Questions on various RTs, (sorry to have to ask again)

[eddd]

I know this has been discussed, but I was unable to find previous post though the search.

 

Changes in the 1100, 1150, and 1200 RT, have made some models / years more desirable in the eyes of some.

 

I know the biggest issues centered on the braking systems, and the surging problems with the early 1150s, but I don't recall the exact information. The reason I ask now is that friend has become interested in buying an RT. He asked me, but I hadn't really paid that much attention to previous posts.

 

So, if you don't mind, could you give us a run down of "issues" with the various RTs.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Tilly]

Owned a 2003 1150RT before it threw a valve and murdered the engine. Had no problem with the brakes, except the servo was very noisy. Oh, and you had virtually no brakes without the motor running.

Now have a 2007 1200RT which has excellent brakes, new set up, works without the motor running as well!

The 2003 bike had linked brakes front and rear - if you applied the front brake only, both came on, if you applied the back only, both came on.

The 2007 bike is different in that the front lever applies both brakes, the foot lever applies the rear only - great for doing tight U-turns.

[eddd]

Which years, other than the 2003, had the linked brakes?

[Ken H.]

Which years, other than the 2003, had the linked brakes?

All R1150RT's regardless of year have the fully linked front to back and back to front brakes.

[Huzband]

'04 had dual plugs, which as far as I know, eliminated the surging of earlier 1150's.

 

To clarify about the servo, only the ignition had to be on. The motor didn't need to be running.

 

1150's had integrated fog lights, which the 1100 didn't have.

[Matts_12GS]

'04 had dual plugs, which as far as I know, eliminated the surging of earlier 1150's.

 

1150's had integrated fog lights, which the 1100 didn't have.

 

I thought the 1150 has a 6 speed too?

[Francois_Dumas]

'04 had dual plugs, which as far as I know, eliminated the surging of earlier 1150's.

 

1150's had integrated fog lights, which the 1100 didn't have.

 

I thought the 1150 has a 6 speed too?

 

Yup. it has.

[smiller]

The 1150 replaced the simple cable-operated clutch on the 1100 with a hydraulic unit known for leaking, clutch contamination, and other various bits of mayhem.

[velomoto]

The 1150 replaced the simple cable-operated clutch on the 1100 with a hydraulic unit known for leaking, clutch contamination, and other various bits of mayhem.

I think these are also referred to as "upgrades"!

[Matts_12GS]

I think these are also referred to as "upgrades"!

 

Ahhh sweet progress! What will they over engineer next?

[smiller]

What will they over engineer next?

Who knows? <cough>Canbus<cough>

[BUSTED]

The R1100RT's are great bikes.

[eddd]

The R1100RT's are great bikes.

 

The more you read about the "improvements" the better the R1100RT's look.

 

- sixth speed that does little other than add an over-drive

- the afore-mentioned clutch

- surging

- linked brakes (I think we've been linking them on our own for years, when WE wanted.)

- servos

 

Am I missing anything? (They are very nice looking!)

[Francois_Dumas]

My friend rides an 1100, I have an 1150.

 

We both adjusted to our machines, we both like our own bikes...... and sure, we'd like new ones too

[JDog]

I have to say that when I got my '04 1150RT, after having a 2001 Connie for 3 years, the difference was boggling. On the way home from the shop after picking it up, I could have used training wheels. But, I had done some research, and for the type of riding I do, I went with the ABS/linked brakes, going a little slower off the line, the noisier transmission. I love the look and lines of the bike, the bags, the RID, the handwarmers, having the radio--even though I rarely use it-. And although it seems (from the posts I've seen) that I'm in the minority, I love the 6th gear---I like cruising down the freeway at 70 mph with 3500 rpms. It's like gliding.

 

And (so far), she doesn't talk back! (Will that someday be an upgrade?)

 

San Bernardino John

[eddd]

Quote:

 

...I love the look and lines of the bike...

 

 

I agree. The R1150RT is a very stylish motorcycle.

[eddd]

My friend rides an 1100, I have an 1150.

 

We both adjusted to our machines, we both like our own bikes...... and sure, we'd like new ones too

 

You make a good point, Francois, we do adjust to our machines, and some of the things seen as negatives just don't seem to be much of a problem. And in some cases we adjust our machines. (Like adding HID to my R1100RT to address the less-than-ideal stock headlight.)

 

I guess if you go in armed with knowledge, with your eyes open, looking for the best bike for the money you have to spend, try to keep emotions under control, and keep a little in reserve for any unexpected repairs, you've done all you can.

[SK_in_AB]

I had an 1150 for 2 years, just bought an R1200. My recollection of the 1150 differnces from the 1100:

 

+6 speed, and smoother shifting transmission. I also like the 6th gear for hiway cruising at lower RPMs

+Better lighting both the fogs and the standard lamp reflector

+Much better looking front end. I still like the 1150 lines better than the agressive/futuristic R1200.

+Standard features that were previously options - eg heated grips.

+After 04 they came with 2 spark cylinders which resolved the surging.

-Linked brakes are only an issue for me at low speeds, and you learn to feather the brake very lightly in the parking lots.

Thats all I can recall from the research I did 3 years ago.

 

FWIW here are the improvements in the R1200 as compared to the 1150:

++Much smoother transmission and engine

++Lighter feel, although fully equiped the weight difference is only about 30 # I think. The steering and handling feel much lighter, especially at low speeds

+Better instrument cluster, trip computer, oil level, temp sensor

++ESA for adjusting the suspension without a screwdriver or removing the seat

+Heated seats (Standard in Canada)

+Cruise control that is very easy and consistent.

++Much better luggage design - only use the key if you want to (smaller on the inside than the outer case implies, but still a bit bigger than the 1150 set

+Color matched sidecases

+More HP (not that the 1150 didn't have enough to get me in trouble, but some like it and for 2 up is probably useful)

+Better lighting

+Easier up onto center stand.

+No spline failures - at least not yet.

 

I have only identified one shortcoming on the R1200 - that is wind protection. I noticed a drop in front wind protection on the sides of my legs and sides of arms. Although measuring the front profile of the tupperware looks the same at the mirror and tank sides, the wind pattern must be different as I defintely notice more cooling (OK if your south of the 40th parallel, but not here )

 

I'm sure I've forgotten some things, but that list might help.