R1200RT quality

[Lawman]

It occurred to me after reading a post in which one has over 84,000 trouble free miles on his R1200RT that we should be able to get an idea as to how good these bikes are now. I'd be interested in hearing from all who have one. Pertinent info. would be miles on odometer and mechanical problems and how they were resolved if any..

I have just over 22,000 miles on my 05 without so much as a hiccup..And best of all with Limecreek's instruction I've been able to do all my own maintenance including brake bleeds. I love this bike!

[MikeB60]

I've got 13,000 on my '06 without a problem other than a voracious appetite for rear tires! Think that the shocks are about shot as well. Don't miss the '04 RT at all!

[keithb]

Ruby has 24K miles on her (05 RT). Just getting ready to do the 24K mile service. Services rendered since Dec. 05

1. Fuel pump replaced- warranty

2. Battery dying- softward upgrade- no more dying battery

3. Tranny seals leaking- seals and entire clutch replaced

under warranty.

This is over an 18 month period from Dec. 05 to July 07. Since these kinds of things happen I try not to let it ruffle my feathers especially when the bike is under warranty (warranty expires June 08). Go with the flow man.

[bross]

22,000kms on my 06 with no issues.

[Highway41]

39K miles and have replaced the timing chain tensioner due to knock, rear tranny seal, and front brake rotors.

Best combo of handling, comfort, and lack of heat on any bike I've ever owned.

Bill

[JustKrusen]

My 1 year old '06 RT has 14,000 miles on it. No failures of any kind. I do my own maintenance. And I really like this bike a lot.

[Swag]

What a great ideal for a post.

 

I bought my 07 RT on 1/3/07. Have 12k mile on it have done all the service myself except the 600 mile the only problem was a leaky gear box seal at 10k miles. I love this bike, and am looking forward to doing well over 100k miles on it!!!

[gtlloyd]

2006 w/20k. Had cruise control switch and windshield switch replaced. They quit working in wet weather. Doesn't seem to use a drop of oil in 6k. So far, the best bike I've ever owned.

[Limecreek]

2005 R12RT

20K miles

Zero defects....well except the tires. I can't see to keep tread on them. And, it also has a hard time keeping up with FJR's in the southern canyons of UT.

[St0nkingByte]

'05 RT. 13,000 miles

 

All my own service so far except the 600.

 

1 tail light bulb

1 headlight bulb

new tires at 10.5k miles

 

Had the ABS routing & banjo bolt recalls done

 

Had the front rotors replaced twice under warranty, working on a third time for th e rotors. In the grand scheme of things the rotor problem is a nuisance, it's never kept me from riding.

 

Aside from the rotor thing the bike has performed perfectly, its my daily rider.

[PrinceAZ]

At 11k miles on my 06RT no problems to report. 5.1k miles on the Conti Road Attacks, 5.8k miles on the Avon Storms, and now we try the BT021's. It does eat rear tires, but I really like this bike!

[blkvelvt]

10k miles, fuel level sensor. Warranty item. Tires are still great. Pilot roads. Loose nut on the seat twisting the throttle erratically.

[butterbutt]

I have 463 miles on my 07 R1200RT and the only problem that i have discovered is that on the high setting the seat tends to slip off the rubber bumpers on the rear of the seat and comes to rest on the bumper supports for the low setting. Will have it looked at during 600mi service.

Bruce

[Paul Mihalka]

'05 R1200GS. Bought early May '07 with 9000 miles. Previous owner had no problems. Bike now has over 16K. No problems except one low beam bulb - yes, me too. Now riding about 3K a month plus Torrey (I hope) in September. I'll keep you'all posted, good or bad.

[Richard_Spag]

36,000 miles

 

4 x headlight bulbs

1 x fuel pump controller

1 x leaking rear seal

1 x timing cover replaced due to corrosion

1 x footrest hanger replaced due to corrosion

 

rear shock on way to recycling centre soon judging by its poor damping now

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[marcopolo]

2006 R12RT:

 

- one headlight bulb at 35,000 kms

- one failed final drive at 15 months/38,000 kms (23,000 miles). Replaced under warranty, along with rear rotor, and lug bolts.

[pokorskij]

2005 R1200RT

23,000 miles

Serviced at Dealer

No Problems, couple of head lights

Tires at 11,500 miles, probably replace at 24,000 service Metzler Z6's

 

One question, the mechanic tells me the computer can only be updated five times, has anyone else hear anything like this?

 

If true, what happens when the computer needs a sixth update?

 

I think the bike is great.

[texasaggie97]

Well I am sorry to break up the RT fun but I have a 2003 GS and I have had 0 problems with the bike and i love it. I have 23000 miles on her and they all been in the last year and a half. I love this bike and I love doing all my own maintenance.

[Pictou]

I have an O5 RT with 20,000kms (about 12,000 miles) - I bought the bike new in March of 06.

 

So far the only failure has been a turn signal bulb. I have had a run on squeal in my starter for the last 8,000kms but have been too lazy to get it to the dealer.

 

Tires are getting raggedy and square again.

 

It does use a bit of oil but not excessively so- about a liter between every 10,000kms. Just rolled in the door after doing another 800km run on it. I just love this bike.

[Tommy_Boy]

Got 12,000 miles on my '06 RT with no problems whatsoever.

[johnnash]

I bought my 05RT last July with 6K,now 14.5K miles.I've replaced front rotors & pads.Last oil change,noticed rear main seal weeping a bit.Paint is coming off the bottom of the timing cover.Both low beam bulbs failed within the last 500 miles,that right one is a real pain in the butt!Are the 06 & 07 less defective?

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I bought my 05RT last July with 6K,now 14.5K miles.I've replaced front rotors & pads.Last oil change,noticed rear main seal weeping a bit.Paint is coming off the bottom of the timing cover.Both low beam bulbs failed within the last 500 miles,that right one is a real pain in the butt!Are the 06 & 07 less defective?

 

I can only relate my own experience. 2006 R1200RT bought in October 2006. Currently sitting with 18,890 miles (roughly) on the odometer. Other than a tire change at 9,000 miles, it's been nothing but the basic 6K service intervals and one clutch recall from BMW ... no other problems. That said, I'll probably get home to find all three headlight bulbs burned out, but so far so good.

[JayW]

'05RT, purchased new July 2005

 

23,000 miles

1 turn signal bulb

1 headlight bulb

10-12 oz of oil added between changes

4 front tires

5 rear tires

2 recalls

Repainted side cases (my fault!)

 

That's it!

 

Jay

[justbob]

I bought my 05 R12RT last March with 1200 miles ,it now has 36,000 miles and is going in the shop this week to repair an oil leak, motor or trans, not sure which.

This was documented and scheduled 2 weeks ago at 30,000 miles to get in under the warranty.

Other that that, 2 low beam bulbs and one saddlebag latch repair. My fist BMW and so far a great bike.

[planepaul]

'05 R12RT, bought 4/05

22,000 miles

Brake rotors and pads - warranty

Russell seat - not warranty

2 headlight bulbs

3rd set of tires put on at 20K - Road Attacks

Lots of smiles

Paul in CA

[Gnossos]

My 2005 RT, bought used last year with 18,000 miles, and now at 30,000, has had one burned out headlight bulb (and the LCD panel told me about it!). By far the best bike I've ever owned.

[bross]

My 2005 RT, bought used last year with 18,000 miles, and now at 30,000, has had one burned out headlight bulb (and the LCD panel told me about it!). By far the best bike I've ever owned.

Man is everyone seeing a trend here: burned out headlight, replaced headlight, one headlight... darn BMWs, always breaking down.

 

I actually replaced a headlight last week but didn't think it was worth mentioning, guess I should have, as it's been one of the major weak spots with the bike it seems.

[Bill767]

Man is everyone seeing a trend here: burned out headlight, replaced headlight, one headlight... darn BMWs, always breaking down.

 

I actually replaced a headlight last week but didn't think it was worth mentioning, guess I should have, as it's been one of the major weak spots with the bike it seems.

Almost makes me want to reconsider my purchase.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Man is everyone seeing a trend here: burned out headlight, replaced headlight, one headlight... darn BMWs, always breaking down.

 

I actually replaced a headlight last week but didn't think it was worth mentioning, guess I should have, as it's been one of the major weak spots with the bike it seems.

 

Should have brought it up, it's becoming an epidemic.

 

I hear Honda's headlight bulbs never burn out, plus the bikes never run out of gas or tires either. German engineering is really on the decline.

[Lawman]

I was hoping for better results..26 bikes so far ranging in mileage from 463 miles to only 39,000 miles with 12 of those 26 requiring warrantied mechanical repairs excluding recalls...And two of the 14 not requiring repairs are not RT's..

[Redbrick]

'05 with about 16,000 miles...Normal recalls, no big deal....NO headlight bulbs but you guys made me go out in the garage and check them out !

Uses about 1/3 liter of synthetic between changes.....Interestingly, it gets about 10% better mileage than Kathy's 1150 consistently....But that could be tune related too...

Only issue was the trans seal that went out at about 11,000 miles and was replaced along with clutch plate under warranty..........

 

Tires, both sets Pilot Roads go about 9,000 front and 10,000 + rear (36-42 lbs.).......

Starting to do my own services with Jim Von Baden's DVD direction....

 

How about posting a survey form on these recurring items?...I'd do it but I'm busy (code for I don't know how ).......

 

Phil.........Redbrick

[CraCol]

'05 purchased 4\05. 67,000 miles..

 

Replaced under warranty

Clutch Spline lube @ 35K

Rear Shock (leaking preload adjuster) @ 12K

Radio @ 4K

All Factory recalls\service advisories done to date

 

Non- Warranty

Upper Windshield arms (both) @ 52K

Leaking outer rear seal @ 48K

Rear Brake pads @ 66+k (when tire got replaced this past weekend)

 

~6 headlight bulbs - Seem to get about 15k a set. One goes, then the other. Right headlight bulb connector broke the last time, plastic was brittle. Just use the spade terminals as the part is not available.

 

Both "City Light" bulbs are now gone, though the left one will come back to life on a periodic basis. Interesting note is warning on dash display only shows the city lights out if both are dark, no indication if only one is gone.

 

Left mirror fell off once, retrieved and remounted (minor scuffs).

 

After warranty I went to doing a major service every 10-12K (valves, engine, trans, rear oil, filters, etc) using synthetic oil throughout. trying to find a set of tires that will match this interval.

 

Way too many tires. Average life on rear is ~6000-8000 miles running Sport Touring tires (Avon Storms, Pilot Roads, Bridgestone BT020-21, MeZ6). Me880 (radial) rear will go 12K+.

 

Modifications

Bill Mayer seat

AeroFlow medium windshield

Sahara highway pegs

Illium Sportboards

Relocated radio antenna to the rear of the bike for better reception. I know run a firestick with splitter for use with a Mid-Land portable CB (also will do GMRS).

Ohlin's shocks, rear is height adjustable, both 10mm shorter then stock RT shocks (came off my R1150RS).

PIAA using Martin Fab brackets under nose fairing.

BMW Police Oil Cooler Fan mounted and wired to a switch.

 

XM radio (through the radio)

Baehr Ultimate intercom

 

Overall a wonderful motorcycle to put Long Distance miles on.. Great traveling companion. Only road trip stoppage so far was a blown tire this past weekend that required a tow.

 

Ride Safe!

 

TinMan.

[sharik]

'06R1200RT

 

4,600 miles. No problems.

 

Earl

[TomfromMD]

'06RT with 16,500 miles.

Replaced oil warning float & updated software under warranty.

Tires: (BT020) about 7~8k miles front & rear.

Oil consumption: about 3/4 quart per 6,000 miles.

Gas mileage: 44~56 mpg, average 50.5 mpg on 93 octane.

Upgrades: RM seat, Barbacks, Windshield, Peg lowering kit.

1 flat tire - no other problems

Vibration is minimal.

[bross]

'05 with about 16,000 miles...Normal recalls, no big deal....NO headlight bulbs but you guys made me go out in the garage and check them out !

No need to check them, the computer will tell you when they're burnt out.

[Redbrick]

'05 with about 16,000 miles...Normal recalls, no big deal....NO headlight bulbs but you guys made me go out in the garage and check them out !

No need to check them, the computer will tell you when they're burnt out.

 

Bikes smarter than I am....... But I still don't believe the thermometer..

 

Phil......Redbrick

 

Phil.........Redbrick

[DaveRT]

8,000 miles on my 05. Bought new in 06 as a leftover. One brake light bulb fixed no charge at dealer. (warranty??) I put new tires on at 5,000 miles. All 2-up miles. NO PROBLEMS.

[SageRider]

26K on my '06 RT.

No Problems!

(well, OK... A missing circlip on one of the saddle bag release handle pins.)

[bross]

Bikes smarter than I am....... But I still don't believe the thermometer..

 

Phil......Redbrick

 

Phil.........Redbrick

Hah, I got one of the good ones, mine's pretty darn accurate.

[bimmers]

06RT @ 6,000miles no issues except some oil usage and tires last 4,000 miles Dunlops.

Great bike.

[R1200Rdr]

I have an 05 RT with about 20k miles. No major problems. Good fuel mileage ~ 50 - 52 mpg at 65 to 70 on hiways. Oil consumption is about a qt. between oil changes. On my second set of tires, originals lasted about 8k. Replaced with Pilot Road, more than 10k on these and ware looks like I should get ~15k on rear and probably 18k on front.

 

Only problem was with the radio antenna lead, it was improperly routed at the factory and the windshield mechanism cut the lead. Fixed under warranty.

 

Happier than a pig in S***, as we used to say on the farm.

Joe

[Mudman]

06 Rt purchased in May 2006, 18000 miles with one ride to Alaska. Mild pulsing of front brakes fixed under warranty last week. No oil usage between 6000 mile changes and still on the original headlights! No other issues, best bike I have owned.

 

BTW, the better mileage for Red brick's bike is understandable, better engine management with freer flowing heads and 12-1 compression really helps to get better mileage than the oil heads. The new RT's are a bit lighter too.

[BamaRider]

My RT with 34k miles and has had 2 blown headlight lamps. It has been religoulsy maintained by the dealer every 6k.

 

So far it has been a great bike, but too early to call it reliable.

 

 

[JohnBeaven]

I bought my '05 R1200RT in October 2005.

After 30000km no problems.

On headlight globe. It is half way through it's third set of tyres.

It is going into the dealer for it's 30000km service tomorrow.

[Dietrich]

13000kms on my 2005 RT. No problems at all. All lights work, tire wear is normal. Great bike!

Never seen a dealer, do my own service.

[Twisties]

Pair of 07 RT's here. Bought in May '07. About 4500 miles on them now. No problems, well except the air conditioner doesn't seem to work well when it's over a 100 F outside .

 

We're getting about 54 mpg avg, but I think our altitude helps. Tires still look good. I added oil to mine this weekend, 1/2 a qt. Hers has not needed any. 600 mile service at dealer. Would like to learn to do 6000 mile services ourselves.

[Dave Grinsel]

2005 ST purchased July, 2005

31,000 miles

12,000 mile checks at dealer, 6,000 mile checks done by me

Front discs replaced under warranty at 24,000 miles

Original Dunlop 220's 3800 miles, Conti Road Attacks 6500-7500 miles

No other problems

[John in VA]

2006 RT purchased used in March 07 w/1500mi. Now has 3500mi with no problems so far but way too early to evaluate. The oil level hasn't budged one bit in 2000 miles. Great bike overall (except the funky power brakes). I just hope it will be as reliable as my '00 RT was.

[Tapatio]

'06 R12RT purchased 7/29/06. All services performed by dealer. Currently at 12k miles. Oil consumption is approximately 200cc per 1000 miles.

 

Problems:

- 1 faulty gas sensor

- Rear seal leak (don't know which one yet)

 

Since I use the bike daily I decided to purchase an extended service contract which will cover an additional 3 years beyond factory with unlimited miles.

[sb955i]

20,000 kms. No problems. Had banjo bolt and abs routing recall done. Also swapped rear drive fluid and put in the magnetic drain bolt. A bit 'cranky' on startup, but this is my first bimmer. Loving it.

 

scb