Life With A 1200 Rt

[rayma60927]

I am going to buy a 1200 rt this spring which will be my first BMW. What I want to know is what Ican expect as far as problem areas , whats required at these 6 or 12000 miles service checks. The reason I was wondering was after reading the moa the last year some owners have said that bmw needs more maintence than japanese bikes which I can say that my hondas need very little attention. Recently I read about oil consumption and rear final drive issues. Any feedback and tips will be appreciated. ALSO if anyone has any opinions on what kind of engine guards and hi-way footpegs to get installed. Thanks for any replys.

[Motor31]

Well first off, you need to get a small hitch put on the rear of the bike for the small trailer to carry the money you'll need for all of the services you'll have to pay for to include frequent final drive oil changes...........





















Just Kidding :nyah :stick

I'd do some reading of previous posts on the forum and that should give you a fair idea of what to expect. Congrats on buying your new bike. :thumb

[glwestcott]

Solid and dependable bikes. 70,000 miles + on my 2001 RT and no major difficulties. You do have to change the oil and adjust the valves and synch the throttle bodies each 6,000 miles. Mechanical valves = adjust needed. Not much you can do about that, but, you can easily do it yourself for minimal cost and there are numerous posts here and on other BMW websites to show you how. Dealer charges for the same do seem to be a bit high to me, but my dealer will help with parts, advice, and don't seem to mind questions from a relatively neophyte do it yourselfer.

[hlothery]

Have almost 20K on my 05. It is the most wonderful bike I have ever owned, stable, smooth, powerful, dependable. Used a little oil until about the 13K mark, almost none since. Routine maintenance as described in many threads, which I choose to have a local independent do for me, although I believe I could easily do it myself if I was so inclined. Only glitch is the temperature reading on the computer, and the oil level indicator float switch needed changing. Minor annoyances that have had nothing to do with how it runs. Love it! You have made a great choice.

[121247]

I have a 05 RT and think it is a great bike. BMW put in a new computer in a few months ago. By all means I would buy another RT!!!
CW

[kbasa]

I'm loving mine, through and through.

Maintenance is simple and can be done by a fairly competent home mechanic. Valve adjustment intervals are 7500 miles, I believe, and can be done at home. Fluid changes are simple and an oil change doesn't require removal of the plastic. Throttle body synchronization can be done using standard tools like a TwinMax or mercury manometer.

The only item you'll have to have the dealer do is the brake fluid flush, which is specified as necessary every other year.

It's a great bike.

i just hafta post this picture again. i really like it.
http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/114573258-M.jpg

[Screamineagle]

I have an 04 1150RT. I bought it new two years ago and have 44,000 miles on it. I love it. It is my first ever BMW. I am considering a new 07 RT. Not because anything is wrong with mine, it is picture perfect but I got the hots for a new bike and I really like the changes from the 04 to 07. :dance

[Easy]

I have a 2006 R1200RT and it is without hesitation the best bike I've purchased. Of course, who knows what will happen tomorrow, but I have no reason to think it will be anything other than a remarkable bike. The cornering is excellent, power abundant, lots of surplus electrical power for accessories, light weight for an RT, storage deluxe and no surging!!! Some don't like the looks, but it suits me just fine. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. Mine has been very reliable, but you should get the rear end oil changed with the 6000 mile service. You also need to get a second accessory outlet put in the rear fender; a predrilled hole is already present.

It's a remarkable bike.

Easy :german

"My mother used to say that there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet. She's now in a maximum security twilight home in Australia."
Dame Edna Everage

[lokhankin]

If you have your heart set on R1200RT- don't wait till spring.
Until 12/31/06 BMW USa has a special -
"Don't miss the stellar opportunity to grab four of our most popular BMW motorcycles during this limited time offer. In short, act now, but don't pay now because we'll pick up the tab for the first three payments, then you don't pay a anything until 120 days after that. Which means by the time summer rolls around, you could have rolled around countless scenic back roads, winding mountain passes, and anywhere else your heart desires.

BMW Motorrad USA making the first three payments for you when you finance the purchase of your new bike through BMW Financial Services. Then there's no payments due for 120 days, which means you can snag a fantastic 2006 BMW motorcycle right now and not make a payment until summer of 2007."

Sometimes I wish BMW would pay me a commission...

[fastdogs2]

I have a 2005 R1200RT and have put about 8,000 miles on it. I have enjoyed this bike from the first day I purchased it. It is not the best bike in every category, but it is the best all around bike that you will ever find.

It is happy on the interstate, on two lane country roads, on twisty, curvy roads and riding around town. The weather protection from the fairing is great, complemented by the heated grips and seat. The fuel economy averages from 46-52 mile per gallon. The side cases hold enough for a three day trip. Add a top case and you can go for a week.

The anti-lock brakes are powerful enough to stop you in a straight line and with gusto. The fuel tank holds enough to keep me going far longer than my knees, bottom or bladder will tolerate.

As other posters have noted, BMW should pay commission to those of us who own these bikes and tell others about their merits.

[sfarson]

i just hafta post this picture again. i really like it.
http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/114573258-M.jpg

Don't have much to add to the posts above. Fantastic bike. Ride one and it can be seen why it cleans up on awards and multi-bike shootouts/comparisons.

Would also note... yes, sweet pic!

[wezul]

My '07 R1200Rt is due at dealer this week. I'm so excited I'm about to pee my pants. Make the right choice, are you KIDDING?!

:doh

Wez

[SIBUD]

It's a great bike.

i just hafta post this picture again. i really like it.
http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/114573258-M.jpg

The only thing missing from that picture is the music.

You can hear it now in your head: "Starry, starry nights" :groovy

[sagerat]

Beautiful pic. :clap

[qkvic]

Has anyone out there recently come from a k bike (I own a 1985 k100rs)
to an R1200RT?
I am hooked on a k engine but was impressed with the RT.
The only thing that caught my attention was vibration at about 85-90 mph.
Bearing in mind there will be a difference between a four banger and a twin
it was a lot of fun to ride and I absolutely loved the cockpit and the seating position.
It was a dealer bike I rode with only about 2000m on the clock, so perhaps it needed a little tweaking and a few more miles on it.
The gt is a great bike with a lousy seat but the RT could lure me away from a k bike.
Most people seem pretty happy with their RT.
I wonder if Jeff Dean has ridden the GT yet?
If anyone has any comments I would appreciate hearing from you.
Keep the faith Brothers and Sisters.
Thanks,
Vic

[Ksrob]

Has anyone out there recently come from a k bike (I own a 1985 k100rs)
to an R1200RT?
I am hooked on a k engine but was impressed with the RT.
The only thing that caught my attention was vibration at about 85-90 mph.
Bearing in mind there will be a difference between a four banger and a twin
it was a lot of fun to ride and I absolutely loved the cockpit and the seating position.
It was a dealer bike I rode with only about 2000m on the clock, so perhaps it needed a little tweaking and a few more miles on it.
The gt is a great bike with a lousy seat but the RT could lure me away from a k bike.
Most people seem pretty happy with their RT.
I wonder if Jeff Dean has ridden the GT yet?
If anyone has any comments I would appreciate hearing from you.
Keep the faith Brothers and Sisters.
Thanks,
Vic

Vic, I've had a seris of RT's, a '89, a "97 and a '05. The '97 was my favorite, I put 83,000 miles on it. The '05 was a little bit better all way around but I never "bonded" with it. It was red and I think that was why.

I traded the '05 off on a '07 GT. WOW! What a difference. Just a little sportier. There is no vibration at 80, or 90 or.........

That said, I may let my wife have the GT and I may trade her RS off on a new RT. That silver is tempting.

Best,

[dan_forker]

Has anyone out there recently come from a k bike (I own a 1985 k100rs)
to an R1200RT?
I am hooked on a k engine but was impressed with the RT.
The only thing that caught my attention was vibration at about 85-90 mph.
Bearing in mind there will be a difference between a four banger and a twin
it was a lot of fun to ride and I absolutely loved the cockpit and the seating position.
It was a dealer bike I rode with only about 2000m on the clock, so perhaps it needed a little tweaking and a few more miles on it.
The gt is a great bike with a lousy seat but the RT could lure me away from a k bike.
Most people seem pretty happy with their RT.
I wonder if Jeff Dean has ridden the GT yet?
If anyone has any comments I would appreciate hearing from you.
Keep the faith Brothers and Sisters.
Thanks,
Vic



I don't know if this helps or not, but I had a '04 1150 rt and now have a '05 1200rt. I thought the 1150 was really buzzy and didn't like it for that reason only. The 1200 was a lot better but I did notice vibration at speeds in the 80+ range until the 6000 mile service was done and since then I think it's smooth as it could be. Maybe a little vibration as it is pulling up to speed but once levelled out I think it's great. Befor the RT's I had a 1800 Gold Wing and it was really smooth but would vibrate at speed as long as it was pulling up to a levelling out also. I don't think you can go wrong with the RT. Wouldn't go back to a Honda for anything.

Dan Forker

[TomfromMD]

Has anyone out there recently come from a k bike (I own a 1985 k100rs)
to an R1200RT?
Thanks, Vic

Don't know if this will help, but my dealer gave me a K1200GT loaner while my R1200RT was in for the 12k service. The fairing/windshield protection isn't as good on the K, but the overabundance of torque at all rpms is certainly a kick. I'd say that if an 11 second versus a 12 second quarter mile time, and a virtually vibration-free motor are important to you, than seriously consider the GT. For me, I'll keep my RT, as the boxer's low amplitude vibes are unobtrusive and serve to remind me I'm riding a cycle, not a car -unlike my previous GoldWing.

[BobMielke]

2005 R1200RT here. 32,800 trouble free miles. The only reason it may seem that Beemers need more routine maintenance is that the BMW factory requires it. Little if no maintenance is actually needed. I needed to get a custom fron saddle for my bike at a cost of $400. I added the GS mirrors so I can see behind me for about $100. Other than that it's been a peach of a bike, as usual. This is my 4th BMW. 1985 K100 86k, 1999 R1200C 11k, 2001 K1200ltc 68k, 2005 R1200RT 33k and counting.

[Panhead_Jim]

The only thing that caught my attention was vibration at about 85-90 mph.If anyone has any comments I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks,
Vic

My 11RS has a very noticeable buzz at 85-90. I've done quite a bit of time up there, so got used to it, but at first, it surprised me. Now, nothing surprises me. I've got enough miles on it to know what to expect, at least for now...

[Harrington]

I have loved my 05 RT from the first ride. It is my first BMW and I wish I would have bought one twenty years ago. I appreciate the included options available. It's nice to have CC, ABS, heated seat, heated grips, etc., etc. all available from the factory.

I did need to get comfortable with the dry clutch. I'm familiar with wet clutches on my bikes. It's now a conscious effort to engage asap. I smelt it once after a miscue and I'd rather not smell it again.

The oil use seems to be slowing down after 8k. It's never really burned that much, even when new.

My only negative is probably with the clutch and I believe I've come to grips with it.

[joelaw]

I have a 91 K100LT which I have owned since new. Also, I have owned a series of R1100/R1150 and now have an 05 R12RT :bikes. The oil / hex head bikes have been a pleasure to ride, and between them I have logged more than 180,000 miles. I did not experienced, to any degree, the various problems many riders had with the oil heads. I kept the K all this years because I just could not part with it. I have logged 104,000+ miles on the K without any problems, it still has the original clutch.

The R bikes are what I ride on long distance travels and IBA rides :usa. The R11XX gave 44 to 48 mpg on the highway at speeds of about 65 to 75 mph. The R12RT is consistantly turning out 50 to 52 mpg at about the same speeds.

[cipher]

My 2005 R1200RT is my 21st bike in 43 years of riding. It is the only one I would buy a second time. It is a terrific machine. :clap :clap

[qkvic]

Hello Folks,
I found your info interesting.
Trying to decide between an R1200RT and A K1200GT is like a donkey between two bales of hay.
They are both such great bikes. I think I am leaning towards a k1200GT, but the seat is the most uncomfortable I have ever sat on.
Mind you my corbin on the k100 is fabulous, so maybe my rear end is spoiled a bit.
I will probably ride them both the day I buy.
Have a great year guys.
Thanks
Vic

[kenwing]

I bought the first K1200GT sold in the state of Maine last May (06) and within three months I put 16,000 miles on it during a long trip out west and back. I traded a HD VRod for this GT, my first BMW. I love horsepower and really liked the power from the new K bikes. The GT was very quick and fast but after 16,000 I got to know it intamately from stem to stern. In Sept I traded it for a new '06 R1200RT. I've only got 600 miles on that bike but I can tell it's a big improvement, for me anyway, over the GT. As far as I'm concerned the GT has some serious problems, esp when compared to the RT. The ONLY thing the GT has over the RT is pure power, other than that the RT handles better, has less vibration, has all the creature comforts (both of my bikes were loaded to the max with all the OEM bells and whistles), shifts 100% better, lower CG, corners much better, has a better rider egos, better seat, yadda yadda yadda. The oil changes on the GT cost a fortune in time because of the silly way you have to drain the oil reservior. I realize I'm a new RT owner but I'll never again consider the GT. I was in Silverton CO on US Rt 550, giving my GT all I could on an unfamiliar road, and was passed by a guy on an RT on the outside of a corner. He did it so easy and I never forgot that. Then there was another RT guy in Jasper Alberta... By then I'm really thinking about RT's. When I demo'd the RT I purposefully did 6 figure eights in the dealer parking lot and then jumped right back on my GT and tried doing the same thing. 15 minutes later I had me a brand new RT.

[FrankFlorio]

great choice. I got a new one in '05 - love it. I just got elph highway pegs:
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/products/product.asp?Item=ELF

kinda expensive BUT, the design is superior to anything else on the market.

I have no wisdom to share per maintenance, I follow the guide in the owners manual and have had zero issues................good luck..........

[sfarson]

kenwing... Welcome and nice personal review.

[kenwing]

Thanks Sfarson, much appreciated. As you can see from the above that was my first comment ever on a MOA thread.

Frank - I enjoyed riding in your wonderful state last summer. I logged over 3,000 there. I expect I'll return again this coming summer. I'm wondering, the elf pegs you got - are they length adjusted for difference in the cylinders, are your legs stretched out the same length? I've never sat on a bike with them and am very interested in buying a pair.

[kenwing]

Sorry, I got kinda mixed up there with between Frank and Sfarson. I rode 3000 miles in Colorado. NY is real nice too though.

[sgtboring]

I have a 99 RT that I have put on some good miles in all conditions but ICE Storm and Blizzard with and with out a a partner on the back. I have bot been kind to it but I have not been abusive either. It is a joy to ride.:type

[sgtboring]

great choice. I got a new one in '05 - love it. I just got elph highway pegs:
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/products/product.asp?Item=ELF

kinda expensive BUT, the design is superior to anything else on the market.

I have no wisdom to share per maintenance, I follow the guide in the owners manual and have had zero issues................good luck..........

really cool but kind of salty!:cry

[MEWAYBRIGHT]

Has anyone out there recently come from a k bike (I own a 1985 k100rs) to an R1200RT? Vic


I moved from a 86 K100RT to an 05 R1200RT last year and haven't looked back... the R took some getting use to in that it isn't as forgiving with the wrong gear at low speeds and doesn't have the acceleration like the K when twisting the throttle from 90+ on the superslab. The handling I find to be far superior and love it on the twisties. Engine heat is not an issue with the R like it was with my K and the R doesn't have the high freq vibration my K had. I just purchased a seat upgrade from Bill Mayer due to the stock seat being some sort of medieval torture device on any ride beyond 100 miles (the jury is still out on the new seat due to weather).

I have put 7500 miles on it since I purchased it in March of last year and am looking to put some 10 or 15k on it this year. So in a nutshell I really enjoy the bike and haven't looked back since purchasing it... something that told me it was a better bike to me was that my K sat in the garage until September without being ridden after I bought the new bike... so I finally sold it to a friend and haven't regretted it since.

:bikes

[Screamineagle]

I have an 04 1150RT. I bought it new two years ago and have 44,000 miles on it. I love it. It is my first ever BMW. I am considering a new 07 RT. Not because anything is wrong with mine, it is picture perfect but I got the hots for a new bike and I really like the changes from the 04 to 07. :dance

oook, I did have an 04 RT. On friday Jan 12 the 04 became an 07 RT. The 04 had 46,000 miles on it and ran perfectly but I just wanted a new one. I brought it home last friday and it rained ever since until today when it got pretty cold and snow flurried. Didn't want to ride it in the rain but the cold won't stop me when the roads are clear and dry.

When I learn how to operate the digital camera that I got for Christmas I will be putting a picture on the web.

Bill

[clawman]

I've had my 06 RT for just one year now and have just over 12k miles on it. Very nice ride. I've be riding from Henderson NV to Phx tomorrow.
Now problems at all, except that is tires. The second Dunlop (orig. equip.) is worn out now so I'm looking for something that will give me a few more miles.
Any opinions :banghead (studip question).
Cal

[TomfromMD]

The OEM ('06 RT) Bridgestone BT020 tires stick well in dry or wet, have worn consistently (no cupping, etc.) and both front & rear have lasted 7~8k miles.

Tom

[gomato]

I have an 05 Rt with 4000 miles on it and have been very pleased with it so far. I was counting the other day the bikes I have owned and came up with 31, so I have a fair amount of experence with a lot of different makes. The only things I have had go wrong with the 1200 is the CD player craped out and the outside temp sender reads wrong. Doesn't use any oil. The only bike that I can is more fun to ride is my Valkyrie (which I still own) and it makes a wonderful noise! It burns alot of gas too. Hope to run into some you riders sometime. Cheers!

Gordie Thomas
Bellingham WA & Yuma AZ

[abe456]

Traded my 03 LT for an 06 RT. Less weight, more fun, easier low speed handling, slightly less wind protection, and did I mention more fun?


In a nutshell, RT has slightly less wind protection, as verified by my wife/pillion rider. She says the diff isnt worth mentioning, and she loves the RT as much as I do.

As far as maintenance, I consider that fun, cause Im a geek anyway and love to work on the machine. I do my own 6K and 12K service with minimal tools. Believe me its no big deal...............

Problems: my RT had a sticking windshield switch which healed itself over time. Dealer ordered another, but I havent bothered going back and having it replaced.

[nrhodes1971]

I went from a Honda VLX last summer up to a '02 R 1150 RT and here are a few things I noticed.

The RT has an "oil-level-window" as opposed to a dipstick-like the honda. The "window" is at the bottom of the engine, so you get down on your hands and knees and look at it with a flash-light. The idea is to prevent contamination from opening/closing the dipstick, but it is much easier to check the dipstick.

I was also told by friends, and the dealer, that BMW's have an exceptionally long break-in period. My RT had 28K miles on it when I got it, has almost 32K on it now and I have noticed it does use some oil. I keep a box of plastic Dixie cups (bathroom dispenser cups) in the garage and an open plastic bottle, quart of BMW oil. I monitor the oil pretty closely and when it gets below the "perfect" setting, I can add an ounce or two and then toss the cup away.

On the first rides of my RT, I noticed I get a front-end "dip" when changing from 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I was told it was due to lack of a fly-wheel on the RT, but it is more noticeable than on my old Honda. I was also told that an "RT" requires a certain amount of "rider-break-in." Which may be true, since I've put a couple of K miles on the RT, I really don't notice it anymore.

Comfort wise, the RT is way better than the old Honda cruiser. but I did notice on the first long-distance rides that I had shoulder pain from leaning over to grab the RT handle bars. I added a set of handle bar "risers", which moved the bars up and back about an inch and I haven't had a problem since.

I had the 30K service done and it was about $500. The biggest expense being to re-sync the Carbs. My mileage was about 32-35 MPG, but I learned that I have the "Gas-chip" that richens the mixture and prevents the "surging" on the '02 models. After the service, I was getting 40 MPG on the road.

Overall, my RT has been great--I'm in for life! I ride it anywhere at any speed, no problem, but I do avoid dirt roads to prevent the "cleaning chore" and chipping the faring paint. Plus, you get the BMW "Family" (MOA and my local BMW club). I was member of the Honda Rider's club of America and pretty much alone. The nearest co-member was in Levenworth and it had no forum, no interesting club site and the magaizine was Corporate Honda hooting it's own horn, no local club, no one to talk to.

Good luck with your new RT, and do allow for a certain amount of "rider-break-in.

-- rock

[Greenwald]

I have truly enjoyed my '05 R1200RT for over 11,000 miles now. Have owned a number of Japanese bikes and spent 7 years on Harleys as a Police Motor Officer - BMW is so far ahead of all these bikes, it hardly pays to compare.

Only problems I have had were oil level readings, temp readings and one incident of over-heating.

The over-heating will no longer be an issue, since I had a fan installed behind the oil cooler (just like all police RT's come equipped as standard). As for the overly sensitive readings on oil levels, careful adjustments to oil added after a change settles that down.

The temp readings are a 'whole 'nother matter'. It seems to be an unfixable problem for BMW on the '05 bikes, despite two trys by the dealer. A buddy of mine rides an '06 and both the oil level and temp reading issues are non-existent.

The reason I say buy an '07 is that, in addition to the aforementioned problems having been debugged, it no longer has brakes assisted by powered servos. This eliminates the 'mosquito whinning' you hear whenever brakes are applied on the '05 - '06 models. That, and it comes in the most beautiful Barritz Blue!! Ride safe and spend the bucks for a Beemer - worth it!