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A Concise History of the BMW RT

The BMW RT pretty much set the standard for the more tourer-biased sport touring segment. But wait, sport tourer?

A long time ago, sport-tourers were standard motorcycles/roadsters that were equipped windscreens and luggage. However, the segment was further (mini) segmented to those that are more sport-oriented versus those that are more touring-oriented.

The former includes madcap motorcycles such as the BMW S 1000 XR and M 1000 XR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, Kawasaki 1400GTR, KTM 1390 Super Duke GT, Ducati Multistrada V4, and Suzuki Hayabusa (yes the ‘Busa is considered a sport-tourer).

The latter includes the BMW RT, Honda NT1100, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Yamaha FJR1300ES, etc.

But how about the likes of the BMW K 1600 series? It belongs to the full-dress tourer segment. Yes, it covers the Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Voyager, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, … You get the idea.

More about the BMW RT

First and foremost, the RT, at least beginning from the 1996 R 1150 RT, looked large, heavy and ungainly. However, we ourselves found out about how sweet and comfortable the RT series is. They felt more like large scooters rather than motorcycles that you risk throwing your back out by lifting it off its sidestand.

There are many reasons why the RT is chosen as a police or escort motorcycle the world over, including here in Malaysia.

Really. You need to ride one to fall in love with it.

History of the BMW RT

Anyway, back to the main title, let us trace the evolution of the much-beloved RT, beginning with the name, of course. “RT” stands for “Reise-Tourer” (Travel-Tourer).

R 100 RT (1978)

The original RT, based on the R 100 S and shares certain attributes with the R 100 RS. The R 100 RT has a full fairing and more upright riding position. It set the standard for BMW’s touring motorcycles and was popular among long-distance riders.

A full fairing (unlike earlier naked or semi-faired BMWs).
A 98 hp, 980cc “airhead” (air-cooled) Boxer engine.
Comfortable seating, wind protection, and luggage options.

R 1100 RT (1995)

Introduced along with new generation of BMW “oilhead” Boxer engine and a more advanced chassis. The oilhead engine, as the name suggested, was oil-cooled. This engine would become BMW’s signature for many years to come.

1,085cc, 90 hp engine.
Improved aerodynamics, ABS (optional), and electronic fuel injection.

R 1150 RT (2001)

Still an “oilhead,” the Boxer engine underwent several revisions including enlarged capacity and power output.

1,130cc, 95 hp engine.
More refined suspension (Telelever front, Paralever rear).
Better wind protection and onboard electronics.

R 1200 RT (2005)

The last of the “oilhead” generation RT, but was considered the one of the best until today. BMW reworked the engine and chassis again to provide even more performance and comfort.

There were two (sub-)versions of this generation, namely:

“Hexhead” (2005–2009): 1,170cc, 110 hp, with improved engine cooling.
“Camhead” (2010–2013): Minor updates, including revised cylinder heads.

Main features included:

Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).
Advanced electronics (traction control, ride modes).
Heated grips, cruise control, and a larger fairing.

R 1200 RT (2014)

The Boxer was finally liquid-cooled to keep up with producing more power and emissions standards, leading to being dubbed as the “waterhead,” or “wethead.”

Main features followed those of the previous R 1200 RT, albeit enhanced further.

Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).
Advanced electronics (traction control, ride modes).
Heated grips, cruise control, and a larger fairing.

R 1250 RT (2019)

The R 1250 RT made its debut following BMW upgrading the Boxer to include their ShiftCam VVT technology. And of course, the new bike had many new features too, including radar-assistance in the latter stages. It remains one of the most technologically advanced and comfortable touring bikes on the market.

1,254cc ShiftCam boxer engine (136 hp, variable valve timing).
10.25-inch TFT display (with connectivity, navigation, and multimedia).
Radar-assisted adaptive cruise control (optional).
Enhanced rider aids (cornering ABS, dynamic traction control).

R 1300 RT (2025)

BMW introduced the all-new R 1300 GS for 2024, and of course, the RT follows soon after. This is an all-new RT, along with a completely new design which breaks away from the previous two R 1200 RT and subsequent R 1250 RT generations. It is 12 kg (wet) lighter than the last R 1250 RT, too.

Key features:

New 1,300cc ShiftCam Boxer Twin, which produces 145 hp (107 kW) @ 7,750 RPM, and 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) @ 6,500 RPM.
More compact & lighter than the R 1250 RT engine.
6-speed transmission with optional Shift Assistant Pro (clutchless up/down shifts).
Improved fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery.
New Steel Bridge Frame (lighter & stiffer for better handling).
EVO Telelever Front Suspension (revised for improved feedback).
EVO Paralever Rear Suspension (enhanced stability).
Optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) – automatically adapts to riding conditions.
10.25-inch Full-Color TFT Display (with smartphone connectivity).
Riding Modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, Eco, plus optional Pro modes (customizable).
Advanced Safety Features:
- ABS Pro (Cornering ABS)
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
- Hill Start Control (HSC)
Optional Radar-Assisted Systems:
- Active Cruise Control (ACC)
- Front Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Change Warning (SWW)
Ergonomically Optimized Seat (adjustable height: 760–800 mm).
Improved Wind Protection (electrically adjustable windscreen).
Heated Grips & Seat (standard in some markets).
Integrated Luggage System (side cases optional, up to 29L each).
Keyless Ride & Central Locking.
Slimmer & More Aggressive Styling (LED lighting, sharper lines).
Reduced Weight (~12 kg lighter than R 1250 RT).
Optimized Airflow (better wind protection with less buffeting).
Comfort Package: Heated seats, centerstand, etc.
Premium Package: Radar-assisted systems, tire pressure monitoring.
Sport Package: Dynamic ESA, Shift Assistant Pro.

Police Use Drone to Nab Motorcyclists not Using Motorcycle Lane

Police used a drone to detect motorcyclists not using the motorcycle lanes on Federal Highway.

This follows numerous accidents involving motorcycles due to riders not using designated motorcycle lanes, as well as complaints from other road users. However, some riders remain stubborn and continue using the main thoroughfare.

Petaling Jaya OCPD, Assistant Commissioner Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, said the objective of yesterday’s operation at KM28.4 of the highway was to reduce motorcycle-related accidents.

“We collaborated with the Police Air Unit (UUP) in this drone-assisted operation. Motorcyclists detected by the drones were issued summonses immediately.”

“For some riders who may have escaped, we have recorded their motorcycle registration numbers, and summonses will be sent to their homes,” he told reporters during the operation yesterday.

He also urged motorcyclists to use the designated motorcycle lanes to avoid accidents and other dangers.

“I understand that riders do not prefer using motorcycle lanes as they can be dark at night. When it rains, these areas may also flood.”

“Therefore, our operations are conducted during peak hours in the daytime, especially in the morning,” he said after 47 summonses were issued for various offenses.

“A total of 16 offenses were detected using drones, and within 30 minutes, 32 summonses were issued during the operation,” he explained.

“Most summonses were issued to riders not using the designated motorcycle lanes under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” added Asst Comm Shahrulnizam.

The operation was not solely focused on enforcement, as his team also aimed to raise awareness among road users, particularly motorcyclists, about the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.

*”We are focusing on motorcyclists because 70% of fatal accidents in the district involve them. We will continue conducting such drone-assisted operations from time to time,”* he said.

Asst Comm Shahrulnizam noted that traffic accidents in the district have increased by 53 cases so far this year.

A total of 204 cases were recorded between January and May, compared to 151 cases during the same period last year—an increase of 35.1%.

In terms of fatalities, motorcyclists accounted for the highest number, with 52 deaths recorded last year.

“As of May, 34 motorcyclist fatalities have been recorded, with accidents typically occurring between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. daily,” he said.

“Among the main causes of accidents are tailgating, losing control of the vehicle leading to skidding, as well as fatigue and drowsiness. We advise all road users to always drive safely to reduce the number of accidents,” he added.

2025 BMW R 1300 RT Arrives in Malaysia, from RM167K

The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT has arrived in Malaysia, and (estimated) prices range from RM167,000 to RM180,000 depending on the “editions” and trim.

Do note that this is an entirely new model from the contact patches up i.e. new engine, chassis, frame, design, electronics suite, etc. It surely pushes the already very capable RT to a whole new level.

Highlights of the 2025 BMW R 1300 RT:

Two-cylinder boxer engine with the displacement of 1300cc, using the bore and stroke dimensions of 106.5 x 73mm.
The BMW Shift Cam-equipped engine produces 143 hp at 7,750 RPM and 149.2 Nm at 6,500 RPM. It is the most powerful production BMW Boxer yet.

Completely redesigned chassis which uses a new sheet steel frame (like the R 1300 R), plus a die-cast aluminium rear frame.
The main differences between the R 1300 RT and R 1300 RS is the front suspension: The former receives the new Telelever Evo from the R 1300 GS, which isolates the handlebars from the suspension to a greater degree than before.

At the rear is the Evo Paralever which offers a stiffer connection via the suspension in the frame and a quick-release axle on the swingarm.
New 17-inch aluminium cast wheels with hollow-spoke design, reducing 1.4 kg.

Braking system includes twin front disc brakes with radially-mounted four-piston calipers.
A 10.25-inch TFT colour screen that includes integrated map navigation and a newly-developed Connectivity Hub.

Electronic rider aids include the standard Road, Rain, Eco modes and Cornering ABS.
Adding the “Riding Modes Pro” optional system which comprises additional riding modes such as ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Dynamic Pro’.

Further upgrades include Riding Assistant which comes with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning (SWW) and Front Collision Warning (FCW).
Colours are Alpine White 3 (RM167,000), Triple Black Limited Edition (RM177,000), Impulse Limited Edition (RM180,000). All are estimated recommended retail selling prices and not on-the-road.

Photo gallery

Security Guards have no Right to Request and Scanning MyKad – NRD

Security guards do not have the authority or right to request, hold, or scan the identification cards (MyKad) of the public, according to the National Registration Department (NRD).

We believe many of us have encountered security guards at condominiums or residential areas who ask for our identification cards or driving licenses. However, this is actually an offence under Malaysian law.

This issue has been raised several times in the past but has resurfaced.

In a statement to Bernama, JPN clarified that only five categories of officers are permitted to do so under Regulation 7(1) of the National Registration Regulations 1990:

JPN officers;
Policemen;
Customs officers;
Military personnel on duty;
and public officers authorized by the Director-General of National Registration Department.

Under Regulation 8A, if unauthorized personnel hold onto your IC, they are committing an offense. Anyone convicted of this offense may face imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to RM 20,000.

“Any action by security guards to request or retain identification cards is against the law and may be subject to penalties,” the statement read.

JPN also emphasized that the use of electronic devices to scan MyKad data is not permitted, as it falls under the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

“Any processing of personal data by private entities is subject to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, which sets guidelines and obligations to protect individuals’ personal information,” JPN stated.

Bernama contacted JPN for clarification on the issue following a viral social media post about a security guard at a premises allegedly using an electronic device to scan a MyKad.

The guard’s actions raised public concerns about its legality.

As a safety precaution, JPN advised the public not to surrender their identification cards to any unauthorised individuals and to immediately report any violations to the relevant authorities.

Hakim Danish Wins at Aragon

National rider Hakim Danish won Race 2 of the 2025 Red Bull Rookies Cup at the Aragon Circuit, Spain, yesterday.

Hakim overtook his closest championship rivals, Brian Uriarte and David Gonzalez, in the final corner to secure the top spot on the podium this time.

Speaking about his victory on the Red Bull Rookies Cup website, Hakim said: “Finally, we’re in P1. This race was fantastic and tough because our tyre performance dropped very sharply. I tried to manage the tyres as best as I could. Then, on the final lap, I accelerated early in the last corner, so I crossed the finish line in P1.”

“I had to fight hard for the win because on the second-to-last lap, I made a gear mistake in the final corner and lost the lead, dropping several positions. I pushed to recover, passing riders wherever I could. I don’t know how I did it, but I made it happen.”

Hakim had finished second five times in a row across the previous five races. He has also been the most consistent rider in the top group. With this win, he now leads the overall standings with 125 points, followed by Uriarte (95 points) and Benat Fernandez (63 points).

5 Petua Penjagaan Tayar yang Mudah

Universiti Putra Malaysia baru-baru ini menjalankan satu kajian dan mendapati bahawa ramai penunggang motosikal kurang kesedaran tentang keselamatan tayar. Keselamatan tayar bukan hanya tentang jenis kompaun yang terbaik, tetapi juga merangkumi tekanan pengembungan, keadaan tayar, dan usia. Itulah sebabnya kami memutuskan untuk menyusun 5 petua penjagaan tayar mudah ini.

Jadi, jika anda baru memasang set tayar yang sangat “grip” atau membeli motosikal baru, tugas utama adalah menjaga tayar-tayar tersebut agar mereka memberikan prestasi terbaik dan keyakinan di mana sahaja anda pergi.

Tayar memang memerlukan sedikit penjagaan, walaupun tidak intensif dan tidak memerlukan pengetahuan teknikal tahap kejuruteraan automotif. Ingat, anda mungkin memiliki motosikal terpantas di dunia, tetapi ia tidak akan ke mana tanpa “donat getah” itu.

1. “Run in” dengan betul

Penjagaan tayar bermula sebaik sahaja anda memasang set baharu. Ingat istilah ini: “Tayar mempunyai ingatan.” Cara anda memecahkannya menentukan prestasinya kelak.

Jadi, berhati-hati dalam 300–500 km pertama. Elakkan pecutan dan brek keras, serta sengetan maksimum.

Percubaan untuk menunggang laju dengan tayar baharu boleh membawa padah kerana sesetengah tayar baharu mungkin dilapisi dengan bahan pelepas acuan (mould release). Permukaan licin dan berkilat ini perlu dihapuskan sebelum kita boleh menunggang secara maksimum.

Memang ada tayar yang dihasilkan tanpa bahan pelepas ini, tetapi “run in” tayar secara berhati-hati membolehkan komponen dan kompaun dalam tayar menjadi stabil. Tayar diperbuat daripada puluhan (jika bukan ratusan) kompaun berbeza, dan ia memerlukan haba (daripada penungganan) untuk “memasaknya.”

Mengasak tayar terlalu awal menyebabkan kompaun mengeras sebelum mencapai separuh hayatnya. Inilah sebab utama mengapa sesetengah penunggang mengadu tayar mereka hilang cengkaman dan keanjalan apabila mula haus. Ya, inilah “ingatan” yang kita maksudkan.

2. Periksa tekanan

Tekanan pengembungan tayar adalah segalanya.

Tekanan rendah menyebabkan tayar terlalu panas dan cepat haus. Selain itu, ia meningkatkan rintangan gelongsor, menjadikan motosikal kurang responsif dan meningkatkan penggunaan minyak.
Tekanan berlebihan pula membuatkan bahagian tengah tayar cepat haus. Traksi dan keselesaan juga terjejas kerana tayar tidak dapat menyerap ketidakteraturan permukaan jalan.

Setiap tayar mempunyai struktur berbeza—ada yang keras, ada yang lembut—tetapi tekanan yang disyorkan oleh pengeluar motosikal adalah yang terbaik untuk menampung berat dan prestasi motosikal. Anda boleh menambah tekanan jika membawa beban berat, tetapi lakukan dalam had munasabah (±10 kPa).

Tip tambahan: Jangan bergantung pada meter pam tayar di stesen minyak kerana ia mungkin tidak dikalibrasi dengan betul. Lebih baik beli tolok tekanan udara tayar yang berkualiti dan bawa bersama. Sebaik-baiknya tekanan diperiksa sebelum menunggang atau sekurang-kurangnya setiap 2–3 hari. Pastikan tayar dalam keadaan sejuk semasa mengisi udara.

3. Periksa keadaan tayar

Lakukan pemeriksaan setiap kali sebelum menunggang, semasa mengisi udara atau membersihkan motosikal. Cari:

Objek asing (paku, batu kecil).
Kebocoran.
Retakan.
Haus tidak sekata – mungkin disebabkan oleh pelarasan rantai mahupun suspensi.

Jika ada masalah, tangani segera.

4. Bersihkan tayar

Ini bukan sekadar untuk penampilan, tetapi membersihkan tayar membantu mengesan kerosakan awal. Gunakan pembersih yang tidak menghasikis — elakkan pelarut keras seperti petrol, minyak tanah, atau diesel kerana ia boleh mengeraskan getah. Tayar yang keras kurang cengkaman dan mudah retak.

5. Cara membaikki tayar yang pancit

Untuk tayar tanpa tiub (tubeless), cara terbaik adalah menggantikannya kerana objek yang menembus tayar mungkin merosakkan struktur tayar yang memberikan bentuk, kekuatan, dan keselamatan.

Namun, jika anda memilih untuk membaiki:

Bawa ke bengkel reputasi baik untuk tampal dari dalam.
Kit cacing hanyalah untuk kecemasan dalam memberikan kita masa untuk ke bengkel terdekat, oleh itu, jangan biarkan ia selama-lamanya.

BONUS 1: Usia tayar

Tayar lama (biasanya 5 tahun ke atas) menjadi keras dan kurang cengkaman. Anda boleh semak kod pengeluaran pada sisi tayar. Contohnya seperti gambar di bawah di mana “0117” bersamaan minggu pertama, tahun 2017.

BONUS 2: Penunjuk kehausan tayar (TWI)

Setiap tayar mempunyai penunjuk tahap kehausan tayar (tyre wear indicator). Anda boleh cari satu bentuk segitiga di tepi tayar dengan huruf “TWI” dan ikutnya ke permukaan tayar di mana terdapat bonggolan kecil. Apabila bunga tayar sudah sampai ke tahap itu, ia bermaksud tayar itu telah kira haus walaupun belum botak sepenuhnya. Ini kerana tayar tersebut sudah dikira tidak dapat mengalirkan air dengan tahap optimum.