NOB to BMW

[Stealth09]

I have been following BMW threads for a couple of years and finally made the move. I traded my 02 Goldwing for a new 09 R1200RT and really like bike. :dance
It was a tough choice between a GS or RT. Living in Northern Mn. I decided the RT was a better choice with the protection from the elements and cruise control.
It's time to start dialing the bike in for comfort and I could use some guidance. What are some must have items and where is the best place to purchase them.
I will be doing my own maintenance ( adjust valves, change oil, etc) and will probably buy Jim's CD. Here are a few things I want to purchase.

A better tool kit to carry on the bike
Handle Bar Risers
A wider wind screen for better protection in cold weather
Tire repair kit


Thanks for your help
Bob...

[abe456]

You picked a great bike to jump in. I too am an ex-wing rider.

As for extras, be careful, you can toss a lot of moolah at things that dont really improve the bike. You need a certain amount of time to "break in" yourself to the bike, not the bike to you.

I'd start with one of the tire plugger kits, that has saved my butt a few times. I would hesitate on a "better" toolkit, the canbus bikes just dont come apart that easy on the side of the road.

I'd say my best farkle to date was to install a gerbing's controller in the lower dash area. Man, that was convenient, less hassle, always ready to go. And that damn canbus stopped tripping, too.

As for the other stuff you mentioned, others will likely chime in with good recommendations.

[TexanRT]

I have been following BMW threads for a couple of years and finally made the move. I traded my 02 Goldwing for a new 09 R1200RT and really like bike. :dance
It was a tough choice between a GS or RT. Living in Northern Mn. I decided the RT was a better choice with the protection from the elements and cruise control.
It's time to start dialing the bike in for comfort and I could use some guidance. What are some must have items and where is the best place to purchase them.
I will be doing my own maintenance ( adjust valves, change oil, etc) and will probably buy Jim's CD. Here are a few things I want to purchase.

A better tool kit to carry on the bike
Handle Bar Risers
A wider wind screen for better protection in cold weather
Tire repair kit


Thanks for your help
Bob...

Welcome -- I've been enjoying my R12RT -- I'm sure you're going to enjoy yours.

There is lots of information on the R12 including the DIY tech articles located at the top of the Hexhead forum page. I've located a few threads related to your questions -- if you need further information, you may want to try the search tool for locating other information about your R12RT.

Suburban Machinery makes some very nice risers -- there are a couple of other products out there that get good reviews, too. Here are a couple of thread links where you'll find some bar back/riser information and other information about equipping your new ride:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30097&highlight=bar+risers+r1200rt

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=28978&highlight=bar+risers+r1200rt

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24862&highlight=bar+risers+r1200rt

There are a few windscreens available -- I chose the Aeroflow -- here's a description of my Aeroflow experience -- windscreen thread (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=477908&highlight=aeroflow#post477908). I now have several thousand miles with the new screen and it's working great for me.

For tire repairs -- I'm using the Stop & Go tire plugger (http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle.asp#tireplugger) I'd also suggest a small portable air compressor -- I've got a Slime air compressor (http://www.gadgetjq.com/slime_pump.htm) It comes with various connectors so it can be run directly from the battery or from a Powerlet outlet. Works well -- I can inflate either tire in just a few minutes. It's also much better than depending upon gas station compressors which aren't always working or available when you're checking your tires on the road. I'd suggest keeping one of your worn tires at your first tire change to practice with the repair kit before trying to use it out on the road.

There's a thread on toolkits with some good suggestions here:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25332

[bikerfish1100]

fwiw- you will get much more focused responses in the future by posting in the correct forum sub-section. your R12RT is classified as a Hexhead, not an Oilhead.
Welcome, none the less.

[DarrylRi]

Moving this thread over to the Hexheads forum area, which seems more appropriate for a 1200 boxer.

[Semper_Fi]

I have been following BMW threads for a couple of years and finally made the move. I traded my 02 Goldwing for a new 09 R1200RT and really like bike. :dance


I went form an '03 Goldwing to an 08 RT - never looked back

...........I will be doing my own maintenance ( adjust valves, change oil, etc) and will probably buy Jim's CD. Here are a few things I want to purchase.



You may want to check your local listing for self-maintanance here Hexhead Technical Library (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=44)

[Motorwerk]

As mentioned, take your time deciding what might work for you. Most accessorize to suite their individual taste and preferences.

For the toolkit BMW makes an expanded kit but for the price you would be better off putting one together yourself that would be more complete and economical.

Some have used Suburban Machinery for the handlebar risers, Wunderlich may have them as well but not sure as I don't use them.

Be careful with fitting a larger windshield as many have had the support arms break due to the increased pressure from a larger shield. An enterprising fellow does make a more sturdy arm if that's a route you care to take.

As for the tire repair kit, I can attest to this one as of the best and easiest to use - http://www.tirerepairkit.com/. There is no cement needed.

Welcome to the world of the BMW RT. :thumb

[andrewsi]

A few thoughts:
- Handlebar risers. The Moto-Techniques risers are essentially identical to the Suburban Machinery version and cost significantly less. It's just a hunk of metal and some screws, there's no rocket science here.

- Toolkit: CruzTools makes a BMW-specific kit for a bit over $100 that has almost everything you'd ever need including some of the odd-sized stuff. You can obviously pull your own kit together as well, but I have found this kit quite valuable for both side-of-the-road type stuff as well as working in the garage.

- Tire repairs: Get something. I went with a Dynaplug kit from Harbor Freight (simple and does the job) and the BestRest compressor.

[perniculous]

For my toolkit I got this:

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RG-TOOL

Then filled it with tools on my own.

[TomfromMD]

If you will be touring much, I recommend Kathy's Bag Liners (got mine from Bob's BMW) as the saddlebags, while easily removeable, are a pain to deal with in a hotel room.

I'm very happy with my ZTechnik VStream windshield which is about the same height as stock but gives better protection as it doesn't taper as much at the sides.

If you aren't using a tank bank, I found Touratech's small handlebar bag to be well made, handy and easy to live with on a daily basis.

Although my wife found my 1500 Wing to be more comfortable for two-up travel, I don't miss the 300 extra lbs of weight at all.

And finally, if your knees are aging like some of us, a peg lowering kit can be very helpful, especially if you aren't into peg-dragging on every corner.

Enjoy your new RT!

Tom

[Artiee]

Here are a few things I want to purchase.

A better tool kit to carry on the bike
Handle Bar Risers
A wider wind screen for better protection in cold weather
Tire repair kit


Thanks for your help
Bob...

The RT is definately a good choice. :thumb

While other have addressed the various issue, I didn't see on regarding the windscreen. The issue isn't so much the windscreen, but the strength and durability of the adjustable windscreen mount.

I've read several posts reporting breakdowns in the mechanical function of the mounts after installing a large windscreen. Keep in mind a larger windscreen will increase the amount of force exerted on the mounts. In some cases this proved to much for the mounts.

Of course those could be the exceptions, :dunno but it's still something to consider.

[Polarbear]

Shoulda got the "GSA" instead! Gives nearly the same protection with the 9 gallon tank:). Just kidding:). Welcome with your new RT, a great bike of course. I do ride the GSA and love it and your RT will do you the same love affair, I trust. Happy Trails, Randy PS; Maybe we'll convert you to the dirty offroad side of BMWs another day, when you wear the RT out:). :thumb:usa

[Stealth09]

Thanks for the links and advice. I ordered the Moto Tech bar risers today.

I would like a tank bag but the BMW bag for $359.00 is a little to pricey. :dunno

I like the height of the windshield but would like one just a little wider. I always like riding looking over the top of the windshield. I had a wind bender shield for my wing with a short screen for warm days and a taller shield for cooler weather (they would inter-change in the track). I know everyone has a preference for a different shield and was wondering if anyone has tried a few different brands with some feedback.

I was looking at the peg lowering kit. I will have to check out the brake and shift lever to see how much is involved in adjusting.

Thanks
Bob...

[RTRyder]

Thanks for the links and advice. I ordered the Moto Tech bar risers today.

I would like a tank bag but the BMW bag for $359.00 is a little to pricey. :dunno

I like the height of the windshield but would like one just a little wider. I always like riding looking over the top of the windshield. I had a wind bender shield for my wing with a short screen for warm days and a taller shield for cooler weather (they would inter-change in the track). I know everyone has a preference for a different shield and was wondering if anyone has tried a few different brands with some feedback.

I was looking at the peg lowering kit. I will have to check out the brake and shift lever to see how much is involved in adjusting.

Thanks
Bob...


I've got one of these... http://shop.ztechnik.com/cgi-bin/ztech/Z2402.html?search_model=bm-066

I've owned Clearview and C Bailey screens, the quality of the VStream is IMO better than either of the others and the price is reasonable.

I've been eyeing peg lowering kits myself. If I was going to do it, I'd probably go this route... http://www.suburban-machinery.com/R1200RT.htm That said, I've got a peg lowering kit on my Concours and find moving the pegs down and out slightly does make shifting a bit awkward as the toe of my boot doesn't quite line up with the shifter stub as it did in the stock config. Since I've been riding the RT, I find it much more comfy with the stock pegs than the Concours was, the distance from seat to foot controls is significantly greater on the RT. I find I can ride long periods on the RT as-is without knee pain and I'm 6'2", not sure I want to spend a couple hundred for a slight gain in leg room when I'm not (yet) having issues, YRMV...

[andrewsi]

Changing the foot control positions isn't too hard.

On the shifter, you just have to disassemble enough of the metal rail at the bottom edge of the side panel (comes off with the whole foot peg, IIRC) so that you can loosen the screw that tightens it onto the next link in the shift selector. However, the screw has a star head on it - kinda like the inverse of a Torx screw. Had to get the right socket tool for that. (Sigh.) Incidentally, I think the right head comes in the CruzTools B1 toolkit. Then you just rotate it a notch or so down, and tighten it back up.

Readjusting the brake lever position is also fairly simple and doesn't require much disassembly. There's a screw on the top of the brake lever that controls where the lever stops in its upward travel. You undo the locknut where it threads into the brake lever, and then loosen it out to lower the brake pedal's topmost position, and then retighten the nut at the bottom to hold it in place. You may need to get a longer screw depending on just how low you want it, you might run out of screw.

Then you have to readjust the threaded rod at the back of the brake pedal that actuates the master cylinder at the proper point, since lowering the pedal would of course be engaging the brake in its factory config. Loosen the nut at the bottom of the pushrod, then turn the pushrod by hand to loosen it, so that there is 2-3mm of play between the at-rest position of the pushrod and when it engages the master cylinder as you press down on the brake pedal. Then lock the nut back down. The repair manual calls for putting a dab of colored sealing lacquer across the nut and the adjacent component so you can detect if it loosens. I had a little tube of sealing lacquer left over from some aircraft repairs that I used.

Have fun. :-)

[Stealth09]

Tom & RT Ryder

Have either of you had to replace you stock windshield brackets after replacing the stock wind screen? The V Stream looks like a nice clean wind screen and is several inch's wider for better protection.

Bob...

[RTRyder]

Tom & RT Ryder

Have either of you had to replace you stock windshield brackets after replacing the stock wind screen? The V Stream looks like a nice clean wind screen and is several inch's wider for better protection.

Bob...

Just about 6K miles since swapping the stock shield for the Vstream, no problems with the brackets so far. I seldom raise the screen all the way up, really not necessary with the V shape, so it probably doesn't stress the brackets as much as other larger screens would.

[CFargo]

I too stuck my middle finger up at the high price of the BMW tank bag but eventually broke down and paid the price. I LOVE IT and use it much more than I thought I would. There is one fore sale on Craigslist (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/1361398964.html) for $165