Test rode used R 1200 RT today

[blackbuell]

This afternoon at a dealership (kinda strange: BMW/Harley/Vespa) I rode 2 different BMW's: a new 2010 F 800 ST and a used R 1200 RT which was a one-owner, 2005 with 4,700 miles on the odo.

The F bike was incredibly light and easy to ride. I think it might be a match for my VFR's in the twisties, even though it obviously has less power up on top. However, it would have to handle 2-up touring duty, and I felt that it was just too small and had too little torque to comfortably haul 2 people and luggage across the country.

On the other hand, the R bike was very spacious, cushy, and torquey. It could, no doubt, handle 2 folks and lots of gear. It was a totally new experience for me--upright riding position, wide bars, excellent protection from the wind. It felt a little awkward trying to ride fast through tight turns in that position, but I could see how you could ride all day on it.

I do have a few questions for you BMW folks: does this (the R bike) sound like a good deal? I saw zero flaws on the bike. Apparently the owner, who was older than I (the salesman guessed he was late 60's) felt intimidated by the bike and traded it in on a F 650 GS with the low suspension. Do these bikes, particularly this model year have a good reliability record?

Could a life-long sportbike rider (me) be happy with this bike?

Jon

[Hardware]

I went from a Hayabusa to my RT - still love it after three years.

[atadaskew]

I do have a few questions for you BMW folks: does this (the R bike) sound like a good deal?

What is the deal?  You didn't mention $

[blackbuell]

What is the deal?

. Sorry.

The asking price for the R is $11,900.

Jon

[BobW]

The 1200 is a fantastic platform and most RT owners, regardless age within that demographic, are likely to be very good about how their bike is cared for. I like the bikes with or without servo brakes and I'm sure some other model year changes are favorites for some (esa versions, traction control, tire pressure monitors, etc), but until the "new" 1200 motor just came out, the last 5 years would be pretty much the same.

several great sites, but here is a good one to get some research started. good luck, they're great bikes

http://www.bmwrt.com/

[Nesbocaj]

  I just bought a 2008, low mileage RT for less than that, you need to shop private sellers, there are betters deals elsewhere.
The 2005 has no warranty left, has the whizzy brakes (that are time consuming to bleed) and has no (real) drain on the final drive (slightly more work)

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=631091#Post631091

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=622567#Post622567

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=630570#Post630570

and the one that you need to think about:

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=620728#Post620728

[RBEmerson]

Or you could consider spending half that (or possibly better) for an '02-05 K1200RS.  Like this...


$6500 for 22K, Ohlin shocks, and a couple of light farkles...  With OEM cruise control, ABS, and heated grips, and owner-added HID headlight lamps from DDM Tuning, this puppy moves down the slabs without breaking a sweat and plays well in the twisties, too.  The engine is smooth at speed and will either lug along at low engine speeds or responds like a rocket at high engine speeds.  

Check sites such as www.k-bikes.com or www.i-bmw.com (and, of course, fleaBay and craigslust) for good examples for sale.  If you want to sit up and ride, think about the K1200GT, which adds heated seats as an option.  

[Robus]

I'm new to BMWs myself but did a lot of reading up about RTs on the forums recently.  Basically the decision I had to make was whether to try to find a good deal on an used RT or buy a brand new one and take the hit on depreciation.  I wound up choosing a new one.  It was partly an emotional decision; I won't lie.

What I learned about the used RTs is that there seem to be important variations between the different year models.  Some years seem to have more final drive issues than others.  Some had servo brake links, others came after that feature was discontinued.  I do know of some 2005 owners who have had great luck with their bikes.

Somebody posted a link to bmwsporttouring.com.  That is a terrific site where you will find people with loads of experience on the RT who will be willing to help you out.  Good luck.

[Baz]

This afternoon my cousin let me ride his freshly broken in R-1200 RT.

I ride an FJR and would make this quick comparison.

The RT wins hands down in the luxury department, My FJR wins hands down in the fun department.

If I was planning a two up tour of North America I would pick the RT hands down. I would want to swap it back for my FJR as soon as the roads got twisty however. The RT seems massive compared to the FJR.

But a very fine motorcycle, and may be on my want list sometime.

[Rincewind]

So I see you went with the Guzzi Norge instead.  How did it compare to the RT?

[stevent]

So I see you went with the Guzzi Norge instead.  How did it compare to the RT?

Ditto, both of those are on my Next Bike List......how'd they compare?

[GilaMonster]

This afternoon my cousin let me ride his freshly broken in R-1200 RT.

I ride an FJR and would make this quick comparison.

The RT wins hands down in the luxury department, My FJR wins hands down in the fun department.

If I was planning a two up tour of North America I would pick the RT hands down. I would want to swap it back for my FJR as soon as the roads got twisty however. The RT seems massive compared to the FJR.

But a very fine motorcycle, and may be on my want list sometime.

I would agree with your assessment, but from my point of view, it's an apples to oranges comparison.  The RT and the FJR are meant for different purposes.  K bikes (K1200S, K1200GT) are likely far more comparable to your FJR.

[2DFlyer]

Could a life-long sportbike rider (me) be happy with this bike?

There's plenty of sport in the R bikes.  It just comes at a much less frenetic pace.  I'm a moderately aggressive street rider - 3/8" strips I just can't seem to wipe off - so maybe not the best comparison.  I traded out of an '05 ST-3 into an '04 R1150R and found the R bike to be plenty competent enough to keep it interesting.  I think part of it was I slowed down some too.  The Duc begged to be ridden hard and you had to oblige it to get the pucker working.  Not good street stuff.  I'll do another Beemer some time but it won't be until I have somewhere to go besides work.

[BBB]

This afternoon my cousin let me ride his freshly broken in R-1200 RT.

I ride an FJR and would make this quick comparison.

The RT wins hands down in the luxury department, My FJR wins hands down in the fun department.

If I was planning a two up tour of North America I would pick the RT hands down. I would want to swap it back for my FJR as soon as the roads got twisty however. The RT seems massive compared to the FJR.

But a very fine motorcycle, and may be on my want list sometime.

The only area where the FJR would outdo the RT is in the power factor. 145bhp versus 110bhp is a clear winner. But the handling of the FJR is not a patch on the RT. I did a trip in the Swiss Alps and Dolomites in Italy in July and my RT was a complete blast up in the twisties, even two up and fully loaded. Whilst the RT looks much bigger, it's agility and handling is very impressive. You only have to compare the dry weights of the two (229kg v 268kg) to see that the RT has a clear advantage.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I went from a Hayabusa to my RT - still love it after three years.

The Hayabusa is still the only bike I've ever owned and later regretted selling, but I can see the same being true for my RT (and it isn't for sale). The RT just works for me.

I have a 2006 RT, approaching 60K miles on the odo. This bike got me through the 2009 Iron Butt Rally. The bike has been near flawless for me and has never been a reliability problem. The only abnormal service work needed (besides the basic tires/oil/plugs/etc) has been a main bearing in the final drive that was showing signs of wear. The final drive didn't fail, but we R&R'ed is at a precaution prior to the IBR and she's been trouble free for ~20K miles since that service.

Will the RT be the bike for you ... all depends on what you're expecting out of it. For 2-up aggressive riding, I think you'll be impressed. I have a second bike in the garage for when I want to get a bit sporty again, but still find myself pulled to the RT more often than not.

[Bezdelnik]

I looked forever trying to find a bike that would fit what I wanted.  I finally settled on the 09 RT.  I am pretty tall so the RT fit me the best.  I like the power, the ability to handle a passenger or luggage, the ability to cruise comfortably for many miles.  I came off a Katana 750 so I wanted the zip yet an upright ride.  I kept bugging my local dealer, then one day they advised that the demo was available.  Sure it had 3024 miles (maybe ridden harder than should have at break in) but the discount plus my trade made it affordable.  Check with your dealer.  They might have a great deal on a demo for you.

[Bain Dramage]

Jon - what did you end up with?

When I bought my RT, I was looking long and hard at the FJR. Even test rode the FJR and loved it (still do - it's a great bike), then I rode the RT a couple of times and knew that was the bike for me.

I commute 80 miles each day on mine - mostly freeway - and I frequently take long (1000 mile +) trips.

If you have to have the fastest, or the most thrilling bike in the twisties, there are better bikes. If you love touring, with an extremely comfortable, nimble-handling machine that can eat the miles and leave you wanting to keep on riding - the RT is the bike. Well, maybe the GT now  ..

[Orson]

Jon - what did you end up with?

He doesn't post here anymore  

He now rides a Guzzi  

 

[Scoop]

Last year I sold my 04 DL1000 and bought an 07 RT with 671 miles on it.  It was fully farkled with all options except for the top box.  I paid 14,500 CDN.  We are quite happy with it.  It's nimble, carries the weight low and handles wonderfully at low and high speeds.  Comfortable, excellent weather protection.  The VStrom was an incredibly comfortable bike, but could be unwieldy at slow speeds and had lousy weather protection.  Not sure if $11k is a deal or not, but it was probably well maintained and you won't regret the RT.