BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

“Sport-touring” is a rather broad category. The most suitable bike for you depends on how you define it. I’m of the belief that there are no bad bikes out there, but some are more suited to specific roles than others. I think my RT is a fabulous but I have been seduced by the upcoming V100 Mandellio...

K75 x 2
R850R
K1200RS
R1100S
R1200RT x 2
F800ST x 2
F800GT
R1200R
C650GT


Favorite was my K1200RS but I aged out of it.

Not sure of the brand, but I have PPF on my ‘15 RT. No issues whatsoever. I had PPF applied to my Porsche Cayman  and it was expensive— about $2000 — but well worth the protection and anxiety relief.

I’ve been charging direct to the battery since 1994, on a number of bikes, including about a dozen BMW’s (some with CAN-Bus, some without). Absolutely no issues, and I tend to get 7-8 years life out of my batteries, if that provides any comfort.

In the U.S., the battery is covered by the BMW three year warranty.

None of the above. I’ve been using a 1.25A Deltran Battery Tender since 1996 and also have a fleet of 0.75A Deltran Battery Tender Jr.’s. Direct connection to the battery and no issues.

Bent rim, worn tire, worn wheel bearings, excessive rotor runout — all (or more) could be contributing factors, and all are easily inspected and/or rectified. Unless the dealer gave you a warranty, I’d take it elsewhere for inspection.

Here in the U.S., test rides are available at most BMW dealerships, though I’m uncertain if there’s an age limitation. The two local dealerships I patronize nearly beg me to take one of their demo bikes each time I come in for a visit.

I’m using 0.75mA Battery Tender Jr.’s on all my bikes, connected directly to the battery, and they work fine. About $22 each in the U.S.

That’s been my approach too, on about a dozen BMW’s and many other bikes as well. Pigtail connected directly to the battery. I use 0.75mA Battery Tender Jr.’s and typically get 7-8 years of battery life. When the bike’s not being ridden, it’s plugged in to the Tender. It’s not complicated.

Oil changes are free for the life of the bike at my dealer (if you bought the bike from them). There’s not too much more than that at the 1000km service.

BMW replaced the engine in my very early production ‘98 K1200RS. Nothing was noted to the U.S. authorities.

I’m okay having the dealer perform work that I’m not prepared to perform myself, but the real rip-off is being forced to use a “VAT-approved technician” and/or factory OEM spare parts to keep your warranty intact. We don’t have any such requirements in the U.S. nor do I think anyone here would stand...

It wouldn’t harm the bike at all, and it’s what I would recommend. Go direct to the battery with your existing charger/maintainer. It’ll work just fine.

We’ve been on E10 here in the US for years. I use it in all my vehicles and have not noticed any problems, but I do add a fuel stabilizer when I park the bikes over the winter. No issues.