Any Issues with 2009 RT's?

[Dave39]

I'm thinking about moving up from my 2001 1100RT and found a 2009 1200RT demo with 4500 mi at a dealer's. Does anyone know of any issues with that year? It's pretty much loaded minus a radio.

[dirtrider]

Hi Dave

 

Nothing real big but there is a front brake line recall in the works for a lot of 2009 RT models.

More than likely you will have a gas gauge issue sometime during your ownership. Maybe even 2 or 3 gas gauge issues if like some owners.

The dash board and dash computer screen is all but unreadable in the direct sun light. If the light is just right you can read it at times.

Burnt out headlight bulbs might be a problem as a lot of my friends are on their second or third headlight bulbs already.

There was some early 2009 final drive bearing failures but those seem to be going away on the later ones.

 

When was that bike put in service? The warranty started on the day it was put in service as a demo so that could have been as early as late 2008.

[Dave39]

Thanks dirtrider. I'll mention some of these things to dealer. The dealer told me a three year warranty would start on the day the bike is driven off.

[essman]

Good move if you can swing it. I just switched up from a 2002RT and I still have a 1996RT. The new ones have much more power, I don't know if your 2001 has a sixth gear, but that is really nice, and the new bike feels so much lighter, particularly in the front end. 6000 miles and I already have a fuel strip to be replaced. I find the radio practically useless, not worth the asking price, for sure.

[Deek]

"....More than likely you will have a gas gauge issue sometime during your ownership....."

 

Really? I didn't realize there were that many problems with them? My 2006 never had a fuel strip problem in 30k miles.....hopefully the 2009 will do as well.

[dirtrider]

Hi Deek

 

As you say hopefully you won’t but statistics say you will. My friend with an 09 RT is just going in for his 4th fuel gauge strip. I’ve lost count on my GS replacement fuel gauge strips. Over half the riders I ride with that have 1200RTs or GSs have had a fuel gauge malfunction.

 

[Paul Mihalka]

I have a 2005 R1200GS with over 110K miles. The fuel gauge even if it works as it's supposed to is worthless, because it is designed to show full tank until half tank and drop down in one step to half. Mine some times drops to indicate half tank at about 50 miles into the tank, jumps back to full tank at around 100 miles, then correctly drops to half tank at around 130. I really don't care. The reserve indicator light and mileage is very reliable and precise. With that and using the trip odometer as a fuel gauge I don't have a problem.

[Deek]

"....I’ve lost count on my GS replacement fuel gauge strips. Over half the riders I ride with that have 1200RTs or GSs have had a fuel gauge malfunction......"

 

Maybe I should have kept that 2006!

[Deek]

"....The reserve indicator light and mileage is very reliable and precise. With that and using the trip odometer as a fuel gauge I don't have a problem....."

 

Yeah, I did most of my riding on non-gas-gauge bikes so I sorta have that habit pattern also. Good to hear that the "reserve indicator" is reliable even it the gas gauge is not. Some days I miss my Venture!

[Dave39]

I rode up to Ozzie's BMW in Chico yesterday and traded in my 1100RT for a 2009 1200RT demo with 4500 miles. Took a long ride home.....wow! What a difference. A very impressive machine compared to the 2001 RT. I can see a love/hate relationship with the computer, though. A learning curve and almost unreadable in sunlight....and, yes, there was only 2.5 years remaining on warranty. Now just have to figure out how to mount Nuvi and old tank bag.

[Lmar]

I can see a love/hate relationship with the computer, though. A learning curve and almost unreadable in sunlight..

 

If you take a quick look at the manual and a few rides, the computer is easy to navigate.

[SportsLvr]

The fuel gauge strip is a problem with other models and years as well. Not just '09.

Ken

[ully211]

Really think the key to the display not getting "white" out in sunlight is to keep it COVERED while parked .... I got that tip from my dealership, and have NOT seen the display do the "fade" while riding. have no idea if it has something to do with it not fading while motor running or not, but again I have seen a marked improvement by not letting the display see direct sunlight when parked.

[philbytx]

That's just fine German engineering Paul.

It is there simply to keep your adrenaline level up while your riding!