Questions Concerning the New/Newer 1200RTs

[h2000fb]

Been thinking about new and/newer RTs. Wondering if anyone can answer a few questions?
Have a 2005 currently, but have been thinking about a newer one lately.

 - I noticed at some point, BMW made a location in then dash area for the GPS to mount between the speedo and the tack. Will the Garmin 660L fit? The mount looks the same from what pictures I have seen.

 - I noticed the handlebars at some point stopped having the 4 screw mounting system for both sides that allowed for a riser to be installed. With the new system, is there way to install a riser of some sort?  Have seen one set of risers but they were ugggly!

[Sport-Touring]

[PatM]

First off, I don't own an RT but I did rent/ride a '15 RT equipped with the GPS package, for two weeks last spring.
It should fit, same mount, but you can't use the BMW handlebar controls wheel thing. Does it matter? I didn't use to the controls, I just tapped on the screen most of the time. And, if you go the Nav V route, you get the newer Garmin interface.

Food for thoughts. Speaking of the interface, with the sun at my back, I couldn't read it. I had the same problem on a NAV V GPS equipped K1600GTL. I've never had that issue with my GPS mounted on my left handlebar.

[marc11]

I have the ugly type risers, not as clean as the previous gen plates but in person they aren't that bad and to be honest the comfort they add far out weighs any look concerns imho.

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[h2000fb]

Yes, if the 660 will fit in the NAV mount, I am not really concerned about missing the BMW wheel features.  

And I agree, the comfort will trump looks if that is the only brand I find of risers for the RT. I think they are  Ilium risers maybe? Have looked them up to make certain but think that was the brand mentioned.

[marc11]

Yes, if the 660 will fit in the NAV mount, I am not really concerned about missing the BMW wheel features. 

And I agree, the comfort will trump looks if that is the only brand I find of risers for the RT. I think they are  Ilium risers maybe? Have looked them up to make certain but think that was the brand mentioned.

They are Ilium risers.

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[h2000fb]

I have the ugly type risers, not as clean as the previous gen plates but in person they aren't that bad and to be honest the comfort they add far out weighs any look concerns imho.

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I have read in different reviews, the 2014/15's engine was a little smoother than previous. Still, however, much over 75 one starts to get a tingle in the handlebars that increases with speeds much over legal highway speeds. Not bad but present. My 2005 does it.

My question is, did the addition of the risers make this better or worse? Or, did it affect it at all? Seems like the risers might possibly amplify it - maybe.

[marc11]

I have read in different reviews, the 2014/15's engine was a little smoother than previous. Still, however, much over 75 one starts to get a tingle in the handlebars that increases with speeds much over legal highway speeds. Not bad but present. My 2005 does it.

My question is, did the addition of the risers make this better or worse? Or, did it affect it at all? Seems like the risers might possibly amplify it - maybe.

Honestly I can't say I noticed any difference, but since they allowed me to sit further back and upright with arms lightly bent I think they may have helped because I now out less pressure or weight on the bars.

What did make a big difference were extra heavy bar ends from HMV. I got them for looks but they really made a change in how the bars felt at speed. Essentially eliminated hand numbness.

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[RBEmerson]

Picking up an old thread...

I did a demo ride on a '16 RT about a week ago. The Zumo 660 was plug&play excluding response to the BMW system commands - no surprise, no problem. I assume the bike was box stock. This was the second ride on a wethead. The first time out, I wasn't too happy with the "sewing machine" feel from the boxer. Based on owners' suggestions. I keep the motor spinning somewhere between 3-5K and found the ride much smoother. I didn't encounter any buzzing. The only thing I really didn't like is the fly-by-wire throttle - too twitchy! I didn't try rain mode, which might have helped.

ADDED: Why I said "I didn't encounter any buzzing" escapes me. See my after-action report. What did happen is I lost the chug-chug-chug "riding a sewing machine" feel. But no buzz? I must have been sucking up to Hermy's or something.