Kannon Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 My R1200rt is a wonderful motorcycle, far better than the 1150 RT it replaced. But now that the miles are starting to pile up I am beginning to think about a replacement. So, my question is does anyone have any insight or informed speculation as to when the next iteration of the RT will be coming out. The 1100 rt was produced for about 6 years, the 1150 for only three or four so I'm wondering when the replacement for the 1200RT will be out. I would hate to buy a new 2009 model and then have a vast improvement introduced in 2010 or '11. If the next RT is as much of an improvement over the current one as the current one is over the 1150 then it will really be worth waiting for but I'd really like a better idea of how long I have to wait and what improvements the next generation might have. Any ideas? Link to comment
mbelectric Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 I think a fortune teller may be able to help you with this... Seriously, ride yours until you feel the need for a new one. The 1100 and the 1150 were so close that they made them for what, 10 years? You may be stuck waiting longer than you think. MB> Link to comment
Quinn Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Then you'll have to decide if you want the first year of a new model when they do change. Also, the longer you can put it off, the better the competition will be. If the Concours or Yamaha can tweek toward the comfort and touring side a little more, I'd give them a serious look. Link to comment
BarryBrisco Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 The technology behind cars and motorcycles (and many other products in the modern world) improves only incrementally on a year-to-year basis. After a century of technological refinement, there really isn't that much left to improve when it comes to wheeled vehicles driven by internal combustion engines. The R1200 is certainly a very sophisticated and refined motorcycle. It's different than the R1150, but in my opinion it's not really all that different (I have spent a fair amount of time on both). How different the "R1250" (or whatever the next model will be called) will be from its predecessor is of course impossible for us average consumers to know. So don't worry about it, just ride, enjoy, and know that what you are riding is simply an amazing machine. It's easy to get so caught up in wanting "the latest and greatest" that you become dissatisfied with what you have for no good reason! And that is exactly what the BMW marketing department is trying to do to you. Resist. I plan to keep my 04 R1150RT for some time. I also own a 1959 Porsche that is a perfectly good car for daily use as well as quite comfortable for long trips cross country. Just because something is old doesn't mean it should be discarded. Link to comment
keithb Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 The 1100RT was built for 7 years and the 1150RT for 3 years. It is hard to believe the new 1200 has been out for 3 years already. All are great bikes but the 1200 IMHO is by far the best at least mechanically. Say what you will about the looks. I would guess you will again see subtle changes in the 1200 with an increase in power, accessories, etc. You have a great bike so just enjoy it and when you are ready for a new one just go out and find it. I agree with Barry about something being old is not a bad thing. I have a feeling I would still be riding my K bike if a curve/gravel had not claimed it 3 years ago in the Sierra's. 2007 would have been my 14th year riding that bike and it was in excellent condition cosmetically and mechanically. Link to comment
Mike_Rathjen Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 The only thing that'll get me to buy a brand new BMW motorcycle would be a KxxxxRT. I like the comfort and purpose of the RT, and I like the K motor. Please BMW bring them back together again! I actually have an RRT and a KRS in my garage. I keep hoping they'll have a kid some day. Link to comment
waylap Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 The only thing that'll get me to buy a brand new BMW motorcycle would be a KxxxxRT. Please BMW bring them back together again! +1 Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Occasionally said before, I'd love to have a K900RT. How about three cylinders of the current K1200 with 120 hp, in a light setup? Link to comment
Missouri Bob Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Occasionally said before, I'd love to have a K900RT. How about three cylinders of the current K1200 with 120 hp, in a light setup? Do you think there is any chance we will ever see an F800RT? Since I never carry a passenger, I can get by with far fewer than 100 hp. Bob Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "Do you think there is any chance we will ever see an F800RT? Since I never carry a passenger, I can get by with far fewer than 100 hp." I think with a little bit of dedication and after-market stuff a F800ST can be made into a RT-lite. I might do that one day. Link to comment
skinny_tom (aka boney) Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "Do you think there is any chance we will ever see an F800RT? Since I never carry a passenger, I can get by with far fewer than 100 hp." I think with a little bit of dedication and after-market stuff a F800ST can be made into a RT-lite. I might do that one day. What are you riding these days Paul? I must have missed the end of the garage fire saga. Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "What are you riding these days Paul? I must have missed the end of the garage fire saga." '05 R1200GS. Also for the last two month I'm not riding it, and one or two more month to go. Pushing a K1200S in the showroom it fell over onto me and gave me a nasty tibial plateau fracture... still healing. Link to comment
John in VA Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I'd really like a better idea of how long I have to wait and what improvements the next generation might have. Any ideas? One thing's for sure, the next RT can't be any uglier! Link to comment
keithb Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Mike I have been asking for a KxxxxRT since 1999. We think alike. I love the comfort and protection of the RT but love the smoothness of the K motor myself. I like Paul's idea of a 3 cylinder 900cc motor with 120 h.p. That would be all of the ponies I would need. Do you think Paul knows something we don't? Link to comment
velomoto Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 As others have noted, the 1100/1150 RT's have been evolutionary over 10 years. Perhaps the 1150 to 1200 RT was more of a jump, but I would argue that this was just part of BMW's evolution. I for one would be very surprised to see a significant change in the R12RT and instead one will find minor refinements and feature additions such as tire pressure monitor... That said, I do agree that a scaled down K1000RT with 20% less weight and power would make it ummmmm pretty much right where the 12RT is today, but without the looks, sound and feel of a boxer. Link to comment
luf Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 IF BMW keeps the boxer engine, who's to say that they won't put the HP2 SPORT motor in the RT. I am not 100 percent sure, but I think the HP2 SPORT motor is claimed to have 128 horsepower. Going from the current 110 horses to 128 would be quite a jump. Who knows, but we can all dream. Jimster Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "Do you think Paul knows something we don't?" Sorry, no. Just wishful thinking. Link to comment
AZKomet Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Dunno, but you can bet the new one (with R&D costs) will be a chunk of change. Link to comment
velomoto Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Dunno, but you can bet the new one (with R&D costs) will be a chunk of change. Ummmm, if it's got a roundel it's gonna be a chunk of change! Link to comment
RAPaoff Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Do you really need/want more horsepower? If I had an autobahn nearby maybe I would agree but I have a very hard time staying between 35 and 50 miles per hour. Personally, if BMW does anything I'd like to see them rework the torque curve. When riding two up the first gear is a little tall so more down at the lower end would be better for me. When alone in the mountains it pulls through the curves like a champ. 140mph vs 135 doesn't do much for me as I can't spend that much time playing in that range. Link to comment
velomoto Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 ... Personally, if BMW does anything I'd like to see them rework the torque curve. When riding two up the first gear is a little tall so more down at the lower end would be better for me. Or perhaps a lower 1st gear? I'd gladly "suffer" with one or two larger jumps in the 6spd gearbox so I could get a gear which would allow me to ride slower without slipping the clutch. Link to comment
OlGeezer Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 The only thing that'll get me to buy a brand new BMW motorcycle would be a KxxxxRT. I like the comfort and purpose of the RT, and I like the K motor. Please BMW bring them back together again! I actually have an RRT and a KRS in my garage. I keep hoping they'll have a kid some day. Isn't that a K1200GT? Link to comment
tallman Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 The only thing that'll get me to buy a brand new BMW motorcycle would be a KxxxxRT. I like the comfort and purpose of the RT, and I like the K motor. Please BMW bring them back together again! I actually have an RRT and a KRS in my garage. I keep hoping they'll have a kid some day. Isn't that a K1200GT? zactly Does Paul know something we don't? Indubitably. Link to comment
AZKomet Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 The only thing that'll get me to buy a brand new BMW motorcycle would be a KxxxxRT. I like the comfort and purpose of the RT, and I like the K motor. Please BMW bring them back together again! I actually have an RRT and a KRS in my garage. I keep hoping they'll have a kid some day. Isn't that a K1200GT? zactly Does Paul know something we don't? Indubitably. Amazing that the public knows what they want and the makers seem to ignore their wishes and do what THEY want. Nothing new though in the industrial world. Give me a pen and paper I'll conduct some extensive research and VIOLA!! A machine that people actually asked for!!! Now that is amazing! Link to comment
velomoto Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Amazing that the public knows what they want and the makers seem to ignore their wishes and do what THEY want. Nothing new though in the industrial world. Give me a pen and paper I'll conduct some extensive research and VIOLA!! A machine that people actually asked for!!! Now that is amazing! Nice idea, but have you ever tried to put together an ad campaign based on "Hey, we finally fixed the final drive!"??? Link to comment
HexHead Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Do you think there is any chance we will ever see an F800RT? Since I never carry a passenger, I can get by with far fewer than 100 hp. How would it be different? I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on that one. Rumors of a GS version started immediately with the F800. Not even a whisper has been heard of an RT version. Link to comment
Tippy Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 "Do you think there is any chance we will ever see an F800RT? Since I never carry a passenger, I can get by with far fewer than 100 hp." I think with a little bit of dedication and after-market stuff a F800ST can be made into a RT-lite. I might do that one day. Paul, I think your K900RT is a brilliant Idea. But, it needs to be light weight - max 500lb wet, and needs to have seat height adjustable down to 29". I looked at the 800ST, hoping that it could be adapted to replace my RT - I just don't see it. Wind protection is too poor, ergonomics are seriously compromised, alternator output insufficient. If these factors could be well addressed, I would go for it. I also like your RT-lite idea - a 1200R with bags, windshield, low pegs - probably a better solution than the 800 ST don't you think? Link to comment
Missouri Bob Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 How would it be different? I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on that one. Rumors of a GS version started immediately with the F800. Not even a whisper has been heard of an RT version. Good point. However, I would still like to see an F800 with more fairing than what is currently available in that series. Bob Link to comment
GaryB Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I own a R1150RT and have only ridden the R1200RT once so my suggestions are based on the old 1150. But would apply to either a guess as they are accessories. Storage pod to replace the rear seat. Additional fuel tank- goes where the rear seat is. Scrap the fog lights and have driving lamps instead. Authority protection bars on options list. Modular cockpit system with add-on GPS, rear camera, etc. More noticeable paint schemes - white, yellow, etc. LED daytime tunning lights as option. Driving lamp kits as option. Ther one thing I would be careful of is the current trend for smoother and quieter motorcycles. I think there is a danger of engineering the life and soul out of a bike. Once a bike gets too good, too perfect, some of the character that makes a BMW what it is may be lost. Gary www.r1150rt.org Link to comment
weitfahren Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 K900RT would be a winner for me. Reminiscent of the K75 that was the first bike to really catch my attention and lead me to riding years later. I'd favor the belt-drive/single sided swing arm from F800ST for this theoretical bike. Link to comment
CoarsegoldKid Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 7 gallons isn't enough for you Gary. Link to comment
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