w2ge Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Tell me the good and the bad... I really haven't followed all the ins and outs of owning one, other than the shock recall issue, etc. I currently have a 25k mile 2010 R1200RT (first year with the camhead). LOVE the bike... But the wifey has given me the okay to get a new one (I'd rather find a demo or slightly used loaded 2014/5, the out the door price of a loaded 2015 is $24,500 from my stealership... Ugghh). I haven't test rode one, yet.. But I plan too. So, whaddya think, should I do it? Thanks Link to comment
Skywagon Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I have a 14. It was number 8 in the US and number 1 in Texas. I love it. There is only one thing that I didn't like...the seat. Had that changed. A minor irritation is BMW Bluetooth doesn't work with everything but it does work with SENA. If I could call BMW and have them redesign something...I honestly don't know what that would be. I suspect some are about to tell you their complaints, but honestly, I don't think there is bike I would trade it for even if half the price. Go ride one....bring your checkbook. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Tell me should I do it? Of course you should! Pat Link to comment
hopz Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I am glad I switched... Details if you like... Link to comment
realshelby Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I owned an '04 RT for many years. Knew the newer generation RT's were way better, but could not stand the looks of them. I don't even think about my old RT now! While the price is not cheap, I think the quality, performance, electronic aids, entertainment options are absolutely worth the price. I thought I might be better off with a GS when I was first thinking about the new bikes. But in reality I don't do off-road with bikes like this and what little gravel and dirt I rode on I could still do, or I won't miss. Now leaving the garage at 4am for a trip and still wanting to ride further at 6pm that evening....well, that is what an RT is for! Link to comment
Guest Kakugo Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Not in a very different boat from you. I have a 2009 with almost 100K km on it. I absolutely love it but the Wethead bug bit me sometimes last year. I know these bikes are simply phenomenal: I am currently split between the RT and the GS-A. However all that goodness comes literally at a price. But we all know that: the cheapest part on a BMW is the rider. However there is no chance in Hell I will pay a bike, no matter how good, full price and wait four months (or more in case of the GS-A) for it. That's just a matter of principle. I hence decided to put off even asking for further quotes until next year. If Hexhead's are anything to go by, supply should start normalizing by then. If there are still problems, I'll wait some more time. There's another thing, though. I tend to buy bikes long term, hence I prefer postponing the purchase until relatively late in the model life so that bugs may be ironed out, new features added, more aftermarket components developed etc. The RT and GS-A are now in their second model year. There's still room for improvement. Just something to consider. Link to comment
TracerBullet Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Yes you should. Can't find anything wrong with mine. As some one previously said...test ride one....and bring your checkbook Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 The Wethead RT is a HUGE step up in riding capability! I would not like a Hexhead/Camhead RT. Fine bikes, but a bit heavy handling for me. The Wethead RT changes all that! Jim Link to comment
Paul In Australia Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Tell me the good and the bad... I really haven't followed all the ins and outs of owning one, other than the shock recall issue, etc. I currently have a 25k mile 2010 R1200RT (first year with the camhead). LOVE the bike... But the wifey has given me the okay to get a new one (I'd rather find a demo or slightly used loaded 2014/5, the out the door price of a loaded 2015 is $24,500 from my stealership... Ugghh). I haven't test rode one, yet.. But I plan too. So, whaddya think, should I do it? Thanks Buy one now!!! Link to comment
Alfred02 Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 It's all about the motor! Hello Dave I think it's more then just the engine. The bike is very different compared to the previous versions. Seating to ground clearance is a lot lower. Rider position has changed. Different airflow Totally different instrument panel with far more info at hand at any given time. Suspension/ASC/ABS correlation and User selectivity..... I do agree that it all has been build around the new engine. Link to comment
gordiet Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 I have had two 1200RTs. An 05 and a 08. Then I bought a K1600 GTL and put 53000 miles on it. Just traded the K for a new R1200RT and I can say without any reservations that this is the best of the bunch. GT Link to comment
Bob H. Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 Go for it!!!! ,you only live once . Take one for a test ride and you'll be sold , guaranteed ! I brought mine home 11-1-14 and it's the best bike I've ever owned. The only thing I suggest is put on a real horn the stock one sucks big time , most dealers have an air horn available for around $50 and put on a foot enlarger for around $60 other than that it is ready to go. Link to comment
bmwpeterhead Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 yes you should. the difference between the older RT and the wasserhead is significant (better, faster, ) Link to comment
johnktor Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 I just rode today in a beautiful rain storm. Lots of hard rain, lots of light rain, road with lots of running water and standing water. Bike handles like a dream in the rain, planted well. Shield protects like a champ. Dry roads are much more risky, Bike has no respect for speed limits, just wants to go. I like the seat, have done 600 mile days, like the seating position, 5' 10", easier to do tight turns at slow speed than my 04rt. Only complaint, engine bars I want are not yet for sell. Look forward to adding at least 10,000 miles to her this summer. Link to comment
Bob Monaghan Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Ok, let me throw this out there.. I have 2 bikes: - 2000 RT (its my tank! - Rebuilt after three times being down in Los Angeles traffic.) I've done a couple of clutch jobs (not for the feint of heart). - '82 turbo honda. (Nothing short of a religious conversion when riding one! The acceleration is insane -- As long as you aren't doing corners.) My question: Best guess if possible - are these new wasserheads serviceable? (Naturally, they come with a great service plan. But I am thinking long term.) I have wrenched on my own bikes for a while. "New fangled" contraptions mean a learning curve. Not to mention a few specialized tools. bob.. Link to comment
mneblett Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Serviceable in what sense? Routine maintenance, yes. Mechanical "stuff," generally yes -- recognizing the fundamentally different nature of the drivetrain (cylinders and tranny integrated into a single engine casting). In some ways, the wethead is easier because the clutch is right out at the front of the engine. On the other hand, an alternator failure will be a witch. Electrically, maybe. Electrical vs. electronic. Electrical is electrical -- wires, connectors, coils, etc. Electronics is *partially" the same if you have a GS-911 unit (the new generation). However, with the level of integration today, there are some things that are best left for the dealer's computer equipment to diagnosis and/or do firmware updates. Overall, my expectation is that in the long run my RTW will be less maintenance-intense than my '04 RT-P. I also expect that I will continue to be doing all of the maintenance, with the occasional dealer visit for the few things I will not have the equipment to handle at home -- just as I do now with the RT-P. Link to comment
mikehihz Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 tr;dr - I bought 2014 with about 1400 miles on it. It was a recall bike. Bottom line, I love it. It's the best motorcycle I've had. The longer story - I had been looking at the RT bikes for a while; since I bought a F650GS in 2006 and loved it. The next bike after it was a Ducati Multistrada 1100s because I got a great deal on a press bike. Incredible bike, BTW, brought it with me when I moved from NYC to California. But when I got here it was totally inappropriate for a 100-mile round trip daily commute. (I thought of it as my hot-headed Italian girlfriend. 'nuff said.) Anyway, I looked at a 2006 RT in 2010 and wasn't impressed. Looked at the newer RTs I felt another air-cooled bike wasn't for me and decided to keep the Multi but realized I was wasn't riding it. I visited my dealer last year and heard the story about the recall and buyback and took a test ride, and while the engine and handling are not a Ducati, for my commute, fully loaded, it was the perfect bike. I ride it 2-3 days out of the week for my commute and on the weekends around town in SF. I also am usually a BMW car driver, and I always make the comparison that the R1200 RT is like a BMW 5 series on two wheels. Good luck in your search. Link to comment
moshe_levy Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Tell me the good and the bad... I really haven't followed all the ins and outs of owning one, other than the shock recall issue, etc. I currently have a 25k mile 2010 R1200RT (first year with the camhead). LOVE the bike... But the wifey has given me the okay to get a new one (I'd rather find a demo or slightly used loaded 2014/5, the out the door price of a loaded 2015 is $24,500 from my stealership... Ugghh). I haven't test rode one, yet.. But I plan too. So, whaddya think, should I do it? Thanks In short - yes. First, your dealer quote is hogwash. Fully loaded, they're under $23k, and there's currently a $1,200 incentive off of that. If you can live without some options, $19k new minus the incentive. If you can accept a demo with about 1,000 in flawless condition, as I did, expect to pay $19-20k. That's with every single option box ticked, by the way. I just picked mine up yesterday. I put 200 miles on it and that was enough for me to realize that it blows previous RTs away in virtually every category. I had a 2009 for 4 years and a 2004 for 4 years, and compared to either of them (save for outright beauty, in which case the 2004 is still the champ) the new Wethead is the bomb. -MKL Link to comment
utahskies Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 This is my 3rd RT and I have nothing but raves. Just returned from a 3,100 mi trip and it was flawless. Smooth, oh so amazing roll-on power, electronic doo-dads up the wazoo for fun and fine-tuning your ride, and supreme comfort. It even sounds better than older RTs, especially on hard acceleration. Heck, I even averaged 52 mpg on my trip. Love this RT. Link to comment
Brad Moores Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Had a 2011 RT and went to K1600GT. Now due to my age (64) thinking about going to new RT (water cooled). Absolutely nothing wrong with the 1600 other than in the garage and parking lots 740 lbs. is a lot of heft to move around and I worry about being able to lift it should it fall over. Thoughts? Link to comment
moshe_levy Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 I'm 40 and I had the same thoughts! So another RT it was...... -MKL Link to comment
DMilan Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Had a 2011 RT and went to K1600GT. Now due to my age (64) thinking about going to new RT (water cooled). Absolutely nothing wrong with the 1600 other than in the garage and parking lots 740 lbs. is a lot of heft to move around and I worry about being able to lift it should it fall over. Thoughts? If you basically like the 1600, maybe keep it. On all these new bikes, K16 or R12, you're gonna take a bath financially should you bail out in a year or 3. Someone will be available to help you lift your K16 should it fall over, if that's your only concern. I own 2 LC R1200. An RT and a GS. I test rode a K16. Passed on it. Too heavy. However, IMO... The sweet music from the K16 engine is MUCH nicer that the disturbing cacophony offered up by the R12LC. Or, maybe go back to a nice Camhead RT. Just make sure you get all the options you desire, including traction control. Or, if you must get a LC RT, you can come get mine, or my GS, both tastefully equipped. PM me. GLWYD d'Milan Link to comment
TEWKS Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Same switch here, K16GT to the R12RTLC. I don't think you'll miss the GT all that much, ok maybe the sound it makes from those pipes. Nothing like it on two wheels! The weight difference is huge, you'll feel that immediately! Pat Link to comment
Brad Moores Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Thanks. As I say, there's nothing wrong with the 1600--it is a very impressive moto. At speed I don't notice the weight. In the garage or pushing back from parking is where the weight becomes the issue. My 2011 RT was a great bike as well. Had several 600 mile days and didn't feel beat up at all. I am very much leaning towards the RTLC, thinking it is a more manageable SportsTourer. Brad Link to comment
DMilan Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Had a 2011 RT and went to K1600GT. Now due to my age (64) thinking about going to new RT (water cooled). Absolutely nothing wrong with the 1600 other than in the garage and parking lots 740 lbs. is a lot of heft to move around and I worry about being able to lift it should it fall over. Thoughts? If you basically like the 1600, maybe keep it. On all these new bikes, K16 or R12, you're gonna take a bath financially should you bail out in a year or 3. Someone will be available to help you lift your K16 should it fall over, if that's your only concern. I own 2 LC R1200. An RT and a GS. I test rode a K16. Passed on it. Too heavy. However, IMO... The sweet music from the K16 engine is MUCH nicer that the disturbing cacophony offered up by the R12LC. Or, maybe go back to a nice Camhead RT. Just make sure you get all the options you desire, including traction control. Or, if you must get a LC RT, you can come get mine, or my GS, both tastefully equipped. PM me. GLWYD d'Milan I made an error in this post that I wanted to clarify. It's not that the exhaust note of the K16 that I found preferable to that of the R12LC. It's the mechanical cacophony of the R12LC that spoils it for me. Figured you were leaning LC anyway, just needed some validation. PM me, if you are interested in mine. Cheers and good riding d'Milan Link to comment
Oilcruzer Posted August 9, 2015 Share Posted August 9, 2015 Had an 07 RT. Rode the 1600GT in Spain for two weeks. Great bike but too heavy at slow speeds. Never park it on a decline against a curb either. Tested the 15 RT. Loved it, bought it, and it's great for two up. There isn't anything I don't like, and the power increase is very noticeable over the 07 Added: Bought a Sena 10C. Plus, dug deep and picked up the Nav V. It's just too good not to have. Now doing custom reflector pack. Do it. Link to comment
Panhandle Chuck Posted August 9, 2015 Share Posted August 9, 2015 After a 10 year hiatus from riding (military) and riding a F800ST I was ready for an upgrade in 2011. I rode 2009 and 2010 models before buying a demo 2010 GSA. I thought the difference in motors was enough I had to have a 2010 DOHC over the previous model. I've owned a 2014 RT for 5 months, the difference in the two motors is far more distinctive in the 2014 than a '09 - DOHC junmp. If that's not enough and you like technology, the various packages complete the bike. Link to comment
hopz Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 PM me ... there is a fellow in the Colorado Springs club who just posted he is selling his '14... extremely well equipped... Link to comment
TEWKS Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Sorry Bob, I have one closer! http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/5164826710.html Pat Link to comment
TEWKS Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Must of been a good deal, it's gone already. Pat Link to comment
AndyS Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Are you getting rid of yours Pat? Link to comment
TEWKS Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Are you getting rid of yours Pat? Not just yet, love the bike but, finding it harder to put miles on it with a GS parked next to it. Selling both and replacing them with a GS Adventure has crossed my mind. Pat Link to comment
tallman Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Ruh roh, Short trip, right? I'd give that a try if I was you. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 I'd give that a try if I was you. GSA? Pat Link to comment
tallman Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Yes. Big tank/long ride, one beemer to maintain, can carry way too much stuff and a ton of bar be que. Link to comment
Captjim Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Another GTL to R1200RTW convert here. Got the '12 GTL in April 2015 and put 7000 miles on it in 3 months. Very powerful engine and very smooth at freeway speeds but heavy at slow speeds and too bulky. RT is the perfect gentleman's bike without looking too much like Goldwing peeps when you ride around town and look like them when you're on a long tour... Shortly, RT is much more agile, nimble and light while riding around town without losing too much of touring capability of a larger bike like GTL. So choice was easy and obvious for me: RTW all the way! Link to comment
1stiski Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I'm in love. IT keeps getting better and better with each mile. Feels good to be on the dark side. Link to comment
powwow Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I'm a convert from 2007 K1200LT to a 2015 RTW...just decided it would be nice to lose a few hundred pounds. I am in LOVE with the RTW. It is a wonderful road bike and the SO has declared it is just as comfortable as the LT (in fact, with the StrongRak seat back and armrests, she tells me it's actually more comfortable). I've put on 4000 miles in the last 45 days and can say I have absolutely no regrets. Link to comment
MexicoDan Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 2015 R1200GS, simply the best all around touring bike I've ever owned. I used to have an RT but frankly see no reason to ever have another one give the incredible versatility and comfort of this bike. It is absolutely perfect either on the Super Slab or the rough backroads we have in profusion here in Mexico. And the thing just loves the twisties. One of the best things about that is how stable the steering is on rough pavement in the turns. Oh and the acceleration is positively neck snapping, a real benefit in a country where we are constantly passing in tight, low visibility situations. Link to comment
DaveBass Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I now have 8,500 on my '15 RT, and it's kind of the perfect bike. What a wonderful ride! Commuting, long trips, twisties, two up, it does it all. Link to comment
PODMAN Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Have 16,000 miles on my 2014 R1200RT Link to comment
gordiet Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Just came back from a 4000 mile ride. This is truly a great bike. A true mile maker. GT Link to comment
Antknee Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 After about 20 years of K bikes, the last one being a 1600 GTL, I converted to a RTW and I am enjoying it more than I ever imagined. Still have an old K75, a great bike, but I just can't stay off the RT! Link to comment
StuGotz Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Still have all the bikes in my tag line. Just purchased a 2015 RTW with everything they offer. This bike is on rails. Smooth as silk. Very comfortable. I'm glad I didn't go for the heavier K16. Test drove both. The RTW is much nimbler at low speeds. The trans is smooth compared to the old 03 RT. Only issue right now is seat, which usually doesn't bother me. This seat may break in, but right now it's a bit hard. Time will tell. Oh, and the radio will not pair with my Sena Bluetooth. I'm really not into purchasing BMW's Bluetooth at an outrageous price of 450 per helmet. Doesn't fit in the program with my other bikes using 665 with XM! MB> Link to comment
AlanS. Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Still have all the bikes in my tag line. Just purchased a 2015 RTW with everything they offer. This bike is on rails. Smooth as silk. Very comfortable. I'm glad I didn't go for the heavier K16. Test drove both. The RTW is much nimbler at low speeds. The trans is smooth compared to the old 03 RT. Only issue right now is seat, which usually doesn't bother me. This seat may break in, but right now it's a bit hard. Time will tell. Oh, and the radio will not pair with my Sena Bluetooth. I'm really not into purchasing BMW's Bluetooth at an outrageous price of 450 per helmet. Doesn't fit in the program with my other bikes using 665 with XM! MB> The Interphone F5MC works well with the Bluetooth on the RTW. Link to comment
realshelby Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Oh, and the radio will not pair with my Sena Bluetooth. I'm really not into purchasing BMW's Bluetooth at an outrageous price of 450 per helmet. Doesn't fit in the program with my other bikes using 665 with XM! MB> The Sena will work. But to say it is seamless is a bald faced lie! There is a post, I think in this forum topic, that covers the process for pairing. I hardly use the bluetooth to helmet music feature anymore, but I have the nav, phone going through it all the time. Link to comment
gordiet Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Still have all the bikes in my tag line. Just purchased a 2015 RTW with everything they offer. This bike is on rails. Smooth as silk. Very comfortable. I'm glad I didn't go for the heavier K16. Test drove both. The RTW is much nimbler at low speeds. The trans is smooth compared to the old 03 RT. Only issue right now is seat, which usually doesn't bother me. This seat may break in, but right now it's a bit hard. Time will tell. Oh, and the radio will not pair with my Sena Bluetooth. I'm really not into purchasing BMW's Bluetooth at an outrageous price of 450 per helmet. Doesn't fit in the program with my other bikes using 665 with XM! Call Sena and one of tec guys will walk you through the process. I did and it's all worked great sense. GT MB> Link to comment
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