, the bike doesn't lose enough of its weight and size to feel like a scooter when it's on the move, but its nice balance, masterful riding position, and surefooted nature means slow speed trickling through heavy traffic, and even feet up U-turns can be managed confidently. Take your time and things will feel lighter and easier with each outing. It wouldn't be my first choice if I was a big city courier spending time in congested traffic each and every day. But as long as trips of that sort weren't so frequent or urgent, then I would be happy to run through the urban jungle on the BMW.
It's in its element out on the open road though, and perfectly suited for lengthy runs, regardless of weather conditions. The protection offered by the fairing is one of the key features that gives you the opportunity to eat so many miles effortlessly. Cold winds that become positively freezing when they're being passed through at speed never cool the rider to any serious degree. Things become mildly draughty at worst, and are offset nicely whenever the two-stage heated seats and grips are switched on. Some might think this sort of warmth assistance is like nothing more than a needless novelty. Anyone who's actually tried and benefitted from these accessories I'm certain will think otherwise.
Fewer will debate the advantage of the electric screen. It's a fantastic device that can offer all the protection you need at the touch of button. At its full height the wind is diverted well enough to leave your visor up completely and helps to keep your body temperature significantly higher. You must keep it clean to be able to get a good view through it at night or when it's raining, especially in town when you need to spot hazards like manhole covers when they're right in front of you. Bar that, the screen is nothing short of superb.
I also particularly liked the CD/radio, and as well as being entertaining I found it very useful to receive reports on traffic problems. Another button I relied on regularly was the ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) which alters the damping of the suspension in an instant to cope with different loads, road conditions and riding speeds. It offers massive convenience and sure beats fiddling around with tools trying to reach inaccessible adjusters.
The onboard computer is another boon of the Bee-Em, providing lots of handy information including fuel consumption and miles remaining before needing to refuel. The convenience of this can't be overestimated and allows you to tailor your riding to stop at your preferred point. Though it has to be added the 27-litre tank, giving a range of up to 250miles means the chore of interrupting your trip to fill up isn't too frequent anyway. With roomy, fully waterproof and secure panniers, cruise and traction control, the R1200RT SE is very much a bike for all seasons.
All the additional features are a real bonus to the core issues of the bike which are also worthy of praise. The engine is one, and the strong, torquey and flexible flat twin motor is able to generate extra speed with relaxed ease, yet still provide impressive economy - cruising at 80mph still returns 50mpg. It really helps the laid-back nature of the bike overall and is a significant factor in the
BMW
being so adept at clocking up miles in such a tireless manner. Solid, dependable handling adds to the ease of use with a good blend of agility and stability with light enough steering and weight distribution to instil confidence in any rider, regardless of experience. As do the effective ABS brakes.
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