2016 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200RT LC 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer

Sport touring

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
606.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission
Year2016-
Colours-Matt Titanium Blade Metallic, Camo
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LC-
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-180 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-7.1 inches
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,595 mm / 62.8 in.
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1,335 mm / 52.6 in.
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2,285 mm / 90.0 in.
Width983 mm / 38.7 in915 mm / 36.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal21.50 litres / 5.68 gallons
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs275.0 kg / 606.3 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm126.00 Nm (12.8 kgf-m or 92.9 ft.lbs) @ 6500
Engine
Displacement (ci)-75.48 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1237.00 cc
CO2-119.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-81.0 x 60.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 2.4 inches
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine Type-V4, four-stroke
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder76 degree cyclinder angle
Fuel System-Injection. PGM-FI
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:112.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooled-
EmissionsEuro 3Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption-5.17 litres/100 km (19.3 km/l or 45.50 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine management Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedWet multiplate (* Wet multiplate, hydraulic 2-clutch)
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears -
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameDiamond; aluminium twin-spar
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut43mm inverted telescopic forks with hydraulic damping, preload and rebound damping adjustment
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelPro-Link with gas-charged damper, preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment
Rake-28.0°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-107 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipersDouble disc. Combined ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc. Combined ABS
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17110/80-R19
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17190/55-ZR17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 109 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer is powered by V4, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer have ABS?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2014 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.