Looking for RT to R owners

[RT-Mike]

Hello all,newb here looking for advice from former or (current) owners of a 12RT who have made the move to a 12R.

The RT has to be one of the best Sport/Touring machines out there...but my riding is geared more toward Sport than Touring...I bought the RT with the hopes that my SO would enjoy traveling on 2 wheels as much as I do...but,this plan has not panned out,her idea or seeing the countyside in an open air concept is in a 2 seat Roadster...the 4 wheel kind.

So,being as most of my seat time is one up,I'm thinkin' about the R...I know I would be giving up a few creature comforts,but I think I can deal with the loss as most of my riding is day trips a couple of hundred miles from home...will take a couple of longer 3000 mile trips a year.

In a perfect world I would keep the RT and pick up an R so I could have the best of both...but I don't reside in such a place...

So,any feedback would be much appreciated.

Cheers,Mike

[mistral]

Hey Mike, I have an RT and an R. I love the RT for the long haul. I am 6'4' and the RT is more comfortable. I only have about 1,300 miles on the R, but I will say the lighter weight equals more fun.

I have seen guys ride the R all over the country. You might wish you had the wind protection at times, and the extra gas in the tank, But go for it with knowledge of what is lost. You gain some, too.

Ron

[RT-Mike]

I have seen guys ride the R all over the country. You might wish you had the wind protection at times, and the extra gas in the tank, But go for it with knowledge of what is lost. You gain some, too.

Ron

Hey Ron,One of the first farkles would be a screen of sort and a set of bags of some kind...I'm usually ready for a break by 200 miles anyway,so fuel capacity is no big deal.

I set on a "low" R at the dealership yesterday,although the "low" version is not for me,it did feel better balanced than the RT,not as top-heavy...this would be a plus for me.

Thanks,Mike

[TT RDHS]

.... I will say the lighter weight equals more fun.

I have seen guys ride the R all over the country. You might wish you had the wind protection at times, and the extra gas in the tank, But go for it with knowledge of what is lost. You gain some, too.

Ron

+1
It's a great all-around bike.

Whether it's commuting, sport or touring, this bike can do it all.
Only on LONG stretches of superslab or long periods of foul weather, do I miss more wind protection.

[RT-Mike]

+1
It's a great all-around bike.

Whether it's commuting, sport or touring, this bike can do it all.
Only on LONG stretches of superslab or long periods of foul weather, do I miss more wind protection.[/quote]

This is good to hear,I need to take a test ride...I'm almost assured as to the outcome.

I think the R is drop dead sexy...it just looks much more like a motorcycle than the RT...if that makes sense

[TT RDHS]

I think the R is drop dead sexy...it just looks much more like a motorcycle than the RT...if that makes sense

Makes perfect sense.

[mistral]

I agree the R is a damn good looking bike, easier to work on, too. Speaking of windshields I put my stock RT windshield on the touring bracket. It worked out pretty well, I raised it as high as I could.

Ron

[ff73148]

I used own a Honda ST1300. A great sport tourer. Unfortunately it was too heavy. The R is perfect. Put on an aftermarket windscreen and a Sargent saddle and it becomes a light tourer. The best trade I ever made.

[mogu83]

I have a Parabellum,Corbin seat and stock bags. One of my friends suggested I replace the stock R1200R decal with one that reads R1200 RT/Lite .

[RT-Mike]

I have a Parabellum,Corbin seat and stock bags. One of my friends suggested I replace the stock R1200R decal with one that reads R1200 RT/Lite .

That's a good lookin' ride you have there...I would have to have a small tank bag and a shield for every day riding...I would'nt put any bags on unless I was on an extended trip...I never use the bags on the RT unless I'm traveling.

One of the arguments I'm getting from the SO is "Why buy another bike that is almost identical to what you have now? You will just have to buy more stuff to make into the RT you already own"

I have to admit,she has a point...I hate it when they are right "But,you can't remove that fairing and all the tupperware from the RT to lighten it up,and still ride it"...

Cheers,Mike

[mogu83]

I have an extra pair of bags with city lids and a 12" windshield for the Parabellum that I use around town.

[fastdogs2]

I went from a 2005 RT to a 2009 R1200R. Even though the published weight difference between the RT is only 78 lbs., the R feels like it is about 150-200 lbs. lighter, to me. The R1200R is much more nimble handling, easier steering and easier to get your feet down than the RT. You can leave the side case luggage on the R or take it off and have a lean/mean look. The RT looks like it is missing something when you remove the side case luggage.

I traded bikes in February of this year and I just had the 6,000 mile service done on my R1200R. I was all set to spring for a new set of tires, because 6,000 miles is when I always changed the Metzeler Z6's on my RT. The technician told me I have at least 2,000 miles before I replace the tires. I asked how come the R gets better tire mileage than the RT. His reply, "the RT is a much heavier bike and you burn a lot of rubber in the curves and just getting started, with it."

I love the R1200R and wish I had purchased one when they first came out in 2006-7. I don't miss the RT with its top heavy feel, difficulty to maneuver in parking spaces and the unbearably hot fairing in the hot and humid NC summer. I don't ride two up, so the R is a great bike for me.

Bill

[RT-Mike]

I went from a 2005 RT to a 2009 R1200R. Even though the published weight difference between the RT is only 78 lbs., the R feels like it is about 150-200 lbs. lighter, to me. The R1200R is much more nimble handling, easier steering and easier to get your feet down than the RT. You can leave the side case luggage on the R or take it off and have a lean/mean look. The RT looks like it is missing something when you remove the side case luggage.

I traded bikes in February of this year and I just had the 6,000 mile service done on my R1200R. I was all set to spring for a new set of tires, because 6,000 miles is when I always changed the Metzeler Z6's on my RT. The technician told me I have at least 2,000 miles before I replace the tires. I asked how come the R gets better tire mileage than the RT. His reply, "the RT is a much heavier bike and you burn a lot of rubber in the curves and just getting started, with it."

I love the R1200R and wish I had purchased one when they first came out in 2006-7. I don't miss the RT with its top heavy feel, difficulty to maneuver in parking spaces and the unbearably hot fairing in the hot and humid NC summer. I don't ride two up, so the R is a great bike for me.

Bill

Thanks Bill,Sounds like you have BTDT...your thoughts are identical to mine...I appreciate the feedback from everyone.

The closest dealer to me only had a "low" version left in stock,said that would be the last one he would have for quite some time...told me that BMW was not going to release a 2011 R12R,maybe a new model in 2012...I've seen another thread on this site pertaining to this topic...I took from it that there "would" be a 2011 model...I'm sooo confused

Cheers,Mike

[deilenberger]

The closest dealer to me only had a "low" version left in stock,said that would be the last one he would have for quite some time...told me that BMW was not going to release a 2011 R12R,maybe a new model in 2012...I've seen another thread on this site pertaining to this topic...I took from it that there "would" be a 2011 model...I'm sooo confused

Cheers,Mike

Mike, dunno where you're located - but if there is another dealer in your area - visit them. BMW dealers can request unsold bikes that are in other dealer's inventory if they have a customer, and BMW made it easy for them - a complete search of every unsold R12R in the US can be done from the BMW dealer website.

If you get no response - let me know where you are, and I'll ask a friend to run it. It's my understanding that there are still unsold '10 bikes in the US.

BTW - the only real difference between the "low" model and the normal model is shorter shocks.

You could probably find someone willing to trade "normal" shocks with low miles on them for the low ones. The seats are interchangeable - so that's not a problem either. Many people want to go lower - few want to go taller - so you'd be in a good bargaining position if you bought a low model. I heard rumors the sidestand was different, but have never been able to track down a "low" sidestand PN - I'm guessing that is baloney.

[RT-Mike]

The closest dealer to me only had a "low" version left in stock,said that would be the last one he would have for quite some time...told me that BMW was not going to release a 2011 R12R,maybe a new model in 2012...I've seen another thread on this site pertaining to this topic...I took from it that there "would" be a 2011 model...I'm sooo confused

Cheers,Mike

Mike, dunno where you're located - but if there is another dealer in your area - visit them. BMW dealers can request unsold bikes that are in other dealer's inventory if they have a customer, and BMW made it easy for them - a complete search of every unsold R12R in the US can be done from the BMW dealer website.

If you get no response - let me know where you are, and I'll ask a friend to run it. It's my understanding that there are still unsold '10 bikes in the US.

BTW - the only real difference between the "low" model and the normal model is shorter shocks.

You could probably find someone willing to trade "normal" shocks with low miles on them for the low ones. The seats are interchangeable - so that's not a problem either. Many people want to go lower - few want to go taller - so you'd be in a good bargaining position if you bought a low model. I heard rumors the sidestand was different, but have never been able to track down a "low" sidestand PN - I'm guessing that is baloney.

Well,that's interesting...the only reason I was against a "low" model was I thought my legs might be a little cramped...6' 32" inseam.

"If" the suspension could be raised a tad with a different rear shock,and not affect the handling...I guess that would be good reasoning for some Ohlins

I'm sure that the dealer would do what he could to locate an R for me,I was there on Saturday and they were busy,I did'nt want to hold him up on a good day.

Thanks again for the input,Mike

[deilenberger]

Well,that's interesting...the only reason I was against a "low" model was I thought my legs might be a little cramped...6' 32" inseam.

"If" the suspension could be raised a tad with a different rear shock,and not affect the handling...I guess that would be good reasoning for some Ohlins

I'm sure that the dealer would do what he could to locate an R for me,I was there on Saturday and they were busy,I did'nt want to hold him up on a good day.

Thanks again for the input,Mike

If you go that route (putting taller shocks on it) - buy ones that raise both ends the same amount (and that doesn't mean shocks that are "XX" longer, it means front YY and rear XX. Front end is ~1:2 shock travel/wheel travel, rear is about 1:3.2 ratio.) I have stock shocks sitting around I could measure for you if you want to go the Ohlins route (I'd suggest looking at Hyperpro - more shock for the $$ IMHO..) You don't want to change the overall geometry of the bikes suspension, you just want to raise both ends up the same amount.

[gezerbike]

Not many new R's floating around, and everything my Service MAnager says is that there will be now new 2011's, Factory warehouse in NJ has mostly the " touring " models, but without ABS. Dealers can't get any 2011 BMW's at all yet, so they are taking the R's to help put something one their floor. Going from the RT to the R is a pretty big stretch. Most of the advice above is pretty right on, but you'll want to be sure if you make the move......used R's are not that easy of a sell should it turn out you miss your RT. I can tell you where there are 5 used R's between 2 Midwest dealers. But the 2 bikes are completely different. If you really like your RT, you might not like the R, especially on those 3,000 mile trips. I am lucky enough to have 3 bikes, and when the time comes to take a trip of over a 1,000 miles, the GS is the bike that goes. It just has more of everything I look for when going on a big ride. The R is a great day tripper, around town bike and is probably as good a sport bike as BMW makes and will do for a weekend trip, but so does the GS, as probably tour RT is. Make sure you get a good demo ride in before taking the plunge, and don't expect to get alot on the trade for your RT. I saw a very nice 05 RT for sale yesterday at a Harley dealer......13,000 miles, extras and in great shape.....for $ 8900. Ouch. But there is something magical about getting rid of all the tupperware and just riding a plain old motorcycle. A big part of the reason I love both my GS and the R.

[ka5ysy]

.... any feedback would be much appreciated.

Cheers,Mike

Hi Mike:

See my signature line...


I, like a lot of us, refer to the RR as the RT-lite, because it is essentially the same bike without the plastic and about 80 pounds lighter. Since we carry the same luggage, it is fine for trips. I use the bike for just about anything I want to do, and have the advantage that, in the very hot weather we have in south Louisiana, I have plenty of airflow to keep me cool in the mesh kevlar Motoport jacket and pants. The only gripes I ever hear about the RT is the heat issue down here because of the very effective wind protection.

As far as issues with the RR, there are not many. If you read all the threads over here, we spend a lot of time finding the ideal seat and windscreen. There is nothing else to really complain about other than the lack of an electronic cruise you may be spoiled with on the RT. I have Throttlemeisters on my bike that work quite well for me, so no biggie here.

For winter, I use electric jacket liner and gloves which, with the GS hand guards a lot of us have installed, make very cold weather a non-issue. With the CalSci windscreen I have installed, the bike is fairly dry when the rains come. The tank is actually a pretty good fairing in heavy rain to keep your knees and legs reasonably dry too.

My normal tank range is about 230 miles too, so cruising someplace is not a big deal either. Best milage on a tank I have ever had is 252 miles to where the computer said I had 10 miles remaining, and I put 5.52 gallons in. Mostly when I hit 220 I start looking for gas.

I have the large top case on the bike to make my boss-lady happy doing 2-up rides. Her only real complaint is that she wants some arm rests. Hopefully, if the new K bike uses the same large top-case as it appears, I may order the armrests and add them to my cases.

You will absolutely love this bike. The day I picked up mine, the delivering mechanic made the comment that "that is the only bike you will ever need!" That was a very astute observation on his part that is so far quite accurate.

As noted previously, my SO likes to ride 2-up, but for really long range stuff her preferred vehicle is our X5 with the sun roof rolled back! I know this is heresy, but I have actually figured out that with this situation I will probably invest in a Baxley trailer to tote the RR on the long trips we take together. Best of both worlds and she can carry all the war-paint the women need these days !

I do like the new RT's though. And the GSA. and the.... oh, never mind

[RT-Mike]

Not many new R's floating around, and everything my Service MAnager says is that there will be now new 2011's, Factory warehouse in NJ has mostly the " touring " models, but without ABS. Dealers can't get any 2011 BMW's at all yet, so they are taking the R's to help put something one their floor. Going from the RT to the R is a pretty big stretch. Most of the advice above is pretty right on, but you'll want to be sure if you make the move......used R's are not that easy of a sell should it turn out you miss your RT. I can tell you where there are 5 used R's between 2 Midwest dealers. But the 2 bikes are completely different. If you really like your RT, you might not like the R, especially on those 3,000 mile trips. I am lucky enough to have 3 bikes, and when the time comes to take a trip of over a 1,000 miles, the GS is the bike that goes. It just has more of everything I look for when going on a big ride. The R is a great day tripper, around town bike and is probably as good a sport bike as BMW makes and will do for a weekend trip, but so does the GS, as probably tour RT is. Make sure you get a good demo ride in before taking the plunge, and don't expect to get alot on the trade for your RT. I saw a very nice 05 RT for sale yesterday at a Harley dealer......13,000 miles, extras and in great shape.....for $ 8900. Ouch. But there is something magical about getting rid of all the tupperware and just riding a plain old motorcycle. A big part of the reason I love both my GS and the R.

Hi Mike,I also live in the midwest,not too far from you in N.W.Mo. The closet dealer is Engles in K.C...I've yet to stop by Gateway in St.Louis...I might send ya a p.m. to maybe find out where some of the used R's are located.

I also have an 2005 RT with 16,000 mi.I bought it last Feb. with 7400 mi. on the clock,I know the market for used RT's sucks...more reason I should keep the RT and try to find a late model low milage R...but,my garage space is full now and I'm also a poor man with limited means

I know with Fall just around the corner,I will be happy with all that tupperware the RT sports...I might have to wait on the R until that perfect deal falls into my lap.

You know you have it made when you are having trouble deciding between two motorcycles

[fastdogs2]

Mike,

The R1200R is a fine bike for touring. I just completed a 9 day, 2,700 mile trip on mine this past July. My buddy and I (he rides a 1300ST Honda) went from North Carolina, through West Virginia to Ohio, mostly on two lane roads, with only one stretch of about 15 miles on the Interstate. We rode about four loops of around 200 miles a day in Eastern/Southeastern Ohio. Then we rode through Pennsylvania to Corning, NY. We rode a couple of loops in the Finger Lakes area and then headed back home through Pennsylvania and Virginia.

I have the hard side cases just like the RT. On this trip, I used a MotoFizz Through tank bag and a Touratech seat bag, in addition to the side cases, for luggage. I just added the luggage rails that will accomodate the 28 liter top case. Don't let anyone tell you that the R1200R is not the bike that the R1200RT is. The R1200R is basically the same bike as the RT, minus the fairing and the 7.1 gallon plastic gas tank.

On the trip we took in July, I averaged about 50 mpg while travelling and about 47 mpg when we rode the twisties. Because of the smaller gas tank of the R (5 gallons), you cannot get the extended range that the RT has with its 7.1 gallon tank. However, I find that I can only endure about 100-150 miles on the bike without a stretch break or a bathroom break. That is a good opportunity to refuel. So who cares whether you can go 350 miles on a tank as opposed to 250 miles? If you are planning on riding an Iron Butt endurance race, you would probably add an auxilliary tank to extend your miles, but, really, how many of us actually compete in Iron Butt events?

The difference I find between the RT and the R1200R is when I arrive at my base destination and then ride some pre-mapped loops or just in riding around town looking for restaurants. The R1200R is so much more nimble and better handling than the RT, that the shorter range is forgotten, in favor of the overall "fun" factor the R1200R provides me.

Bill