Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127747
1996 BMW R1100RT I By Kit Palmer 24 . f i r s t it was the Rll00RS, then the Rll00GS, then the Rll00R Roadster. Now, it is the $16,000, full-on road touring Rll00RT, B.MW's fourth model to feature the "new generation" Boxer motor, which made its well-received debut three years ago in the RS model. And with the RT comes everything else that has made the previous Rll00 models some of BMW's bestselling motorcycles ever. These features include the unique Telelever front-suspension system, ABS, Paralever rear suspension, adjustable seat and much more. The new Rll00RT puts an end to the 17-year run of the RI00RT, the 1100's predecessor, and now becomes BMW's new flagship model when it comes to touring, or perhaps more accurately, sport touring. BMW still offers the Kll00LT for those who haven't come to terms "'\ith big twins, but the R model is certainly BMW's bread-and-butter in touring circles. After spending some serious touring hours on the new Rll00RT, we can safely say this new Beemer rivals Honda's ST1100 - a bike long regarded as the king of the sport touring class. As mentioned, the RI100RT is fitted with the new-generation Boxer motor. More specifically, it's powered by the exact same motor found in the RI100RS. Unlike the new Boxer motors in the GS and Roadster models, tuned for slightly more torque at lower revs, the RT and RS's horizontally opposed two-cylinder motors are tuned - by way of its computerized ignition - to provide just the opposite; that is, increased overall power at the expense of some low-end grunt, power better suited to those long stretches of open highway. (Above) BMW move. their touring line Into the future with the Introduction of the new, and handsome, Rll DDRT. (Right) Winding roads .re not a problem. Even fully loaded, handling was light and precise. Couple that with standard ABS II and It'. tough to fault the big Beemer's road manners. All of the Rll00RTs sold in the U.S. (as well as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan) will be fitted with fully controlled catalytic converters as standard equipment. The RT features the same basic Telelever front-suspension system as the other Rll00 models, but most resembles the central spring/strut design found on the roadster model. The main components of the RT's frame come from the GS, while the rear subframe and supports for the pillion footres.ts are the same as those on the RS. However, the overall geometry, such as wheelbase, caster and steering-assembly angle, are all new to the Rl' and are calculated to provide more straight-line stabijity on the open roads. In the back, the single-shock, Paralever suspension system features the same hand-wheel, hydraulically operat- . ed preload adjuster found on the GS model. Rebound damping is also externally adjustable. BMW's ABS II is also standard equipment on the RT. Dual floating discs with dual, two-piston calipers are used up front, while a single, fixed disc and a two-piston floating caliper handles the stopping chores in back. I Our test bike came shod with Michelin tires, wrapped around three-spoke, cast-aluminum wheels. Form and function were both of high importance when coming up with a fairing and windscreen for the new RT. Not only do the rounded curves and integrated headlight and mirrors/blinkers give the RT that "concept bike" look, but these things also serve an important role in rider comfort. The result of many hours in the wind tunnel, the full fairing, made up of five recyclable PVT thermoplastic panels that blend in nicely with the 6.7-gallon gas tank, was built to offer maximum wind and weather protection for the rider while inducing the least amount of drag possible, thus providing better performance. Like the four-cylinder Kll00LT, the RI100RT features an electrically adjustable windscreen, but has significantly more range of movement than the K's screen. To accommodate different touring speeds or rider height, the windscreen adjusts through an angle of 22 degrees and a range of 6.1 inches in height. The system is operated by a rectangular rocker switch on the left handlebar. The front fender deserves mention, as well. Mounted to the lower fork bridge, the two-piece fender has been designed to reduce lift forces onthe front wh'eel which BMW claims adds stability at high speeds. The rearview mirrors and front turn signals are incorporated into a single unit and positioned in a way to help protect the rider's hands from wind blast and debris.