R1200rt

[34]

My new R1200RT has very loud and annoying whine ( maybe rear end ) at 40 MPH. Whine is there whether in or out of gear so it isn't the tranny.And it isn't the tires. My dealers demo makes the same unacceptable noise at the same speeds. Anyone else with this problem? This is my 8th BMW so I know what a bike should sound like. Thanks.

[kbasa]

Don't hear it on mine, but I wear earplugs.

[hlothery]

I have noticed the same on my new RT. I believe it is tire noise resonating through the opening in the fairing, and up toward the rider. It seems to be worse on very cold mornings (very cold in San Antonio is 45 degrees!). I have Michelin Pilots on mine, wonder if a change in tires to Metzlers would change it?

[BobFV1]

Have you noticed that the R1200RT whines more when you are near a mirror or other reflective surface and it can see itself? :nyah

[toladejo]

I have had mine since Aug. 2nd and haven't heard a thing. I must have gotten lucky.

[Eureka]

I've heard what I think is tire whine, while leaned over going through corners, both on my 1200RT with Bridgestones and with Michelins. I also heard the same thing on my 1150RT.

Big clue to tell if it is gear noise is; does it change pitch when decelerating? or when holding a steady speed, or accelerating? And does there seem to be excessive slack in the drive train, i.e., clunking or clicking when you accelerate or decelerate? If any of these are present, a trip back to the dealer is in order.

[hlothery]

The major whining comes from the Road King left parked in my garage. I have absolutely no complaints about the R1200RT....it is the best motorcycle I have ridden.

[bobmeroney]

If it's like mine it has Dunlop Tires. Very noisy whine. Can't wait until they wear out.

[RiderNeil]

I do not have a whine in my bike but was interested in Eureka's comment about slop in the drive line. I went to my dealer with this problem but it was classed as "normal". Any one else with this symptom??

[Eureka]

With the super-sensitive throttle response on the RT it is hard to tell how much of the drive-train slack is normal or abnormal. I don't think mine has excessive slack although I do get some slack run-in/out when changing throttle settings. This is only my second BMW in the last few years so I'm not really familure with this issue.

[34]

I do have quite a bit of slack in mine but it is most noticeable when using the cruise control a lower speeds in 3rd and 4th gears.

[Hanzauf]

Except for the occassional screeming inside my helmet, no whine noticed on my bike. I've Bridgestone tires and have traveled long distances at just about every speed. Hope you find the cause of yours. :sick

[hlothery]

I also read with interest, and some confusion, the letter in this month's ON about the RT with complaints about the large rear tire, the bike being unstable, being unridable below 10MPH, and the seat heater being too hot. I have experienced none of these problems. Interestingly, many of my Harley riding buds either have spent, or are contemplating spending thousands for the "phat tire" conversions, and the subsequent anticipated esthetic and performance enhancements. It is interesting to hear someone actually complaining about a wider rear tire. I have 7K on mine, most of which has been done with two-up riding. I just finished an 800mile weekend with my better half. We have had no problems with wind (and we live in Texas), no trouble keeping it in our lane, no handling difficulties at low speed (much better balanced than the Road King), and we both love the seats, both heated and not. No difficulty modulating the clutch, have never stalled it out, as the letter writer suggests he has done. The engine is smooth and powerful, the transmission shifts smoothly if you don't shift below 3500 RPM. Just a fantastic bike all around.

[34]

I agree that the fat tire is no problem! This bike, with the fat tire handles better than my 1996 R1100 ever did.