9 Easy Questions from a Lurking Newbie

[timjoebob]

My buddy and I just finished a cross-country, 4900 mile trip... me on my Wing, him on his RT. After hearing his awesome reviews of his ride, I am seriously considering selling my Wing and moving over to the RT. I am looking at used RTs under $10k, under 20k miles.


Here's 9 easy questions:


What's a three best things about the RT?
What's the three worst things about the RT?
What's the first three accessories you would add?


Thanks in advance!

[timminator]

I am newer to the RT myself, but here's my list:




Best:


1) Performance and handling.  Light by touring standards, it's basically a sport bike with a comfy seat, fairing and panniers.
2) Technology.  Ride by wire, dynamic esa, anti-lock, traction control, navigation, TPM, heated seats/grips, electric windshield.
3) Comfort.  Great protection from the elements.


Worst:


1) Cost
2) Lack of storage (yes panniers, but otherwise almost no storage)
3) BMW proprietary components.  Everything from power plugs to blue tooth setup (if you want to use wonder-wheel) requires BMW $$$$ components.


Mandatory components:


1) Engine guards.
2) Top case
3) ??


I love this bike.  No matter what you buy everything is a trade-off in some respect.  There are a ton of youtube videos available that showcase the RT nicely.

[guest2360]

Unfortunately most of the best list doesn't apply unless you buy a grey LC.

[beemerboy9]

My buddy and I just finished a cross-country, 4900 mile trip... me on my Wing, him on his RT. After hearing his awesome reviews of his ride, I am seriously considering selling my Wing and moving over to the RT. I am looking at used RTs under $10k, under 20k miles.
Here's 9 easy questions:
What's a three best things about the RT?
What's the three worst things about the RT?
What's the first three accessories you would add?
Thanks in advance!

None of the answers will make any sense at all until you test ride an RT. If you don't get the RT after a test ride, you never will.

You could also join a Wing forum and ask folks why they moved from an RT.

[Levisp]

My views on LC bike. The LC bike is a very different bike compared to earlier versions. It is not an earlier version water-cooled. Its totally new bike.

Worst 3


1) Corrosion resistance - biggest problem here in UK.
2) Gearbox - N to 1st crash. 1 to 2 clunky. Rest good.
3) Non lockable SatNav.


Best 3


1) Lightest of all tourers - translates to excellent handling and performance.
2) Excellent ergonomics.
3) Excellent fuel economy.


Must fit extras.


1) Engine guards
2) Front mudguard extension.


Its also the easiest bike I have ever had to service.


Go ride one.

[kiki]

I'll assume you are in North America or Australia , since you used the dollar sign.
You would be well served to arrange a spot on the annual demo rides that are going on right now.
One interesting comment on the RT-- it actually has a higher load capacity (in weight) than the Wing.

as far as liking it-- you really need to ride it, because that's the magic of this bike. Looks are subjective. And performance numbers are difficult to quantify when comparing bikes.

I came off a Yamaha FJR1300 way back in 2004. I test rode a 2005 RT, and had no intention of buying a bike , let alone a bimmer (that was a joke to me).

One ride....


been riding the roundel since.

[apehair]

3 Best Things:


1.  Superb handling perfectly matched to the power band, but with all-day comfort.
2.  Excellent wind protection with almost zero buffeting but no back pressure.
3.  Longevity with excellent design


3 Worst Things:


- Haven't found them yet.


3 Accessories:


- Soft tail bag
- Small hard tail bag
- Maybe the large hard tail bag someday


ape

[Vince Prince]

2016 R1200RTlc LE.
3 best things.
1, Handles, given its size, like it has no right to.
2, Comprehensive toy box.
3, lightest of all full tourers

3 worst things.
1, Gearbox from N to first when hot.
2, Attention to detail; drilled and tapped holes in bevel box left unplugged; side stand foot too small; no lock for GPS: Shoei and Shark helmets don't fit in the 49 ltr top box together with the carpet in
3, Cost of accessories; top box over a grand when painted in bike colour.

No doubt this list will expand in due course.

[Casbar]

2016 R1200RTlc LE.
3 best things.
1, Handles, given its size, like it has no right to.
2, Comprehensive toy box.
3, lightest of all full tourers

3 worst things.
1, Gearbox from N to first when hot.
2, Attention to detail; drilled and tapped holes in bevel box left unplugged; side stand foot too small; no lock for GPS: Shoei and Shark helmets don't fit in the 49 ltr top box together with the carpet in
3, Cost of accessories; top box over a grand when painted in bike colour.

No doubt this list will expand in due course.

I would update my comments on the above list - worse things


1. I have no issue with Gearbox N - First when hot
3. My Shoe Neotec fits in the top box with Blue tooth if positioned correctly and I don't remove the carpet. I lay the Helmet on its side

[guest2360]

My System 6 Helmets fit in all the panniers and top box very easily.  My Nav V fits perfectly in its locker, out of sight when I park up.
Right kit, right fit.
Not sure what other bike manufacture make a built in GPS cradle lockable or not.

[kiki]

Not sure what other bike manufacture make a built in GPS cradle lockable or not.

I think some of us are spoiled from the K1600 which DOES lock the GPS

[guest2360]

Which includes me. But the loss of nearly 100 kg well makes up for a missing lock.

[Casbar]

Never had a lock of the GPS on any of my bikes, so don't find it any hassle taking the thing off when parked

[Levisp]

Apart from K1600 with built in lock for SatNav, all BMW bikes that use their cradle have a lock so that includes GS, GSA, RS and R.

[guest2360]

Apart from K1600 with built in lock for SatNav, all BMW bikes that use their cradle have a lock so that includes GS, GSA, RS and R.

But they are not an integral part of the dash like the RT.  Without the dash surround it would also be able to use the GS system.