New '07 Rt!!

[HIWAYMIKE]

I just rode my new '07 RT home today! After weeks of trepidation that I would regret trading in my pristine '96 Glacier Green RTL I finally pulled the trigger. If the adjustable windshield did not do such a great job I would be scraping LOVEBUGS off of my teeth now! What an incredible ride. The '07 is quite a bit different than my '96. I still think the '96 looks better, but this new baby can cook! What was that song about a pretty woman?

Now that I have the new ride I need to know what to look out for and what I may do to make it even better. I am not into add stuff just because you can, but I do realize that the factory does not always make the best decisions for my particular riding style.

The windshield seems OK for now (it blocked most of the lovebugs). I have not dropped it after 50 miles of riding so I don't know if engine guards are required? I never dropped my '96 so maybe I can avoid them? Hiway pegs seem in order as soon as I decide upon my next 7-day ride. What do the experts on the forum recommend? The BMW tank pack seems a must IF you want a tank pack. I liked the BMW one I hhad on my '96 RT. Is it worth the money to get the BMW one or is there another tank pack that locks into the tank frame on the new RT's?

HOw about mounting my Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS, Radar detector, and Sony handycam? I had a nice shelf with RAM Mounts on my '96. What is the best way to mount up to 3 devices on the '07? Do you have any other suggestions? For anyone considering an upgrade from an 1100 RT to a 1200 RT - DO IT!

[bluehole]

I have an R1150RT and I love the bike. I also think it looks a lot better than the new R. But all you new R1200RT owner rave about the new machine. I am going to have to look into this a bit more.

Enjoy the ride. I truly am happy for you, but don't get upset if you see me sitting on your bike outside some restaurant one day. :)

What do you see as the greatest difference between your previous RT and the new one?

[100394]

It was the dealers own bike, has the bar backs, highway pegs, and a z-technics windshield. I'm on my way home to NJ from FL on the bike, rode the length of the blueridge pkwy, and rode Skyline drive from south to north, (I've probably done north to south 6 times). I love the bike myself. I definetly think the windshield is a must, (I'm 6', the extra inches help). I'm very pleased with the bike, and the ride home has been great also. :bliss

P.S. I forgot to mention, I got the BMW tank bag, I admit it's pricey but i got 10% from the dealer, (Hammersly BMW also give 10% off). It is kinda large, I had an LT and got used to the smaller tank bag. I could put my raingear in this one. I like it, figure on shorter rides when I want to bring rain gear and a few odds and ends, it's all I need. I plan on getting cyl guards. I like the looks of the ones Sierra BMW offers.

[njnear]

BMW tank bag is way out of sight ($). Touratech makes something a little more compact at 1/4 the cost. I bought a Roadgear tank map case. It's not perfect, doesn't hold any gear, but only cost $30 and I can operate a map hands free.

Can't stand vibration, so I bought Salamander bar end weights. Helped, but still not Goldwing smooth.

Don't know the name of my road pegs, but they were expensive ($300+). The dealer put them on for "free." They fold up out of sight over the plugs and fit well with the head guards. Can't quite stretch my legs straight, but it's good relief having another position.

Haven't functionally tested the head guards, but slipped in a gravel parking lot one time and just about lost it. It still could happen (knock on wood).

Went with the Cee Bailey 2+2 windscreen to abolish the noise. Had a thread a few months back asking for advice and someone my height (6') suggested 1" overstock (there were many others as well with good advice). Finally settled on the 2" over, and it's too much. Only because the extra height just puts back pressure on my helmet. I can adjust it to a reasonable height, but just after the noise goes away, the back pressure starts. Also appears to have knocked my gas mileage down around 10%. Was getting 50-55 at 60-65, now I'm getting 45-50.

I find the seat too narrow and too soft. The transition between front and back is very uncomfortable when you push back on that area for any lenth of time. I like my Corbin seat on the Concours, but seriously considering a Mayer seat for the RT.

Heated grips have lowered my minimum operating temperature to 39F (hey, it was 55F). Heated seat helps and could see a case for a heated vest. Maybe next year.

Don't like GPS, it's too distracting. Radar detectors in the car, not on the bike. If I can't "safely" speed, I try to stay within the "do not stop speed." Unless it's wide open and can see for miles, then I drive the speed limit.......

Side note, love the brakes. I always keep right index covering the brake. It's all you need and saves a second of reaction time (176 feet @ 120 mph).

Ride Safe.

[SNC1923]

Congratulations! Great bike, I'm sure you'll love it more and more each time you ride.

I think cylinder guards are a must. That you never dropped your '96 is impressive, but it's a roll of the dice.

Post some pix--would love to see your big bug-free smile.

[larrydk]

sounds nice, why not psot a couple of pics?

[Greenwald]

Glad to have another 'RT' on the road - I also love the bike.

While there are many options that other owners will attest to, here are the humble mentionings of what this rider has added to my RT and not regretted:

Sargent Seats - narrow, hard seats have always been the 'Achilles Heel' of BMW, and while there are various aftermarket brands to consider, I find total comfort in 700+ mile days on Sargents.

Salamander Bar Weights - not much vibration on the RT, but none now, due to these bar ends.

Cee Bailey Windshield - personal preference, since stock shield was too short and narrow for me. The Cee Bailey is aircraft-quality, so no distortions, and functions well, even in high winds. Set up a little additional vibration in the handlebars - solved by Salamander weights.

SW Motech Tank Bag - quick release from a ring mounted on gas cap area, and far better deal than the BMW version.

Headlight Protector from Cee Bailey - at $400+ to replace the headlight assembly if it takes a big stone hit, the $80 spent is worth it. Did not disturb the looks of the bike.

BMW-brand Cylinder Guards - cylinder heads are made of 'soft' magnesium, and do not tolerate the weight of the bike if you tip over (yes - I have gone over, due to sloppy ground surface and poor judgement on my part) - they save the day.

Other upgrades that I could list, but these were on the shortlist.

Enjoy the ride and see you on the road!

[TR250Tom]

Mike,

Congrats on the bike. I'm shopping for one myself, do you mind if I ask how you made out on the deal? Did you pay MSRP, and did you buy from the dealer in Orlando?

Thanks, Tom

'88 K75S

[wezul]

Congrats, I love my '07 R12RT. Hope you have endless grinnin' miles!

[HIWAYMIKE]

What a great group! Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and for your suggestions for RT upgrades. I just finished another 100 miles today. I am trying to get it to the 600 mile oil change and check up fast! I was told by the dealer that I could ride the bike as hard as I wanted as long as I stayed below 4,000 RPM. This doesn't make sense? It lugs below 3,000 RPM and it almost get started at 4,000 RPM. Did he mean "stay below 6,000 RPM for the first 600 miles"?

At 5'10" the stock windshield seems to do the job. I actually like the dip in the middle because you can see over it better. Howevewr, the higher sides do cause some distortion when making slow speed turns and the view is cut in half by the edge of the windshield. Although it look too narrow from the rider's seat it seems to do the job so far. I may change my mind after riding in a heavy downpour. I had an Aeroflow on my '96 and you could raise it up and hide behind it and ride for hours in heavy rain.

I guess I will get the engine guards. Folks seem to think the standard BMW ones are the most effective? I think I know about the $300+ hiway pegs mentioned in an earlier post. The wedge in gap by th eplugs and do not require removal if the head bolts for installation. I don't like the idea of taking the head bolts out, installing the pegs, and resting my feet on them for the next 10 years.

Great tank bag ideas! Thanks! Any other accessory mounting tips? I jury-rigged a RAM MOUNT radar detector top plate to my tank bag mounting platform using zip ties and mounted my GPS to it today. I worked, but it is certainly not a good long term solution. I am eyeing the "mirror holes" by the levers as the starting point for a post and platform for RAM MOUNT bases!

Let me see if I can include a picture of my Titanium Silver RT. I think I shrunk it small enough for this board.

Thanks everyone! Ride on!
HIWAYMIKE

[podsobinski]

Great bike, just got back from the Roadrunner Rally on the first long ride with my 06 RT. Always been a GS rider/fan but with age comes alittle more desire for creature comforts. I never had cruise control and radio but together with the audiocom it is fantastic. I got the large travel trunk and matches the grey and carrys a huge amout, just perfect for long trips with the wife. I did get the Touratech gas tank bag and works great. With all the bells and whistles I can't imagine anything else needed. All that luxury/sportyness and 52 mpg to boot. Off to a Iron Butt 1500/24 hours now. :hungover

gpodzo
R1200RT
R1150GS
XR650L

Curvey two lane blacktop isn't a highway - it's an attitude.

[wsteinborn]

...Any other accessory mounting tips? ...

Mine is stripped and doesn't have a radio (nor cruise control, darn it) so I bolted my GPS's handlebr mount in front of the left speaker area (no speaker).

http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/gps.jpg

[HIWAYMIKE]

I had not thought about mounting anything over my non-functional speaker covers. Good idea.

I love the Dragon shots! We did it for the first time on my '96 RT this past summer. I wore a bevel on my left boot sole. The good old '96 really ate up the tight turns. I can't imagine what the lighter and mor epowerful 07 Rt will do - yes I can!

Cheers
HIWAYMIKE

[wezul]

Wow, I love that color! :wow :nod

I wonder why?

http://wezul.smugmug.com/photos/118471364-M.jpg

[SIBUD]

What a great group! Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and for your suggestions for RT upgrades. I just finished another 100 miles today. I am trying to get it to the 600 mile oil change and check up fast! I was told by the dealer that I could ride the bike as hard as I wanted as long as I stayed below 4,000 RPM. This doesn't make sense? It lugs below 3,000 RPM and it almost get started at 4,000 RPM. Did he mean "stay below 6,000 RPM for the first 600 miles"?

At 5'10" the stock windshield seems to do the job. I actually like the dip in the middle because you can see over it better. Howevewr, the higher sides do cause some distortion when making slow speed turns and the view is cut in half by the edge of the windshield. Although it look too narrow from the rider's seat it seems to do the job so far. I may change my mind after riding in a heavy downpour. I had an Aeroflow on my '96 and you could raise it up and hide behind it and ride for hours in heavy rain.

I guess I will get the engine guards. Folks seem to think the standard BMW ones are the most effective? I think I know about the $300+ hiway pegs mentioned in an earlier post. The wedge in gap by th eplugs and do not require removal if the head bolts for installation. I don't like the idea of taking the head bolts out, installing the pegs, and resting my feet on them for the next 10 years.

Great tank bag ideas! Thanks! Any other accessory mounting tips? I jury-rigged a RAM MOUNT radar detector top plate to my tank bag mounting platform using zip ties and mounted my GPS to it today. I worked, but it is certainly not a good long term solution. I am eyeing the "mirror holes" by the levers as the starting point for a post and platform for RAM MOUNT bases!

Let me see if I can include a picture of my Titanium Silver RT. I think I shrunk it small enough for this board.

Thanks everyone! Ride on!
HIWAYMIKE

Can't hardly see the bike for the big grin on someone's face.:D

[DocZ]

Just picked up mine from BMW-ATL a week ago today. Nice extra tasty Blue with the "package" - bun warmers, heated grips, ESA, etc. Whooo-Hooo!:dance

[Hankles]

I highly recommend the BMW cylinder head guards. I was pushing myself out of a parking space when my left foot slipped on some gravel and over I went. You know how it is, it happens when you least expect it. Especially when you are trying to be more careful than you normally are with the new bike and all.

I picked up a new 05 R1200RT left over April/06 last year and put 11,400 on the clock by Nov/06. Two weeks ago the bike just got it's 12,000 mile service. Quite expensive to the tune of $487 something. But, it is running better than ever! So, if you think your bike is running good now, wait a couple thousand miles. It gets better with age.

Hankles

07 F650GS
05 R1200RT

Manchester, NH

[MEWAYBRIGHT]

Congratulations! Great bike, I'm sure you'll love it more and more each time you ride.

I think cylinder guards are a must. That you never dropped your '96 is impressive, but it's a roll of the dice.

Post some pix--would love to see your big bug-free smile.

Roll of the dice and those covers are expensive...

[MEWAYBRIGHT]

Great tank bag ideas! Thanks! Any other accessory mounting tips? I jury-rigged a RAM MOUNT radar detector top plate to my tank bag mounting platform using zip ties and mounted my GPS to it today. I worked, but it is certainly not a good long term solution. I am eyeing the "mirror holes" by the levers as the starting point for a post and platform for RAM MOUNT bases!
HIWAYMIKE

Ram makes a base plate that mounts on the brake res... works good. Save those mirror mount holes until after you decide if the stock mirrors work for you. I find them (stock mirrors) to be useless.

[bmwdean]

I use BMW's tank bag reason simply because it works so well. Clicks off and on the "grid" literally in a second.

My R1200RT web page may be helpful:

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/r1200rt.htm

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/blue-rt.jpg

[HIWAYMIKE]

Jeff (or shall I say "BMW YODA"?),

Great web site! You must embody the definition of "ENTHUSIAST"! WHAT A WEALTH OF INFORMATION. I will visit often and I follow the force.

Thanks,

[wsteinborn]

I use BMW's tank bag reason simply because it works so well. Clicks off and on the "grid" literally in a second.


Exactly my reason - although that $300 for a tank bag was a hard one to swallow.

I hate strapon bags - they are a pain to take off/put on when gassing. And the RT doesn't have a metal tank for a magnetic bag.

[cwsenn]

It took me awhile to part with the cash for the BMW tank bag but I sure am gad I decided to go with it. Here is the best price I found on it at $265.00 brand new in the box.

http://www.webparts.com/cycles/access_r1200rt.htm


Enjoy your new ride, Chuck

[RTRandy]

How about mounting my Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS, Radar detector, and Sony handycam? I had a nice shelf with RAM Mounts on my '96. What is the best way to mount up to 3 devices on the '07? Do you have any other suggestions? For anyone considering an upgrade from an 1100 RT to a 1200 RT - DO IT!

Congratulations on your new bike. The 1200RT rocks !!

These guys make BMW specific mounting solutions for many models including your 1200RT. Great people to deal with as well.
BMR Products: http://bmrproducts.com/

[HIWAYMIKE]

Hey Guys!

Thanks for all of the great ideas. There is much more out there than I thought. Please post any other pictures, web site references, suppliers, etc.

As a follow up for anyone interested in my '07 RT first impressions. I rode it to Tampa and back yesterday. About a 230 mile round trip on some fairly remote back roads (what did we do before GPS systems?) I once again encountered masses of love bugs and some spotty rain. Now I think I know what you are saying about the stock windshield being too short!

AT 5'10" with a 30" inseam I feel I am still too tall for the stock windshield. At FULL UP the love bugs were still splattering on my glasses, face, helmet, etc. I had to drop my shield to keep the bugs and rain off of m glasses. I think iit is time to look at a windshield at least 2" taller. Any suggestions? I had an AIRFLOW on my '96 RT and it was fantastic!

I think I am beginning to feel the issues with the seat, too. My left leg started to go a little numb after two hours in the saddle. I thought I like the narrow seat design, but I am beginning to see why the wider and flatter Corbin and Seargent seats are popular after-market supplies. I also think at least one backrest may be in order. My back was sore afer a 5 hour round trip.

Thanks,

[bmwdean]

Every BMW motorcycle I have owned since about 1973 has required me to replace the stock seat with an aftermarket model. BMW goes for style, not comfort, when it designs it seats -- except for the K1200LT, which has a good seat.

I have used Rick Mayer saddles on my 1996+ RTs -- 1100, 1150, and 1200ccs.

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/rt-saddle.jpg

[donkes]

After two yrs of riding my 05 RT, I got a Rick Mayer seat and what a difference. I think an aftermarket seat is a must. Personally I wasen't impressed w Seargant and Corbin (too hard). Also check Russel. They too are excellent.

[SilverRT]

Same first name same bike. In fact we are about the same size and I just ordered a larger shield. I read some strings about the aftermarket seats and Sargent was given high marks for those of us who need the low setting and want the stand flat footed at the stoplight. I spent 8 hrs on my RT a few weeks ago with the Sargent seat and felt great afterwords. I agree on the engine guards and I dropped the $$ for the BMW tank bag and don't regret it. You might want to consider fender extensions to keep the RT cleaner in the rain. Place small mirrors in the upper section of the BMW mirrors. They help a lot with the blind spots and make use of that area your hands cover up.

For visibilty I added hyperlights, PIA 1100X lights and 3M tape. The tape is availiable now for the new RT's. I gave up my '04 R1150RT with no regrets (now).

Enjoy your RT.

[wezul]

Yeah here's a question for all you with knowledge me know nots.
Let's say my RT has heated seats (which it does) and I want to go for something aftermarket.
What happens next? Corbin, Sargent, la la la . . . . lemme know, okies?
Pillon, too!

Coolness.

Wez

[JohnV]

[QUOTE=bmwdean;209685]I use BMW's tank bag reason simply because it works so well. Clicks off and on the "grid" literally in a second.

I agree that the BMW tank bag works well. The quick attach/detach is very useful. But, I wish they would have designed it so it could be tilted up frontward or rearward while still attached to the rail. This woud simplify gassing up. Mine slid off the rear seat once while I was gassing up. It left a nice scratch on the seat. Funny, after this happened, I read a warning in the tank bag's instruction manual saying not to put the bag on the seat as it might slide off and damage the seat cover. Oh well.....

Johnv

[rglassma]

I too have just acquired a new (to me) RT.. It is an '05 in Piedmont Red. I just love it !!!!! I traded in my LT because of continuing mechanical problems.

I do notice the vibration on the grips as the RPMs increase. Doe those Salamander weights really eliminate all of the vibration? I am really toying with the idea of buying them.

How much heavier are they then the stock bar ends?

[airoilheadbeemerguy]

I have first hand experience at tipping over while stopped and scratching up the right side bag cover (repaint $200 but perfect match) & repaint the right valve cover ($125 not as perfect tho). I bought & installed Wunderlich guards and will be ordering bag scuff protectors and paint them to match. Dropped my RT with only 3500 miles on it. I too find the seat uncomfortable after several hours & will replace the stock windshield with a wider one. Have not experienced any problems with this bike and am astounded with the handling and performance. Still have my '83R80RT, for those laid back summer evening short rides it can't be topped. However to go somewhere now I've been completely corrupted (seduced?) by my '07RT.:bow