MotoSpecs

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 BMW R 1200RT LC 2017 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
2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark
Power
125 hp / 91.9 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
214 kg / 471.7 lbs 228kg / 502 lbs Travel Pack
Full Specifications
General
Year2012015
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LCAprilia Caponord 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1564.6 mm / 61.6 in
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1440 mm / 56.6 in
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2245 mm / 88.3 in
Width983 mm / 38.7 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-214 kg / 471.7 lbs 228kg / 502 lbs Travel Pack
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal24 Litres / 6.34 US gal
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs-
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm125 hp / 91.9 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84.6 lb/ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in1197 cc / 73.0 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm106 x 67.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:112.0 ± 0.5 : 1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 3-
Exhaust-2 into 1 exhaust system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and lambda probe
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterIntegrated engine management system. Injection with triple map Ride by Wire throttle management: Sport (S), Touring (T), Rain (R)
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionDigital engine management Digital electronic, integrated with the injection, two spark plugs per cylinder
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedMultiple discs in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaftChain.
Final Drive Ratio- 17/42
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:11st 14/37 2nd 18/32 3rd 21/28 4th 24/26 5th 25/24 6th 27/24
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameModular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminum side plates by high strength bolts. Removable steel rear
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strutSachs ø43 mm upside-down front fork with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
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 handwheelSachs hydraulic shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload.
Rake-26.1°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in167 mm / 6.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator690 W/6000 rpm
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers2x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Brembo four-piston radial callipers. Metal braided brake hoses.
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle Ø240 mm stainless steel disc. Single piston Brembo caliper. Metal braided brake hose. Continental two channel ABS system and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC).
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 -ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55 -ZR17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheelsLightweight aluminium alloy with three split spokes.
Wheels - Front-3.50 X 17
Wheels - Rear-6.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200

The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 edges out the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 125 Nm vs 114 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 840 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 125 hp vs 92 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 214 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 136 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 167 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 is powered by Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark.
Which is lighter, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 is lighter at 214 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 60 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 produces more peak power at 125 hp, compared to 92 kW for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 sits higher at 840 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 have ABS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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