50K miles on an RT

[JayW]

As the odometer on my '05 RT turned 50,000 miles today, I began reviewing its geographical and mechanical history as I headed home after enjoying some North Carolina spring scenery. I purchased it brand new on 7/1/05. Just in case anyone out there is interested, here is the dirty laundry list of its mechanical failures:

 

1. 2 low beam headlamp bulbs (one on each side)

2. 1 tailight bulb

3. 1 signal bulb

 

That's it. The bike still has its original final drive, clutch, brakes, engine seals and GEL battery. I replaced the ESA shocks once with a barely used OEM set from Beemerboneyard.com. I add about half a quart of oil between 6000 mile changes to keep the level topped up. It is on its 7th rear tire and 5th front. I have had 3 rear tire punctures, which I have chosen to repair and monitor carefully each time without incident.

 

I ride it all year. The bike has taken me across the country (twice) through 32 states, the entire length of the Natchez Trace and Blue Ridge Parkways, the Pacific Coast Highway, on countless weekend rides, to and from rallies, on occasional commutes, on some short 2-up rides with my wife or family members, through on-the-road training classes, and 2 track days (no, not on repaired tires). I have been averaging about 50 mpg.

 

Its abilities far exceed my own. I had only about 10,000 cumulative miles of non-BMW experience before I got this machine, and you can see how much fun I am having. By this hour next week I should be nearing the end of my first SS1000 IBA-certified ride at the Redwing19 fundraiser. This RT seems to just get better with age and miles.

 

I recall ordering this bike several months before they were available at the dealers. The wait seemed endless. Often reality does not quite live up to the fantasizing that one has when looking forward to something, but in this case it did in spades. I could nitpick a little bit, but in the end I must confess that I think BMW did a fabulous job in the design and execution of this bike.

 

Jay

 

 

 

[Firefight911]

 

How dare they design such a poor lighting system. It's as bad as Lucas Electrics, The Prince of Darkness. Hanging at high noon!!

 

Congrats and thanks for posting a positive. It is so underrepresented on the net to hear of the good. It is very refreshing to hear your comments.

 

Congrats . . . and MANY more trouble free miles!!

 

[krussell]

Very nice Jay.

 

Looking forward to reading your 100k report!

[Dave_in_TX]

As the odometer on my '05 RT turned 50,000 miles today, I began reviewing its geographical and mechanical history as I headed home after enjoying some North Carolina spring scenery. I purchased it brand new on 7/1/05. Just in case anyone out there is interested, here is the dirty laundry list of its mechanical failures:

 

1. 2 low beam headlamp bulbs (one on each side)

2. 1 tailight bulb

3. 1 signal bulb

 

That's it. The bike still has its original final drive, clutch, brakes, engine seals and GEL battery. I replaced the ESA shocks once with a barely used OEM set from Beemerboneyard.com. I add about half a quart of oil between 6000 mile changes to keep the level topped up. It is on its 7th rear tire and 5th front. I have had 3 rear tire punctures, which I have chosen to repair and monitor carefully each time without incident.

 

I ride it all year. The bike has taken me across the country (twice) through 32 states, the entire length of the Natchez Trace and Blue Ridge Parkways, the Pacific Coast Highway, on countless weekend rides, to and from rallies, on occasional commutes, on some short 2-up rides with my wife or family members, through on-the-road training classes, and 2 track days (no, not on repaired tires). I have been averaging about 50 mpg.

 

Its abilities far exceed my own. I had only about 10,000 cumulative miles of non-BMW experience before I got this machine, and you can see how much fun I am having. By this hour next week I should be nearing the end of my first SS1000 IBA-certified ride at the Redwing19 fundraiser. This RT seems to just get better with age and miles.

 

I recall ordering this bike several months before they were available at the dealers. The wait seemed endless. Often reality does not quite live up to the fantasizing that one has when looking forward to something, but in this case it did in spades. I could nitpick a little bit, but in the end I must confess that I think BMW did a fabulous job in the design and execution of this bike.

 

Jay

 

 

 

My 07 RT turned over 50K miles a couple of months ago - my experiene hasn't been nearly as god as yours. In that period, I've replaced four low beam bulbs, had five transmission oil seal replacements, a brake caliper rebuild, a headlight housing replacement and an EWS replacement. Based on my bike, I think BMW's execution leaves something to be desired but as they say: YMMV.

[Indy Dave]

Congrats and thanks for the post! Just 'soes to ghowya' what a great bike the R12 is. And what items that may be in issue for me might not be for you (or others) and likewise. Enjoy the summer riding season!

[Geoffster]

As the odometer on my '05 RT turned 50,000 miles today, I began reviewing its geographical and mechanical history as I headed home after enjoying some North Carolina spring scenery. I purchased it brand new on 7/1/05. Just in case anyone out there is interested, here is the dirty laundry list of its mechanical failures:

 

1. 2 low beam headlamp bulbs (one on each side)

2. 1 tailight bulb

3. 1 signal bulb

 

That's it. The bike still has its original final drive, clutch, brakes, engine seals and GEL battery. I replaced the ESA shocks once with a barely used OEM set from Beemerboneyard.com. I add about half a quart of oil between 6000 mile changes to keep the level topped up. It is on its 7th rear tire and 5th front. I have had 3 rear tire punctures, which I have chosen to repair and monitor carefully each time without incident.

 

I ride it all year. The bike has taken me across the country (twice) through 32 states, the entire length of the Natchez Trace and Blue Ridge Parkways, the Pacific Coast Highway, on countless weekend rides, to and from rallies, on occasional commutes, on some short 2-up rides with my wife or family members, through on-the-road training classes, and 2 track days (no, not on repaired tires). I have been averaging about 50 mpg.

 

Its abilities far exceed my own. I had only about 10,000 cumulative miles of non-BMW experience before I got this machine, and you can see how much fun I am having. By this hour next week I should be nearing the end of my first SS1000 IBA-certified ride at the Redwing19 fundraiser. This RT seems to just get better with age and miles.

 

I recall ordering this bike several months before they were available at the dealers. The wait seemed endless. Often reality does not quite live up to the fantasizing that one has when looking forward to something, but in this case it did in spades. I could nitpick a little bit, but in the end I must confess that I think BMW did a fabulous job in the design and execution of this bike.

 

Jay

 

I'm only about 5k miles behind you. I have a ceramic clutch (because of leaking seals) and my brakes pads were replaced a while back. I, too, still have the original final drive and GEL battery. And my tire experiences have been similar.

 

I've been in two states ...

 

I bi7ch and moan, but overall, I love my RT -- almost as much as my Xcountry -- or is it the other way around? Two days each weekend, two bikes. Both BMWs. Both very, very cool.

[Paul In Australia]

Hi

Pardon me for asking, but isn't 5 transmissions seals replacements in 50k miles a bit high. Is the one dealer doing the replacement? Sounds like something else is wrong surely?

best regards

PCH

[wbrissette]

The irony in all of this is when you tell people (non-BMW riders) how many miles you have on your bike, they all look at you in shock... I can't tell you how many people immediately get turned off my the 60K mileage on the '04 RT I'm trying to sell. I explain to them that as long as the engine is well maintained, it will last 200,000 miles or more. They don't believe it.

 

Wayne

[RoadJunkie]

The irony in all of this is when you tell people (non-BMW riders) how many miles you have on your bike, they all look at you in shock... I can't tell you how many people immediately get turned off my the 60K mileage on the '04 RT I'm trying to sell.

 

I have 62K on my '06RT and, although I haven't tried to sell it, I'm sure I would run into the same problem. But I guess I don't blame them. There are soooooo many bikes out there (yes, BMWs) that are a couple of years old with 3K to 10K miles. Which would you buy? Seems like luring prospective buyers with a low price point is the only alternative.

 

 

[JayW]

Hi

Pardon me for asking, but isn't 5 transmissions seals replacements in 50k miles a bit high...Sounds like something else is wrong surely?

 

I agree. Maybe there is something wrong with the mating surfaces or it is not being installed correctly.

 

Jay