BMW R1100RT

But BMW tends not to tackle anything in half measures, so when I arrived at the marque's headquarters to pick the machine up I wasn't surprised to see a just-run-in R1100 RT Boxer waiting.

The RT is the King of Comfy when it comes to the marque's flat twin range, sporting a whopping great fairing, adjustable electric screen, luxuriously wide and padded rider and pillion seats, heated handlebar grips and a human-friendly, upright riding position.

Apart from the odd change of paint, the RT has remained unchanged since its inception in 1995 (when it won AMCN's coveted Motorcycle Of The Year award) - certainly proof of a 'why fix what ain't broke' philosophy on the part of BMW management.

PARTY TIME!
I'd already sampled an RT a couple of years back, when in a moment's lunacy I'd seized upon the thought that riding from Melbourne to Sydney through the night in mid-winter was a sound idea.

Between well-below-zero on-bike temperatures, fog thicker than memories of last New Year's and suicidal wandering truckies, I'd rather quickly realised that my line of thinking had been flawed. Happily this time around the occasion was markedly more enjoyable.

For after Iain had dispensed with the RT in its GP courtesy bike role, it was my hands which found themselves grabbing for the keys, a party in Victoria's spectacular Grampian Ranges beckoning. Around 20 mates, a rented house in the boonies, some borrowed lighting and sound equipment, music 'til past dawn and some social lubrication to kick things along: bring it on!

With my new girlfriend (who those with working memories should know definitely isn't German!) anxiously approaching her first big bike trip, the RT was going to be just the ticket.

PACKING THE PUNCH
Packing for the weekend jaunt was first up on the agenda, a task made eminently less troublesome by virtue of those beaut optional BMW panniers, the pair coming as standard on all RTs.

They look good, they're tough as buggery and they mount and dismount with a turn of a key. Throw in the fact they offer heaps of room (33lt each) and have carry handles and I reckon they're definitely among the better pannier systems available, both factory or aftermarket.

Heading along the Western Highway, the RT's Boxer engine quickly asserted itself as a solid performer, punting the bike's 282 (claimed wet) kilos in a relaxed yet capable manner.

The powerplant itself has been sourced straight from the sportier R1100 RS, and revs freely and willingly, with power available from a low 2000rpm but a torquey midrange to tempt you between 3500rpm and 5500rpm.

The twin feels a little asthmatic compared to the marque's K-series machines, with a downchange necessary on the open road for quick overtaking, but keep in mind those big K-series Beemers are blessed with stonking powerplants indeed.

But for relaxed and easy country mile munching, the RT is spot on. At 100kmh in top of its five gears you'll see a low 3500rpm on the tacho, with a lot of kmh to go before the bike's 7500rpm redline - 200kmh ought to wrap things up (on the autobahn, of course!).

The Boxer engine carries more vibes than the marque's K1200 donk, but in the RT's case they're soaked up well, with no problems other than the mirrors (which afford an unimpeded view to the rear) being a tad blurry.

AND THE SUSPENDERS
In the suspension department you've got BMW's Telever front end and Paralever rear shock holding up their respective ends of the deal.

As far as dedicated tourers go, the RT is relatively nimble - surprisingly so given its weight - but hooking in will see the suspenders (and the bike's tubular steel chassis) approaching their limit; par for the course for a bike of this ilk.

The Brembo anchors haul the ship down well from speed, with BMW's second generation ABS coming as standard on Aussie-spec RTs. The initial bite of the four-piston Brembos has been dulled on the RT, with the transition from unimpeded travel to hard braking being quite smooth.

When it comes to the mutha's mechanics, BMW's got it covered - but what of the creature comforts and ergonomics of the thing? After all, it's these areas which chart a tourer's cruise down the path of success or failure.

Well, let's start from the seat and work up. The bike's perch is super-wide and super-comfy, but thankfully the RT's generous range (a 26lt tank and an average economy of 18km/lt give a working range of over 400km) will see your backside looking for a break before the bike is.

Personally I find a comfy bike you can ride all day with a poor range just plain frustrating... Seat height is adjustable too, from 780mm to 800mm to 820mm.

CREATURE COMFORTS
A cassette deck and radio add to the experience, although at highway speeds the wind noise and turbulence will see fidelity suffer. On the upside the 'bar-mounted scan and volume controls are easy to use.

Heated handlebar grips add safety and comfort through the colder months, while the electrically-adjustable screen will not just amuse those in tintops at lights, it also makes things much quieter and more comfortable at highway speeds.

Combined with that big fairing, weather protection is excellent. All the standard easy-to-operate BMW switchgear is present, and all info offered by the instrumentation is easily digestible.

The riding position is very upright, with the 'bars within easy reach and plenty of legroom - the latter point also being applicable to the pillion too.

TIME TO SMILE
At the weekend's end I arrived home smiling - and just as importantly my pillion was too. It had been an enjoyable introduction to the world of long-distance bike travel for her, a good thing considering she's already signed up for this year's annual Tour of Duty in a few weeks time.

In short, the RT is luxuriously comfortable, has a top level of finish, will go forever and oozes that BMW quality. Add in the fact that flat-twin Beemers hold their value incredibly well, and the RT's $22,565 (or $23,365 for the Special Edition, with topbox, backrest and colour coded paint scheme) pricetag (plus ORC) seems pretty reasonable. If you're in the market, book a testride - you'll be left smiling.

Story and photos: Rod Chapman