TEST' 1996 BMW R1100RT
(Left) Tum signals
are incorporatad
Into the mirrors,
which also serve
to protect the
rider's hands from
wind blast. Though
somewhat low, the
mirrors provide a
very good
rearward view.
(Right) With the
large fairing there
Is little to Indicate
the employment of
BMW's excellent
Telelever front
suapenslon .
system.
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MSRP
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26
senger accommodations. Both the
rider's and passenger's seats are wide
and firm, making long stints between
stops easily bearable. Our longest day in
the saddle was our last. We rode from
Hearaldsburg, California (just north of
San Francisco), to Redlands, California
(60 miles east of L.A.), via the Pacific
coastline (the long, but incredibly scenic
route). We accumulated 633 miles in
over 14 hours, and my wife's only complaint was with her knees. My only sore
spot was II!y butt. But even after 14
hours in a Lay-Z-Boy I would've complained. Still, it wasn't that bad considering all.
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On long rides, I usually have problems with my shoulders getting stiff and
sore but such wasn't the case with the
RT. For me, the handlebars were right
where they should be and all of the controls were easy to use.
Overall, I enjoyed this motorcycle
very much. In fact, I'm currently in the
market for a new motorcycle, and I
would have to consider this machine. I
like the fact the RT can be ridden on
10'lg rides in comfort, and I appreciate
the many things it has to offer, like ABS,
heated grips, adjustable seat and windscreen, a stereo, long range between fillups, a clock, saddlebags and, of course,
good looks. I also like the fact I can easily remove the saddlebags and can comfortably squeeze my way through traffic
on my long, daily commutes through
the congested Los Angeles freeway system.
To me it's an exceIJent all-around
motorcycle. You can tour on it, it's light
enough for brisk duty on long sections
of winding roads, it's narrow and nimble enough for everyday city traffic,
and it has that BMW reputation for
durability.
{'N
While Cycle News believes the foregoing test
reliable, it is the p III: i lIoIiIlng 0IIIpIr
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35.4 In.
58.4 In.
6.0 In.
30.75/31.50132.25 in.
30.5 in.
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4.8111.
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622 Iba.
1080 Ibs.
Steeling angie
Front wheel traii
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W.ight wet (cIaimacI)
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Wheelbase
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passenger, well, picking off slowermoving vehicles can be interesting on
two-lane, twisty roads. If you don't
click down a gear and get the bike
screaming, sometimes the power just
seems to take forever to build. Luckily,
the RT doesn't mind being revved.
Otherwise, the RT can haul a healthy
load troubte-free.
The RT is by no means a "Cadillac,"
meaning that it isn't the smoothest-riding touring bike around. One reason is
the motor. Wanting that one-of-a-kind
pull and torque only big twins can offer
has its drawbacks, one of which is vibration. A low-frequency buzz can really be
felt in the handlebars, and after a long
day in the saddle you simply wish the
vibration would go away.
The suspension isn't what I would
call plush, either. You pretty much feel
every bump in the road no matter how
small, but, on the other handL the firm
suspension gives you plenty of confidence in the corners. This is where the
RT really shines. For a big touring bike,
it's a lot of fun on the long, winding
roads, something we saw plenty of on
our four-state tour. The RT doesn't wallow around much, and you really appreciate the Telelever front suspension on
long sections of tight switchbacks. The
front end doesn't dive every time you
apply the front brake going into the cor- .
ners, which, with conventional front
suspension systems, puts added pressure on your forearms. This no-dive
design is further appreciated when you
carry a passenger, since the passenger is
not as inclined to lean forward and use
the driver's back for support.
Some of the suspension's firmness
can be adjusted out. The rear shock's
preload-adjustment knob is easily accessible and operable without tools.
Comfort is perhaps a touring bike's
most important asset and, without a
doubt, the RT is a very comfortable
motorcycle. I was qUite happy with the
RT's seat, as was my wife with the pas-
.-a. UwlIcIl.
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