Immediate cessation of riding - R1200RT

[Teddy]

Well got the email 20/8/14 saying the rear strut had arrived at my local dealer Rolfe Classic and to call Roadside Assist to pick the bike up.

I was on leave at the time and called Roadside assist Monday 1/9/14 on my return, bike was picked up 10:00 that day by tilt tray truck, I picked the bike up Wed lunchtime, engine guards fitted, incorrect LHS switchgear replaced with correct version and rear strut replaced.

I put 250kms on the last two days despite the cool windy weather and happy to report all is well, I certainly missed the weather protection of the RT after having the loan of a brand new R1200R for the duration.

 

I also picked up 2 BMW EVO 6 helmets from the showroom as part of the $2K credit that BMW Aus provided. I have also ordered the BMW Communicator intercom at $450 a piece OUCH.

 

Teddy

[Kitsap]

After riding home upon replacement of the shock I decided to wash the bike. I then noticed the forward fastener for the right hand passenger grab rail was missing. I know for a fact it was there before the service,not sure why the technician would have to remove it to service the shock. The dealer says it likely vibrated out, I don't share that opinion.

[tallman]

Unless you checked how firmly it was in there, yes, they can

vibrate loose, at least that is what I've seen on some models.

 

Some were high mileage, some were new.

I'm thinking just poor install on newer ones.

 

But who knows?

Maybe they did remove it.

 

Good catch.

[Alfred02]

After riding home upon replacement of the shock I decided to wash the bike. I then noticed the forward fastener for the right hand passenger grab rail was missing. I know for a fact it was there before the service,not sure why the technician would have to remove it to service the shock. The dealer says it likely vibrated out, I don't share that opinion.

I would certainly go back to the dealer and have a quite word with him.

The grab rail has to be removed in order to remove the LHS rear side panel which has to come off to access the top shock bolt from the LHS.

If you have a look, you can see the the top shock bolt can NOT be removed without removing the LHS panel, which partially covers the bolt.

So the mechanic certainly had the Grab rail off.

 

[strataj]

After riding home upon replacement of the shock I decided to wash the bike. I then noticed the forward fastener for the right hand passenger grab rail was missing. I know for a fact it was there before the service,not sure why the technician would have to remove it to service the shock. The dealer says it likely vibrated out, I don't share that opinion.

I would certainly go back to the dealer and have a quite word with him.

The grab rail has to be removed in order to remove the LHS rear side panel which has to come off to access the top shock bolt from the LHS.

If you have a look, you can see the the top shock bolt can NOT be removed without removing the LHS panel, which partially covers the bolt.

So the mechanic certainly had the Grab rail off.

 

I agree with Alfred, they do remove the hand rail I got to see it with my own eyes during my shock replacement. I’ve taken them off too no Loctite so unless installed correctly it could easily vibrate out, even then it might... It’s just a bolt M6X20 part number 07129907402 Max’s sells it for $1.71.

 

Jay

 

[Canuck1953]

Good Afternoon Weston and other Folks too.

 

As I mentioned earlier, I wrote to the CEO BMWNA and sent him the correspondence via courier. Although I did not get a reply from him, I did receive a reply from the President and CEO of BMW Group Canada who said that BMW Canada would resolve the matter.

 

Today I received a refund cheque for the entire purchase price of my 2014 R 1200 RT (including taxes) from the dealership.

 

I would like to publicly thank the CEO of BMW NA, the President and CEO of BMW Group Canada and his staff and colleagues for their time, effort and other considerations expended on my behalf.

 

Gordon

 

 

[Jeff in VA]

Completed the buyback today at Morton's BMW. No problems or issues. I had planned on ordering a new 2015 right away, but with the build schedules the way it is, I wouldn't get it until late November or early December. Just in time to park it. I decided to hold off and order in January.

 

When I walked out into the parking lot, I was surprised to see my first BMW (an R1200C) sitting in the parking lot. It wasn't one like mine – it was mine. Still looks good. :-)

 

 

[BarryBeemer]

Back on the road with check in hand. Glad I waited too! Felt bad for the beast not being ridden this summer so put on some Darla lights by Clearwater, added a SW-Motech tankbag, and followed through on a ride-in appointment I had made months ago at Russell Saddle. Down the Oregon Coast with 75 degree temps and clear skies all the way. Over the mountains to Redding for the Day-Long Saddle and on to Reno. Will continue the adventure next week by doing about 6 days in Western Colorado trying to cover all the roads/passes you guys have blogged about for years.....my own personal Gunnison, I guess you might call it. Destination SoCal via Torrey before heading back to work.

[Alfred02]

Sounds like a great trip Barry

I am jealous

[Skywagon]

Barry...please send pictures of the Russell. I had one on my 1150RT and loved it, but am a little concerned with how it might look on the new RT. It was the best seat I've ever owned and I've owned most. I think you have my email from last time but if not let me know.

 

Glad you are off and having fun on the scoot.

[Kitsap]

Barry, please send pics of the Darla lights installed.

 

Sounds like a great trip.

 

 

[strataj]

Barry...please send pictures of the Russell. I had one on my 1150RT and loved it, but am a little concerned with how it might look on the new RT. It was the best seat I've ever owned and I've owned most. I think you have my email from last time but if not let me know.

 

Glad you are off and having fun on the scoot.

 

I’ve seen pictures butt I don’t remember the source, sorry. Its butt ugly just like on all other bikes. Butt it’s the best seat you can have, look at the numbers at an Iron Butt ride (the “real” one).

 

Jay

 

[BarryBeemer]

 

 

 

 

Lovin' it!

[Skywagon]

Barry thanks...I am in their Que now. I like it.. I sure miss my Russell from my prior bike. Currently expecting to get mine on or about Oct 22....

[bwr]

Everyone always talks about how ugly Russell saddles look. I actually think that design looks pretty spiffy! Did you get leather or vinyl?

 

Does the ground feel like it's much further away from you than it did on the stock seat?

[BarryBeemer]

I got vinyl (I live in Washington).

 

I had been riding in the "high" position thinking my knees would feel better, but the seat guru thought that the "low" position put me in a much better posture. 2000 miles on it now and he was correct.

 

I'm 6'0" with a 32" inseam. If I really want to flat foot it at a stop, I so have to slide forward a bit to do it, but it has become quite natural now and is not an issue.

[BarryBeemer]

Working on it, Wade. Sorry for the delay in getting a Darla photo uploaded. Still on the road. Their website has a gallery with installed photos too.

[Mr Breeze]

For those of you who have had the recall work completed, and opted for the payment, has anyone received their check from BMW? (not those that received the $2,500 payment directly from the dealer) How long a wait was it from the time of the recall work and signing of the release, to receipt of the check?

 

 

[Mr Breeze]

No one has received their check from BMW? (I haven't)

[mickeym3]

Mr. Breeze I received my check promptly from dealer rather than BMW....you should check with yours and/or call the BMW on the number listed in our letter.

[Rob]

Yeah, I got my check the week after the repair of the bike from the dealer.

 

Rob Lessen

 

[Mr Breeze]

I called the dealer, who told me to call the BMW 800 number. The BMW folks were very helpful and contacted the dealer while I was on hold. My check finally arrived from the dealer 35 days after having the work done.

[Skywagon]

I hated the factory seat after 100 miles. I had owned Russell seats before and know of their comfort, but was afraid it would look like a tractor seat on the new RT. After not getting squat for responses from some of the other seat builders, I decided to order a Russell again. To my surprise I think it looks great on this bike. It got its first ride today. I put 400 miles on it. After the first 2 miles I knew I made the right decision. I now have a seat that looks good and I can ride as long as I want. The one piece of not so good news....no more flat footing...back on my toes like the previous Russell. A small sacrifice for the huge gain. I still remember how to slide forward..

[Ponch]

I hated the factory seat after 100 miles. I had owned Russell seats before and know of their comfort, but was afraid it would look like a tractor seat on the new RT. After not getting squat for responses from some of the other seat builders, I decided to order a Russell again. To my surprise I think it looks great on this bike. It got its first ride today. I put 400 miles on it. After the first 2 miles I knew I made the right decision. I now have a seat that looks good and I can ride as long as I want. The one piece of not so good news....no more flat footing...back on my toes like the previous Russell. A small sacrifice for the huge gain. I still remember how to slide forward..

 

Without pictures it didn't happen.

[kpax]

Just traded my 2012 RT (70,000 miles) for a 14 RTW. I see saddles are still built by gestapo torture specialists working for BMW.

I'm going for another Russell.

 

 

Did anyone else notice how flimsy the panniers are now?

How about the clutch? Called the service guy for a 600 mile check and asked if the friction point can be adjusted closer to the grip. He said other than just the clutch handle, there's not much adjustment. This is miserable for slow maneuvers.

 

Can the handle bars be moved closer to the driver? I don't see any adjustment and there's no place for bar backs.

 

So it's a hot rod. BMW found ways to cheapen the machine.

As usual, lots of pros and cons for a new machine.

[semimojo]

The panniers on my 2014 R1200RT don't seem particularly flimsy, but this is my first BMW, so I have no previous experience to compare to.

 

My clutch is fine for slow maneuvers. The clutch engagement point seems ideal to me. I have big hands, maybe that makes a difference.

 

With my long arms, I do not want the bars any closer to me. A little farther forward would be ideal, in fact. Then I could lean forward a bit, instead of having to sit up so straight.

 

Guess I'm lucky the bike fits me so well.

 

I have to agree with you about the seat though. It's fine for short jaunts, but at about the three hour mark, I find my self squirming around to find a more comfortable position. It feels like the outer edges of the seat cut off blood flow after a while.

[WBinDE]

I'm picking up my new San Marino Blue 2015 RT on Wednesday! Living the dream

 

I'll use my trusty AirHawk until Sargent comes up with a seat that fits. I don't want my bike to be unridable for however long it takes for Russell or Mayer to rebuild my seat.

 

Panniers are the same as on my GTL, and don't seem any flimsier than the ones on my 2012 RT (RIP). It is possible to close them so the latch tabs on the door don't align with the slots in the other half, but I'm teachable so it doesn't happen often now.

 

 

[acy540]

Just traded my 2012 RT (70,000 miles) for a 14 RTW. I see saddles are still built by gestapo torture specialists working for BMW. I'm going for another Russell.

 

Did anyone else notice how flimsy the panniers are now?

How about the clutch? Called the service guy for a 600 mile check and asked if the friction point can be adjusted closer to the grip. He said other than just the clutch handle, there's not much adjustment. This is miserable for slow maneuvers.

 

Can the handle bars be moved closer to the driver? I don't see any adjustment and there's no place for bar backs.

 

So it's a hot rod. BMW found ways to cheapen the machine.

As usual, lots of pros and cons for a new machine.

 

 

Bar backs by ilium works. They work out pretty good on the RTW. Suggest you borrow the tool that they designed for removing the bars. Take about an hour and you do not need any extensions for anything

[MikeNew]

Anyone know what build status 150 is?

 

Thanks

[Milo172]

This seems to be the appropriate place to post the following question:

 

Other than a smile and a hand shake from your dealer, has anyone who kept their 2014 RT received an official letter from BMW stating that their warranty has been extended by 3 months?

I know I haven't.

[AlanS.]

I have not.

[TEWKS]

Same here, no.

 

 

Pat

[mickeym3]

Nope.

[Freedom Outlaw]

Nope and I called corporate and they told me no warranty extension.

 

Surprisingly, they paid trip interruption expenses I submitted and I wound up getting over 4k from BMW. I live in FL and got the DNR while in Oregon (trailing thankfully). One of the factory guys was at the local dealer, I explained my situation to him.

 

He told me to list the expenses for returning and getting back up there (we were headed to Canada), surprisingly they paid what I submitted to the penny. I did not pad the expenses in anyway, just fuel and lodging (in an RV).

 

To date, I've had no other problems at all. This is the most comfortable bike I've owned to date. I did add a RDL seat. I have a Harley which I'd ride in the FL heat, think I am gonna sell it now. I am smitten with the new RT.

 

Best,

[Skywagon]

Nope...but the $2500 payment made it a whole lot easier to digest.

[Hoghead]

 

I certainly agree on selling the Harley....If Harley owners only knew what they are missing!!!

 

 

 

Nope and I called corporate and they told me no warranty extension.

 

Surprisingly, they paid trip interruption expenses I submitted and I wound up getting over 4k from BMW. I live in FL and got the DNR while in Oregon (trailing thankfully). One of the factory guys was at the local dealer, I explained my situation to him.

 

He told me to list the expenses for returning and getting back up there (we were headed to Canada), surprisingly they paid what I submitted to the penny. I did not pad the expenses in anyway, just fuel and lodging (in an RV).

 

To date, I've had no other problems at all. This is the most comfortable bike I've owned to date. I did add a RDL seat. I have a Harley which I'd ride in the FL heat, think I am gonna sell it now. I am smitten with the new RT.

 

Best,