Split personality 2005 BMW R1200RT ABS: we've been fans of the long-running BMW R-RT series since the major redesign for 1996 transformed it from a utilitarian workhorse into a sleek thoroughbred, with swoopy bodywork and the Telelever front end, an electric windscreen and an adjustable seat.(RIDER TEST)

Publication: Rider

Publication Date: 01-AUG-05

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Ehlert Publishing Group

I rode one of those R1100RTs back to SoCal from the intro in Kalispell, Montana, in fact, with another journalist on an identical bike, and I couldn't have been more comfortable. Along the way we were pulled over twice for riding 10-15 over the limit. In Montana, the friendly patrolman issued us $5 tickets for "wasting natural resources," or something to that effect. The second time I'll never forget--after he red-lighted us on the Snake River Parkway the equally red-faced Idaho cop said, "Do you know how fast you guys were going on those Ninja bikes? I thought for sure you were gonna run ...."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

After explaining that, no no, officer, these were touring bikes--see the saddlebags, the big windscreen, the upright seating?--and that us innocent touring types had no intention of breaking the law, we had just lost track marveling at the scenery, he let us go (which I understand puts us in a very small group among the many riders who have been pulled over on the Snake River Parkway). We had no intention of revealing, of course, that in a contest of handling, the RT was the equal or better of any sport-touring bike he had ever chased, and that mere moments before he spotted us ... well, never mind.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In the thousands of miles I've put on the various models of the R-RT since, I can't remember anyone else mistaking one for a sportbike like a Kawasaki Ninja, but the Idaho cop's confusion was understandable. The RT may be a touring bike, but to the average person that aerodynamic bodywork looks racy indeed, even with the bags on the back. And the new R1200RT will definitely surprise you from the saddle, too, the first time you challenge the bike to fulfill your Walter Mitty-type fantasies on a winding bit of road.

For 2005 BMW has completely revamped its iconic...

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