2006 BMW reviews

I really like this bike, but it does lack a bit of power on the low end when riding in the rough stuff. I would also recommend the taller seat as I'm 5'11. I have the regular seat and it's not as comfortable as it seems. I would also recommend a taller windshield. The stock tires are great on and off (better on). On the highway it has more than enough power to keep up and pass traffic. I was riding two up on the bike with the wife and we got to a long very steep hill. I gave it all she hade and the bike would not stop accelerating. I like it! Cheers. Show less

I picked up the R1200RT (my fifth BMW) in late October/06, trading in my /04 1200GS. I've ridden 4Km since then. The RT is everything I want: power, acceleration, torque and - COMFORT. Here in New Brunswick Canada it gets chilly in October and downright cold by December. But the heated seats/grips make my life riding more enjoyable and the twin performs so well in the cool air as well. The bike has no surge, is smooth as silk and is a highway asphalt eater. Country rider is a joy - this bike loves the curves and twisties ! It is to me a sport, touring, all around joy to ride and I'm looking forward to the summer of 2007 for a LONG ride. Show less

After 12 mos and 18.k miles, I think the thing is finally broken in. The comfort is great and the motor excellent. ESA... well, I for one would not get it again. I understand it's love/hate, but not for me. I just wouldn't get it again. 3rd set of tires now. Small oil leak near the clutch servo that I need to get repaired under warranty, just a time thing as why I haven't yet. This R12RT can hang with the best of them at deals gap and can out cruise ALL of them. Would I buy another? I'm looking for a 2007 in my other open window as I type. Show less

I was reluctant to choose the R1200GS as my first, but I am tall and knew I would not be happy with a beginner bike. Excellent balance and probably no harder to learn on than a small gutless bike, at least for a tall person. No quality issues so far and a lot of fun to ride. Young kids love it as they rarely see something like it. My only small complaint is the seat becomes uncomfortable after a short time, but I will get an after-market seat. Awesome bike. Show less

Traded in an Aprilia Futura for the 1200GS. I loved the idea of having a bike that could do everything- a little road and a little dirt. I have found the bike to happily do anything I have asked of it and to do it well. The second weekend I had it, I attempted to ride over mosquito pass in Colordo. The pass is a 4 wheel drive only trail and has extreme weather damage to the rocky dirt road. I did not make it to the top, but it was due to my nerves versus any lack of ability in the bike. It handled well and felt lighter than it's 500 lbs would lead you to believe. I was riding with a friend on a Honda XR650 and I was able to go everywhere he was and even a few other areas. 2 weeks after this ride, I went on a marathon ride from Denver to Yellowstone park in Wyoming. Left 3pm on a Wednesday, got back home by midnight on Friday- 1350 miles in 2 1/2 days. The following week I was running Rampart Range for serious offroad riding. The bike has handled everything I have asked it to do and has done it well. The power of the bike is good, hitting it's torque in the lower RPM, and then ramping to make horsepower at around 5500. It makes it nice to have the power on the dirt, then get out on the highwy and bring the front tire off the road between 2nd and 3rd gears. My only real complaint is the windscreen- I'm only 5 foot 9 and even then the wind flow off the stock windscreen hits me right in the face and makes for a noisy ride. I fixed this by getting a windscreen for the 1200GS Adventure and installing it on my 1200GS- problem solved. Also, while going through water and mud, the front tire can kick up a lot of slop through the area between the tank and guages - can get messy quick. I haven't found a way to fix this - not sure I want to either. Getting 50+ miles to the gallon and have had no service issues with the bike. Show less

Great bike for new riders and those returning to riding after many years like myself. This bike is great-looking, versatile, has a bullet-proof history, and is fun to ride on all kinds of roads. I would highly recommend this bike to any rider looking for something fun! Show less

I hadn't ridden since college and this has been an awesome bike to return to riding on. Very fun to ride and the bike handles very well. I would highly recommend it. Show less

Purchased a new R12RT at the beginning of June without really knowing how I would like it. My current bike was an '04 BMW GSA, which was in no way similiar to the RT other than being a BMW. The RT is silky-smooth in every way. From the new 1200 engine to the new-and-improved transmission. Factor in heated grips, heated seats, an electrically adjustable windshield, cruise control and the on-board computer and it didn't take long for the RT to become my bike of choice. My wife and I did a nine day, 3,300 mile trip on the RT to Yellowstone in September, and it was great! We were both very comfortable when doing 500 or 600 mile days. The power was plentiful, even 2 up with luggage. Just superb. Without a doubt the RT has spoiled me. But isn't that the point of a motorcycle? Show less

I got mine last April (05 model) & I'm very satisfied with it. It does what I want, when I want & how I basically want. I've owned bikes in the past (maily crotch rockets) & this bike basically satisfies me in every aspect. It's a bit on the heavy side & down on sheer bhp, but it holds itself well above others. Show less

I have the Rt for 12 months now and have about 9000 milles on the odometer. I have had several bikes including cruisers and find the RT a perfect balance between weight, power, agility, and comfort. One can't compare this bike to any other class of motorcycles such as sport or cruisers, however among the sport tourers the RT offers the best combination. I ride a lot of long distance trips and the luggage capacity is wonderful. This bike is as modern a bike as it gets with anti-lock brakes, servo assisted and linked brakes that will offer the rider more protection. Its power is good and the bike is fast and turns very easy. About Steve's complaint about vibration, the bike has none. Maybe he rode a demo bike that was abused and the valves were not adjusted but to form an opinion after only one short ride with one demo, well, is just not smart. Show less