2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2016 Honda VFR1200X

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
2016 Honda VFR1200X 2016 Honda VFR1200X

Sport touring

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
606.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Traction Control System. Windscreen. Sometimes called VFR1200X Crosstourer.
Year201-
Colours-Pearl Black
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LC-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-7.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-180 mm
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 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 2.4 inches
Displacement (cc)-1237.00 cc
CO2-119.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-81.0 x 60.0 mm
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine Type-V4, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-75.48 cubic inches
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 3-
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 -
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedWet multiplate
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
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-Six-speed manual transmission or automatic.
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 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
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-Wire spoked
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17110/80-R19
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17150/70-R17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2016 Honda VFR1200X thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and standard ABS. 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

  • 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.

2016 Honda VFR1200X - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2016 Honda VFR1200X matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2016 Honda VFR1200X - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2016 Honda VFR1200X?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2016 Honda VFR1200X is powered by V4, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2016 Honda VFR1200X?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Honda VFR1200X 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 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2016 Honda VFR1200X have ABS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Honda VFR1200X 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 2016 Honda VFR1200X?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2016 Honda VFR1200X 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.